wasabi

American  

[wah-sah-bee] / wɑˈsɑ bi /

noun

1. an Asian plant, Eutrema wasabi, of the mustard family.

2. the pungent, greenish root of this plant, which can be grated and used as a condiment.

---

wasabi British  

/ wəˈsɑːbɪ /

noun

1. a Japanese cruciferous plant, Eutrema Wasabi , cultivated for its thick green pungent root

2. the root of this plant, esp in paste or powder form, used as a condiment in Japanese cookery

---

Etymology

Origin of wasabi

(< New Latin ) < Japanese

Explanation

The spicy, edible root called wasabi can be ground into an even spicier green paste that's served with many Japanese foods — and is also called wasabi. Watch out for the wasabi sitting innocently on the plate beside your sushi! It may look like a blob of avocado, but it tastes pungent and deeply spicy. The flavor and spice of wasabi is often compared to horseradish or spicy mustard; you don't feel the heat on your tongue so much as in the back of your nose. Sometimes the Japanese plant is unavailable and horseradish root is used instead — sushi chefs call this "Western Wasabi."

Example Sentences

Freshly grated wasabi is prepared tableside, a small touch that makes each bite even more memorable.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

The nigiri is where Ikigai really shines, but start with the freshly grated wasabi, especially if you’ve never tried it before.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

At $45, the wasabi and caviar tots are considerably cheaper than the $100 caviar nuggets served at Camphor.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025

Although not native to the UK, Mr Old stresses the conditions for growing wasabi on his farm are ideal - but a warming climate leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2024

“I bring two foods to share. One is hone-senbei, my grandfather favorite. Other is wasabi peas. They are maybe spicy. Food in America tastes...”

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt