Build a small pantry that unlocks many dishes.

You do not need dozens of specialty products. Start with the seasonings that appear again and again.

Japanese home meal with rice, grilled fish and miso soup

Start here

Basic Japanese Seasonings

Soy sauce, miso, sake, mirin, dashi, sauces, spices and what each one does.

Dashi

Cold-Infused Kombu Dashi

A low-effort kelp stock made by soaking kombu in water overnight.

Cook outside Japan

Find Japanese pantry basics online.

These are practical pantry choices for readers outside Japan. The first four links point to the exact products currently referenced in Ramen Anywhere.

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Kikkoman Soy Sauce - regularThe benchmark soy sauce for Ramen Anywhere. Also useful for teriyaki-style chicken, karaage seasoning, gyudon and everyday Japanese cooking.View on Amazon.com (paid link) →Ajinomoto Marudori Gara SoupThe chicken soup base used for the Ramen Anywhere Quick Start. Also useful for simple soups, fried rice and stir-fries.View on Amazon.com (paid link) →Hondashi - bonito dashi granulesA quick bonito-dashi layer for gyudon, miso soup and an easy first step toward Japanese-style double-broth ramen.View on Amazon.com (paid link) →Japanese misoFor miso soup, miso ramen, marinades and glazes.View on Amazon.com (paid link) →MirinAdds sweetness and gloss to simmered dishes and sauces.View on Amazon.com (paid link) →Rice vinegarUseful for sushi rice, dressings and quick pickles.View on Amazon.com (paid link) →Sesame oilA small amount adds aroma to noodles and side dishes.View on Amazon.com (paid link) →

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