6 Exciting Wasabi Delights to Ignite Your Senses

Say spicy and you probably think of chilli. After all, the fiery peppers are the most ubiquitous spicy ingredient around Asia. Japanese wasabi, however, offers a different kind of zest. In fact, it’s not on the usual spiciness scale measured by capsaicin content – the natural stuff that gives chillies their fiery flavour. That’s because wasabi isn’t a pepper, but part of the Brassicaceae family which includes plants like mustard. A truly unique spicy ingredient practically synonymous with Japanese culinary, revered and adored by chefs and foodies alike.

How spicy is wasabi?

Wasabi rhizome contains an organic compound called Allyl Isothiocyanate; which gives it a near instant shot of strong minty, zesty zeal that ignites your taste-buds with a sharp tang all the way to your nostrils, but doesn’t linger for long. Too much of it might make your nose and eyes water, but the right amount gives a burst of sensorial excitement in every bite that tapers off just nicely.

This is totally unlike chilli peppers which give a slightly delayed heat that lingers on your tongue. In fact, mustard is a more apt comparison to wasabi, and wasabi is arguably much tastier.

Ready to surprise and delight your senses with some yummy wasabi treats? Here are 6 authentic recipes for you to make and savour at home:

Chirashi Sushi

The most common dish that’s perfect to flavour with wasabi is, of course, sushi. Because the wasabi’s minty zest can rid even the mildest pungency of raw fish, and accentuate the fresh umami taste of sashimi and seafood. So get hearty with the classic Chirashi Sushi bowl with fresh salmon and prawns, savoury stir-fried mushroom and carrot filling, pickled lotus roots, omelette and sushi rice – yummified with wasabi.

Crispy Wasabi Prawn Sandwich (Wasabi Ebi Katsu Sando)

Scrumptious crispy prawn patty with wholesome shredded cabbage; lathered with a creamy, zesty and savoury sauce blend of wasabi paste, Japanese mayo, diced boiled egg, rice wine vinegar, onion, salt, sugar, and black pepper. All in an easy sandwich that’s sure to whet your appetite. Make it fresh with our authentic recipe!

Wasabi Beef Cubes

Besides seafood, wasabi paste can also enrich the taste of meats. Here’s a plate of simple yet sublime pan-fried wagyu beef cubes; marinated with a rich blend of wasabi paste, savoury light soy sauce, piquant mustard and fragrant sesame oil. Made extra yummy with the nutty aroma of garlic cloves, and garnished with shredded cabbage and spring onion. Every bite is pure tongue-wowing pleasure. Enjoy with rice for a full meal.

Tuna & Avocado Salad

Wasabi paste combined with Japanese mayo makes a creamy, zesty dressing in this salad special packed with fresh tuna chunks, yummy avocado, lettuce leaves and white radish sprouts. A simple wholesome, and mouth-watering modern Japanese delight!

Wasabi Pork Skewers

You can even marinate meats for your barbecues with wasabi paste! Come savour the scrumptious allure of this awesome grilled pork skewers, flavoured with a simple blend of wasabi paste, soy sauce, mirin and cooking sake. Grab the recipe here!

Wasabi Ice Cream

Yes, you read that right. You can also make ice cream with wasabi paste! In fact, it’s among the most popular flavours among Japanese and Asians. The wasabi’s minty, zesty oomph is great to savour chilled. But never mind the store-bought stuff. Make your own wasabi ice cream with our authentic no-churn recipe!

More wasabi wonders

The delicious list above is just to get you started. You can easily find wasabi paste at your local supermarket. S&B is our preferred brand. A premier provider of authentic Japanese cooking ingredients, from spices and condiments to flavourful pastes and more. All made with the highest quality ingredients for you to cook your favourite Japanese flavours – easily and guaranteed umami, every time.

So go get a boxed tube of S&B wasabi paste, and come explore our collection of wasabi-flavoured recipes for even more zesty sensational treats.