What is Bonito Flake?

Bonito Flak

One of the most important components in Japanese cuisine is katsuobushi or dried bonito flake. Katsuobushi, which is high in umami flavor, is used to make stock and a topping, garnish, and spice for everything from noodles to rice to eggs.

When used as a topping on delicacies like okonomiyaki and takoyaki, they are said to move or dance. If you become queasy when you see moving food, it can be a weird sight at first. It is, however, nothing to be concerned about.

Tips for Cooking with Bonito Flakes

One of the essential components in Japanese cuisine is katsuobushi or dried bonito flake. Katsuobushi, high in umami flavor, is used to make stock and a topping, garnish, and spice for everything from noodles to rice to eggs. The bonito is filleted and boiled before being smoked to make katsuobushi. After that, it goes through fermentation and sun-drying process that can take months.

Bonito Flakes Nutrition Facts

What Are Bonito Flakes?
Bonito flakes, also known as katsuobushi, are smoked, fermented, and dried bonito or skipjack tuna flakes.