Appetizer · Japanese · Dinner ·

Silky Japanese Chawanmushi with Shiitake and Dashi

Name: Silky Japanese Chawanmushi with Shiitake and Dashi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 1 piece (4-inch) kombu; 10g bonito flakes; 4 large eggs; 1 cup prepared dashi broth; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp mirin; 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced; 50g cooked chicken, shredded; 4 small shrimp, peeled and deveined; Pinch of salt

This classic Japanese dish combines the umami of dashi, the earthiness of shiitake mushrooms, and the creaminess of eggs to create a delicate and flavorful custard.

4.1(256 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 10, 2025

Silky Japanese Chawanmushi with Shiitake and Dashi — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

20 min

Cook

1 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Dashi Broth

For the Egg Mixture

For the Filling

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 121 kcal
Protein: 14.03 g
Carbs: 3.38 g
Fat: 5.8 g
Fiber: 0.33 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 483 kcal
Protein: 56.1 g
Carbs: 13.5 g
Fat: 23.2 g
Fiber: 1.3 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups water	0	0	0	0	0
1 piece (4-inch) kombu	2	0.1	0.5	0	0.3
10g bonito flakes	37	7	0	0.2	0
4 large eggs	280	24	2	20	0
1 cup prepared dashi broth	15	1	3	0.5	0
1 tbsp soy sauce	8	1	1	0	0
1 tsp mirin	11	0	3	0	0
4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced	20	2	4	0	1
50g cooked chicken, shredded	82	15	0	2	0
4 small shrimp, peeled and deveined	28	6	0	0.5	0
Pinch of salt	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Dashi Broth

1
Soak kombu
Soak kombu in water for 30 minutes.
2
Heat the broth
Heat slowly until just before boiling, then remove kombu.
3
Add bonito flakes
Add bonito flakes, simmer for 2 minutes, then strain.

Preparing the Egg Mixture

1
Beat eggs
Beat eggs gently, without creating bubbles.
2
Combine ingredients
Slowly mix in dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.
Tip: ⚠ Important: Do not boil the eggs or they will curdle.
3
Strain mixture
Strain the mixture for a smooth texture.
Tip: 💡 Pro Tip: Skim any foam from the surface for a smoother custard.