Sesame oil is a cooking oil made from sesame seeds that is highly appreciated in Asian cuisine. There are several varieties made from either pressed seeds or roasted seeds, and they are used in different ways in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and even Middle Eastern cuisine. Light sesame oil is generally […]
Sauces and condiments
MSG or Monosodium Glutamate: What Is It? How Do You Use It?
MSG (monosodium glutamate) is one of the most misunderstood ingredients in Europe. Part of the reason for this fear may be tied to its name: these days, many people avoid ingredients whose names sound too chemical. Of course, anything can sound scary if you use its scientific name. Sodium chloride […]
Homemade Japanese Mayonnaise (Kewpie-Style)
Whether you call it Japanese mayonnaise or Kewpie, once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back. Japanese mayonnaise has a rich, eggy flavor with a sweet, gently seasoned profile (not spicy), and it’s creamier in color and texture than standard mayo. Like so many Japanese creations, it packs a deep […]
What is Shaoxing wine ?
Shaoxing wine is perhaps the most mentioned ingredient on my site that you’ve never heard of (and you let me know in the comments!). If you’ve ever wondered why your homemade Chinese food doesn’t taste like what you’d get in a restaurant, Shaoxing wine is probably the key element you’ve […]
Authentic Homemade Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a deeply aromatic, slightly spicy sauce often used in Asian vegetable stir-fries, marinades, and grilled dishes. It’s a key ingredient in many Chinese dishes and some Vietnamese recipes. It’s also known as Chinese barbecue sauce. What is hoisin sauce? Hoisin sauce is a condiment made from fermented […]
What is oyster sauce ?
Oyster sauce is a rich, syrupy sauce used in Chinese cuisine. It’s made from oyster extract, but despite its name, doesn’t taste at all like seafood. Instead, oyster sauce has an earthy, slightly sweet and salty taste. It’s a mixture of boiled oyster juice (which has caramelized), salt and sugar, […]
Homemade Scallion Oil (葱油) – Chinese Infused Oil
Scallion oil is a very, very traditional dish that is quite unknown here. The reason is that many Chinese restaurants jealously guard this secret… but why? Well, it’s THE SECRET to quick, delicious, and extremely inexpensive noodles. In fact, I guarantee that by using this condiment, you’ll be blown away […]
Spicy Wing sauce
Highly requested, I present to you exclusively my recipe for wing sauce. Or rather, a general sauce for all the little fried appetizers that may exist: Ingredients for the wing sauce Gochujang and gochugaru: iconic Korean spices, I direct you to my article on the subject. Can be substituted with […]
Easy Sweet and Sour Sauce (Takeout-Style)
What is sweet and sour sauce? Call it what you will, sometimes it’s called sweet and sour sauce, sometimes it’s called sour-sweet sauce. Whatever the case, it always leaves a memorable impression, or rather, an unforgettable taste. An almost universally appreciated sauce, it readily accompanies savory dishes and comes in […]
Sauce Chien
The origins of Sauce Chien Sauce Chien is a French Antilles specialty traditionally served as a condiment with fish. It’s also great with just about anything—for example, my delicious salt cod fritters (accras). It’s also often used as an ingredient in other dishes. While the origin is known, the backstory […]