Fun Food Finds You Can Buy at an Asian Grocery Store

 

IMAGE Mark Jesalva

 

 

One of the most important things to learn as a home cook is to be adventurous with flavor: be open to cooking with unfamiliar ingredients and appreciate what other cuisines have to offer. If you have an Asian grocery store nearby or in your community, shop through the aisles every now and then to find ingredients, snacks, and condiments that are deserving of that pantry space! 

 

 

 

IMAGE Mark Jesalva

 

1  Organic Soba Noodles

These classic Japanese buckwheat noodles are the backbone of many of our favorite noodle dishes. Did you know that soba noodles are gluten-free? Here's an easy recipe to try the next time you have soba on hand: 

 

 

 

IMAGE Mark Jesalva

 

2  Red, Yellow, and Green Curry Pastes

Stock up on curry pastes for speedy Thai-inspired cooking! Explore the flavors of the many kinds of curries available. 

 

 

 

IMAGE Mark Jesalva

 

3  Vinegared Red Chili Sauce

Gochujang is a popular Korean miso-like condiment made primarily of red chili and fermented soybean. This version is has vinegar, which makes it pourable and slighty more acidic-perfect as a dipping sauce for fish and seafood. 

 

 

IMAGE Mark Jesalva

 

4  Brown Rice Syrup

You will probably encounter brown rice syrup in recipes for both baked and no-bake desserts. In Korean cooking, it is used for finishing off dishes with a light and shiny glaze. Use brown rice syrup at home as a substitute for high-fructose corn syrup in your baking and desserts prep. 

 

 

IMAGE Mark Jesalva

 

5  Chocolate-Dipped Crackers

Any Asian grocery store will have rows and rows of shelves filled with all sorts of snacks. Grab a few boxes of chocolate-dipped crackers for your baon stash!