Ground and used as a seasoning powder
This is a versatile, savory seasoning powder made from ground dried ingredients, most commonly mushrooms, shrimp, or seaweed. It is used to add a deep umami flavor to soups, stir-fries, and marinades across many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This seasoning powder is typically very low in calories, fat, and protein, with negligible carbohydrates. Its primary nutritional contribution comes from minerals like sodium and potassium, depending on the base ingredient.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 20 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbs | 3 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Iodine (if seaweed) | 45 mcg |
| Selenium | 3 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.5 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.1 mg |
Per 1 tablespoon (10 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
What makes this seasoning unique is its ability to deliver a powerful umami (savory) taste, often used as a natural flavor enhancer or MSG alternative. Nutritionally, seaweed-based versions are a rare plant source of iodine, while mushroom powders can provide B vitamins.
