Mentsuyu Sauce

Ingredients

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 2 pcs kombu (3" x 2" each, 9-10 g)
• 2-3 pcs dried shiitake mushrooms
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp grated ginger or 1/2" piece ginger (optional)

Instructions

1. 11.In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Heat over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
2. 22.Once the sugar has dissolved, add the ginger, raise the heat to medium and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
3. 33.Remove from heat and let the Mentsuyu sauce cool to room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 44.Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids for a smooth and clear sauce.
5. 55.Your Mentsuyu sauce is now ready! Store in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.