Go Back

Soba Sauce (Tsuyu)

This Japanese dipping sauce balances salty, sweet, umami, and tangy flavors to create an authentic soba experience. Ready in under 5 minutes with no cooking required, it is perfect for dipping, marinating, or dressing noodles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 35
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/2 cup dashi broth preferably kombu and bonito flake dashi
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce use quality shoyu, not the cheap stuff
  • 2 tablespoons mirin sweet rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon sake or dry white wine as a substitute
  • Bonito flakes for garnish optional
  • Green onion grated daikon, or wasabi for serving (optional toppings)

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl or measuring cup
  • Whisk or fork for stirring
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Glass bottle or jar for storage
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prepare your dashi broth by cooling it to room temperature or slightly warm. If using instant dashi powder, mix it with water according to package directions and let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. Pour 1/4 cup of soy sauce into a small mixing bowl, preferably a high-quality shoyu.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of mirin to the soy sauce and stir until well combined.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of sake to the bowl and stir well to combine.
  5. Slowly pour in the cooled dashi broth while stirring constantly until fully integrated with the other ingredients and no soy sauce streaks remain.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust flavors as desired: add more dashi or mirin if too salty, or more soy sauce or sake if it tastes flat.
  7. Optionally strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or jar for a smooth, clear finish.
  8. Transfer the soba sauce to a clean, dry glass jar or bottle for storage. Label with the date and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Serve chilled for dipping cold noodles or warm for noodle soups. Keeps refrigerated up to four weeks. Shake well before use if sediment forms.