A chef always needs ingredients before he can start cooking. However, you may want to keep your ingredients limited to ensure you get the most bang out of your buck and reduce spending on ingredients that you can only use once. Read on to find out what are the top 10 ingredients to source for in Asian recipes. We will also share where to get these ingredients in Kingston, Ontario.
#1 Garlic
Given that our first recipe already features this component, you can see how much we favor this ingredient. Garlic, a versatile culinary gem, enhances dishes with its pungent and aromatic flavor profile. Whether minced, crushed, or roasted, it imparts a savory richness to savory recipes.
Where to buy: Food Basics
Price: 5 bulbs of garlic for CAD1.88
#2 Rice
Of course, this ingredient cannot be left out of the list. Whether is it Chinese, Korean or other cuisines from Asia, rice is a fundamental element of many Asian meals. Kingston shops sell rice in a range of sizes from a small packet of 400g to 8kg. If you are unfamiliar with rice, you can opt for smaller packet to determine if you like it. Otherwise, we recommend getting a bigger sack of rice for more savings! We also recommend getting jasmine rice or long grain white rice as it is more versatile, it can be eaten on its own, use for fried rice or porridge.
Check out our fried rice recipe here!
Where to buy: Food Basics, Kingston Asian Supermarket
#3 Soy Sauce
Soy sauce, a savory elixir, is a dark, flavorful liquid made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and fermentation agents. This umami-rich condiment adds depth and saltiness to a myriad of dishes, from stir-fries and marinades to dipping sauces. This is different from dark soy sauce so do read the label carefully. We personally prefer the brand Lee Kum Kee but another popular option is from Kikkoman.
Where to buy: BvBuy, Food Basics
#4 Chicken Bouillon
This is a flavor bomb to add to your soups and take it to the next level. A concentrated powder form of chicken stock, the cube can be easily dissolved in hot water and add a rich and umami flavor to your warm comforting bowl of soup. There are other options such as mushroom bouillon, pork bouillon and anchovy bouillon, totally up to your preference!
Where to buy: J&K Supermarket
Price: Knorr Chicken Flavored Bouillon Cubes (80g) for CAD2.99
#5 Onion
Another common ingredient that forms the backbone of many dishes, onion, adds a layer of complexity and sweetness to your dish. Although prepping this ingredient may make you cry, in our opinion, adding this ingredient is definitely worth your tears. Yellow onions are often used in soups and stir-fries. They are both sold individually and in packs so you can choose base on your frequency of use.
Look out for our upcoming recipe that will feature this ingredient.
Where to buy: Food Basic, Kingston Asian Supermarket
Disclaimer: The prices shown are accurate as of the end of Oct 2023
Happy cooking !
Thanks for this insightful post!