Yesterday, my son made a proper Dashi Stock using Bonito Flakes that is called ‘Hana Katsuo’ (花かつお). ‘Hana Katsuo’ makes a very nice dashi stock, but it was almost tasteless after being used. DO NOT discard the tasteless Bonito Flakes. I made this ‘Furikake’ using the tasteless Bonito Flakes. If you have a microwave, it is easy to make.

Ingredients

‘Hana Katsuo’ (Bonito Flakes) that’s been used to make Dashi Stock *10g before used

1 to 2 sachets (2.5g to 5g) Unused ‘Katsuobushi’ (Finer Bonito Flakes)
1 tablespoon Mirin
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce *alter the amount
1/2 teaspoon Sugar *optional, alter the amount
1/2 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds
1/4 to 1/2 sheet Toasted Nori *shredded OR torn into small pieces

Method
  1. ‘Hana Katsuo’ (Bonito Flakes) that’s been used to make Dashi Stock is wet. Squeeze to remove excess water, spread over a plate, and microwave at medium power, 500 to 600W, for 30 seconds. Then repeat, occasionally stirring, until completely dry.
  2. Once it is dry, it must be easy to break into fine crumbs. Mix with Unused ‘Katsuobushi’, add Mirin and Soy Sauce. Alter the amount of Soy Sauce, depending on the amount of Bonito Flakes, to suit your taste. You can add Sugar for sweeter flavour.
  3. Spread over a plate, and microwave at medium power, 500 to 600W, for 30 seconds, then repeat until dry.
  4. Add Toasted Sesame Seeds and Toasted Nori, and mix to combine. Enjoy it with freshly cooked Rice. *Note: This ‘Furikake’ won’t last long like commercially produced ‘Furikake’. Store in the fridge and eat it in several days.