Easy Kombu Dashi (Vegan Dashi)

Feb 26, 2022 • Updated Jun 20, 2023

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This is the easiest and best recipe for Kombu Dashi, a Japanese staple broth that adds umami and oomph to your favorite Asian recipes. A completely vegan recipe with dried mushrooms, fresh veggies, and kombu for a healthy, delicious stock for soups and more!

a pink pot filled with ingredients to make kombu dashi.

What is Dashi?

Dashi is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It’s also used as the base of many Korean and Asian soups. The traditional dashi recipe in Japanese cooking contains dried bonito flakes (fish flakes). In Korean soup stocks, anchovies and dried fish (like pollock) are commonly used as well, which add natural umami and saltiness to a dish.

Dashi is used to add an extra something to Japanese dishes, especially soups, and sauces. It gives a dish body, flavour and is a great foundation to build on. Making a vegan version is super easy, and tastes just as delicious!

What Makes This Recipe Great

Instead of fish flakes, this vegan dashi gets its umami flavor from a base of kombu (dried kelp) and dried shiitake mushrooms. Both of these ingredients are naturally rich in umami and have the most delicious flavour.

In addition to the kelp and mushrooms, I add carrots, daikon radish, leek, and onion. These veggies add a hint of sweetness and depth of flavour!

Even better, the process of making kombu dashi is super easy. Simply soak your mushrooms and kelp in water to extract all of the delicious flavours, then simmer with the veggies to finish off the broth. Use your broth for a ton of different recipes, and it stores well for later use!

dried shiitake mushrooms and kombu soaking in a pot of water

Ingredient Notes

Dried Shiitake Mushrooms & Kombu: These are the two ingredients that give the broth its deep umami flavour. Kombu is a dried, edible kelp. Both ingredients are found in Asian markets and many local grocery stores as well as online.
Carrots
Green Onion
Yellow Onion
Radish: Use daikon radish, which is a white radish that has a different flavor profile than the peppery, red table radish you find commonly in grocery stores. Find daikon radish easily at your local Asian market.
Leek
Cold Water: This is used for soaking, then simmered into a broth with all of the ingredients. Don’t discard the soaking water! It becomes the broth.
Soy Sauce: You can finish off the vegan dashi with a little soy sauce if preferred. Alternatively, you can add this later based on the recipe you’re using.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by adding the water to a large pot. Toss in your kombu and dried shiitake mushrooms and let the dry ingredients rehydrate and soak for at least an hour. Overnight is great if you have the time!
Now we’re ready to incorporate our other ingredients. Add the leek, carrot, green onion, onion, and radish if using, and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes.
Use it in your favorite recipes or store it for later use!

a large pot filled with kombu, mushrooms, leeks, onions, and carrots.

Recipes with Dashi

Here are some of my favorite recipes to put your kombu dashi to use in the kitchen:

Storage Tips

Store your vegan dashi in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 4-5 days.
To freeze, store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Recipe FAQs

What is a vegan substitute for dashi?

Kombu and dried shiitake mushrooms! These two paired together make the best vegan/vegetarian kombu stock for soups and more.

What is vegan dashi made of?

I make my vegan dashi with kombu, dried shiitake mushrooms, and a variety of veggies: leek, daikon radish, yellow onion, green onion, and carrots.

Does kombu taste fishy?

Kombu actually has a deep, umami flavor and does not taste fishy. Combined with the dried shiitake mushrooms, the flavor is unmatched!

More Delicious Japanese Recipes

If you make this Vegan Dashi recipe, be sure to let me know what you think with a comment below! Follow me on Instagram for even more vegan recipes and ideas.