Umami, also known as the “fifth taste,” is a savory and unique flavor sensation reaching far beyond the basic sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors we’re familiar with. In this post, we’ll dive into what umami is, what it tastes like, and how to use it to jazz up your favorite recipes when cooking!
In the world of flavors, we’re all familiar with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter—the four fundamental tastes that dance on our taste buds. But lurking just beyond these well-known sensations lies the distinctive taste known as the word “umami.” Derived from the Japanese word for “deliciousness,” umami is more than just a savory flavor; it’s a rich sensation that has captivated people for centuries.
We like to say that it’s the thing that makes us salivate over every type of steak, it’s why layering a compound butter over a resting piece of meat takes things to a whole new level, and it’s the secret flavor that separates the meat nerds from the rest.
History of Umami
The word “umami” was coined by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908. He got interested in umami because he wondered why Japanese dashi, a type of soup made from kombu seaweed and fish, tasted so special. He found the thing that made it taste that way and called it “umami,” which comes from two Japanese words: “umai,” meaning delicious, and “mi,” meaning taste.
What Does Umami Taste Like?
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.
Umami-rich ingredients often have a depth and complexity to their taste that is hard to pinpoint but captures the essence of deliciousness. Imagine the savory and meaty taste you savor when enjoying a perfectly cooked steak or the depth of flavor found in a hearty bowl of miso soup. These everyday foods often capture the unique taste of umami. The richness and fullness of umami is what makes them so delicious and satisfying.
Umami’s flavor is attributed to the presence of specific compounds, primarily the amino acid monosodium glutamate (MSG) and its close companion, disodium inosinate. The combination of these amino acids creates a pleasant, savory taste in our mouths. Some umami-rich foods you may be familiar with are ripe tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and seaweed. Yes, seaweed.
Although umami flavors have been present in the culinary world for centuries, it wasn’t until 1980 that umami was first introduced as the fifth basic taste. However, MSG has been used as a food additive for years to flavor a variety of foods, from fish sauce to soy sauce. You know those little packets that come in a package of Ramen noodles? That’s MSG, which is why Ramen noodles are so dang good.
Did you know?
Breast milk contains high levels of amino acids, giving it that savory umami flavor. That’s why babies can’t get enough of it and probably why we humans seek out this fifth flavor throughout our lives. We were basically born into it. (Weird, but true)
How to Use Umami
- Sprinkle umami powder into your burger or meatball mix. Form your patties, and then roll or coat the outside with a little extra for that added punch. It’s even better if you’re making smash burgers! Just like with steaks, a little extra umami on your patties is a secret depth of meaty flavor that’s shockingly good.
- Level up your brunch with umami biscuits and gravy. Add umami powder or a little extra soy, or coconut aminos to the gravy (see how to make a white roux), 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.
- Savory popcorn, thanks to powdered umami, may be the snack you never knew you always needed. Sprinkle umami powder 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.
- Have your friends wondering when Mac and Cheese grew up. Add a little umami to the roux of your Dutch oven mac and cheese, and then 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.
- Ditch the ketchup and dip your fries in a snazzy aioli (aka, dressed-up mayo). Whisk finely minced garlic confit, rosemary, and umami 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 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.
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
OvertheFireCooking, Derek Wolf, tackles a killer huge griddle of fried rice and Ooomami rubbed ribeyes!
Grilled Lobster Thermidor
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
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
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
Girls Can Grill makes smoked mac and cheese from Groarky BBQ viral recipe! Its loaded with cheese and her secret ingredient? Ooomami powder!
Umami goes beyond being a term for taste; it’s a core flavor that brings richness and savory goodness to our dishes. Since its discovery in 1908, umami has played an important role in creating flavorful and balanced dishes. Now that you have everything you need to know about this savory flavor, you’ll never go back to boring old seasonings again!
Please consider getting this to South Africa. We’ve always been a country that grills (here we call it braai) on open fire. Suddenly the smoke world had taken hold. We make our own mixes but this looks and sounds fantastic.
*really*
It’s such a shame you’re an Amazon affiliate. I would have reality liked to have tried this spice.
Kris, this spice, and all of mine are available on Spiceology.
Oh I simply must try it in burgers/meatballs, mac and cheese, and aioli! Sounds like one heck of a meal 😉