How to Make Wasabi

Co-authored by Ed Kuoha and Amber Crain

Last Updated: November 27, 2021 Approved

Wasabi is a flavor-packed condiment eaten with sushi and other Asian meals. This Japanese condiment adds flavor and heat as a base ingredient in sauces and spreads. Making wasabi is easy, and it only takes a few steps with the right ingredients.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Making Wasabi Paste Using Fresh Wasabi

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Choose a firm, unwrinkled root with fresh, crisp looking leaves. These rhizomes may not be readily available since they are local only to Japan and are grown in limited areas of Canada and northwestern United States.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Ed Kuoha
Chef

Expert Interview. 9 November 2021.} However, check your local Asian grocery stores and you might be lucky.^{[3]
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Remove any leaves from the end of the rhizome by cutting them off with a knife. The leaves do not necessarily need to be discarded – they can be eaten and make a flavorful addition to salads. (You can also dry them to use later.)^{[4]
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Wash the outside of the rhizome. Trim off any odd bumps or marks. Let the wasabi root air dry.^{[5]
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^{[6]
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Expert Source

Ed Kuoha
Chef

Expert Interview. 9 November 2021.}
Form and press the wasabi into a ball.^{[7]
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This will enhance the flavor.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Making Wasabi Paste Using Genuine Wasabi Powder

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1
Mix equal amounts of wasabi powder and water. Use measuring spoons to portion out equal amounts into a small bowl or container.

The resulting product should be a thick paste.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Keeping wasabi paste fresh

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Refresh the wasabi by stirring it and then forming it back into a ball shape. Or, add a small amount of fresh wasabi in with what you've already made.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Storage

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After the flavor peaks, wasabi loses some of its potency the longer it sits.^{[9]
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Stir it in completely.
Place the wasabi in the refrigerator overnight. The longer you store the wasabi, the more the original robust flavor of the wasabi will diminish.

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Question

How do I eat sushi rolls?

Community Answer

You can use chopsticks to eat sushi rolls, but using your hands is acceptable as well. Dip the slice of the roll in soy sauce and wasabi if desired, and enjoy.

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Question

How do you make real wasabi?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Real wasabi starts with real wasabi root. They can be tough to find since they're local only to Japan and are grown in limited areas of Canada and northwestern United States. However, you can check your local Asian grocery stores to see if they have any. Once you have wasabi root, wash it off and trim off any odd bumps or marks with a knife. Then, use a fine grater to shave off the amount of wasabi you want to use. Gather the shaved wasabi up and form it into a ball. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before you serve it and there you have it! Fresh, delicious wasabi.

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Can you get real wasabi in the US?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

It can be tough, but yes, you can get real wasabi in the US. Real wasabi may not be readily available since they are local only to Japan and are grown in limited areas of the northwestern United States. Check your local Asian grocery stores to see if they have any. Another option is to order wasabi powder. You can use the dried powder to make real wasabi paste. Use measuring spoons to portion out equal amounts of the powder and water into a small bowl or container. Then, stir it all up until it's thoroughly combined and you'll end up with a thick wasabi paste. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to help open up its natural flavors. Keep the wasabi fresh by putting it into an airtight container and reforming it back into a ball before you use it.

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Tips

If you can't get wasabi root, you can make a mock wasabi paste using horseradish. Mix together 2 teaspoons of horseradish, 1 teaspoon of mustard, a few drops of soy sauce and 1 chopped anchovy. Use in place of the wasabi paste.

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