Mitoku Umeboshi Paste is one of those rare pantry ingredients that punches far above its weight. Made from traditional Japanese salt-pickled plums, red shiso leaves, and sea salt, this bold, salty-sour paste adds instant depth and umami to almost anything it touches. Here are three delicious ways to put it to work in your kitchen.

1. Roasted Broccoli with Umeboshi Paste

Before roasting, dot broccoli florets with a small touch of ume paste — just a little goes a long way. As the broccoli roasts, the paste caramelizes slightly, adding a savory, tangy complexity that transforms a simple side dish into something truly memorable. Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil and roast at 400°F until the edges are golden and crisp.

2. Umeboshi Sushi Rolls

Spread a thin line of umeboshi paste across sushi rice on a sheet of toasted nori before rolling. It pairs beautifully with avocado, cucumber, carrot, and fried tofu, adding a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the fillings. This is the classic Japanese way to enjoy ume paste — and once you try it, you'll never go back to plain sushi rolls.

3. Umeboshi Salad Dressing

Whisk together 1 teaspoon of umeboshi paste with 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, and a touch of maple syrup for a vibrant, no-fuss dressing. It's especially wonderful over shredded cabbage, cucumber ribbons, or a simple green salad. The paste dissolves easily and brings a lively umami lift that no bottled dressing can match.

Ready to try it? Shop Mitoku Umeboshi Paste and pair it with Emerald Cove Organic Toasted Sushi Nori — everything you need to roll like a pro.