This method is convenient for preparing small amounts of dashi, such as soup for one person, ohitashi (boiled vegetables seasoned with dashi and soy sauce), sesame dressing, etc. Place dried bonito flakes (about 5 g /0.2 oz.) into a tea strainer and pour in 200 ml (6.8 fl. oz.) of hot water.

This method is convenient when you do not have time to soak or simmer the kombu. Place a 5 cm (2 in.) piece of kombu, a handful of dried bonito flakes, and 400 ml (13.5 fl. oz.) of water into a heat-resistant bowl, cover loosely with plastic wrap or a lid, and microwave (600W) for 3 minutes.

When making simmered dishes, place about 15 g (0.5 oz.) of dried bonito flakes into a tea bag for 1000 ml (33.8 fl. oz.) of water, and add the tea bag in with all other ingredients to prepare deeply-flavored and savory simmered dishes.