If you’re looking to whip up delicious Asian dishes at home, stocking your pantry with the right ingredients will make a world of difference.
Asian cuisines are incredibly diverse, spanning cultures from Thai to Japanese, Chinese to Indian. Each cuisine has its signature flavors and staples, but a few common ingredients can help you create a variety of meals.
Chef Ryan McCorvie recently released his guide to the best tools for Japanese cooking. Now he gives us a guide to the essential pantry ingredients you should have on hand for Asian home cooking.
Rice and Noodles: The Heart of Asian Cuisine
When you think about Asian cooking, rice and noodles probably come to mind. As Mitch Hedberg said, “Rice is really great if you want to eat two thousand of something.”
Rice is a dietary staple for more than half of the world’s population, with Asia accounting for approximately 90% of global consumption. These staples are the foundation of many meals and come in various forms. For rice, consider keeping jasmine and basmati on hand. Jasmine rice, with its soft texture and slight aroma, pairs beautifully with Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Basmati, on the other hand, offers a nutty flavor that’s perfect for Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Noodles are equally important. Stocking both dried and fresh noodles can give you versatility in your cooking. Rice noodles are great for stir-fries and soups, while egg noodles can enhance your dishes with their rich flavor.
“Consider keeping some soba noodles for a Japanese twist,” says McCorvie. “They’re nutritious and cook quickly, making them ideal for a fast meal.”
Avoid skipping on different shapes and sizes. For instance, udon noodles offer a thick, chewy texture, while vermicelli provides a delicate, thin option. Having a variety of noodles and rice ensures you can create an extensive range of dishes without needing to run out to the store.
To make the most of your rice and noodles, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
Spices and Seasonings: Boosting Flavors
The right spices and seasonings can turn a simple dish into something extraordinary. Common Asian seasonings include soy sauce, fish sauce, and tamari.
Soy sauce is a staple in many East Asian cuisines, enhancing umami flavors in everything from stir-fries to marinades. As Martin Yan once said, “If I could only have one type of food with me, I would bring soy sauce. The reason being that if I have soy sauce, I can flavor a lot of things.” Soy sauce is the most widely used seasoning in the world, with a market size of $36.50 billion in 2023. The U.S, Japan, and China are among the largest consumers. For those with dietary restrictions, tamari offers a gluten-free alternative while still delivering a rich taste.
Fish sauce is a key ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, especially in Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Its strong flavor can add depth and complexity to sauces and dressings. Just a small splash can transform a dish, so it’s worth having on hand. A good quality fish sauce often has a more balanced flavor, so don’t skimp on this ingredient.
Other significant seasonings include sesame oil and chili paste. Toasted sesame oil provides a nutty flavor that enhances dressings and stir-fries alike. Meanwhile, chili paste or sauce adds heat to your dishes and can be varied according to your spice tolerance. Sriracha is a popular choice, but chili garlic sauce can also add an extra kick.
To give these seasonings a longer shelf life, keep them in a cool, dark cabinet. Some, like soy sauce, can even be refrigerated once opened to extend their freshness further.
Canned and Jarred Goods: Convenience and Versatility
Canned and jarred goods make it easy to create quick meals. Coconut milk is a must for many Thai and Indian recipes, offering creaminess and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with spicy flavors. Keep a few cans on hand for making curries, soups, or even desserts.
Bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and canned mushrooms are great for adding texture and flavor to stir-fries and Asian soups. They’re easy to use and can be found in many grocery stores. Having these items in your pantry can save you time and effort, allowing you to create dishes without extensive prep work.
For an extra kick, consider keeping pickled vegetables or kimchi on hand. These fermented delights add depth and complexity to your meals and can serve as a flavorful side dish or topping. Kimchi, in particular, holds cultural significance in Korean cuisine. According to a 2006 poll, 22.1% of Korean respondents identified kimchi as the symbol of their national culture. Beyond its cultural importance, kimchi’s tangy and spicy flavors are loved worldwide, with exports exceeding $150 million annually in 2022.
Make sure to check expiration dates periodically, as some jarred goods can have a shorter shelf life than you might expect. Keeping a well-organized pantry helps you know what needs to be used up first.
Fresh Ingredients: Bring Your Dishes to Life
Herbs like cilantro, basil, and green onions are commonly used in Asian cooking. They add brightness and freshness, making the most of the flavors and textures of your meals. Buying them fresh ensures you’ll have the vibrancy needed to complete your dishes, though dried versions can suffice in a pinch.
Garlic and ginger are also indispensable in Asian cuisines. They’re often the base for marinades, stir-fries, and sauces. Stocking fresh ginger can enhance both sweet and savory dishes, while garlic adds depth to almost any recipe. You might also consider keeping garlic and ginger paste on hand for convenience when you’re short on time.
Don’t forget about chili peppers! Fresh chili peppers can add a delightful heat to your meals, and having a variety, such as jalapeños, Thai bird chilis, or serranos, gives you options for different spice levels. You can also keep dried chili flakes or powder for an extra flavor punch.
Depending on how often you cook, consider buying fresh produce weekly or bi-weekly. This way you always have what you need on hand, and your meals will taste fresher and more authentic as a result.
Embracing Asian cooking at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. By stocking your pantry with these essential ingredients, you can create a wide array of flavorful meals that will impress both yourself and anyone you share them with. From rice and noodles to spices and fresh produce, each element plays a crucial role in achieving that authentic taste. So get stocked up, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the culinary adventure that awaits in your kitchen!