Learn how to make Japanese red pickled ginger at home.

Beni Shoga Recipe: How to Make Japanese Pickled Ginger

*Beni shoga* is a type of [*tsukemono*](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tsukemono-guide) (Japanese pickle) made with ginger root. *Beni shoga* consists of young ginger that is cut into thin strips and pickled in *umezu*, a plum vinegar left over from making [*umeboshi*](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/umeboshi-pickling-recipe) (*pickled plums*). The *umezu* brine, which is dyed by red shiso (perilla) leaves, makes *beni shoga* bright red in color. Commercial versions of *beni shoga* are widely available and sometimes made with artificial coloring.
*Beni shoga* and *gari* are both types of pickled ginger used as garnishes and condiments in Japanese cooking, but there are some key differences:

- __Shape__: *Beni shoga* is julienned into matchsticks, and *gari* is thinly sliced lengthwise.
- __Color__: *Beni shoga* is bright red in color, and *gari* is light pink.
- __Flavor__: *Beni shoga* has a sharp, sour flavor since it is made with *umeboshi* vinegar. *Gari*, which is often served with sushi and sashimi, is made with rice vinegar and sugar and is sweeter than *beni shoga*.
*Beni shoga* is a popular condiment and garnish that adds flavor and color to many Japanese dishes.

1. __*Gyudon*__: *[Gyudon](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gyudon-recipe)*, a type of *[donburi](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/donburi-rice-bowls-guide)* (rice bowl) featuring beef, is often topped with *beni shoga*. 
2. __*Yakisoba*__: *Beni shoga* is a popular addition to [*yakisoba*](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-yakisoba), a stir-fried noodle dish.
3. __*Okonomiyaki*__: *Okonomiyaki* is a Japanese savory pancake often garnished with *okonomiyaki* sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, [bonito flakes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bonito-flakes-explained), and *beni shoga*.
4. __*Takoyaki*__: Small octopus-filled pancakes, called [takoyaki](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/takoyaki-recipe), are often served with *beni shoga*.
Learn how to make Japanese red pickled ginger at home.

Beni shoga is a type of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tsukemono-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tsukemono-guide","linkCopy":"\u003cem class=\"mc-text--italic\"\u003etsukemono\u003c/em\u003e","category":null}'>tsukemono</a> (Japanese pickle) made with ginger root. Beni shoga consists of young ginger that is cut into thin strips and pickled in umezu, a plum vinegar left over from making <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/umeboshi-pickling-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/umeboshi-pickling-recipe","linkCopy":"\u003cem class=\"mc-text--italic\"\u003eumeboshi\u003c/em\u003e","category":null}'>umeboshi</a> (pickled plums). The umezu brine, which is dyed by red shiso (perilla) leaves, makes beni shoga bright red in color. Commercial versions of beni shoga are widely available and sometimes made with artificial coloring.

What Is Beni Shoga?

Beni shoga and gari are both types of pickled ginger used as garnishes and condiments in Japanese cooking, but there are some key differences:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Shape: Beni shoga is julienned into matchsticks, and gari is thinly sliced lengthwise. </li><li class="">Color: Beni shoga is bright red in color, and gari is light pink. </li><li class="">Flavor: Beni shoga has a sharp, sour flavor since it is made with umeboshi vinegar. Gari, which is often served with sushi and sashimi, is made with rice vinegar and sugar and is sweeter than beni shoga. </li></ul>

Beni Shoga vs. Gari: What’s the Difference?

Beni shoga is a popular condiment and garnish that adds flavor and color to many Japanese dishes.<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Gyudon: <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gyudon-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gyudon-recipe","linkCopy":"Gyudon","category":null}'>Gyudon</a>, a type of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/donburi-rice-bowls-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/donburi-rice-bowls-guide","linkCopy":"donburi","category":null}'>donburi</a> (rice bowl) featuring beef, is often topped with beni shoga. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Yakisoba: Beni shoga is a popular addition to <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-yakisoba' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-yakisoba","linkCopy":"\u003cem class=\"mc-text--italic\"\u003eyakisoba\u003c/em\u003e","category":null}'>yakisoba</a>, a stir-fried noodle dish. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Okonomiyaki: Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake often garnished with okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bonito-flakes-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bonito-flakes-explained","linkCopy":"bonito flakes","category":null}'>bonito flakes</a>, and beni shoga. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Takoyaki: Small octopus-filled pancakes, called <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/takoyaki-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/takoyaki-recipe","linkCopy":"takoyaki","category":null}'>takoyaki</a>, are often served with beni shoga. </li></ol>