Must Have Items to Make Asian Food at Home

Asian food has become as popular as burgers and fries, but eating out or even getting take away can be expensive if done on a regular basis. Making Asian food at home is a great way to save money and still get your Asian fix. All you need are a few staple Asian food ingredients, the proper utensils and guinea pigs to try your food.

KITCHEN TOOLS

Wok
If Chinese stir-fry is on your menu, make sure you buy a wok. Even though sautéing is the most common use for a wok, it can also be used for deep frying, steaming, and simmering. A wok is actually better than a skillet when cooking Asian food because the sides are flared and the depth allows for tossing of Asian food ingredients without them flying all over the kitchen.

Spatula
No kitchen is complete without a spatula but when cooking Asian food - especially Chinese food - a bamboo spatula is your best bet.

Bamboo Steamer
Steamers are a great way to make dumplings without frying, and they work great for steaming rice as well.

SEASONINGS

* Ginger - ground ginger is easier to use but fresh ginger will have that punch that makes your recipe stand out.
* Soy Sauce or Tamari
* Black Pepper
* Sesame Oil - look for pure sesame oil which will allow you to use less and get a richer flavor at the same time.
* Chili - paste or ground chili will both add that spicy kick you're looking for, but the paste is extra hot and should be used sparingly.

INGREDIENTS

* Rice - White rice is the most common but you can also use brown rice or even jasmine rice.
* Noodles - Whether you're making Japanese Udon soup, Pad Thai, or Vietnamese spring rolls, noodles are essential to every Asian food dish. Buckwheat noodles are a healthier option for those seeking a whole grain, but there are also other non-wheat options like bean thread noodles, and rice noodles.
* Vegetables - You can use whichever vegetables you like; however, most Asian food recipes use ingredients like mushrooms, Bok Choy, garlic, onions, bean sprouts, and carrots.
* Nori - Thin dried seaweed sheets are the base for sushi rolls. Tip: Add imitation crab, cucumber, and avocado to make California rolls.
* Protein - Vegetarians and carnivores alike can add a variety of different types of protein to Asian food. Some of the most common Asian food ingredients are chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and tofu.

Regardless of the Asian recipe you choose to make at home, Asian food ingredients are great staples to have in your kitchen. So try some Japanese sushi and Chinese stir-fry today and enjoy!