Dashi is a Japanese broth that is incredibly simple to put together. Depending on the recipe that you follow, you can have a batch of Dashi ready in ten minutes, but you might not need to use it all in one go. So, with that in mind, whatās the best way to preserve it?
Can You Freeze Dashi?
Yes, you can freeze Dashi for up to 3 months. Once prepared, allow the broth to cool completely before portioning it up and freezing it in suitably sized containers. Your delicious Japanese broth will then be good in the freezer
Do Does Dashi freeze well? Yes
Can you refreeze Dashi? Yes
How to Freeze Dashi
Freezing Dashi is as simple as preparing it in the first instance. The key to the process is ensuring the broth has cooled completely before you transfer it to the freezer.
Here are the specific steps you need to follow to freeze Dashi the right way:
- Cool
As soon as you have prepared the Dashi on the stovetop, transfer it to a separate bowl and leave it to cool on the countertop. Itās best to cover it with a paper towel while itās cooling. - Portion
When youāre happy that your Dashi has cooled completely, portion it up in any way that you choose. Remember, if you freeze it as an entire batch, you will need to use it all in one go, so itās best to plan ahead and think about the serving sizes you will need in the future. - Add to Containers
Pour each portion of Dashi into suitably sized, airtight containers before affixing the lids. - Label and Freeze
Finally, write todayās date and the use-by date on the lid and place the containers in the freezer.
3 Tips for Freezing Dashi
Now you know how to freeze it, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing dashi to have the best results:
Freeze Miso Soup Too!
Many people know Dashi as one of the main components of miso soup. So, if you have already added the broth to your soup recipe, you can go ahead and freeze the soup after making it.
You can follow the same steps as listed above – just make doubly sure that your miso soup has cooled completely before freezing it.
Keep In the Fridge
If you havenāt made a huge batch of Dashi and only have a small serving leftover, you can package it up and place it in the fridge instead of freezing it. Dashi can be refrigerated for around one week before it starts to turn.
Freeze Individual Dashi Ingredients
Ā If you have some leftovers after your preparations, you can freeze Bonito flakes and kombu (dried seaweed). Alternatively, you can just make a bigger batch of Dashi and freeze more portions, whichever you prefer.Ā
How Long Can You Freeze Dashi?
You can freeze Dashi for around three months. While some people will be happy to freeze broth and soup for longer than this, weād recommend sticking to this timeframe for the best results.
The longer you leave Dashi in the freezer, the more likely the ice crystals are to dilute the rich and delicious flavour of the broth. So, to avoid disappointment, make sure you use up your frozen Dashi within three months.
You Can Freeze Dashi for up to 3 Months
How Do You Defrost Dashi?
When youāre ready to use Dashi for your special Japanese meal, defrosting it is super simple. Just remove the portion you need from the freezer the night before you plan to use it, and place it in the fridge.
If you forget to take it out the night before, you can thaw Dashi in the microwave. Just remove the container from the freezer, pop off the lid, and cover it with a paper towel before defrosting it for a few minutes. You can then go ahead and use it as you wish.
Can You Refreeze Dashi?
Provided you have defrosted Dashi in the fridge; you can freeze it more than once.
However, we would always recommend caution with refreezing anything, as the ice crystals that form during the freezing process can affect the taste of the product. Still, as long as you only refreeze Dashi once, you shouldnāt encounter any issues.
Does Dashi Freeze Well?
Just like other broths and soups, Dashi freezes really well. Just make sure you leave it sitting at room temperature for sufficient time to cool before packaging it up, and it will be good in the freezer for up to three months into the future.
Related FAQs
If youāve still got questions about freezing dashi or dashi in general, then these may help:
Unlike many other food items, dashi will last a surprisingly long time in the fridge. You can keep dashi in the fridge for around 14 days, as long as it is kept in a sealed container.
Dried dashi powder can be kept in the cupboard, away from direct sunlight, until the expiry date on the packaging. If you have opened it, then you should use it ASAP.
If I can vacuum pack the broth so there is no air, hence no ice crystals, should this keep almost indefinitely,