umami Recipes
26 delicious umami recipes from around the world
Agedashi Tofu
Crispy, deep-fried tofu served in a warm, savory dashi-based broth. A classic and comforting izakaya (Japanese pub) appetizer.
BΓΊn ChαΊ£
Hanoi's iconic grilled pork dish, featuring smoky, caramelized pork patties and belly served in a sweet, savory, and tangy dipping sauce (nuoc cham) alongside fresh rice vermicelli noodles and a generous assortment of fresh herbs.
CΓ‘ Kho Tα» (Vietnamese Caramelized Fish)
A classic Vietnamese comfort food from the Mekong Delta, this dish features tender catfish steaks braised in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet caramelized sauce, traditionally cooked in a clay pot. The deep umami flavor is balanced by the aromatic shallots, garlic, and a hint of spice from chilies.
Chawanmushi (Japanese Savory Egg Custard)
A delicate and silky steamed egg custard, traditionally served as an elegant appetizer or side dish. This version features tender shrimp and chicken, with the option of ginkgo nuts for an authentic touch.
GΓ RΓ΄-ti (Vietnamese Roast Chicken)
A classic Vietnamese roast chicken, deeply influenced by French culinary techniques. This dish features a whole chicken marinated in a savory blend of fish sauce and honey, then roasted to a beautiful golden-brown with aromatic lemongrass and garlic, resulting in incredibly tender meat and crispy skin.
Gindara Saikyo Yaki (Miso-Marinated Black Cod)
A luxurious and deeply flavorful Kyoto specialty featuring black cod marinated in a sweet and savory white miso paste. This technique, popularized globally, results in incredibly tender, flaky fish with a beautiful caramelized exterior.
Gomoku Gohan (Five-Ingredient Rice)
A comforting and flavorful one-pot Japanese rice dish, featuring rice cooked with chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and root vegetables. Perfect for an autumn meal.
Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)
A classic Japanese comfort food featuring thinly sliced beef and sweet onions simmered in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce, served generously over fluffy steamed rice. Often topped with a soft-cooked or raw egg for added richness.
Hijiki no Nimono (Simmered Hijiki Seaweed)
A classic Japanese side dish, Hijiki no Nimono features rehydrated hijiki seaweed simmered with thinly sliced vegetables and seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. It's a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment, often found in bento boxes.
Khao Tang Na Tang (Thai Rice Crackers with Coconut Pork Dip)
A classic Thai royal appetizer featuring crispy, puffed rice crackers served with a rich, savory-sweet coconut milk and pork dip. This dish offers a delightful contrast in textures and a complex flavor profile.
Kinpira Gobo (Braised Burdock Root and Carrot)
A classic Japanese side dish featuring thinly julienned burdock root and carrot, braised in a savory-sweet soy sauce and mirin glaze. It's known for its slightly chewy texture and umami-rich flavor, often with a hint of spice.
Kwetiau Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice Noodles)
A popular Chinese-Indonesian stir-fried noodle dish featuring flat rice noodles, a savory sauce, and your choice of protein and vegetables. This recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Mee Rebus (Malaysian Noodle Soup)
A comforting and flavorful Malaysian noodle dish featuring springy yellow noodles bathed in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet gravy, thickened naturally with sweet potato and infused with the umami of dried shrimp and tender beef. Garnished with a variety of fresh and fried toppings, it's a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
Nam Prik Pao (Thai Roasted Chili Paste)
Nam Prik Pao is a versatile and essential Thai condiment, often described as a roasted chili jam. It's a complex blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, used as a dipping sauce, a spread, or a base for countless Thai dishes like Tom Yum soup and Pad Krapow.
Natto (Fermented Soybeans)
Natto is a traditional Japanese breakfast food made from fermented soybeans. It is known for its strong smell, sticky, stringy texture, and umami flavor. While divisive, it's highly nutritious and a staple in Japanese cuisine.
Neua Dad Diao (Thai Sun-Dried Beef)
Neua Dad Diao, meaning 'beef dried in the sun,' is a classic Thai dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory and slightly sweet mixture, then dried until leathery, and finally deep-fried to a crispy, chewy perfection. It's a flavorful and addictive snack or appetizer.
Pad Ka Naa Moo Krob (Thai Broccoli with Crispy Pork Belly)
A classic Thai stir-fry featuring the satisfying crunch of crispy pork belly and the slightly bitter, tender stalks and leaves of Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan), coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and offers a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors.
Sambal Belacan
An essential and vibrant Malaysian chili condiment, Sambal Belacan is characterized by its pungent aroma and spicy kick, derived from fresh chilies and fermented shrimp paste (belacan). It's a staple served with rice dishes, grilled meats, and seafood.
Sambal Terasi (Indonesian Shrimp Paste Chili Paste)
A vibrant and pungent Indonesian chili paste, Sambal Terasi is a cornerstone condiment made by pounding fresh chilies, tomatoes, and fermented shrimp paste (terasi). It adds a complex depth of flavor and a kick of heat to any dish.
Sukiyaki
A classic Japanese hot pot dish featuring thinly sliced beef and various vegetables simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based broth. Each bite is dipped into a raw egg yolk for a rich, creamy finish.
Tsukemen (Dipping Ramen)
Tsukemen is a style of ramen where cold, chewy noodles are dipped into a separate, rich, and concentrated hot broth. This offers a distinct textural and flavor experience compared to traditional ramen.
Tsukemono (Japanese Pickled Napa Cabbage)
A simple and quick method for making Japanese pickles (tsukemono) using Napa cabbage. These pickles are a staple accompaniment to many Japanese meals, offering a refreshing, salty, and slightly tangy counterpoint to richer dishes. This recipe focuses on a fast pickling technique.
Unagi Kabayaki (Grilled Glazed Eel)
Tender, grilled freshwater eel fillets coated in a rich, sweet, and savory glaze (tare), traditionally served over steamed rice. A classic Japanese summer delicacy known for its invigorating properties.
XO Sauce Noodles
A luxurious and quick Hong Kong classic, these noodles are tossed in a rich, umami-packed XO sauce, featuring dried shrimp, scallops, and cured ham. Perfectly chewy noodles, crisp bean sprouts, and tender greens create a delightful texture and flavor combination.