Have you ever started cooking a delicious recipe only to realize you’re missing a key ingredient like bonito flakes?
Don’t worry, we’ve been there too! We’ve put together our top 5 substitutes for bonito flakes to help you out in the kitchen.
These creative alternatives, from dried shiitake mushrooms to nori sheets, are here to save the day and bring bold flavors to your dish.
Join us as we explore these tasty options and unlock new possibilities for your recipes. Bon appétit!
5 Substitutes for Bonito Flakes in Cooking
Here are five bonito flake substitutes that will add depth and umami to your dishes:
1 – Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
First up, we have dried shiitake mushrooms. These earthy and meaty mushrooms are a great substitute for bonito flakes in any dish.
They have a similar umami flavor and can add depth to soups, stews, and sauces. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron. To use dried shiitake mushrooms as a replacement for bonito flakes, soak them in hot water for 20 minutes before adding them to your dish.
For more ideas on using dried shiitake mushrooms, check out our shiitake substitutes guide.
2 – Kombu (Dried Kelp)
Next, we have kombu, also known as dried kelp. This seaweed is commonly used in Japanese cooking and can be a great substitute for bonito flakes.
Kombu has a similar umami flavor and can add richness to dishes like broths, stews, and sauces. It’s also high in iodine and other minerals. To use kombu as a replacement for bonito flakes, soak it in water for 20 minutes before adding it to your recipe.
3 – Nori (Seaweed Sheets)
For those who love sushi, you probably already have some nori sheets lying around in your pantry. These edible seaweed sheets are a perfect substitute for bonito flakes.
They have a similar salty and umami taste that can enhance the flavor of any dish. Nori sheets are also rich in minerals and vitamins. To use them as a bonito flake alternative, crush or crumble them into small pieces and sprinkle them on top of your dish.
For more ideas on using nori sheets, check out our nori substitutes guide.
4 – Anchovy Fillets or Paste
In case you have some anchovy fillets or paste lying around, they can also work as a substitute for bonito flakes. These small and oily fish pack a punch of umami flavor that is similar to bonito flakes.
They are commonly used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines and can add depth to soups, stews, sauces, and even salad dressings. To use anchovy fillets or paste instead of bonito flakes, simply mix them into your dish while cooking.
For more tips on using anchovy fillets or paste, check out our anchovy substitutes guide.
5 – Fish Sauce
Last but not least, we have fish sauce as a substitute for bonito flakes. This condiment is made from fermented fish and has a strong umami flavor that can add depth to any dish.
It’s commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine and pairs well with dishes like stir-fries, soups, and marinades. To use fish sauce instead of bonito flakes, start by adding a small amount and adjust according to your taste.
For more ideas on using fish sauce, check out our fish sauce substitutes guide.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.