Umami Dashi Kazunoko (Herring Roe)

Umami Dashi Kazunoko (Herring Roe) is a key component of Osechi Ryori, the traditional Japanese New Year’s feast that celebrates the beginning of a new year. It symbolizes prosperity and carries the wish for a thriving family lineage. The cluster of numerous eggs represents the hope for many future descendants.


Ingredients

  • 1.1 lbs kazunoko (herring roe)
  • [A] 1 packet Kayanoya Original Dashi Stock Powder
  • [A] 1 2/3 cups water
  • [B] 3 tbsp light soy sauce
  • [B] 3 tbsp mirin
  • [B] 3 tbsp sake
  • [B] Preferred amount of dried Red Chili (seeds removed)

Directions

  1. Dissolve 2 tsp of salt (not included in the ingredient list) in 3 quarts of water and soak the kazunoko (herring roe). After 4-6 hours, replace the saltwater with the same ratio of fresh saltwater and let it sit overnight.
  2. In a pot, simmer [A]. Measure 1 cup of the dashi into a separate pot, add [B] ingredients, and bring it to a boil. Let it cool completely.
  3. Place the kazunoko from step 1 and the cooled dashi mixture from step 2 into a storage container. Let it marinate overnight.

Used in this Recipe