The Asian Larder

What Is Tare, the Seasoning Base for Ramen?

Tare is the concentrated, salty seasoning base spooned into the bottom of a ramen bowl before the broth is added, and it is what defines a bowl as shoyu, miso or shio ramen. Without tare, ramen broth would taste flat, since the broth itself is mostly about body and richness rather than seasoning.

Common types of tare

FAQ

Can I buy tare ready-made?

Some Japanese grocers and online shops sell bottled tare, though many home cooks make a simple version with soy sauce, mirin and a little dashi.

How much tare do I need per bowl?

Usually a tablespoon or two per bowl, added to the base before ladling in the hot broth.

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  • Soy sauce. The base most tare recipes start from.
Huì

Huì

Huì is a Beijing-born chef working in the UK. She writes The Asian Larder, with tested Asian recipes for British home cooks and honest advice on where to buy every ingredient.
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