A more indepth look at Asian ingredients, including sea cucumbers and sweet and sour sauce. 

 

Here you’ll find basic information on the ingredients used in Chinese cooking, from storage and preparation tips, to seasonal availability and suggested ingredient substitutions.

Buying Chinese Ingredients – Where to Buy Chinese Ingredients
When cooking Chinese food, one of the first things you’ll need to know is whether you can find all the ingredients you need at the local supermarket, or need to make a trip to the Chinese/Asian grocery. This handy list shows which commonly used Chinese ingredient are available at most local supermarkets.

Chinese Celery
Chinese celery has a different flavor and appearance than regular celery. Learn more about choosing and storing Chinese celery, and when to use it.

Chinese Noodles
Find out about the history and types of Chinese noodles, and how to use them in cooking.

Cloud Ears and Wood Ears
Chinese dishes like Hot and Sour Soup wouldn’t be the same without these two fungi. Learn more about cloud ears and wood ears, including storage tips and how to use them in recipes.

Cooking Noodles
A handy chart showing preparation and cooking times for different types of Asian noodles, including fresh and dried egg noodles, cellophane noodles and more.

Five Spice Powder and the Five Elements Theory
Five-Spice Powder Information about five-spice powder and its relation to the five elements theory. Recipes, storage and use, and an online source

How to Cook Rice – Photo Instructions
Boiling rice is harder than it sounds. Here are easy step by step photo instructions to cook rice that’s light and fluffy.

Ingredients – More Information