Are you looking to add an Asian flair to your meals but unsure where to start?
From vibrant sauces and aromatic spices to irresistible snacks and refreshing drinks, you can surely transform your culinary experience with Asian ingredients.
But with so many options, it can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, we're here to guide you through and help you discover the hidden gems.
Must-Have Sauces: No pantry is complete without a variety of sauces
- Soy Sauce: A staple in many Asian cuisines, soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavour to dishes, ideal for seasoning vegetables, fried rice, fried noodles or marinating meat. Look for light soy sauce for a milder taste and dark soy sauce for a richer, sweeter flavour.
- Oyster Sauce: This thick, sweet, and savoury sauce is often used to add flavour to Chinese and Vietnamese dishes such as cashew chicken, stir-fried vegetables or fried noodles. Oyster sauce is particularly delicious when paired with grilled meats.
- Sriracha: An Asian version of a spicy chilli sauce made from red chilli peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar. Sriracha can be added to anything from noodles to burgers or as a dipping sauce for pho, bahn mi, spring rolls and fried dishes.
- Fish Sauce: A pungent, salty condiment made from fermented fish. Fish sauce essential in Southeast Asian cuisine and adds a unique umami flavour to dishes like pad Thai and Vietnamese spring rolls.
Staple spices for your cooking: Asian cuisine is all about the spices
- Five-Spice Powder: Made up of a blend of five spices, including star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns, five-spice powder commonly used in Chinese cuisine for braised meats, marinades and stews. This powder captures the five basic flavours: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami to enhance the flavour of meats.
- Curry Powder: A blend of spices that varies depending on the region. Indian curry powder typically includes turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chilli powder, a common ingredient in meat curries, lentil soups, stews and marinades.
- Gochugaru: A Korean red pepper powder or chilli flakes, used as a staple to spice up kimchi, soups, stews, bibimbap, seasoning sauces and marinades. Gochugaru is known for its smoky and slightly sweet flavour made from sun-dried Korean chillis.
- Shrimp paste: Packing an umami punch, shrimp paste has many uses in cooking, commonly used to enhance the flavour profile in Thai curries, fried rice, sambal, stir-fried vegetables and stews across many Asian dishes. The possibilities are endless!
Sensational Asian Snacks: A delicious and convenient way to experience the flavours of Asia
- Rice Crackers: Light, crunchy, airy and oh-so-addictive with a tad of saltiness and sweetness, it’s no wonder that rice crackers are a popular snack in many Asian countries, enjoyed by all ages.
- Mochi: Made with glutinous flour, mochi are chewy rice cakes filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, green tea, taro, coconut pandan or fruit. For an experience like no other, simply take a bite of the mochi and savour the delicious filling oozing out!
- Salted Egg Fish Skin: For those craving something salty and savoury, try these crunchy crackers made from fish skin, dusted with salted egg powder. Made popular in Southeast Asia, these gourmet snacks are truly indulgent and irresistible!
- Dried Squid: A chewy and salty snack that's high in protein. Dried squid is a snack in many Asian countries, also available in sweet and spicy varieties to tickle your fancy.
Asian Drink Discoveries: Asian beverages are just as diverse as the cuisine
- Chrysanthemum Tea: Known for its cooling, refreshing properties, Chrysanthemum tea is a staple in Asian pantries and enjoyed during social gatherings as the drink of choice. It has a sweet, light and floral taste that pairs well with your favourite meal.
- Coconut Water: A light, refreshing and hydrating drink that's packed with nutrients for the body. Coconut water is a popular choice in Southeast Asia as a thirst quencher especially on hot days.
- Banana Milk: A sweet, smooth and decadent drink made from an infusion of banana and milk. Made popular in Korea, banana milk is rich in nutrients and minerals, typically enjoyed on its own as an indulgent snack.
- Green Tea: Green tea is no stranger to many and rightfully so, as it boasts many health benefits, including antioxidant properties, blood sugar management and improved brain function. Savour a cup of green tea to aid digestion during a heavy meal.
Ready to dive into a world of new flavours and experiences? Once you've stocked up on these essentials, you can start experimenting with different recipes and flavour combinations.
Don't be afraid to try new things and have fun with it! From Asian sauces and spices to level-up your cooking to Asian snacks and drinks, you'll be well on your way to creating authentic and delicious Asian dishes right in your own kitchen.
Remember to tag Asian Pantry when you upload your Asian culinary adventures on Facebook & Instagram.
