What people generally call bean sprouts are actually young mung bean shoots—often mislabeled as “soy sprouts”—hence the common confusion. To grow them, mung beans are soaked and sprouted in water. Once germinated, the water is drained and the sprouts are kept in a cool, dark place to develop. What do […]
Sauces and condiments
What are Shimeji mushrooms?
Shimeji mushrooms are a variety of Asian mushroom with a crunchy texture and a delicious nutty flavour. They are also known as beech mushrooms because in the wild they grow on fallen beech trees. They are widely used in Japanese cuisine What are Shimeji mushrooms? Shimeji mushrooms are an edible […]
Jujube: The Chinese date demystified
What is jujube? Jujube, also known as Chinese date, is a small brown or dark red fruit that grows on a tree called the jujube tree. The fruit has a smooth, shiny skin and contains a sweet, crisp flesh that can be eaten fresh or dried. It is grown in […]
Chinese Fermented Black Bean Sauce (辣豆豉酱)
This authentic black bean sauce is one of the best‑kept secrets behind some of the most delicious Chinese dishes on the planet! It works miracles for the flavor of your Chinese cooking ! If you already know Chinese black bean sauce, you know the wonders it does for your Asian dishes. […]
Homemade Japanese Curry Roux
Japanese curry, also known as Kare Raisu (カレーライス), is a quintessential comfort dish. It’s the go-to in many Japanese households thanks to how easy it is to make. The key to this ease is the curry roux (カレールー), essentially a bouillon-style block tailored to Japanese curry. These cube-style helpers are […]
Japanese Curry Powder
Curry was first introduced to Japan during the Meiji era (1868-1912) by the British navy, who brought with them the spice blend known as curry powder. This powder is the foundation for a good kare-ko. Japanese curry powder, called Aka Kan (赤缶), was first sold by S&B Foods in 1923, […]
Thai Yellow Curry Paste: What Is It?
What is Thai Yellow Curry? Yellow curry paste is an essential ingredient in Thai cuisine and other Southeast Asian cuisines. Just like red curry paste and green curry paste, it’s a spicy and aromatic paste used to add flavor to a variety of dishes, such as curries, soups, stir-fries, and […]
The Complete Guide to Rice Varieties
Rice, that staple of Asian cuisine… but not only that! Did you know that a little over 750 million tonnes of it are produced worldwide every year? Granted, while the biggest producers are mostly found on the Asian continent, Europe, even though it trails far behind in the rankings, still […]
What is lemongrass?
Lemongrass is impossible to ignore on those heavy summer nights. With mosquitoes waiting for the smallest opening, lemongrass essential oil was once the ultimate weapon to keep them at bay. Highly fragrant, lemongrass is not only an excellent repellent against these tiny pests, but also an indispensable ingredient to keep […]
What is Sichuan pepper?
More than just peppery, Sichuan pepper delivers a distinctive blend of flavors with highly aromatic citrus notes that brighten any dish. With the bite of black pepper and a fresh, zesty lift, this Chinese spice will surprise you again and again. What is Sichuan pepper? As the name suggests, Sichuan […]