Asian cuisine is delicious and it’s usually healthy too. Indeed, it’s high in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while also being low on meat and dairy. As a result, Asian cuisine can lower the chances of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Plus, you can make some creative and exciting dishes too! Read on to find out the tools and ingredients you’ll need to regularly make Asian food.
Asian cuisine tools
For a start, you’ll need to purchase a wok as it’s an essential tool for Asian cuisine. This wide-brimmed, high pan makes it much easier to move ingredients around while cooking, without spilling anything. Plus, its design means you’ll end up using less oil. Meanwhile, a rice cooker can help ensure you cook more efficiently: rice is a staple of many Asian dishes, and you can remove much of the hassle of boiling rice by beautifully cooking rice with the touch of a button. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in making a deep Asian broth, then you should consider purchasing a hotpot to allow you to cook seafood, veggies and the broth all at once.
Asian pantry essentials
Sauces
Asian cuisine requires specific sauces that you won’t often find in western food. For a start, soy sauce will often be a go-to ingredient for yourself. This sauce is fermented soybeans, wheat, and water creating a deep, salty flavour. It is the base used for many Asian sauces but can also be used on its own. Meanwhile, you’ll also need to call upon sesame oil and Shaoxing wine in plenty of recipes.
Spices
Asian cuisine shares many spices with western culture, so you should be almost fully covered. However, Chinese five-spice powder, cornstarch and ground white pepper can all help you discover an authentic flavour.
Dried foods
Dried foods
If you’re interested in Asian cuisine, there are plenty of dried foods that you should keep yourself stocked up on all year round. Rice and noodles, for instance, are both essentials that you can’t live without. Instant noodles, in particular, are a staple in Asian pantries because they make quick and easy meals and pack a punch. Many brands like Mee Sedap even come with fried and soup options for variety Dried red chilli can also lend your dish flavour when you’re lacking inspiration.
Fresh ingredients
Finally, you’ll need to regularly hunt for fresh ingredients to form the base of your meals. Scallions, shallots, ginger and garlic are all staples of Asian cuisine and to cook the best food possible, you’ll need to get these ingredients as fresh as possible.
By cooking Asian food you can enjoy healthier and tastier meals. And by following the guide above, you should be all set to pick up the right tools and ingredients to be ready to regularly make high-quality Asian cuisine for you and your loved ones.
Asian Snacks
For those who love a quick bite alongside their Asian cuisine, don’t forget to stock up on Asian snacks. From crispy seaweed and savoury rice crackers to sweet treats like mochi and White Rabbit candy, these snacks offer bold, authentic flavours that are perfect for any time of day. Keep your pantry stocked with your favourites for a little taste of Asia whenever you fancy.
