Top Tips For Healthy Asian Cooking

Fresh, fast and ultra delicious, it’s no surprise that Asian food is one of our favourite cuisines here in Ireland. With a huge range of tastes and flavours, it’s easy to get put off, but by following our top tips, it’s possible to have amazing Asian food at home, without the stress.

Begin by stocking your kitchen with a few essential utensils:

A wok is the stalwart of the Asian kitchen. Their rounded shape allows for even cooking of food in less time, with less cooking oil. Their bowl shape is ideal for frying, steaming and braising, making it the ultimate use-all utensil.

Tongs are brilliant for flipping, moving and keeping your hands away from the ferocious heat of a wok.

A sharp knife makes light work of all the chopping that comes hand in hand with Asian cooking.

A steamer will make dim sum a doddle.

A Pestle and Mortar will make grinding spices and pastes light work.

Next, stock your pantry.

Rice is served with so many Asian dishes, but with so many to choose from, what’s the best option? We think stocking up on jasmine and basmati rice will have you well sorted.

Fish sauce. Also known as ‘nam pla’, fermented fish sauce is an essential ingredient used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking to salt and enhance the overall depth and flavour of a dish.

Soy sauce. Choose low sodium soy sauce for a healthier option, and always go for dark over light.

We don’t always have the time to make our own curry pastes, so invest in a good red or green Thai paste, and a madras paste.

Oyster sauce is an essential ingredient in stir fries, adding that umami hint to Chinese dishes.

Sweet Chilli Sauce is a speedy way to finish off a dish.

Coconut Milk adds a creamy richness to Thai and Malaysian dishes.

Spice It Up
Spices are available at great prices at Asian supermarkets, so stock up whenever you can

Chilli flakes
Cumin
Coriander
Cardamon
Cinnamon
Star Anise
Turmeric
Curry Powder
Garam Masala
Five Spice

All fired up? Check out our Asian recipe collection here