Katsuobushi / bonito flakes

What it is

How we read a bare request for this

Packaged shavings/flakes are the default for generic bonito-flakes requests; whole katsuobushi block is a positive form and instant dashi is comparison-only.

Also called

bonito flakes, katsuo flakes, katsuobushi, 鰹節

Forms that matter

• Whole katsuobushi block

  Positive whole dried/smoked fish block intended to be shaved before use.

  Not interchangeable with: instant dashi granules; packaged flakes without shaving context.

• Packaged katsuobushi flakes Usual form

  thin shaved dried/smoked fish

  Not interchangeable with: instant dashi.

• Hana-katsuo broad shavings

  larger petal-like shavings

  Not interchangeable with: whole block.

When the dish decides

• Kombu-katsuobushi dashi — points to Packaged katsuobushi flakes

  Buy dried bonito flakes.

  Instant dashi is a composite convenience alternative.

  Source it for Kombu-katsuobushi dashi

Easily confused with

• Furikake — Many furikake blends contain dried bonito, but furikake is a finished dry seasoning built on sesame, seaweed and salt. It cannot stand in for katsuobushi flakes, and katsuobushi cannot season rice the way furikake does.