Key ingredients in Asian cuisine

Rice and noodles stand as the pillars of carbohydrates in Asian cuisine, playing a central role in the daily diet across the continent. Rice, revered as the “food of life,” is the cornerstone of countless Asian meals. Varieties like fragrant Jasmine rice and sticky glutinous rice are expertly crafted into dishes that vary. Noodles offer a versatile canvas for culinary creativity, whether in the form of silky rice noodles or stir-fried springy wheat noodles.

Common ingredients used in cooking are garlic, ginger and chilli. Garlic’s pungent and savoury touch forms the backbone of countless recipes. In Taiwanese cuisine, garlic shines in street food classics like stinky tofu and minced pork rice. Ginger is another cornerstone of Asian cooking where it imparts a refreshing zing to miso soup or sushi condiments. Its unique ability to balance flavours makes it a culinary star, and its presence elevates both sweet and savoury dishes. The variety of chilli peppers and their incorporation into condiments and pastes make them essential for adjusting heat and flavour profiles according to regional preferences.

Asian dishes heavily emphasise vegetables and herbs which make them very colourful by nature. Vegetables such as mushrooms, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots and Chinese cabbage are very flexible in their uses due to their mild and earthy tones. Meanwhile, the finishing touch of dishes often comes in the form of fresh herbs like spring onions, cilantro, or Thai basil, adding a burst of aromatic freshness to everything from rice and noodles to hearty soups.

Overview of different types of Asian cooking ingredients eg. spices, sauces, pastes

Another key aspect of cooking Asian dishes are their seasoning and sauces which play an essential role in crafting the intricate and well-balanced flavours that define the region's culinary traditions. They provide a diverse range of flavours of sweet, salty, savoury, and spicy. Asian sauces and seasonings are very versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes or even to make your own homemade sauce.

Pastes are typically concentrated flavour bases made from a combination of ingredients such as herbs, spices, chillies and other seasonings. They have the power to transform basic ingredients into complex and aromatic masterpieces in a simple process so that anyone can effortlessly recreate Asian dishes at home. We offer Fermented Bean Curd with Spicy Soy Bean Paste which is useful for stir-fries, soups and marinades and Soy Paste, which adds depth and umami to classics like Mapo Tofu and General Tso's Chicken. As for noodles, we have two noodle products with pastes which are the Sesame Paste and Soybean paste noodles. This is a convenient solution for busy days or when you crave the comfort of a warm, flavourful noodle bowl without extensive preparation.

How to choose high-quality Asian cooking ingredients

Selecting high-quality Asian cooking ingredients is essential for creating authentic and delicious dishes. Here are some tips to guide you in choosing the best ingredients:

Labels: When purchasing packaged ingredients like sauces or pastes, read the labels carefully. Look for products with minimal additives and preservatives, as authentic Asian flavours should not be masked by unnecessary additives. For imported products, make sure they are sourced from reputable suppliers.
Freshness: For fresh ingredients like herbs, vegetables, and proteins, choose items that are in their prime. Freshness is key to the success of any Asian dish, as it ensures that you're working with the best ingredients available.
Smell and Taste: Trust your senses when selecting ingredients. If something smells off or doesn't taste as expected, it may not be worth taking the risk.
Storage: Pay attention to storage instructions for various ingredients. Some items, like spices, should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain their freshness, while fresh herbs need to be refrigerated to preserve their vibrant flavour.

Health Benefits of Using Asian Ingredients in Your Cooking

Incorporating Asian ingredients into your cooking not only enhances the flavour of your dishes but also offers a range of health benefits:

Low in Saturated Fats: Asian cooking often relies on lean proteins, vegetables and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. With a focus on fresh ingredients and minimal reliance on heavily processed foods, Asian cuisine can be a heart-healthy option.
Digestive Benefits: Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and turmeric are known for their digestive properties. They aid in the absorption of nutrients and promote gut health.
Low Sodium content: By using traditional Asian ingredients like soy sauce sparingly and opting for low-sodium varieties, you can enjoy the flavours of Asian cuisine without excessive sodium intake.