A water chestnut is the tuber – the root of the plant, like a potato – of an aquatic plant that grows in marshes. So it is not a nut, even though we call it a “chestnut,” simply because it looks like one: it has brown skin that covers white […]
Tag: article
What is Black rice vinegar ?
What is black rice vinegar? Black rice vinegar is a condiment widely used in Asian cuisine, but especially in Chinese cuisine. Along with red rice vinegar and white rice vinegar, it’s one of the three varieties of rice vinegar. Completely black in color, black rice vinegar has a complex taste, […]
Sesame oil
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Japanese Cuisine
The History of Japanese Cuisine Japanese cuisine has long been influenced by both Korea and China. It is best summed up in three words – simplicity, presentation, and seasonality. People around the world respect and enjoy Japanese food. The cuisine features more than 1,500 products, with rice at its core. My […]
Chinese Food
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 […]
Easy sweet and sour sauce
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 […]
Rice vinegar: what it is and how to use it
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 […]
