what is dashi stock

Dashi is a Japanese soup stock that is used as a base for many Japanese dishes like miso soup, ramen, and shabu shabu. It is the essence of authentic Japanese flavor and is made from carefully selected ingredients like kombu, bonito flakes, shiitake mushrooms, and anchovies. Unlike soup stocks from other cuisines, dashi usually contains only one or two ingredients, and preparation takes just 20 minutes. There are five different types of dashi, and the most common is Awase Dashi, which is made from a combination of kombu and katsuobushi. The other types of dashi are made by soaking kelp, niboshi, or shiitake in water for many hours or by heating them in near-boiling water and straining the resulting broth. Dashi is known for its umami-packed savory flavor, which is what sets it apart from other stocks. It is commonly used in miso soup, noodle soup dishes, simmered dishes, and seasoned rice.