Bean Curd (Tofu) Skin Buying and Cooking Guide
The skin that forms on the surface of boiled soy milk is gathered to make bean curd (tofu) skin.
Technically, …
Pantry Staples
Garam Masala is a Spice Blend
Garam masala which translates to "warm spice mix" is an ingredient often used in South Asian cooking. It isn't one spice …
Cooking Okra Pods, Leaves and Flowers
Most people find the sliminess of okra unpleasant. But did you know there is a way to enjoy okra with very little of the …
What is Chinese Five-spice Powder Made Of?
Have you ever wondered why every time you buy Chinese five-spice powder, the flavor of the cooked dish is never exactly …
Are Shrimp Paste and Shrimp Sauce the Same?
No, shrimp paste and shrimp sauce are different things made for different purposes.
Foreground: shrimp paste spread …
Asian Noodles Shopping Guide
Go to an Asian market or grocery and there's bound to be an entire aisle (if not more) dedicated to noodles. That's how …
Mangoes in Asian Cuisines
Mango. Our favorite fruit here at home. Whenever we talk about moving to another country, my younger daughter, Alex, …
Sambal is Indonesian Chili Paste with Countless Variants
Chili, or a combination chilies, is the ingredient for sambal, the Indonesian chili paste or sauce which is either …
Panko, Flaky Japanese Bread Crumbs
Strictly speaking, panko isn't even crumbs the way bread crumbs are understood by the English-speaking world. They are …
Crispy Fried Shallots (Bawang Goreng) and Garlic
Sprinkling crispy fried shallots and garlic over cooked food before serving isn't merely about aesthetics. They add …
Homemade Napa Cabbage Kimchi: How Long Should It Ferment?
If you think that store-bought kimchi is either too watery, or too hot or bland, or it just doesn't meet your personal …
Pepper is NOT Chili; Sichuan Pepper is NOT Real Pepper
Although it is often referred to as chili pepper, chili is not a pepper. They come from different plants. And, just to …