Mentsuyu (Noodle Soup Base) 麺つゆ

Mentsuyu is Japanese soup base used in soba and udon noodle dishes. It’s made
from sake, mirin, soy sauce, kombu, and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes).

There are two types of mentsuyu: kaketsuyu, which is poured hot over boiled noodles to
make noodle soup, and tsuketsuyu which literally means “dipping soup” for chilled
noodles.

Mentsuyu is usually sold concentrated, so dilute with water before using. The
proportion of water used to dilute the soup base varies depending on the use. Usually
2-3 parts of water for 1 part of mentsuyu.

This mentsuyu recipe is also concentrated, so please adjust the soup base accordingly.

Mentsuyu (Noodle Soup Base)

 Print
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins

Course: Condiments, How to

Servings: 2 (cups)
Author: Nami

Ingredients
 ½ cup sake
 1⅛ cup mirin
 1 cup soy sauce
 1 kombu (dried kelp) (2" x 2")
 1 cup katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes)

Instructions
1. Gather all the ingredients.
2. In a medium saucepan, add sake and bring it to a boil over medium high heat. Let
the alcohol evaporate for a few seconds.
3. Add mirin and soy sauce.
4. Then add kombu and katsuobushi.
5. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
6. Turn off the heat and set aside until cool down.
7. Pass the mixture through a fine sieve and now Mentsuyu is ready to use.
8. Save the drained katsuobushi and kombu to make homemade Furikake (rice
seasoning). Click here for the recipe.

Recipe Notes
You can store in the refrigerator up to a month.
Mentsuyu Recipes:

Takoyaki Sauce is mostly used for seasoning Takoyaki (Japanese octopus balls/dumplings).
One of Japan’s best-known street food snack originated in Osaka, the delicious octopus ball is
crunchy on the outside and flavorful on the inside. To enjoy, they are then brushed with takoyaki
sauce and a squirt of Japanese mayo.

To Make Takoyaki Sauce at home:

For a simple Takoyaki sauce, you need Worcestershire sauce, mentsuyu, sugar and
ketchup. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk well together. Adjust the
sauce to your liking. It’s really easy!

Takoyaki Sauce

Print
Prep Time
5 mins
 Total Time
5 mins

Course: Condiments, How to

Servings: 3 Tbsp
Author: Nami

Ingredients
 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (Usutah So-su)
 1 tsp mentsuyu (noodle soup base) (See Notes for homemade recipe)
 ¾ tsp sugar
 ½ tsp ketchup

Instructions
1. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. Adjust the sauce
according to your liking.