Shiitake Dashi

Unlock the essence of umami with this simple yet deeply flavorful Shiitake Dashi recipe, a staple in Japanese cuisine that's perfect as a vegetarian soup base or a subtle enhancer for your favorite dishes. Made with just two ingredients—dried shiitake mushrooms and water—this recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity. The slow soaking and gentle simmering process allow the mushrooms' earthy, savory essence to infuse the water, creating a nutrient-rich broth brimming with depth and complexity. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile dashi can elevate everything from noodle dishes to stews or shine on its own as a comforting sip. Plus, the rehydrated mushrooms can be repurposed for other recipes, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Whether you're cooking miso soup, ramen, or a vegan dish, this Shiitake Dashi is your secret to authentic Japanese-inspired flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces dried shiitake mushrooms
• 4 cups water

Directions

Step 1

1. Rinse the dried shiitake mushrooms gently under running water to remove any surface dirt or debris.

Step 2

2. Place the rinsed mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with the 4 cups of water.

Step 3

3. Let the mushrooms soak for at least 20 minutes, or until they rehydrate and become soft. You can soak them longer if time allows, for a more concentrated flavor.

Step 4

4. After soaking, transfer the mushrooms and their soaking liquid into a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 5

5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors of the mushrooms to infuse the water. Avoid boiling, as this can make the flavor bitter.

Step 6

6. After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and let the dashi cool slightly.

Step 7

7. Strain the dashi through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or container. Press the mushrooms gently to extract all the liquid.

Step 8

8. Discard or reserve the mushrooms for another use (such as slicing them to add to soups or stir-fries).

Step 9

9. Use the shiitake dashi immediately as a soup base, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1050g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	264

Total Fat 1.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 106.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 66g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18g	0%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 9g	0%

Vitamin D 924IU	0%
Calcium 69.6mg	0%
Iron 1.8mg	0%
Potassium 918mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.5%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 84.9%