Dashi (Japanese Fish Stock)

by | Apr 12, 2014 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Dashi, Japanese fish stock

Ingredient Name:  Dashi (Japanese Fish Stock)

Traditional Chinese Name: 出汁, だし (dashi)

What is this?

  • The name of a common Japanese soup base or stock used in a variety of soups (such as miso soup or clear broth), noodles, stews, or various simmering liquids and sauces
  • It’s made from kelp and fermented or dried bonito fish
  • You can always add vegetables and or other types of dried fish (similar to making basic chicken stock)
  • It’s a clear, yellowish liquid and can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 month

How do I prepare it?

  • I will definitely need to “make” it from scratch another day
  • But for the purpose of my miso soups, I’m using dried and prepackaged dashi bought from the supermarket

Where can I buy this?

  • Japanese supermarkets will definitely carry this such as Jusco, AEON and Apita
  • I had trouble finding it in even Asian supermarkets

What is the cost?

  • 1 box (with 4 packs) costs $25 HKD

Any benefits?

  • Ready-to-serve and ready-to-use fish stock
  • Non-perishable and comes in these tiny packs that are great for one portion use

Any precautions?

  • These products normally contain MSG and should be consumed in moderation
  • From my personal opinion, they are high in sodium (salt / NaCl)