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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
There is no absolute consensus on the exact number of major Chinese cuisines. Some count three, others four, five, seven, or even eight. But even eight cannot encompass all the culinary diversity of this country: China has more than thirty provinces, each with its own specialties and preparation methods, not […]
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 […]
What is rice vinegar and where does it come from? Rice vinegar is a type of vinegar made from rice wine and is generally used as a condiment for food, to flavor dishes, and as an ingredient in sauces. It has a sweeter taste than traditional vinegars. It has been […]
Whenever people think of kimchi, they think of the famous napa or Chinese cabbage. This large, oval-shaped cabbage is an extremely important element of Korean and Chinese cuisine…and Asian cuisine in general, and not just because it’s the main ingredient in kimchi. So, let’s now dive into the history and […]
