-
Step 1
Locate an easy recipe with as many basic ingredients as possible. Many Japanese cookbooks will have great starting recipes.
-
Step 2
Compose a list of needed ingredients from your recipe. List all the ingredients that you need purchased. Make sure spelling is correct.
-
Step 3
Plan your shopping trip. Local grocery stores may carry some ingredients. Ingredients such as nori and sushi ginger can be found at local Asian groceries as well as other Japanese recipe ingredients. They can also be mail ordered.
-
Step 4
Ask for help. When you are looking for ingredients at an Japanese grocery, the sales person is a great source of information.
-
Step 5
Substitute ingredients. Fresh produce called for in a recipe may be substitute by canned or an alternate. The sales clerk should be able to make suggestions.
-
Step 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 to, this is an option for those hard to find items.
-
Step 7
When you're shopping, buy a bunch of common items that will keep for a long period of time. That way, you'll always have ingredients on hand. Try items like wasabi, ginger, tempura mix, udon noodles, dried seaweed and anything else that can stay in your cupboard for a few months.
