Asian Recipes for Busy Europeans - Master Authentic Asian Cooking

Asia is a diverse continent with a rich culture and thousands of different and delicious cuisines. Her vast culinary landscape ranges from fragrant Indian curries to the delicious noodle dishes of Thailand, the complex flavors of Chinese woks, fresh sushi and sashimi from Japan to the delicious street food of Vietnam.

Asian cuisine is exotic and delicious and incredibly easy to prepare with the right ingredients. And many Europeans are eager to get these tasty dishes on their table. For people living in Europe, it can be difficult to find fresh and authentic Asian ingredients locally. Significant differences in taste and cooking style and limited access to the necessary ingredients are frequent obstacles. That is why Foodland has made it its mission to source and provide the highest quality Asian food for modern gastronomy. Foodland's extensive range of products, including wholesale and retail Asian food, is aimed at the professional chef and home cook.

Basics of Asian cuisine

The key to mastering the kitchen is understanding its basic ingredients and procedures. In this section, we'll cover basic ingredients commonly found in Asian kitchens and basic cooking methods that will bring out the best flavors in your dishes.

Asian cuisine relies heavily on five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. Most dishes combine these flavors to achieve a harmonious flavor profile. Basic ingredients of Asian cuisine include soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil and various chili peppers.

Fresh herbs such as coriander, basil and mint are also indispensable in many Asian dishes, adding brightness and depth of flavour. Garlic, ginger and lemongrass are often used aromatic substances that give dishes unique and distinctive notes.

Kitchen equipment that you must have when cooking Asian cuisine

If you want to prepare your favorite Asian dishes at home, investing in a few basic kitchen tools can go a long way. These three essential tools will enhance your cooking experience and help you achieve restaurant-worthy results:

1. Wok: This classic utensil is ideal for frying, deep-frying and even slow cooking. Using a bamboo steamer, you can also use the wok to steam dumplings, fish or vegetables.
2. Rice cooker: A reliable kitchen appliance that always cooks rice perfectly. A staple in many Asian households, the rice cooker guarantees fluffy and evenly cooked rice with minimal effort. It can also be used as a steamer or a slow cooker, which increases its functionality.
3. Sharp knives: When working with ingredients in Asian cuisine, it is very important to use the right knife for different cuts. A chef's knife and cleaver are essential for precise and quick chopping, dicing and grinding ingredients.

Popular and simple Asian dishes for beginners

Here are four delicious Asian dishes for those who want to start their culinary journey. These quick but delicious recipes are perfect for busy weeknights.

1. Chicken Pad Thai (Thailand): A popular and delicious rice noodle dish that includes fried chicken, eggs, bean sprouts and a tamarind-based sweet and salty sauce. Garnish with crushed peanuts, lime and fresh cilantro to taste.
2. Vegetable Fried Rice (China): This quick fried rice recipe turns leftover rice into a healthy and filling meal. Combine cooked rice with selected vegetables, scrambled eggs and a simple soy sauce-based sauce for a simple and tasty Asian-style meal.
3. Miso Soup (Japan): A versatile and comforting Japanese soup made from spicy miso broth. Add vegetables, tofu and seaweed for a nutritious dish full of umami, perfect for sipping on a cold day.
4. Chicken Curry (India): This simplified chicken curry recipe features juicy, slow-cooked chicken in a luxuriously rich and aromatic sauce. Serve with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for an unforgettable meal.

Tips and tricks for successful cooking of Asian cuisine at home

1. Prepare the ingredients in advance: Preparing the ingredients before cooking, also known as mise en place, is key to smooth and trouble-free cooking. Most Asian dishes are cooked quickly and over high heat, so preparation of everything is necessary to ensure a successful result.
2. Adjust the heat level: To get the best flavors of Asian cuisine, pay attention to the heat level at different stages of cooking. For example, frying may require a high heat, while cooking a curry or soup may benefit from a lower heat level.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning: Asian cuisine is all about balance. Feel free to taste and adjust the herbs in the dish while cooking. Adding more soy sauce, fish sauce or sugar can make a big difference.
4. Experiment with different ingredients and recipes: Be brave, try new recipes and play with different ingredients. Asian cuisine is incredibly diverse and you may discover a new love for a particular cuisine or food.

Conclusion:

Mastering the art of Asian cuisine can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for busy Europeans. With the right ingredients, tools, techniques and a little patience, you can bring the tantalizing flavors of Asia into your home. Bon appétit, or as they say in Asia, 旅旅吃 (màn màn chī)!

Discover the perfect Asian food experience at Foodland, Bratislava's leading wholesale, retail and online store. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, our wide range of high-quality Asian ingredients will elevate your meals. Visit our Asian food store in Bratislava today and discover the flavors of the Far East!