Dried Bonito Flakes, known as KATSUOBUSHI in Japanese, are flakes of dried, smoked bonito (Katsuwonus pelamis, also referred to as skipjack tuna).
The process of making Dried Bonito Flakes generally begins by soaking fillets of bonito in boiling water to soften the fish and cook through the flesh. The boiled pieces of fish are then wood-smoked for some days until they have an extremely hard texture. They may then be further dried in the sun or drying room. The entire process may be repeated multiple times to ensure a texture which is as hard as possible, resembling hard wood. With water content around 10%, dried bonito can be said to be one of the driest foods in the world.
These hardened pieces of fish are then sliced to make flakes, similar to the texture of wood shavings. They have a very pleasant, mild, fishy flavor and aroma with a light smoky taste and slight salt enhancement.
When Dried Bonito Flakes are combined with steam, they may quickly move around. This tends to occur most often when they are sprinkled onto soups or other hot plates. Due to this sudden movement, Dried Bonito Flakes are also commonly referred to as dancing fish flakes.
Extremely tasty and brilliant even as a simple topping on rice; Dried Bonito Flakes are actually used to flavor and give a distinctive savor to a variety of authentic Japanese dishes.
From miso soups, stocks, broths and noodle bowls, to simple tofu (soybean curd) plates, natto (fermented soybeans), fried rice, okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancake), takoyaki (grilled octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), salads and stuffing for onigiri (rice balls). Actually they are used in some many dishes that it would be impossible to name them all.
Dried bonito is known for being a low fat and high nutritious food, source of iron, potassium, tryptophan, amino acid histidine, inosinic acid, niacin, vitamins (A, B group, and D). It is wheat and gluten free and also a high source of proteins. Dried Bonito Flakes are certainly a healthy choice to your meal.
Marukei Dried Bonito Flakes are made from premium quality bonito fillets and to keep them as natural and organic as possible, no artificial coloring agents, chemicals or preservatives are used in any stage of their production.
One of the biggest secrets of the Japanese cuisine, Dried Bonito Flakes will add another dimension to your everyday cooking.
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