While there are various types of dashi stock in Japan, Anchovy Dashi is one of the most common and is used daily. Broaden your culinary horizons by adding this flavorful stock to your repertoire.
Put water and dried anchovies in a bowl, and let them soak in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. Then, remove the anchovies from the bowl.
Cold brewing method with kombu (for making awase dashi):
Put water, dried anchovies, and kombu in a bowl, and let them soak in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. Then, remove the anchovies and kombu from the bowl.
Simmering method:
Put water and dried anchovies* in a pot, and let them sit for at least 5 minutes.* To reduce bitterness in the stock, you can optionally remove the heads and guts from the anchovies beforehand.
Heat the pot over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, skimming off any scum. Then, remove the anchovies from the pot.
Simmering method with kombu (for making awase dashi):
Put water, dried anchovies*, and kombu in a pot, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.* To reduce bitterness in the stock, you can optionally remove the heads and guts from the anchovies beforehand.
Heat the pot over very low heat. When small bubbles begin to appear on the surface, remove the kombu.
Increase the heat to medium and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, skimming off any scum. Then, remove the anchovies from the pot.
Notes
When using the simmering method, the total cooking time is about 15 minutes.
When using the simmering method, with kombu (for making awase dashi), the total cooking time is about 46 minutes.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.