dashi

noun

ˈdä-(ˌ)shē 

: a fish broth made from dried bonito flakes and kombu

My broth of choice is often dashi, an essential Japanese stock of dried bonito flakes, kombu, and water that gives dishes like miso soup their subtle briny flavor.

—Emma Fishman

Dashi, an umami-rich stock, is the stealth building block for many Japanese recipes: soups and ramen dishes; sides and salads; poached proteins and vegetables; and dipping sauces.

—The Dallas Morning News

Examples of dashi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Add 8 cups water and instant dashi. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 18 Jan. 2026

The mushroom, good for the brain, was marinated in dashi and sesame, seared and then pressed down to remove the liquid. — Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026

The halibut swims in a magenta consommé of dashi and beetroot. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2025

The noodles are frozen, the broth is made from instant dashi, the beef is pre-sliced, and it’s all seasoned with pantry staples like soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, broth

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dashi

• ashy
• flashy
• trashy