Discussions

How would you describe Wasabi? Anyone who says "hot" will be dragged into the street and shot? by tombombadil042 Q: I've heard too many people say "ooh, I don't like wasabi, it's way too hot" First, I love wasabi, and it does inflame the senses a bit, but it isn't "HOT" persay. Salsa is hot, chili, is hot, but wasabi is something else. What would you say?

A: I would not neccessarily call it hot either. They say it can be compared to hot mustard or chilie's but I think not. To me, Wasabi is something that awakens the senses. Especially when you can feel the vapors through your nose. Like a warm explosion that fades away. There's nothing quite like it.

What can I use instead of wasabi powder? by Kristin H Q: In this fish recipe you make a dip using 1 tbsp wasabi powder, sour cream and a little bit of mayo. I don't have wasabi powder. What can I use instead? Or if you can provide a good dip recipe for crispy baked white fish I would appreciate it. Thanks!

A: You could use horseradish but prepared horseradish is usually loaded with vinegar and this will greatly alter the taste of your recipe. But if you like the vinegar taste then it's not a problem. You could also make a simple tartar sauce with mayonnaise, dill relish, lemon juice and a dash of tabasco or other hot sauce.

What is the proper way to eat wasabi on sushi? by Louie Q: I have always just put some on top of the sushi and dunked it in soy sauce, but my friend says he mixes the soy and wasabi together. Does anyone know the proper way?

A: .As many people here have mentioned that their is no "proper" way, and this is also what I thought, I decided to look up "sushi etiquette". I figured all cultures have their ways, and I was actually surprised at what I found since I live in Hawaii and everyone mixes their wasabi into the shoyu (soy sauce). Here are some highlight of what I found. Don’t put wasabi directly in the shoyu dish. Nigiri-zushi (fingers of rice topped with fish or another topping) comes with wasabi placed under the neta (fish) by the itamae (sushi chef), and reflects what he feels is the proper balance of wasabi to fish. It is ok to ask the itamae to prepare your sushi with extra wasabi. So you my be wondering why they serve it to you? It if for the sashimi, which is dipped into the soy sauce/wasabi mixture. • It is OK to eat nigiri-zushi (sushi) with your hands. Sashimi is only to be eaten with your chopsticks. • Pick up the nigiri-zushi and dip the fish (neta) into your shoyu, not the rice (which will soak up too much shoyu). The rice is like a sponge, and too much shoyu will overpower the taste of the food and could also lead to the rice falling into your shoyu dish and making soup, which is not a good thing. For interesting sushi facts... http://www.sushifaq.com/howtoeatsushi-etiquette.htm

Has there ever been a Wasabi eating contest? by Mr SmoothHead Q: Has there ever been a wasabi paste eating contest to see who can eat the most wasabi paste before throwing up? If not, it would be a fun event to see. I would definitely pay to see it.

A: Dude! That would be so crazy! I'm assuming that you have had it before, and know how strong it is. I really don't think they would have a contest eating it. :) I seriously hope not because I'm pretty sure someone would get hurt! LOL I'd pay to see it too!!!!!

What would be good to put wasabi mustard on? by LESLIE P Q: I was wondering if there was anything specific, besides sushi, that wasabi mustard might be good on?

A: Wait, Wasabi mustard? Do you mean just plain wasabi paste, or literally wasabi mixed with some type of mustard? 'Cause that would make a big difference to me. Especially depending on what type of mustard it is mixed with. I like to mix some in my tuna salad, and I think a little bit also goes well with roast beef sandwhiches or French Dips. Mixing some into the filling for deviled eggs sounds promising, but I've never tried it. My uncle likes it on a ton of stuff. Something he swears by is putting some on your bratwurst. It's not bad, imo, but I'm more of a relish and cheese girl. He also says it's great in a Bloody Mary, but I've never had the pleasure. Some mixed into Ranch salad dressing is good, but you have to get it mixed evenly. Or you die. (At least it feels that way.) In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, sugar, wasabi powder and ginger, and it's a great marinade or sauce for the grill. It's really great with asparagus. Also, if you like flavored butters with your steak and stuff, try making one with wasabi. Really top notch, whether it's on beef, or fish. (Swordfish steaks = yummm)

How can I make imitation wasabi? by Silicuda Q: I am in a country where they don't sell wasabi powder, or wasabi. Is there a way i can make imitation wasabi?

A: Get the hot mustard powder and mix it with some soy sauce.

Where can I buy wasabi macadamia nuts in the UK? by TimmyD Q: I've had wasabi-coated, or at least wasabi-flavoured, nuts and peas before, but haven't been able to find any in shops in the UK. I'd especially like to locate wasabi macadamias. Any suggestions? I live in London, so that's the best location. Checked at Harrod's: they don't have them. They have spicy (as in, chili) macadamia nuts, but not wasabi. Found wasabi dried peas at Selfridges. Close, but not quite macadamias.

A: harrods department store in london

How do you make wasabi sauce? by Skaa M Q: I just got back from China last week, and at the mcdonal's there, you could get a bunch of different sauces to go with your chicken nuggets. They were all really yummy, but there was this wasabi dipping sauce they had that was really good. I've had wasabi sauce at restaurants in the states before, but the mcdonalds one had a little added kick. So i was wondering if anyone knew how to make that?

A: I haven't eaten there and so I don't know the wasabi sauce served there. Try this. Wasabi Sauce: 1/2 cup water 3 tablespoons wasabi powder (horseradish powder) 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice wine or medium-dry sherry 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Let stand for 30 minutes before using.

Wasabi!!!? by Smile Q: Ive found some messages for the poem "cloony the clown" by the notorious Sheil Silverstein....which two should i use? 1.)how people choose to humor themselves at others expense. 2.)how people can laugh at a terrible instant in people lives simply because they are clowns after all thats what they are meant for, right. 3.)be yourself and express how you feel if you want a reaction from others. THANKS IN ADVANCE

A: 3.)be yourself and express how you feel if you want a reaction from others. The other's seem cruel to me.

wasabi????????????? by Alligator Blood Q: whats in it

A: Wasabi (Japanese: わさび,ワサビ , 山葵 (originally written 和佐比); Wasabia japonica, Cochlearia wasabi, or Eutrema japonica) is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbages, horseradish and mustard. Known as "Japanese horseradish", its root is used as a spice and has an extremely strong flavor. Its hotness is more akin to that of a hot mustard than the capsaicin in a chili pepper, producing vapors that irritate the nasal passages more than the tongue