About YUU🔁 Missing an ingredient?
Tap the ingredient you don’t have. What to use instead shows up right there, plus where to look for Japanese ingredients outside Japan.
e.g.Mirin→🔁 Sake and sugar
⚠️ Some substitutes don’t work in every dish (salads with no cooking, food eaten raw, meat cooked in the microwave or with leftover heat, etc.). On each recipe page, only substitutes that work for that dish are shown.
🍖Meat
No Chicken thigh?
🔁 Use instead
Chicken breastBreast gets tough if overcooked, so don’t cook it too long.
No Chicken breast?
🔁 Use instead
Chicken thighIt has more fat, so it will be juicier. Same method.
Chicken tenderloinTenderloin is thin, so it cooks a little faster.
No Chicken tenderloin?
🔁 Use instead
Chicken breastBreast is thicker, so slice it thinner or cook it a little longer.
No Pork belly?
🔁 Use instead
Pork (thin pieces)It has less fat, so it will be lighter. Same method.
Pork loin (thin slices)It has less fat, so it will be lighter. Same method.
No Pork (thin pieces)?
🔁 Use instead
Pork bellyIt has more fat, so it will be richer. Cut into bite-size pieces.
Pork loin (thin slices)Cut into bite-size pieces. Same method.
No Ground beef & pork?
🔁 Use instead
Ground porkSame method.
No Ground pork?
🔁 Use instead
Ground beef & porkIt contains beef. Same method.
Ground chickenThe taste will be lighter. Same method.
No Ground chicken?
🔁 Use instead
Ground porkThe taste will be richer. Same method.
No Bacon?
🔁 Use instead
HamLess smoky flavor. Same method.
SausagesCut into bite-size pieces. Same method.
No Sausages?
🔁 Use instead
BaconCut into bite-size pieces. Same method.
🐟Fish & seafood
No Salmon fillet?
🔁 Use instead
Cod filletFor fish fillets, the cooking time is about the same.
No Cod fillet?
🔁 Use instead
Salmon filletFor fish fillets, the cooking time is about the same. Don’t use it if you are allergic to salmon.
No Canned mackerel?
🔁 Use instead
Canned tunaDrain the liquid (or oil) before using. Cook the same way.
No Chikuwa / kamaboko (fish cake)?
🔁 Use instead
Imitation crabSame method.
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Imitation crab?
🔁 Use instead
Chikuwa / kamaboko (fish cake)Cut into thin strips. Same method.
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Look for imitation crab (crab sticks).
No Sashimi (tuna, salmon, scallops)?
🔁 Use instead
Canned tunaDrain the oil and use as is. Mix with mayonnaise for tuna mayo.
Cooked shrimpBuy them already cooked. If using raw shrimp, boil until completely pink-red all over, then cool.
Imitation crabShred and use as is.
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Outside Japan, most fish is not sold to be eaten raw. Buy fish labeled “sashimi-grade” or “sushi-grade” from a fish shop you trust. If you’re not sure, don’t eat it raw.
🥚Eggs, tofu & dairy
No Chickpeas?
🔁 Use instead
Boiled soybeansDrain before using. Cook the same way.
No Boiled soybeans?
🔁 Use instead
ChickpeasDrain before using. Cook the same way.
No Atsuage (thick fried tofu)?
🔁 Use instead
TofuUse firm tofu. Wrap it in paper towels to drain first. It breaks easily, so turn it gently.
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Milk?
🔁 Use instead
Soy milkUse unsweetened soy milk. Don’t use it if you are allergic to soy.
No Cream?
🔁 Use instead
MilkIt will be less rich.
No Aburaage (fried tofu)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Eggs (eaten raw or soft)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Outside Japan, eggs are usually not sold to be eaten raw. When the egg is eaten raw or soft, use pasteurized eggs, or cook the egg until the yolk is firm.
🥕Vegetables
No Spring onions?
🔁 Use instead
Japanese leek (naganegi)Finely chop the green part of the leek.
No Mitsuba?
🔁 Use instead
Spring onionsThe flavor is different, but it adds color.
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Komatsuna?
🔁 Use instead
SpinachBoil the spinach briefly first and rinse it in cold water.
No Spinach?
🔁 Use instead
KomatsunaSame method.
No Green peppers?
🔁 Use instead
Shishito peppersRemove the stems and use whole. Poke 1–2 holes with a skewer so they don’t burst. They cook a little faster.
No Napa cabbage?
🔁 Use instead
CabbageCabbage is a little firmer, so simmer it a little longer.
No Cabbage?
🔁 Use instead
Napa cabbageNapa cabbage releases water, so stir-fry it quickly over higher heat.
No Mizuna?
🔁 Use instead
Chrysanthemum greensThe flavor will be stronger. Same method.
No Chrysanthemum greens?
🔁 Use instead
MizunaThe flavor will be milder. Same method.
No Tomatoes?
🔁 Use instead
Canned tomatoesFine for simmered dishes. Not for salads.
No Canned tomatoes?
🔁 Use instead
TomatoesChop fresh tomatoes. They are juicier, so simmer a little longer.
No Japanese leek (naganegi)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Use the white part of a leek, or extra spring onions.
No Daikon radish?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Look for daikon at an Asian grocery store. Turnip works if you can’t find it.
No Konnyaku?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Shiso leaves (ooba)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Burdock root (gobo)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Lotus root (renkon)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Nagaimo (Japanese yam)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Bamboo shoots?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Umeboshi (pickled plum)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
🍄Mushrooms
No Shimeji mushrooms?
🔁 Use instead
Enoki mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
Maitake mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
ShiitakeAny mushroom can be used the same way.
King oyster mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
No Enoki mushrooms?
🔁 Use instead
Shimeji mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
Maitake mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
ShiitakeAny mushroom can be used the same way.
King oyster mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
No Maitake mushrooms?
🔁 Use instead
Shimeji mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
Enoki mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
ShiitakeAny mushroom can be used the same way.
King oyster mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
No Shiitake?
🔁 Use instead
Shimeji mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
Enoki mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
Maitake mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
King oyster mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Use other mushrooms, such as button mushrooms.
No King oyster mushrooms?
🔁 Use instead
Shimeji mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
Enoki mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
Maitake mushroomsAny mushroom can be used the same way.
ShiitakeAny mushroom can be used the same way.
🍚Rice & noodles
No Penne?
🔁 Use instead
MacaroniCheck the package for the boiling time. Cook the same way.
No Cooked rice?
🔁 Use instead
RiceJust cook the rice first.
No Japanese rice?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Use short-grain (sushi) rice or medium-grain rice such as Calrose. Long-grain rice (jasmine, basmati) won’t stick together, so it doesn’t work well.
No Sweet rice (mochigome)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Look for glutinous rice (sweet rice) at an Asian grocery store.
No Chinese-style noodles?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Use fresh egg noodles or ramen noodles. Cook them for the time on the package.
🥫Dried, flour & canned
No Soy meat (dried)?
🔁 Use instead
Freeze-dried tofuSoak in water to soften, squeeze, then chop finely. Stir-fry the same way.
No Shiratamako (rice flour)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Look for glutinous rice flour at an Asian grocery store. Add the water little by little and check the texture.
🧂Seasonings & others
No Mirin?
🔁 Use instead
Sake and sugarFor 1 tbsp mirin, use 1 tbsp sake + 1 tsp sugar.
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Use sugar and water: for 1 tbsp mirin, use 1 tsp sugar + 1 tbsp water.
No Rice vinegar?
🔁 Use instead
Regular vinegarSame amount.
No Sake?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Use water (same amount). The flavor will be a little lighter.
No Dashi powder?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Look for dashi powder at an Asian grocery store. If you can’t find it, use half the amount of chicken stock powder (the taste will be a little different).
No Chinese chicken stock powder?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Use chicken stock powder or a stock cube, about the same amount.
No Potato starch (katakuriko)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Use cornstarch (cornflour), same amount.
No Japanese flour (hakurikiko)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Plain (all-purpose) flour works.
No Thin-sliced meat?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
If thin-sliced meat isn’t sold, put a block of meat in the freezer for 30 min–1 hr until a little firm, then slice it thinly with a knife (go slowly so you don’t cut your fingers).
No Chuno sauce?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Mix Worcestershire sauce and tomato ketchup 1:1.
No Okonomiyaki sauce?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Mix Worcestershire sauce and tomato ketchup 1:1 with a little sugar.
No Ponzu?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Mix soy sauce and lemon juice 1:1.
No Tianmianjiang (sweet bean sauce)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Use hoisin sauce.
No Japanese mustard (karashi)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Use mustard (such as English mustard), starting with a little.
No Red bean paste (anko)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Look for red bean paste at an Asian grocery store.
No Panko?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Panko is sold in many supermarkets. Dry breadcrumbs also work.
No Frozen udon?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Dried udon works. Boil it for the time on the package.
No Lightly salted salmon?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Sprinkle about 1/4 tsp salt on both sides of a fresh salmon fillet and leave it in the fridge for 30 min.
No Doubanjiang (chili bean paste)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Look for chili bean paste (doubanjiang) at an Asian grocery store.
No Shirataki noodles?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Kombu (kelp)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Nori (seaweed)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Aonori (seaweed flakes)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Beni shoga (red pickled ginger)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Shichimi togarashi?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Wasabi?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Tenkasu (tempura bits)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Miso?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Mentsuyu (noodle sauce)?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
No Sesame seeds / paste?
🌏 Can’t find it outside Japan?
Often sold at Asian grocery stores.
Nothing found. Try other words.