Appetizers & Starters > Soups & Broths > Broths & Consommés > Dashi

Instant Pot Kombu Dashi

This recipe creates a flavorful and clear kombu dashi using the convenience of an Instant Pot. Perfect as a base for miso soup, noodle soups, or simmering liquids.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
8 cups
Ingredients
  • 4 x 6-inch pieces Kombu
  • 8 cups Water

Preparation

Place the kombu in the Instant Pot. Make sure to gently wipe off any white powder on the kombu with a damp cloth, do not wash it away as that's where the umami flavor resides. Add 8 cups of water to the Instant Pot.

Cooking

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

Straining and Storage

Carefully remove the kombu from the Instant Pot using tongs. Strain the dashi through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (optional, for extra clarity). The dashi is now ready to use. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Using the Kombu

Don't discard the kombu! It can be used in other recipes. Finely chop the kombu and add it to stir-fries, simmer it in soy sauce and sugar to make a flavorful side dish (kombu tsukudani), or add it to vegetable stocks.

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FAQ

  • Can I use dried shiitake mushrooms in this recipe?

    Yes, you can add dried shiitake mushrooms to the Instant Pot along with the kombu for a richer, more complex dashi. Use about 4 dried shiitake mushrooms.
  • Why is it important to wipe the kombu instead of washing it?

    The white powder on the kombu is glutamic acid, which is a key component of umami flavor. Washing it away will reduce the flavor of the dashi.
  • Can I skip the natural pressure release?

    While you can manually release the pressure immediately, allowing for a natural pressure release (NPR) will result in a slightly more flavorful dashi, as it gives the kombu more time to infuse its flavor into the water. The 20 minutes NPR is recommended.