Essential Asian Ingredients to Stock in Your Pantry
Essential Asian Ingredients to Stock in Your Pantry

Essential Asian Ingredients to Stock in Your Pantry

If you love Asian cuisine, it’s crucial to have essential Asian ingredients in your pantry to make your favorite dishes anytime you want. Of course, going to the local Asian market might not always be feasible, or you might not have access to one, but that’s no excuse not to keep a few staples handy. The good news is that many of these ingredients have a long shelf life, making them ideal to stockpile.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is the foundational flavor in many Asian cuisines. It can be used in stir fry dishes, marinades, as a dipping sauce, and many more. If you’re uncertain which one to get, you can’t go wrong with the classic Kikkoman Soy Sauce, but there are several varieties to explore, from low-sodium options to gluten-free.

Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar adds a tangy, acidic taste to many dishes. It’s a principal ingredient in many dipping sauces, dressings, and marinades. Unseasoned rice vinegar is the staple to go with, but seasoned and organic options are also available.

Mirin

If you enjoy Japanese foods like teriyaki and sushi, mirin is a fundamental ingredient to have on hand. It’s a low-alcohol rice wine that’s sweet and used to balance salty flavors like soy sauce. Keep in mind that it has low alcohol content, so it’s safe to use in cooking.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in savory and sweet dishes. It’s widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, especially in Thai curries and desserts. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can opt for light or low-fat coconut milk.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil has a nutty flavor that can transform a dish instantly. It’s often used as a finishing oil since it has a low smoke point compared to other oils. A little goes a long way when it comes to sesame oil, so a small bottle will last a while.

Chili Paste

For those who enjoy spicy food, chili paste is a must-have ingredient. It’s a versatile paste made from red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and salt. If you’re a fan of Korean flavors, Gochujang is a type of chili paste that’s incredibly popular.

Shaoxing Wine

Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese wine made from fermented rice. It’s used in many Chinese and Asian cuisine dishes to add depth to flavors. It’s often used when cooking meat to tenderize and add extra flavor. Be sure to get the traditional Shaoxing wine rather than cooking wine sold as “Shaoxing styled wine.”

Rice

Asian cuisine takes rice seriously, and you can’t make many dishes without it. Stock up on both white and brown rice in your pantry so you can make sushi, fried rice, and other dishes. You can also opt for jasmine rice or basmati rice to diversify.

Dashi

It’s a crucial ingredient in Japanese cuisine. It’s a broth made from kelp (kombu) and dried bonito fish flakes. It’s the base for many soups, sauces, and marinades. Dashi powder is readily available at many supermarkets in convenient sachet form – just add hot water, and you’re done. Broaden your understanding with this additional external content! Samyang sauce, check out the recommended website.

Conclusion

With these essential Asian ingredients in your pantry, you can whip up many Asian dishes without having to leave your home. Plus, it’s an excellent investment since most of these ingredients have a long shelf-life and can be used for many dishes, so they won’t go to waste.

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