Ingredient guide 🛒
New to bento or dosirak cooking? Here's what the less familiar ingredients are, easy swaps, and where to find them.
Nori / gim (roasted seaweed)
Thin dried seaweed sheets used to wrap rice. Japanese nori is plain; Korean gim is often brushed with oil and salt.
Where to buy: Most big supermarkets (sushi section) and Asian grocers (e.g. H Mart in the US, Japan Centre or Korea Foods in the UK, Asian supermarkets in Australian cities), the Asian aisle of larger supermarkets, or online grocers.
Short-grain (sushi) rice
Slightly sticky rice that holds its shape, so it's ideal for onigiri and gimbap. Calrose rice works well too.
Where to buy: Supermarket rice aisle, or Asian grocers (e.g. H Mart in the US, Japan Centre or Korea Foods in the UK, Asian supermarkets in Australian cities), the Asian aisle of larger supermarkets, or online grocers.
Furikake
A dry Japanese rice seasoning, often seaweed, sesame and salt. Crushed nori is a simple swap.
Where to buy: Asian grocers (e.g. H Mart in the US, Japan Centre or Korea Foods in the UK, Asian supermarkets in Australian cities), the Asian aisle of larger supermarkets, or online grocers.
Mirin
Sweet Japanese rice seasoning for glazes. A pinch of sugar is a fine swap.
Where to buy: Supermarket world-foods aisle or Asian grocers (e.g. H Mart in the US, Japan Centre or Korea Foods in the UK, Asian supermarkets in Australian cities), the Asian aisle of larger supermarkets, or online grocers.
Rice vinegar
Mild, gentle vinegar for seasoning sushi rice and quick pickles.
Where to buy: Most supermarkets.
Inari pockets (seasoned fried tofu)
Sweet-savoury tofu pouches sold ready to fill with rice.
Where to buy: Tins or chilled packs at Asian grocers (e.g. H Mart in the US, Japan Centre or Korea Foods in the UK, Asian supermarkets in Australian cities), the Asian aisle of larger supermarkets, or online grocers.
Panko
Light, flaky Japanese breadcrumbs that stay crisp.
Where to buy: Most supermarkets.
Potato starch
Gives karaage a crisp coating. Cornflour (cornstarch) works too.
Where to buy: Supermarket baking aisle or Asian grocers (e.g. H Mart in the US, Japan Centre or Korea Foods in the UK, Asian supermarkets in Australian cities), the Asian aisle of larger supermarkets, or online grocers.
Kabocha
Japanese pumpkin with sweet, fluffy flesh. Butternut squash is a good swap.
Where to buy: Larger supermarkets and greengrocers.
Dangmyeon (sweet potato glass noodles)
Chewy, clear noodles made from sweet potato starch and used in japchae.
Where to buy: Asian grocers (e.g. H Mart in the US, Japan Centre or Korea Foods in the UK, Asian supermarkets in Australian cities), the Asian aisle of larger supermarkets, or online grocers.
Eomuk (Korean fish cake)
Thin sheets of seasoned pressed fish, usually sold frozen.
Where to buy: Frozen section of Asian grocers (e.g. H Mart in the US, Japan Centre or Korea Foods in the UK, Asian supermarkets in Australian cities), the Asian aisle of larger supermarkets, or online grocers.
Toasted sesame oil
A few drops add a nutty, toasty flavour. Sesame is a common allergen, so check your school's policy.
Where to buy: Most supermarkets.
Japanese curry roux
Blocks of mild curry sauce base. Choose the 'mild' or 'sweet' box for kids.
Where to buy: Supermarket world-foods aisle or Asian grocers (e.g. H Mart in the US, Japan Centre or Korea Foods in the UK, Asian supermarkets in Australian cities), the Asian aisle of larger supermarkets, or online grocers.
Asian (nashi) pear
Crisp, juicy pear. In Korean marinades a little grated pear adds sweetness; apple works too.
Where to buy: Greengrocers and Asian grocers.
Gochujang
Spicy Korean chilli paste. We leave it out of kids' portions; adults can add it at the table.
Where to buy: Asian grocers (e.g. H Mart in the US, Japan Centre or Korea Foods in the UK, Asian supermarkets in Australian cities), the Asian aisle of larger supermarkets, or online grocers.
Always read labels: many sauces contain soy, wheat or sesame.