Awase Dashi (Japanese Soup Stock)

Step 1

Gather all the ingredients. Most Japanese recipes would say to gently clean the kombu with a damp cloth. However, these days, kombu is pretty clean so just make sure it doesn't look musty. DO NOT wash or wipe off the white powdery substance (Mannitol), which contributes to the umami flavor in dashi.

Step 2

Make a couple of slits on the kombu, which will help release more flavor.

Step 3

Put water and kombu in a large bottle and let it steep on the counter for 2-3 hours in the summertime and 4-5 hours in the winter time. You can also cold brew kombu dashi overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 4

In a medium pot, put the kombu and water. If you have cold brew Kombu Dashi (previous step), add Kombu Dashi and hydrated kombu in the pot.

Step 5

Turn on the heat to medium-low heat and slowly bring to almost boil, about 10 minutes.

Step 6

Meanwhile, clean the dashi by skimming the surface.

Step 7

Just before the dashi starts boiling gently, remove kombu from the pot (Discard or use for other recipes - continue reading). If you leave the kombu in the pot, the dashi will become slimy and bitter.

Step 8

Add the katsuobushi and bring it back to a boil again.

Step 9

Once the dashi is boiling, reduce the heat, simmer for just 30 seconds, and turn off the heat.

Step 10

Let the katsuobushi sink to the bottom, about 10 minutes.

Step 11

Strain the dashi through a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl or measuring cup (Reserve the katsuobushi and see below for what to do with it). Awase Dashi is ready to use.

Step 12

If you are not using the dashi right away, store the dashi in a bottle or mason jar and keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or in the freezer for 2 weeks.

Step 13

Save the hydrated kombu and drained katsuobushi to make Homemade Furikake (rice seasoning) or Kombu Tsukudani (simmered kombu). If you don't make them right away, you can freeze them for 2-3 weeks. You can also make Niban Dashi (see below).

Step 14

In the medium pot, put 2-4 cups* of water and previously used kombu and katsuobushi from making the (first) dashi. Bring it to a boil over medium-low heat. *2 cups would make stronger dashi.

Step 15

Remove the kombu just before the liquid comes to a boil, then lower the heat, and cook for 10 minutes, skimming occasionally.

Step 16

Add an additional fresh ½ cup (5 grams) katsuobushi and turn off the heat.

Step 17

Let the katsuobushi sink to the bottom and strain the dashi through the fine-mesh sieve.