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.

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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

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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

Western United Fish Company, a seafood wholesaler based in Washington state, has recalled over 3,000 pounds of Kirkland Signature brand Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke sold at Costco Warehouse stores nationwide.

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2025

The BBC visited the Little Waddon Vineyard in Dorset and the Wasabi Company in Hampshire to ask them what they think.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2024

Rummie comes to Westminster with handler, owner and breeder David Fitzpatrick, who has guided two other Pekes to Westminster wins: Malachy in 2012 and Wasabi in 2021.

From Seattle Times • May 8, 2023

“Just painting the walls Wasabi will make any room special,” Carley says.

From Washington Post • Aug. 24, 2022

You must read my colleague Sarah Lyall’s article about Wasabi, the semiretired champion Pekingese who doesn’t play fetch, run fast or do anything much besides enjoy his life.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 2022