Best Asian Food: What Ingredients Are Needed?

Asian food is one of the most delicious and distinctive cuisines in the world. At once healthful and unique, the best Asian recipes are full of delightful flavor. Many people wonder what special ingredients are to be found in Asian food to create such sensory delight. Following are seven ingredients often found in the best Asian food:

Best Asian Food Ingredient #1: Tofu

Tofu is bean curd and it ranges in texture from silken to extra firm. Tofu has a great deal of protein and blends well with a variety of other ingredients and sauces. Tofu is created by soaking dried soybeans and then used in Asian recipes by grinding the beans with water. It is used in dressings, sauces and soup. Tofu is a very healthy part of Asian cooking.

Best Asian Food Ingredient #2: Shitake Mushrooms

According to The Japanese Kitchen, shitake mushrooms are native to Japan. Shitake mushrooms are served both fresh and dried. The fresh mushroom caps should not be cooked long or else they shrivel up. The stems are normally discarded. Dried shitake mushrooms are firm and sweet and have a pleasant aroma while cooking. Shitake mushrooms provide a pleasing texture to dishes.

Best Asian Food Ingredient #3: Rice Vinegar

Rice Vinegar is made of fermented rice and water. It is very acidic and has a beneficial impact on digestion and cholesterol. According to Asian, rice vinegar is used in soups, salad, dressings and sauces. Rice vinegar has a very unique taste that contributes to Asian recipes and is a "must" for any Asian kitchen.

Best Asian Food Ingredient #4: Sea Kelp

Sea Kelp is dark green in color and has salt on top of it. It is mostly used to provide delicious salty flavor to soups. It contains minerals that are beneficial for cholesterol and fight against cancer for improved health. Sea kelp is eaten in Asian food almost every day.

Best Asian Food Ingredient #5: Ginger

Ginger is delicious and has a surprising taste that is widely used in Asian food. The first time one tastes ginger will never be forgotten. Ginger is normally grated or peeled with a vegetable peeler.

Best Asian Food Ingredient #6: Noodles

Asian recipes prominently feature various types of noodles. There are rice noodles and egg and wheat noodles. Noodles are available as fresh or dry types. Usually noodles should be soaked in water before cooking. They are served hot or cold at any time of day. Noodles can easily be an appetizer, main course or side dish.

Best Asian Food Ingredient #7: Fish Sauce

Good fish sauce is very popular and necessary in Asian food. Fish sauce is made with anchovies and salt. The flavor of fish sauce is salty and it has a very strong aroma. The color of fish sauce is variable. Fish sauce is often used for sauces and salads.

The above are necessary ingredients for making Asian recipes at home. There are many others but these provide a starting point for making delicous Asian food.

Williams-Sonoma. Asian. (2003) New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
Shimbo, H. The Japanese Kitchen. (2000) Boston, Massachusetts: The Harvard Common Press.
Trang, C. Essentials of Asian Cuisine (2003) New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.