iSpice Asian seasoning recipes

Asian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, and a key element to unlocking those flavors lies in the unique and aromatic seasonings. From the fiery kick of Sichuan peppercorns to the warm embrace of five-spice powder, these seasonings can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Here are 5 simple recipes that showcase the magic of Asian seasonings:

1. Sichuan Peppercorn Chicken Stir-Fry:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, lightly crushed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken with cornstarch, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, ginger, and garlic. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from wok and set aside.
  4. Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Return chicken to the wok.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns.
  7. Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  8. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

2. Five-Spice Roasted Pork Belly:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pork belly, skin on
  • 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the pork belly all over with the spice mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey and soy sauce.
  4. Place pork belly, skin-side up, in a roasting pan.
  5. Roast for 1 hour, then reduce heat to 325°F (165°C) and roast for an additional 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
  6. Let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

3. Gingered Shrimp Stir-Fry:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped snow peas
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
  4. Add bell pepper, snow peas, and green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes more until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

4. Spicy Korean Beef Bulgogi:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb thinly sliced beef (flank steak or skirt steak)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
  2. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill beef for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  5. Serve immediately with your favorite Korean side dishes, such as steamed rice, kimchi, and pickled vegetables.

5. Aromatic Five-Spice Duck:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 duck, about 4-5 lbs
  • 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 oranges, thinly sliced

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the duck all over with the spice mixture.
  3. Stuff the duck cavity with orange slices.
  4. Place the duck in a roasting pan and roast for 1.5-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Let the duck rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

These are just a few simple examples of how to use Asian seasonings to elevate your cooking. With a little creativity, you can explore the endless possibilities and discover new flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds.

Remember to:

• Experiment with different amounts of seasonings to find the flavors that you enjoy most.
• Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Have fun and enjoy the process!

By incorporating these flavorful seasonings into your cooking, you can easily transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary adventures.