What it is: Thin noodles made of wheat flour and often sold dry.
Substitute: Somen or udon noodles.
JAPANESE CUCUMBER
What it is: Similar to English cucumbers, but they’re bred to be burpless and tend to taste less bitter.
Substitute: English, Mediterranean or garden cucumbers.
MIRIN
What it is: Sweet Japanese cooking wine and a key ingredient in teriyaki sauce.
Substitute: Sake and sugar.
MITSUBA LEAF
What it is: Also known as Japanese Wild Parsley, this herb has a mild, celery-like flavor.
Substitute: Watercress.
MIZUNA
What it is: Japanese mustard green with a juicy stalk and peppery-flavored leaves.
Substitute: Arugula
RAMEN
What it is: The national food of Japan. In Asian stores they’re sold fresh or frozen, but in many supermarkets you’ll find them in dried, cellophane-wrapped bricks containing seasoning packets. Note: you’ll probably want to discard those seasoning packets before cooking.
Substitute: Lo mein noodles, soba noodles or rice sticks.
