Umami flavors are a key component of savory cooking. They bring a delicious richness and depth to your dishes, and examples of dishes with strong umami flavor profiles are miso soup and mushrooms on toast. Here are three ingredients that will add umami richness to your cooking.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a great ingredient that many people will use in their stir-fry dishes as it imparts a sweet and salty flavor that is one of the most umami flavors out there. Soy sauce can also be used in tomato sauces to boost the umami profile, or to marinade tofu or chicken and make for an even more savory dish.
Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is used a lot in Asian cuisine and similarly to soy sauce, it can underpin the umami flavor profile of your dishes. It is made from fermented fish, and has a powerful odor and initial flavor, so be careful not to overdo it. But if you add a small amount and let it cook off, you can add a whole different level of rich flavor without imparting a very fishy flavor.
Tomato Puree
Tomato puree is an underrated ingredient that lots of restaurants use to boost the flavors of their dishes. It is very easy to use and because it is a tomato concentrate, it takes advantage of the benefits of boiling down tomatoes and enhancing their glutamates. It can be used in a wide variety of dishes and is a great way to boost the umami flavor in your cooking.
