Maillard reaction intermediate (MRI) was prepared by the enzymatic hydrolysate (EH) of and fructose. The optimal preparation condition of MRIs was obtained when the Maillard reaction parameters were as follows: fructose addition of 5%, reaction time of 60 min, and temperature of 60 °C. E-Tongue results indicated that the umami and saltiness of MRIs were greater than those of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) and EH, and the taste-enhancing ability of MRIs was even more prominent than that of MRPs. E-Nose could obviously distinguish EH, MRIs, and MRPs, and there was an obvious difference between MRPs and MRIs regarding volatile aroma compounds. A total of 35 volatile flavor substances were identified among the three samples, including 6 alcohols, 13 aldehydes, 9 ketones, 2 esters, and 5 other compounds. Overall, MRIs could avoid the production of complete reaction products with an inferior flavor, and further enhance the umami taste.