Asian seasoning is the perfect balance of hot, sweet, sour and spicy flavors that makes for a well-rounded dish. These spices are used in a wide variety of dishes around the world including Indian, Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines to name a few.
The use of these ingredients helps to make Asian food a deliciously unique cuisine that is loved worldwide for its distinct aromas and tastes. The popularity of this cuisine has risen over the past few years as Americans have become increasingly interested in healthier and more natural eating habits.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, incorporating these essential Asian spices can help you bring new life to your favorite recipes. From the classic shichimi togarashi to turmeric, here are some of our favorite Asian spices that you should add to your spice rack right away!
Chilli – A versatile, flavorful spice that can be used on almost any meal. You can add whole, crushed or powdered chillies to sauces and dips for a bold kick or toss them with your vegetables for a more delicate flavor.
Turmeric – The golden color and earthiness of turmeric can add an element of complexity to your meals. It’s also famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s a must have in every home kitchen!
Basil – A popular garnish to many Asian dishes, basil has an aromatic, herbal flavour that is bright and grassy. It’s a versatile herb that can be purchased fresh or dried, and is easy to store in an airtight container.
Garlic – Another must have in every kitchen, garlic is a key ingredient to many dishes across Asia. It’s used in a variety of ways, from making soups and marinades to cooking with rice.
Ginger – An important ingredient to many Asian recipes, ginger has a sweet, aromatic, and warm flavor that can be found in everything from chicken marinades to yogurt and ice cream. It can be purchased in either fresh or dried form, and is an excellent addition to soups, stews and sauces.
Szechuan Peppercorns – These light pink and flavorful peppercorns are a great addition to any dish. They add a wonderful numbing effect to any spicy dish and pair well with the citrus and heat of other spices like lemongrass, garlic, and ginger.
Five-Spice – This Chinese blend of spices includes star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, fennel seeds and cloves. It is often used in stir-fries, as a glaze for fried foods and can even be used as a dry rub on meats.
Cloves – The most famous of all the Asian spices, you’ll find these in everything from Singaporean fried rice to oolong tea. Their intensely spicy-sweet heat can really transform a dish into something special, and a little goes a long way.
Chinese Five Spice – This traditional Chinese seasoning is made up of a mix of cassia cinnamon, fennel seeds, cloves, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. The combination of these spices is a classic for Chinese cuisine and it’s a wonderful seasoning to keep in your pantry for any savory dish.