• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Asian Inspired Eats Food Blog
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • CONTACT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • CONTACT
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

    Asian Cooking Essentials to Keep in Stock (A Beginner's Guide)

    September 23, 2024 · Published: February 26, 2024 By: Asian Inspired Eats 12 Comments

    Ever wonder what items you need to get started on your Asian cooking journey? This handy beginner's guide to Asian Cooking Essentials to Keep in Stock will help you stock your pantry and fridge with the most-used products in Asian cooking. Let's get started!

    A compilation of Asian pantry products on top of a white wooden board with a white brick background.

    If you've always wanted to try your hand at Asian cooking, but unsure of what products you'll need, this post is definitely for you! Lots of Asian recipes have multiple ingredients, but don't let that scare you. Most of these ingredients are staples that you can store in your pantry and fridge for quite some time as they have a long shelf life. Once you have these products on hand, the cooking part is a cinch!

    In This Article:
    • Where Can You Find These Products?
    • Soy Sauce
    • Types of Soy Sauce
    • Rice vinegar
    • Fish Sauce
    • Frequent FAQ's
    • Red Curry Paste
    • Mirin
    • Sambal Oelek
    • Frequent FAQ's
    • Coconut milk
    • Miso Paste and Gochujang Chili Paste
    • Sesame Oil
    • Sriracha Sauce
    • Common FAQ's
    • Sweet Chili Sauce
    • Tofu
    • What is Tofu?
    • Health Benefits of Tofu
    • Rice
    • Jasmine Rice vs. Sushi Rice
    • Rice Noodles and Rice Paper Wrappers
    • Toasted Sesame Seeds
    • Chinese Five Spice

    Where Can You Find These Products?

    • Grocery stores. Most large grocery stores carry these popular Asian pantry items in the international aisle. The produce can usually be found in your grocer's produce section. Your best bet for more exotic produce can be found at your local Asian market.
    • Asian markets. Most U.S. cities have numerous Asian markets which carry a large selection of products and produce. My go-to here in Atlanta is the Buford Highway Farmers Market. It's like heaven on earth! One of the more well-known Asian markets is H-Mart, which is located in many major cities in the U.S.
    • Amazon. For easy delivery and a wide selection, buy directly through Amazon by clicking on the various product links in this post.

    [*These products contain affiliate links of which I receive compensation for qualifying purchases.]

    Tiered shelves at an Asian market with a large selection of soy sauces.

    Check out this selection of soy sauces at a local Asian market! There are rows upon rows of this Asian cooking essential in other aisles as well. So many to choose from!

    Soy Sauce

    Two bottles of soy sauce and a small glass bowl filled with soy sauce placed on top of a white plank board with white brick in the background.

    Perhaps the most-utilized ingredient in Asian cooking is soy sauce. There are many varieties of soy sauce to keep in your pantry. I tend to use the low-sodium soy sauce to keep it lighter. And, depending on your diet, there are also an array of gluten-free (no soy) options too, like coconut aminos, tamari sauce, gluten-free, and no-soy sauce. Here's a breakdown:

    Types of Soy Sauce

    • Dark Soy Sauce: This all-purpose seasoning is perfect for just about any Asian sauce, from stir fries to noodles, as well as for dipping sauces and marinades!
    • Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: This lighter, reduced-sodium soy sauce works as well as the darker version, but with about 50% less added salt (check the label). Perfect for those looking to lower their sodium intake.
    • Tamari: There are several gluten-free options of soy sauce for those watching their gluten intake. One of the most popular options is tamari, still rich in umami flavor, but made with no wheat. It's also vegan (but, check the label).
    • Soy-Free Soy Sauce: I love the distinct sweet, and slightly tangy, flavor of coconut aminos, my go-to for soy-free sauce. There are other options as well.
    Buy on Amazon

    Some Delicious Recipes Using Soy Sauce

    • Chinese Egg Drop Soup
    • Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
    • Chicken Satay Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

    Search the Recipe Box for inspiration using these products, and get cooking in the kitchen!

    Rice vinegar

    A bottle of Nakano rice vinegar and a small glass bowl with rice vinegar on a white plank board with a white brick background.

    Rice vinegar is made from fermented rice, and is naturally gluten free. Rice vinegar is subtle, and has a delicate, sweet flavor relative to other vinegars. It's perfect for use in Asian marinades, sauces, and rice. I do not recommend using the seasoned rice vinegar. (Check the label.)

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Easy Recipes Using Rice Vinegar

    • Easy Miso Dressing
    • The Best Asian Peanut Sauce
    • Spicy Thai Salad with Ginger

    Fish Sauce

    A bottle of Thai Kitchen fish sauce and a small glass bowl filled with fish sauce placed on top of a white plank board with white brick in the background.

    This Southeast Asian condiment, and Asian cooking essential, is used in literally everything, from traditional dipping sauces to curries. Fish sauce adds a salty, umami, savory flavor, making your food taste more complex than without. It doesn't take much of this versatile sauce to add that flavor.

    Buy on Amazon

    Frequent FAQ's

    What is fish sauce made of?

    Most modern fish sauces contain only fish and salt, usually made from anchovy, shrimp, mackerel, or other strong-flavored, high-oil fish, and is fermented for up to two years.

    Is fish sauce gluten free?

    Much like soy sauce, fish sauce can be made gluten-free, but also may NOT be gluten-free. Thai Kitchen makes a gluten-free fish sauce, but when buying the sauce for yourself or eating out, be sure to see the label for yourself.

    Some Flavorful Recipes Using Fish Sauce

    • Thai Curry Steamed Mussels
    • Spicy Asian Brussels Sprouts
    • Grilled Flank Steak Lettuce Cups

    This Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce using fish sauce as an ingredient is amazing! A staple at most Vietnamese tables, it's so easy to prepare. you can whip this up in about 10 minutes. It's sweet, sour, salty, savory, and spicy!

    Red Curry Paste

    A bottle of Thai Kitchen red curry paste and a small glass bowl of red curry paste on top of white wooden planks with a white brick background.

    The most common use of red curry paste is for sauces and stews. Red curry paste has a combination of lemongrass, chiles, ginger, shallots, and a few other flavorings to create a savory, slightly spicy ingredient that pairs well with most proteins.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Flavorful Recipes Using Red Curry Paste

    • Thai Coconut Curry Seafood Soup
    • Thai Curry Chicken with Rice
    • Red Curry Salmon Kebabs

    Mirin

    A bottle of Kikkoman mirin and a small glass bowl filled with mirin placed on top of a white plank board with white brick in the background.

    Mirin is a sweetened sake (or rice wine) with a light, syrupy texture, mostly used in Japanese cooking. It gives a mild sweetness to sauces and dishes, and is particularly good with grilled foods because the alcohol burns off during cooking, leaving just the sweet taste.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Delicious Recipes Using Mirin

    • Sushi Waffles with Salmon and Tuna
    • Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
    • Crispy Tofu Steaks with Bok Choy

    Sambal Oelek

    A bottle of sambal oelek and a small glass bowl filled with sambal oelek placed on top of a white plank board with white brick in the background.

    This fiery, red chili sauce is great in just about everything! Sambal Oelek is a simple, spicy Indonesian condiment made of ground red chilies. You can use it wherever you'd use hot sauce, as a marinade, or add it to a variety of soups and noodle dishes. This is by far my favorite, and essential, Asian condiment!

    Buy on Amazon

    Frequent FAQ's

    What is a good substitute for sambal oelek?

    The best substitutes for sambal are a garlic and chili sauce, Sriracha sauce (though it's sweeter than sambal), or crushed chili.

    Some Spicy Recipes Using Sambal Oelek

    • Chinese Garlic Green Beans
    • Walnut Crusted Halibut
    • Roasted Thai Butternut Squash Dip

    Coconut milk

    A can of Thai Kitchen coconut milk and a small glass bowl filled with coconut milk placed on top of a white plank board with white brick in the background.

    Super versatile, non-dairy coconut milk is widely used in Southeast Asian cooking. Coconut milk adds richness to stews and curries, slow cooker meals, and a nearly endless list of sweet treats. I often use the lite version to keep the calories down, and use full-fat coconut milk for a richer depth of flavor.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Creamy Recipes Using Coconut Milk

    • Thai Coconut Curry Seafood Soup
    • Rice Cooker Coconut Rice with Lemongrass
    • Ginger and Turmeric Cauliflower Soup

    Miso Paste and Gochujang Chili Paste

    A container of miso paste and a container of gochujang paste on top of a white plank board with a white brick background.

    Miso paste: A traditional, widely used Japanese seasoning made with fermented soybeans with salt and koji, and sometimes rice, barley, or other ingredients. The result is a thick, flavorful, umami flavor used for sauces, soups, desserts, and spreads. There are many types of miso, but my miso of choice is white miso for its mildness and lower sodium content.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Umami Recipes Using Miso Paste

    • Easy Miso Glazed Salmon
    • Miso Soup with Tofu
    • Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Gochujang paste: This spicy, traditional and essential Korean ingredient is salty, savory, and slightly sweet, and can be used in many ways including in soups, stews, and sauces. This paste is very concentrated and pungent in flavor, perfect for adding into meat dishes and marinades.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Quick Recipes Using Gochujang

    • Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Gochujang
    • Seared Gochujang-Glazed Redfish

    Sesame Oil

    A bottle of Sun Luck sesame oil and a small glass bowl filled with sesame oil placed on top of a white plank board with white brick in the background.

    Just the right amount of sesame oil (a small amount) adds a heavenly, mildly nutty, and aromatic seasoning to Asian stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. This gluten-free flavor enhancer is derived from sesame seeds, and is super fragrant. Don't use too much or it will absolutely overtake the dish! Just a little goes a long way.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Aromatic Recipes Using Sesame Oil

    • Crispy Sesame Seared Tofu Strips
    • Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
    • Easy Chinese Chicken Salad

    Sriracha Sauce

    A bottle of Huy Fong Sriracha chili sauce and a small glass bowl filled with sriracha placed on top of a white plank board with white brick in the background.

    This potent condiment is super popular these days. For some, this is an essential product for Asian recipes. Made from red chili peppers, Sriracha sauce is perfect for spicing up your favorite foods. It's a sweet, tangy, delicious variety of hot sauce made with chili peppers, vinegar, salt, sugar and garlic.

    Buy on Amazon

    Common FAQ's

    Which is hotter, sriracha sauce or sambal oelek?

    The red chili peppers that give sambal oelek its signature spice and flavor results in sambal being spicier than sriracha, which might take some getting used to at first.

    What are the ingredients in sriracha sauce vs. sambal oelek?

    Sriracha contains chili peppers, sugar, salt, garlic, and a light amount of vinegar, while sambal is by far one of the simplest chili pastes around, and only contains chili peppers, salt, vinegar, and water.

    Some Spicy Recipes Using Sriracha Sauce

    • Spicy Baked Sriracha Crackers
    • Blistered Shishito Peppers with Sriracha Aioli
    • Crispy Baked Sriracha Sweet Potato Fries

    Sweet Chili Sauce

    A bottle of Panda Express sweet chili sauce on top of white wooden planks with a white brick background.

    Sweet chili sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes. It's the perfect combination of sweet, heat, and tangy that makes it irresistible as a dipping sauce for appetizers like spring rolls, crispy tofu, or shrimp tempura. Additionally, it can be used as a glaze for grilled meats like chicken or salmon, adding a delicious caramelized sweetness with a hint of heat.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Tasty Recipes Using Sweet Chili Sauce

    • Shrimp and Turkey Asian Meatballs
    • Gluten-Free Baked Coconut Shrimp
    • Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls

    Tofu

    Two packages of tofu on top of a white plank board with a white brick background.

    Tofu is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines. Tofu can be very versatile in the way its prepared. Cooking tofu can be prepared from smooth and soft, to crispy fried or baked. It's also very healthy for you!

    Buy on Amazon

    What is Tofu?

    Tofu, or bean curd, is a popular food derived from dried soybeans. It's made by curdling fresh soya milk, pressing it into a solid block and then cooling it, in much the same way that traditional dairy cheese is made by curdling and solidifying milk. There are many types of tofu from which to choose, from silken to firm to extra firm.

    Health Benefits of Tofu

    Tofu is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Tofu contains omega-3 and omega-6 healthy fats, making it a superfood. Tofu also has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties making this plant protein so good for you!

    Some Healthy Recipes Using Tofu

    • Miso Soup with Tofu
    • Miso Tofu and Bok Choy Stir Fry
    • Easy Tofu Pad Thai

    Rice

    A bag of sushi rice and a bag of Jasmine rice, and a blue bowl of raw rice, on top of a white plank board with a white brick background.

    It's no surprise that rice is the number one Asian cooking essential! Throughout history, rice has been the cornerstone of Asian cuisine, serving as the foundation of countless dishes, from steaming bowls of fragrant jasmine rice to savory sushi rolls made with sushi rice. So, what's the difference?

    Jasmine Rice vs. Sushi Rice

    Jasmine Rice is a long-grain rice. This means that it is longer and thinner than most other types of rice. It also tends to have a fluffy texture when cooked, rather than soft and clumpy. Steamed jasmine rice is ideal for eating with stir fries and curry dishes, in soups, and used for fried rice.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Fragrant Recipes Using Jasmine Rice

    • Crispy Rice with Ginger and Scallions
    • Thai Curry Chicken with Rice
    • Rice Cooker Coconut Rice

    Sushi Rice is a short-grain rice. This glutinous rice has a higher starch content than other varieties, which gives it the sticky texture perfect for making sushi.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Tasty Sushi Recipes Using Sushi Rice

    • Salmon Sushi Bowl
    • Sushi Tacos with Salmon and Tuna
    • 17 Ways to Make Sushi at Home

    Rice Noodles and Rice Paper Wrappers

    A package of dried vermicelli rice noodles and a package of round rice paper sheets on top of a white plank board with a white brick background.

    Rice noodles, a staple in many Asian cuisines, are versatile for their delicate texture and ability to absorb flavors. Originating in East and Southeast Asia, rice noodles come in various types, each suited for different dishes. Rice vermicelli noodles are commonly used in Vietnamese and Thai soups, salads, and stir-fries.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Delicious Recipes Using Rice Noodles

    • Vietnamese Phó Gà
    • Asian Beef Noodle Bowls
    • Easy Tofu Pad Thai

    Rice paper wrappers, also known as spring roll wrappers, are made from rice flour, water, and salt, yielding a thin, translucent sheet. These wrappers serve as a staple ingredient in dishes like spring rolls and summer rolls, both fresh and fried, that complements a wide range of fillings, from vegetables and shrimp to meats and tofu.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Delicious Recipes Using Rice Paper Wrappers

    • Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Shrimp
    • Steamed Vietnamese Rolls
    Stacked shelves filled with packages of rice noodles in various sizes.

    Rows upon rows of rice noodles at a local Asian market. So many choices!

    Toasted Sesame Seeds

    A plastic jar of toasted sesame seeds and two small bowls of white and black sesame seeds on the side on top of a white plank board with a white brick background.

    Toasted sesame seeds, with their nutty aroma and delicate crunch, are versatile little gems that enhance the flavor and texture of countless dishes. Whether sprinkled on a vibrant Asian salad for added depth, or incorporated into a savory stir-fry, these tiny seeds pack a punch of flavor and nutrition.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Flavorful Recipes Using Toasted Sesame Seeds

    • Sesame Seared Tuna with Cheesy Cauliflower Mash
    • Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings
    • Crispy Sesame Seared Tofu Strips

    Chinese Five Spice

    A glass bottle of Chinese five spice and a small glass bowl of five spice on the side on top of a wooden plank board with a white brick background.

    Chinese five spice powder is a popular, aromatic Asian spice blend typically comprised of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppers, and fennel seeds. Chinese five spice adds depth and complexity to dishes ranging from braised meats to stir-fries, and even baked goods.

    Buy on Amazon

    Some Aromatic Recipes Using Chinese Five Spice

    • Chinese Five Spice Pork Tenderloin
    • Five Spice Pumpkin Bread
    • Asian Spiced Pork Chili with Butternut Squash
    A compilation of Asian pantry products on top of a white wooden board.

    That's a wrap! Now you're ready to start cooking easy and delicious Asian food at home with your list of Asian Cooking Essentials to Keep in Stock! Check out all of the recipes this website has to offer, designed for the home cook, like you!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published on September 4, 2018, but was republished in February 2024 with new images and updated text.

    A pinterest pin of Asian cooking essentials, a collage of the most-used Asian cooking products. this recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Two bowls filled with Chinese curry chicken and potatoes with whole red chili peppers on top all placed on a white wooden board with a white spoon on the side.
      36 Easy Chinese New Year Recipes - The Year of the Snake
    • A white bowl of Thai seafood soup with shrimp, mussels and lime on top of a yellow plate with fresh herbs and a small bowl of rice on the side placed on top of a wooden board.
      53 Asian-Inspired Seafood Recipes to Make at Home
    • Air Fryer avocado egg rolls stacked on a white plate.
      18 Tasty Asian Air Fryer Recipes Ready in Minutes
    • Stir-fry miso shiitake mushrooms, tofu, and baby bok choy on a blue plate with wooden chopsticks, and fresh shiitake mushrooms on the side.
      17 Delicious Homemade Asian Recipes to Try with Tofu

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Maggie J says

      February 26, 2024 at 10:07 am

      Wow, this post was so helpful! I’m definitely going to buy some of these key items so I can try cooking Asian food. You make it look so easy!

      Reply
      • Asian Inspired Eats says

        February 26, 2024 at 10:08 am

        I'm excited that these helped you get started, Maggie! Cooking Asian food should not be intimidating. Just follow my easy recipes and it's a cinch!

        Reply
    2. Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says

      September 06, 2018 at 12:45 pm

      Such a great list of items to have on hand!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 06, 2018 at 2:17 pm

        Thanks, Nancy! These really are the staples for Asian cooking. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Lisa Huff says

      September 05, 2018 at 11:25 am

      Great list of ideas! I need to stock up so I can make more Asian food at home.

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 05, 2018 at 1:27 pm

        These are great ingredients to have on hand in your pantry. Makes cooking Asian-inspired recipes so easy!

        Reply
    4. Asian Caucasian says

      September 05, 2018 at 8:32 am

      I also use some of these Asian products for other types of cuisine. Like the sambal oelek (red chili paste), it gives certain recipes a nice kick!

      Reply
    5. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

      September 04, 2018 at 8:48 pm

      You are right....I have many of these, and if you keep them on hand, you can easily make an Asian-inspired meal!

      Reply
    6. Mike from Chili Pepper Madness says

      September 04, 2018 at 11:51 am

      I have all of these but the miso. Better run out for miso! Great list! It's extremely helpful.

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 04, 2018 at 6:37 pm

        You're very welcome, Mike! Miso can be kept in the fridge for quite a while. It makes a great sauce for many proteins.

        Reply
    7. Francis says

      May 18, 2018 at 10:02 pm

      I have to agree I have all of these in my pantry.

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        May 21, 2018 at 8:16 am

        Yay, happy to hear that! Just having these essential products makes Asian cooking so much easier.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    A profile picture of Lesli Schwartz with Asian Caucasian.

    Hi, I'm Lesli! Welcome to Asian Inspired Eats (formerly Asian Caucasian), a food blog featuring easy and delicious, Asian-inspired recipes for the home cook. I always use market-fresh ingredients to prepare healthy and nutritious recipes, so you can ditch those take-out menus! Come share my culinary love of beautiful Asian-fusion food, and get cooking in the kitchen!

    About me
    • Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon on top of white rice with fork on a white round plate with roasted asparagus on the side.
      Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe - Quick & Easy Dinner
    • A vibrant Vegan Asian Noodle Salad in a dark gray bowl topped with black chopsticks on a round wooden board with a linen napkin and small bowl of dressing on the side.
      Vegan Asian Noodle Salad with Homemade Peanut Sauce
    • Thick tofu strips cooking in a black cast iron pan.
      How to Cook Tofu Like a Pro
    • Slices of fresh sashimi salmon on a white platter topped with sliced cucumbers on top and sprinkles of black sesame seeds, with black chopsticks, a Japanese tea kettle, and a small white bowl of green wasabi on the side.
      18 Healthy Salmon Recipes to Boost Your Omega-3s

    Featured In:

    Seriously Good Chili Cookbook!

    My Asian-Spiced Pork Chili recipe was featured in celebrity chef Brian Baumgartner's best-selling cookbook, "Seriously Good Chili Cookbook." You probably know Brian as Kevin Malone on NBC's major hit series, "The Office!"

    Get the Recipe!
    Asian Inspired Eats featured in Brian Baumgartner's Seriously Good Chili Cookbook.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact Us
    • Work with Us
    • Featured In

    © 2016-2023 Asian Inspired Eats

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission.
    If you want to share this recipe, please provide a link back to this post for the original recipe.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    A pinterest pin of Asian cooking essentials, a collage of the most-used Asian cooking products.
    A pinterest pin of Asian cooking essentials, a collage of the most-used Asian cooking products.