How to Buy Japanese Food Ingredients

While Japanese food is popular, many people find making it at home intimidating. Shopping for the ingredients may scare some away because of the strange names and packaging. However, there is no need to fret. Read on to learn how to buy Japanese food ingredients.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Locate an easy recipe with as many basic ingredients as possible. Many Japanese cookbooks will have great starting recipes.
2. Compose a list of needed ingredients from your recipe. List all the ingredients that you need to buy. Make sure the spelling is correct.
3. Plan your shopping trip. Local grocery stores may carry some ingredients. Locate an Asian or Japanese grocery for most of your ingredients.
4. Ask for help. When you are looking for ingredients at a Japanese grocery, the sales person is a great source of information.
5. Substitute ingredients. Fresh produce called for in a recipe may be substituted with canned food or an alternate ingredient. The sales clerk should be able to make suggestions.
6. Shop online Japanese grocery stores. Many times, you can purchase non-fresh or dried ingredients from online stores. While you don't have anyone to ask questions during the shopping experience, this is an option for those hard to find items.

Tips & Warnings

• There will be many new and different ingredients when shopping. Compared to what you are used to, packaging will be different and strange.
• Figure in shipping and the time it takes to be delivered when using online shopping. See if they have an email address to ask questions.
• Many ingredients for Japanese cooking will be dried or canned. Check the expiration date on the packaging to make sure you are getting the best quality.

Who Can Help: