とろみ

とろみ
noun
thickness; viscosity (of sauce or soup)
foodcooking
1. thickness; viscosity; thick consistency
The thick, slightly sticky consistency of a sauce, soup, or stew, typically produced by starch or reduction. A desired texture in many Chinese-style and Japanese dishes.
スープとろみついた。
The soup has thickened.
I add thickness using potato starch.
For dishes with thick starchy sauce, just the right viscosity brings out the flavor.

Derived from the verb とろりする (to become thick/syrupy). Used almost exclusively for thickness of liquids in cooking and, increasingly, for thickened drinks in care for the elderly to prevent choking.

Common collocations

  • とろみつける: to thicken (a sauce or soup)
  • とろみつく: to become thick
  • とろみある: thick, viscous (modifier)
  • とろみ(ざい): thickening agent (especially in elderly care)

Similar words

  • (ねば)り: stickiness; viscosity — broader; can refer to natural stickiness of foods like grated yam or natto
  • どろどろ: thick and goopy (often negative or messy) — heavier consistency than とろみ