Bonito flakes are made from fermented and dried smoked skipjack tuna, which are then shaved into paper-thin flakes.
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How To Use It
Bonito flakes are most commonly used in Japanese (and sometimes Korean) cuisines.
Prized for its smoky flavor, bonito flakes are usually used to make delicious dashi stocks (a broth base for miso soup). They can also be used as a garnish to enhance dishes by giving them a hint of umami flavor.
They come in very thin shaved flakes that melt in your mouth very easily. When you use them in very saucy and soupy recipes, they will almost always melt into the food so try to put this on as a topping right before you eat it.
Where Do I Buy Bonito Flakes?
You can find bonito flakes at any Asian grocery store but they are most common in Japanese and Korean ones. If you cannot find it locally, you can buy it online on Amazon.
How To Store It
Most bonito flakes when opened will keep well for about 6 months to 1 year, after that they start to lose a bit of their flavor. Store them in a cool and dry place in a very well-sealed container.
Recipes That Use Bonito Flakes
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