Bacon Dashi Recipes

Steps:

• Rinse konbu under running water. Transfer konbu to a medium saucepan and add 8 cups water. Bring water to a simmer over medium heat. Turn off stove and let stand for 10 minutes.
• Remove konbu from saucepan and add bacon. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer bacon for 30 minutes.
• Remove bacon from saucepan. Transfer liquid to an airtight container and chill until fat separates and hardens on top. Remove fat and discard. Store dashi covered and refrigerated, up to 3 days.

Steps:

• Put the kombu in a 4-quart saucepan, cover with the water and soak for 30 minutes.
• Set the saucepan over medium heat until the water reaches 150 to 160 degrees F and small bubbles appear around the sides of the pan, 9 to 10 minutes.
• Remove the kombu from the pan. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, 5 to 6 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the bonito flakes. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
• Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer lined with muslin or several layers of cheesecloth. Reserve the bonito flakes for another use.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 1 week or freeze for up to a month.