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    Home » Recipes » GC Original

    What is Umami and how to use it

    | Yield | May 25, 2021 | Updated: May 26, 2022 by Kita | This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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    5 ways to use Ooomami, umami spice blend by GirlCarnivore

    Introducing Ooomami, one of the three spices in my Hookup Collection with Spiceology. It’s a savory blend of powdered mushrooms, brown sugar, nori, and smoky chipotle designed to ignite that umami sensation. It’s perfect in ground beef, gravies, and more but here are our favorite ways to use Ooomami.

    Ooomami, girl carnivore's umami powder, bring sprinkled over porterhouse steaks

    Sure, we’ve all heard of umami by now, one of the 5 tastes (you know along with sweet, sour, salt, and bitter), it’s the one responsible for making you salivate, and literally translates to “pleasant savory taste”. That’s putting it mildly.

    What is Umami?

    It’s what makes our mouths water at the sizzle of a great steak hitting hot cast iron. It’s the richness and earthiness that comes from hearty mushrooms, brothy soups, and other flavorful fares.

    In not-so-science terms, umami is our reaction to glutamates, naturally found in a lot of our foods, that makes things just taste good. 

    Umami is naturally found in a variety of things, delivering that all over rich mouthfeel, but was there a way to amp up that savory response and make things extra special? 

    We thought so…. and that is exactly what Girl Carnivore Ooomami seasoning is.

    Girl Carnivore Ooomami powder in wooden bowl

    Introducing Ooomami.

    Introducing Ooomami, a mushroom-based powder that is meant to add an extra layer of oophf to your flavors. On it’s own, Ooomami is earthy with a kick of pepper, but when sprinkled into sauces and used on meats, it takes things to the next level. 

    Sure, coating a thick steak in Ooomami and searing it in cast iron is a great way to use Ooomami, but here are 5 fun ways to take things even a little bit further. 

    GirlCarnivore Ooomami powder being sprinkled over beef

    Umami is an amazing way to take your steaks to a whole new level. And to be fair, Ooomami was started with that in mind. You won’t find a better rub to add richness to any steak cut. But it doesn’t stop there….

    5 ways to use Ooomami by GirlCarnivore with Spiceology

    • Sprinkle Ooomami into your burger or meatball mix. Form your patties, and then roll or coat the outside with a little extra for that added punch. Even better if you’re making smash burgers! Just like with steaks, a little extra umami on your patties is a secret depth of flavor that’s shockingly good.
    Hand holding a juicy burger with tomato, lettuce, onion, and cheese right off the grill
    • Level up your brunch with umami biscuits and gravy. Add Ooomami to the gravy for that secret ingredient that really sets the gravy apart. This works great for mushroom gravy (vegetarian friendly) or in a classic sausage version over flakey biscuits with a poached egg on top. Warning, brunch may never be the same. 
    biscuits primed and ready for sausage and gravy
    • Savory popcorn thanks to powdered umami may be the snack you never knew you always needed. Sprinkle Ooomami over freshly toasted popcorn with a dash of salt and your days of extra butter are a thing of the past. Because my blend has a little heat, there’s also a slight kick. It’s the flavor combo you never knew your popcorn always needed.
    Dutch oven macaroni and cheese with ooomami powder
    • Have your friends wondering when Mac and Cheese grew up. Add a little Ooomami to to the roux of Homemade mac and cheese, and then with a whisk a little IPA in before slowly melting in a trio of cheeses for a seriously sinful carb load. Seriously, this unexpected use of umami turns mac and cheese into a sinful adult decadence.
    french fries on a platter around umami aioli, mayo mixed with girl carnivore's ooomami powder
    Ooomami mixed with mayo makes and EPIC fry dip!
    • Ditch the ketchup and dip your fries in a snazzy aioli (aka, dressed up mayo). Whisk finely minced garlic confit, rosemary, and Ooomami into mayo for an incredible dipping sauce that also works as an amazing base for a hearty burger or roast beef sandwich. Umami mayo on a burger or beef sandwich? Trust me, it’s amazing.

    Recipes with Ooomami Umami Powder

    Recipes that Use Ooomami, GirlCarnivore's Umami Powder

    Looking for ways to beef up your dishes with Ooomami by GirlCarnivore? Here are some of the best recipes from talented live fire and grilling chefs all over the world! Recipes inspired by global flavors like rich lobster themador, cast iron ribeyes, pellet smoker feta pasta, pit beef sandwiches, incredible stroganoff and more! Get hungry, get inspired, and get cooking! Show off how you're using #Ooomami in your kitchen or over the fire by tagging #girlcarnivore on Instagram and Facebook.

    Grilled Bavette Steak

    Chargrilled Kansas City Strip Steak

    Braised Beef Cheek Ragu

    French Dip Au Jus Sandwiches

    This one has a lot of steps. And every one of them makes this one of the best sandwiches you could ever sink your teeth into.

    Easy Meatball Stroganoff

    One of my favorite recreations of a classic. A hearty meatball stroganoff with portabellas and egg noodles all made in a cast iron skillet (bonus points if it's also while camping).

    Cast Iron Campfire Steak au Poivre

    This indulgent recipe pairs peppercorn crusted cast iron seared steaks with a creamy pan sauce for an amazing steak au poivre you'll want to dip everything in.

    Smoked Prime Rib on a Gas Grill

    Can you smoke a prime rib on a gas grill and still get tons of flavor? Yes. And dang it's good.

    Easy Grilled Tri-Tip

    3 ingredients and you are on you way to an easy char-grilled tri-tip begging to be sliced and served as tacos, sandwiches, in a salad or just because!

    Char-grilled Roast Beef

    Quick grilled roast beef with tons of flavor. Layered in an Ooomami crust and charcoal grilled to medium rare.

    Easy Grilled Korean Short Ribs

    Have you tried these thin-cut flanken-style short ribs? They are perfect for a quick cook with a great char served alongside eggs for breakfast!

    Foil Packet Whiskey Brats

    Take your brats to a whole new level with this easy foil pack and a gouda cheese sauce infused with Ooomami

    Umami Ribeyes with Steakhouse Fried Rice

    Photo Credit: overthefirecooking.com

    OvertheFireCooking, Derek Wolf, tackles a killer huge griddle of fried rice and Ooomami rubbed ribeyes!

    Grilled Lobster Thermidor

    Photo Credit: girlscangrill.com

    Creamy gruyere meets lobster in this amazing grilled seafood recipe that is sure to impress everyone by the amazing Christie Vanover of GirlsCanGrill.com.

    Smoked Pit Beef Sandwich

    Grab some napkins, this messy sandwich is going to make you need them. With layers of thin shaved beef and a peppery cheese sauce, it's one for the taking.

    Traeger Feta Pasta

    Photo Credit: www.orwhateveryoudo.com

    This pellet grill pasta dish takes the feta tomato rage and turns it into a full meal with amazing flavor from the Traeger crew at OrWhateverYouDo!

    Perfect Eye of Round Roast

    My go to roast recipe, made over and over for years now, updated with that GirlCarnivore Hookup. From Sunday supper to leftovers all week long, this is a recipe you want to master.

    Smoked French Dip Sandwiches

    Photo Credit: www.cowboycharcoal.com

    Trust me, you do not want to miss this onion dip. Or the beef. But mainly, the smoked onion dip.

    Groark Boys BBQ Smoked Mac and Cheese

    Photo Credit: girlscangrill.com

    Girls Can Grill makes smoked mac and cheese from Groarky BBQ viral recipe! Its loaded with cheese and her secret ingredient? Ooomami powder!

    If you have tried Ooomami, one, thank you but two, I would love to see what you’re creating with it. Be sure to tag me on Instagram and Facebook and show off your photos with #girlcarnivore

    Want to see more recipes featuring Spiceology blends? Check out my recipe archive featuring all of their spices and collaborations here.

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    About Kita

    Hey, I'm Kita, the Meat Maven, outdoor junkie, campfire connoisseur, adventure-seeking and world traveled recipe developer and photographer behind GirlCarnivore.com. My mission is to break down savory eats and inspire you to get a little grit under your nails while having fun with your food. READ MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Erin Vasicek says

      May 26, 2021 at 7:21 am

      Oh I simply must try it in burgers/meatballs, mac and cheese, and aioli! Sounds like one heck of a meal 😉

      Reply
    2. Kris L Roth says

      December 26, 2021 at 6:04 am

      It’s such a shame you’re an Amazon affiliate. I would have reality liked to have tried this spice.

      Reply
      • Kita says

        December 26, 2021 at 9:52 am

        Kris, this spice, and all of mine are available on Spiceology.

        Reply
    3. Kris L Roth says

      December 26, 2021 at 6:05 am

      *really*

      Reply

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