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Top Ten Asian Ingredients…

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Top Ten Asian IngredientsI am a big believer in a well stocked pantry. Since I cook all the time and thing about food 24/7, I make sure my fridge and pantry are full with the right ingredients. I love to be able to conjure something up in my mind and make it happen in the kitchen without going to the store.

Many people ask me constantly what I have in my pantry and fridge, and what they should have in theirs. I feel you need to think about your cooking repertoire and what kind of cuisines you  make. Once you have a handle on the kinds of dishes you normally make- you can make a list of all the ingredients you need.

When I go grocery shopping- which I am ashamed (not really) to admit is almost every day- I go through the isles to remind me if I need anything to replenish my pantry.

Since I am doing top ten lists- yes I feel like David Letterman once again, I decided to start with listing the top ten Asian ingredients.

  1. Rice Vinegar– I love having this in my pantry. Great for stir fries, salads and curries.
  2. Tamari– I use this instead of soy sauce. This is a more concentrated version of it so a little goes a long way and it doesn’t make the dishes too watery.
  3. Toasted Sesame Oil– This has a delicious nutty flavor. I start my stir fries with a teaspoon of this oil. It is also great for salad dressings. Store it in the fridge.
  4. Fish Sauce– It has a wonderful underlying nutty, salty flavor. Don’t smell it while using it and you will love it.
  5. Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce– It can be found in any grocery store in the Asian isle. Great as a dipping sauce or part of a stir fry sauce.
  6. Honey- I love, love honey. I have all sorts in my pantry. It is great to sweeten anything from sauces, to salad dressings.
  7. Fresh Ginger- What a versatile ingredient. Stays forever in your fridge. Great for curries, stir fries and desserts.
  8. Garlic- I would be lost without garlic. I need to have lots of it in my vegetable basket. I put it in everything.
  9. Green Onions- They have a great, light onion flavor AND they look pretty. Excellent as a garnish on top.
  10. Light Coconut Meal- Great for Thai dishes and desserts. I use the light version since there is no difference in flavor. I always have a few cans in my pantry.

I would love to hear your top ten Asian ingredients….

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2 Comments
Sherrie
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Your list looks like the stuff in my pantry too, except the light coconut meal which I’ve never heard of. I would also add hoisin sauce and panko bread crumbs to your list.

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Sherrie,
Hoisin sauce and panko crumbs are great additions. I do have them- they just didn’t make the top 10.

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