Sauces and condiments

nouilles konjac sur fond de bois

Konjac Noodles: What Are They?

What are konjac noodles? In Japanese tradition, konjac noodles, commonly known as shirataki, are noodles made from the konjac root. In practical terms, they are a preparation made from konjac flour mixed with still water and limewater. On your plate, they appear as long, almost transparent strands. This is also […]

Panko Breadcrumbs: What Are They?

Despite its distinctive name, panko is simply a type of breadcrumb. The word panko is Japanese – “pan” means bread and “ko” means flour or powder. Authentic panko is always made from a special crustless white bread, rather than whole wheat bread, that is baked using an electric current. The […]

nigiri sur fond noir

Nigiri Sushi: What It Is and How to Make It

One of the wonderful things about sushi (or even Japanese cuisine in general) is that you don’t need to know the name of every little variety to enjoy it. This is especially true if you go to conveyor belt sushi restaurants, where you’re free to pick any dish that catches […]

Seitan: What Is It?

“Wheat meat” has been eaten for centuries, but the name “seitan” (pronounced SAY-tan) is relatively new. Even though it is made from wheat, seitan has little in common with flour or bread. Popularized by Buddhist monks, it first appeared in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, and with the rise of veganism […]

What Is Tamari Sauce?

Tamari (also called tamari shoyu) is a Japanese sauce made from fermented soybeans. It has a thicker consistency and a more balanced flavor than Chinese soy sauce, which makes it perfect for dipping. It is also vegan and naturally gluten-free. Pour tamari straight from the bottle to add salt, umami, […]

What Is Cornstarch?

Cornstarch, sometimes referred to as corn flour or Maizena, is extracted from the endosperm of corn kernels. This white, powdery substance is used for countless culinary, household, and industrial applications. First developed in 1844 in New Jersey, cornstarch is now manufactured in major corn-producing countries such as the United States, […]

pâte de curry vert thaï dans un mortier

Authentic Thai Green Curry Paste

What is green curry paste? What is it made of? Green curry paste is a staple of Thai cuisine. In Thailand, curry is far more commonly used as a paste than a powder, and it forms the base of countless traditional dishes and sauces.  Depending on the region, some people […]

poudre de chili avec piment

Chili Powder

What is chili powder? Chili powder is that little something that adds a spicy kick to your recipes. It’s a flavorful blend of several spices you probably already know. It’s called “chili powder” because the blend is often used to season chili con carne. Visually, it looks like a red […]

huile pimentée piquante dans un pot en verre

Ultra-Quick Chili Oil

Today I’m finally sharing the REAL recipe for Asian chili oil. Lately I’ve come across plenty of recipes and, like the versions served in many restaurants around here, they make me sad… they are bland. There is nothing to them. Traditionally you do not just toss in a bit of […]

Bouteilles de sauce sriracha de différentes tailles

What is Sriracha sauce?

What is Sriracha sauce? Sriracha sauce is a hot sauce of Thai origin. It’s made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, salt, and various spices, all fermented. It has a distinctive flavor that made it wildly popular, and it’s now a common sight in Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese restaurants.  Although […]