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What is Katsuobushi?
Katsuobushi is dried, and fermented smoked bonito (skipjack tuna). While you can buy them in solid blocks, they are more commonly sold in packets, as shavings or flakes, as you can see in the image above. Skipjack tuna is also what the Sri Lankan Maldive Fish is derived from.
Katsuobushi, with its distinctively smoky, fishy flavour, bursting with umami notes, is an indispensable ingredient in Japanese cooking. It is used both as an ingredient as well as a topping or garnish. Like in this chilli oil.
When Katsuobushi flakes are sprinkled onto hot food, they crackle and move, and this is known widely as the katsuobushi dance.
Recipes using Katsuobushi
Katsuobushi Chilli Oil (Chilli Crisp)
Easy to make, delicious chilli oil flavoured with katsuobushi, Japanese dried bonito flakes, perfect as a condiment and ingredient.
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Tamago Zosui
Zosui (Zōsui) and its counterpart, Okayu, are the Japanese equivalent of the Italian risotto or the Chinese congee. Often made with the stock from Nabe.
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Okonomiyaki – Japanese Savoury Pancake
Okonomiyaki recipe, a traditional Japanese savoury pancake sometimes also called Japanese pizza and is a very popular festival (matsuri) street food in Japan.
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