Korean ingredient guide
Kelp
Dashima
Kelp is one of those ingredients that makes Korean cooking at home easier. This guide explains how to use it, where to find it, and which recipes work well with it.
Recipes using this ingredient
Full ingredient guide
Dashima (다시마) is dried kelp used in Korean cooking primarily to add flavor to broth. It gives soups and stews a mild savory taste and is an important base ingredient in many Korean dishes.
For a simple Korean broth, dashima is heated or steeped in water and then removed. It is also commonly combined with other broth ingredients, such as dried anchovies.
Dashima is especially useful for soups, stews and dishes that benefit from a light sea flavor and additional umami. Because its flavor is not spicy or overpowering, it can be used in many different kinds of Korean home cooking.
You can usually find dried dashima at Korean or Asian grocery stores and through Korean food shops online. Since dried kelp keeps well, it is a practical pantry ingredient to have on hand for Korean soups and broths.
Where to buy it
- Asian grocery store
- Korean online shop
- Large supermarkets with an Asian food section
How to use it
- Korean home cooking
- Banchan and side dishes
- Easy everyday meals
What to check
- Check the ingredient list and flavor.
- Start with a small package if you are new to it.
- Store it according to the package instructions after opening.
Can you substitute it?
If you cannot find it, use a simple alternative and adjust the flavor carefully. Fermented ingredients are often hard to replace exactly.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Kelp?
Asian grocery store, Korean online shop, Large supermarkets with an Asian food section
How do I use Kelp?
Korean home cooking, Banchan and side dishes, Easy everyday meals
Can I substitute Kelp?
If you cannot find it, use a simple alternative and adjust the flavor carefully. Fermented ingredients are often hard to replace exactly.
How should I store Kelp?
Follow the storage instructions on the package.