Asian Pantry by Region

A well-rounded Asian pantry includes versatile ingredients such as:

• Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce used widely across Asian cooking.
• Miso paste: A fermented soybean paste for soups, marinades, and dressings.
• Rice vinegar: A mild vinegar essential for sushi rice, pickling, and salad dressings.
• Fish sauce: Adds a deep, savoury flavour, commonly used in Southeast Asian dishes.
• Curry paste: Red, green, or yellow curry pastes are used in Thai and other Southeast Asian curries.
• Sesame oil: A nutty, aromatic oil often used as a finishing touch in Korean and Chinese dishes.

These ingredients are versatile and can be used to add flavour and depth to many dishes:

• Soy sauce: Use in marinades, stir-fries, soups, or as a dipping sauce.
• Miso paste: Ideal for adding umami to soups, marinades, and dressings.
• Rice vinegar: Adds tanginess to sushi rice, salad dressings, and sauces.
• Fish sauce: Enhances stir-fries, curries, and dipping sauces with its savoury, salty flavour.
• Curry paste: Creates the base for curries or adds flavour to stir-fries.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty finish to salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Many Asian pantry staples are vegetarian or vegan, such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, and miso paste. However, some items like fish sauce and certain curry pastes may contain animal products. Always check labels for dietary information, or look for vegan alternatives, such as vegan fish sauce.

Absolutely! With these pantry essentials, you can make a wide range of Asian dishes, such as:

• Sushi: With sushi rice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
• Stir-fries: Using soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional curry paste.
• Pho or ramen: Made with dashi or broth, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
• Curries: Thai red or green curry paste combined with coconut milk creates a delicious, creamy curry base.

Most Asian pantry ingredients, like soy sauce and rice vinegar, should be stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, items like miso paste and curry paste should be refrigerated to maintain freshness. Fish sauce and sesame oil can be stored at room temperature, but refrigeration after opening is recommended to extend their shelf life.