Instant Pot Anchovy Broth: Deep & Rich Umami Flavor
Easy Instant Pot Anchovy Broth Recipe
I made delicious anchovy broth using my newly acquired Instant Pot. I’m documenting this for my future reference as a beginner cook! This broth is perfect for adding depth and savory flavor to any dish.
Key Broth Ingredients- 2-3 handfuls of dried anchovies (guts removed)
- 1/2 onion (use with skin for extra flavor)
- Approx. 1/4 Korean radish or suitable amount (adds refreshing taste)
- 5-6 stalks of white parts of green onion (for aroma)
- 3-4 dried shiitake mushrooms (for deep flavor)
- 1 handful of dried shrimp (enhances umami)
- 1 sheet of kombu (kelp), about 10x10cm (add at the end)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s remove any fishy smell from the anchovies and dried shrimp. Select the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot and lightly stir-fry the anchovies and dried shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. This step significantly improves the broth’s flavor. (If you don’t have dried shrimp, you can skip this, but they add an extra layer of umami!)
Step 2
Now, it’s time to extract the broth. Keep the stir-fried anchovies and shrimp in the pot. Add the prepared onion, Korean radish, green onion, and shiitake mushrooms. Pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients generously. Select the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ function on your Instant Pot, set it to ‘High Pressure’, and cook for 30 minutes. (Important Note: To avoid a bitter taste from the kombu, once the pressure cooking is complete, carefully release the steam valve. Then, add the kombu to the pot and use the ‘Sauté’ mode for another 20 minutes. This method preserves the kombu’s umami without bitterness.)
Step 3
Voila! Your deep and rich anchovy broth is ready. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all solids. Let it cool, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For convenience, you can portion and freeze this concentrated broth for later use. You can even re-steep the leftover solids for a second, lighter batch of broth and combine them if desired. Use this versatile broth in stews, soups, braises, and more!