Caffeine Free Dashi
This deeply savory Japanese stock is the quiet backbone of so many beloved dishes — miso soup, ramen broth, simmered vegetables, and beyond. Made with just cold water, kombu, and katsuobushi, it delivers an extraordinary depth of umami flavor that feels almost impossibly complex for something so minimal. The technique is all about patience and gentle heat: soaking the kombu slowly, warming it just to the edge of a simmer, and letting the bonito flakes steep undisturbed so every drop of clean, delicate flavor is coaxed out without bitterness. For anyone avoiding caffeine, this is a genuinely satisfying alternative to tea- or coffee-based cooking liquids, and it brings a savory richness that holds its own in any recipe. The careful straining step — no pressing, no squeezing — keeps the final stock crystal clear and smooth, which matters both for flavor and for presentation. Make a batch on the weekend and you'll have a refrigerator staple that quietly elevates everything it touches for the next few days.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 ½ cups cold water
- 1 oz (about 15g) kombu
- 1 oz (about 30g) katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cold water and kombu in a medium saucepan. Let the kombu soak at room temperature for 30 minutes, until the water turns a pale straw-yellow and the kombu has softened and expanded slightly.
- 2
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and warm slowly, uncovered, until the water reaches a bare simmer — small bubbles will begin to rise from the bottom of the pan, about 10 minutes. Do not let it reach a full boil; remove the kombu just before the first rolling bubbles appear, as boiling makes the stock bitter and slimy.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!