Umami is that ineffable earthy and savory fifth taste. Umami flavors give depth and a certain craveability to a dish. These ingredients all pack that extra punch—while some of them (like anchovies, marmite, fish sauce, or MSG) can be polarizing in excess, even a little bit in a recipe can bring much-needed dimension to round everything out.
- Soy sauce
- Anchovies and anchovy paste
- Tomato paste
- Miso
- Olives
- Fish sauce
- Seaweed
- MSG
- Garlic powder
- Marmite
- Cured meats like prosciutto and salami