Asian cuisine, with its incredible range of flavors and aromas, attracts many foodies from around the world. However, as intimidating as it may seem, it is based on simple and accessible foundations. Here is a culinary journey that will allow you to put your foot down and concoct tasty Asian dishes at home.
Understanding the key ingredients
Let’s be clear from the start: To master the basics of Asian cuisine, it is essential to know the essential ingredients. These are often shared between different Asian cuisines, each bringing their own unique character to the dishes.
Soy sauce, a real pillar, brings deep umami and rich color to preparations. There are generally two varieties: light soy sauce and dark soy sauce, the former being less concentrated than the latter.
Garlic and ginger infuse their feverish scents and are often used as an aromatic base. As for chives, coriander and Thai basil, they offer an essential touch of freshness.
Sesame oil, with its pronounced nutty taste, and the sesame seeds sprinkled at the end, make the dishes irresistibly delicious.
Noodles of rice, rice vermicelli, and wheat noodles are important constituents, providing substance and satisfaction.
Rice, whether jasmine, basmati or sticky, also plays a central role in many Asian meals.
Basic techniques in Asian cooking
Mastering a few simple techniques will give your dishes that authentic Asian touch. Stir-fry over high heat, or stir fry, is a quick method that preserves the crunchy texture of vegetables while enhancing the flavors. Simply prepare all your ingredients in advance, cooking them quickly in a hot wok or pan with a drizzle of oil.
Another common technique is steam cooking, perfect for dumplings, fish or bok choy, guaranteeing tender and healthy dishes.
Accessible recipes to get started
Let’s discover together some easy recipes that will delight the taste buds of beginners in Asian cuisine.
Japanese miso soup
Ingredients :
- 1 liter of water
- 4 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 block of silken tofu
- some dried wakame seaweed
- 2 green shallots, sliced
- dashi (if desired)
Instructions :
Heat the water in a saucepan until simmering. Reduce the heat, add the dashi (optional) and dissolve the miso paste. Add the diced tofu and the seaweed. Finish with the green shallots and serve immediately. Simplicity and flavor come together in this comforting starter.
Stir-fried chicken with Thai basil
Ingredients :
- 400 g of minced chicken
- 1 handful of Thai basil
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 chopped red pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- cooking oil
Instructions :
Heat the oil and sauté the garlic and chilli until aromatic. Add the chicken and sauté until cooked through. Stir in the soy sauce and sugar, then remove from the heat and add the basil. Serve on a bed of hot rice. Here is an emblematic dish that combines freshness and character.
Vietnamese spring rolls
Ingredients :
- Rice leaves
- Cooked rice vermicelli
- Julienne raw vegetables (carrots, cucumber, etc.)
- Fresh herbs (mint, coriander)
- Cooked and peeled shrimp
Instructions :
Dip a rice paper in lukewarm water to soften it and spread it on a clean cloth. Garnish with vermicelli, vegetables, herbs and shrimp. Roll up tightly, tucking in the sides to enclose the filling. These spring rolls are perfect as a light starter or for a summer meal.
Flavor combinations and tips
Asian cuisine is a playground for the taste buds, inviting experimentation with multiple combinations. It is often a question of balance between sweet, salty, sour and spicy. A squeeze of lime, a spoonful of sugar or a touch of hot sauce can transform a dish.
Even in the most simplistic recipes, it is necessary pay attention to texture. Sautéed vegetables should retain their crunch, while meats should be tender and juicy. The key lies in the cooking temperature and speed of execution.
Get used to the idea that Asian cooking teaches patience and precision, but with accessible recipes as a starting point, success is within everyone’s reach. Treat yourself, experiment and explore the world of Asian flavors. Who knows where these first steps in Asian cuisine will take you…
