Asian cuisine is a fantastic medley of taste, colour, aroma and texture. The ingenious combination of diverse ingredients and unique cooking techniques give these Eastern delicacies an innovative edge. This blog post will provide you with a detailed guide to delve into the mesmerising world of Asian cuisine.
Introduction to Asian Cuisine
Asia is the world’s largest continent, so it’s not surprising that its cuisine is vastly diverse. From the fiery bowls of spicy noodles in Korea to the intricate sushi rolls in Japan, each country brings its unique flavour to the table.
In countries like China and Japan, rice is the staple food. Whether it’s the sweet-sticky variety used for sushi rolls, or the fragrant jasmine rice enjoyed in Thailand, different types of rice make the base of numerous dishes.
Fish is a significant component of Asian cuisine. Japan, China, Korea, and South-East Asian nations like Vietnam and Thailand consume a considerable amount of fish and other seafood, beautifully incorporated into varied recipes.
Spiciest dishes hail from India, Thailand, and Korea. Korean cuisine even has a unique type of spicy, fermented cabbage known as Kimchi, while India is famous for a kaleidoscope of hot and spicy curries.
Your Guide to Asian Ingredients
To craft an authentic Asian dish at home, you’ll encounter some unique ingredients. Here are a few examples:
• Soy Sauce: An essential condiment in Chinese cooking, it brings a salty, umami flavour.
• Ginger: A universal ingredient, it provides a sharp and refreshing taste.
• Lemongrass: It imparts a unique citrusy flavour, used predominantly in Thai cuisine.
• Tofu: A staple in Asian cooking, it’s delicious in stir-fries, soups or grilled.
• Sushi Rice: This Japanese short-grain rice becomes sticky when cooked, perfect for sushi rolls.
Easy Asian Recipe: Japanese Sushi Roll
Now that we have laid the groundwork let’s try cooking a simplified Japanese sushi roll at home.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups sushi rice
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup avocado, thinly sliced
• 1 cup crabmeat or imitation crab, thinly sliced
• 10 sheets nori seaweed
• Soy sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to packaging instructions.
- Place a sushi rolling mat on a clean surface. Place a sheet of nori on the mat.
- Wet your hands and grab a handful of sushi rice. Spread it evenly over the nori, leaving a margin at the top for sealing the roll.
- Arrange thin slices of cucumber, avocado, and crabmeat along the centre of the rice.
- Using the mat as a guide, roll the sushi away from you, applying slight pressure. Use a little water to seal the margin at the top of the roll.
- Use a sharp knife, moistened with a little water, to slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve with soy sauce for dipping and enjoy a taste of Japan in your home!
Asian cuisine mastery takes time, but with the right ingredients and a touch of patience, you’ll be amazed at what you can produce in your kitchen. This guide is but a taste of the eastern hemisphere, there are more culinary treasures to explore! Happy cooking!
