10 Asian Cooking Staples You'll Find In Almost Any Grocery Store - Tasting Table

"While there are over 3,700 specialist Asian grocery stores across the country, most traditional supermarkets also have their own dedicated Asian or ethnic section, and demand for products in this aisle is booming. Between April 2023 and April 2024, sales of such items increased around four times faster than overall grocery sales. This increased demand has only seen stores broadening the selection of Asian foods on offer, and now, many once hard-to-source ingredients are deemed everyday staples."

"If you're a fan of sticky Chinese noodle dishes, fresh Japanese sushi, or warming Southeast Asian curries, you'll find plenty of inspiration in the Asian aisle. From umami-rich sauces and fragrant oils to aromatics that bring plenty of bright, punchy flavor, there is a wide range of ingredients that can help you recreate your favorite dishes at home. Below are 10 of our favorites that are both readily available and wonderfully versatile - true must-haves for anyone looking to level up their Asian-inspired cooking."

"This rich, dark liquid is bursting with umami flavor, and a small splash can go a long way in boosting the savory depth of everything from stir-fries to salad dressings. It comes in multiple varieties, with most grocery stores stocking both light and dark versions. You may also be able to find regional versions, such as Indonesian kecap manis - a type of soy sauce with a sweet, spicy flavor profile, thanks to the addition of palm sugar, star anise, and galangal."

The bold flavors of Asian cuisine continue growing in the U.S., with about 12% of restaurants serving Asian food. Home cooks increasingly stock Asian pantry staples; over 3,700 specialist Asian grocery stores exist and mainstream supermarkets feature Asian sections. Between April 2023 and April 2024, sales of Asian aisle items rose about four times faster than overall grocery sales. Retailers have expanded selections, making once hard-to-source ingredients everyday staples. Umami-rich sauces, fragrant oils, and bright aromatics enable recreating sticky Chinese noodles, Japanese sushi, and Southeast Asian curries at home. These versatile ingredients help level up Asian-inspired cooking for a wide range of home cooks.

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