Every Popular Cooking Method for Asian Cuisine You Must Know

Asian cuisine has become increasingly popular in the United States and worldwide.

There is something for everyone, from classic Chinese to more modern Japanese dishes. But what makes Asian foods so unique and delicious? The answer is in the cooking methods.

Whether you are a novice or a master chef, understanding the different cooking methods for Asian cuisine is essential for creating delicious meals. You can easily make restaurant-quality dishes at home with the right ingredients and techniques. So, dive into Asian cooking methods and see what you can learn.

1. Deep Frying

 Deep frying is a cooking method that has become increasingly popular. This technique involves immersing food in a deep vat of hot oil, which cooks the food quickly and evenly. It's a great way to ensure that your food is cooked thoroughly, and it can also give it a delicious, crispy texture.

Deep-fried ingredients include spring rolls, tempura, and chicken wings. For deep frying, it's best to use oil with a high smoke point. Some of the best options include vegetable oils like canola, sunflower, and peanut and animal fats like lard and tallow. If you'd like a more flavorful option, you can also use nut oils like almond, walnut, and hazelnut.

2. Grilling

Some Asian foods contain a smoky, charred flavour, and that's because grilling is a common cooking method used in Asian cuisine. Grilling involves using direct heat for cooking food, usually over an open flame or hot coals. The most popular way to grill food is over an open flame, but you can also use an electric or gas grill.

When grilling, use the right type of charcoal or wood chips. Some of the most popular options are mesquite, hickory, and applewood. Additionally, you can use marinades and sauces to infuse your food with flavour. To ensure your food is cooked evenly, use a brush to coat it in oil and turn it frequently.

3. Braising

One way to enhance your cooking skills is to learn how to braise. Braising is a cooking procedure that involves cooking food in a liquid over low heat for an extended period. This method of cooking helps to tenderise tough cuts of meat, as well as infuse the food with flavour. You'll need a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, such as a Dutch oven, to braise.

Another thing to remember when braising is that you must be patient. After all, if you rush the process, you won't be able to reap the full benefits of the technique. As a general guideline, cook your food in the liquid for at least an hour before checking to see if it's done. Aside from that, use flavorful ingredients such as herbs, spices, and vegetables to get the most out of your braising experience.

4. Stir-frying

Stir-frying is a cooking method that originated in China and is now widely used in Asian cuisine. It involves rapidly cooking small, bite-sized pieces of food in a hot wok or frying pan over high heat. The food is constantly tossed and stirred, allowing it to cook evenly and quickly.

Stir-frying is a great way to retain the freshness, color, and texture of the ingredients, and it's often used to cook vegetables, meats, and tofu. To stir-fry effectively, it's important to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go, as the cooking process is quick.

5. Boiling

Boiling is a cooking method that involves immersing food in boiling water or broth. This method is often used to cook pasta, rice, vegetables, and eggs. Boiling is a quick and efficient way to cook food, and it's also a great way to tenderize tough cuts of meat. To boil food effectively, it's important to use a large pot, and to bring the water or broth to a rolling boil before adding the food.

6. Steaming

Steaming is a cooking method that involves cooking food using the steam from boiling water. This method is often used to cook vegetables, seafood, and dumplings. Steaming is a healthy and efficient way to cook food, as it retains the flavor and nutrients of the ingredients. To steam food effectively, it's important to use a steamer basket or a steaming pot, and to place the food in the basket or pot above the boiling water.

7. Roasting

Roasting is a cooking method that involves cooking food in the oven, surrounded by dry heat. This method is often used to cook meats, poultry, and vegetables. Roasting is a great way to develop a rich, caramelized flavor, and it's also an efficient way to cook food. To roast food effectively, it's important to use a high temperature, and to regularly baste the food with its own juices or a marinade.

8. Smoking

Smoking is a cooking method that involves cooking food using smoke from a fire. This method is often used to cook meats, poultry, and fish. Smoking is a great way to infuse food with a rich, smoky flavor, and it's also a slow and low cooking method that is great for tenderizing tough cuts of meat. To smoke food effectively, it's important to use the right type of wood, and to control the temperature of the fire.

9. Wok cooking

Wok cooking is a cooking method that originated in China and is now widely used in Asian cuisine. It involves cooking food in a large, shallow, round-bottomed pan called a wok.

Wok cooking is a fast and efficient way to cook food, and it's also a great way to retain the freshness, color, and texture of the ingredients. To wok cook effectively, it's important to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go, and to use a high heat and a wok spatula to toss and stir the food constantly.

Final Thoughts

Asian cuisine is a vast and varied culinary landscape best enjoyed when cooked using traditional methods. From the fiery dishes of Sichuan to the delicate flavours of Cantonese, there is a cooking method to suit every palate.

Each method has its unique taste and texture, making it essential to understand and apply the right cooking method to achieve the desired results. With the right ingredients and the right cooking method, anyone can create delicious and authentic Asian foods.

Foodland is the store you can rely on to help you create top-quality Asian foods. We provide a range of Asian ingredients, cooking tools, and recipes to help you explore the world of Asian cuisine. Shop from us today!