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Asian Ingredients GlossaryAgave syrup or nectar is the naturally sweet juice extracted from the agave plant. It has a lower glycemic index and is lower in calories than table sugar, but is even sweeter. Use it in moderation when substituting for table sugar. Look for it near other sweeteners in health-food stores.
Black sticky rice, often called Forbidden rice, has a sweet, nutty taste, is high in fiber and is a good vegetarian source of iron. When cooked, the brown-black rice turns a shade of purple-black. It may also be labeled “black glutinous rice” or “black sweet rice.” Sushi rice, brown rice or regular white rice cannot be substituted for black sticky rice. Fermented black beans, oxidized soybeans that are salt-dried, have a savory, salty and slightly bitter flavor. They are frequently used in Chinese stir-fries, marinades and sauces. Before using, they should be soaked in water for 10 to 30 minutes to get rid of excess salt. When purchasing fermented black beans, look for shiny and firm beans, rather than dull and dry ones with salt spots. Once open, store in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 1 year. Fish sauce is a pungent Southeast Asian sauce made from salted, fermented fish. You can find it in large supermarkets and Asian markets. Galangal is a fleshy root used as a seasoning in Southeast Asian cooking and is similar in appearance and flavor to ginger. Look for it fresh in specialty and Asian markets. Store unused portions in the refrigerator or freezer. Kaffir lime leaves (or makrut or Thai lime leaves) lend one of the signature flavors to Thai cooking—lemony and floral. Like other Asian ingredients, there is no real substitute, but lime zest will work in a pinch. Find the leaves fresh or frozen in Asian markets and online stores. Fresh leaves may be frozen, airtight, for up to 3 months. Lemongrass, an essential ingredient in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, is a long, thin, pale green edible grass with bright lemon fragrance and taste. Find it dried in the produce section of large supermarkets, at Asian food stores and sometimes, chopped and dried in specialty spice sections. Mirin is a low-alcohol rice wine essential to Japanese cooking. Look for it in your supermarket with the Asian or gourmet ingredients. An equal portion of sherry or white wine with a pinch of sugar may be substituted for mirin. Palm sugar, an unrefined sweetener similar in flavor to brown sugar, is used in sweet and savory Asian dishes. Commonly available in podlike cakes, but is also sold in paste form at Asian markets. Store as you would other sugar. Shao Hsing (or Shaoxing) is a seasoned rice wine. It is available in many Asian specialty markets and some large supermarkets. If unavailable, Japanese sake or dry sherry are acceptable substitutes. Tamarind is a tropical tree that produces a sour-sweet fruit in a brown pod, with edible pulp. It’s used in Asian and Indian curries, beverages and desserts. Purchase either tamarind concentrate or pulp. We found that Thai brands of concentrate and pulp worked best in this recipe; Indian brands were too thick, dense and strong in flavor. To make your own “concentrate,” combine 1/4 cup tamarind pulp and 1 cup hot water in a medium bowl. Let stand for 20 minutes. Break up the pulp and mix it with the water with a fork. Pass the mixture through a fine sieve set over a bowl, pressing against the sieve to collect as much of the pulp as possible. Discard solids. Thai basil looks similar to commonly available Italian basil, but has a distinct licorice flavor. Cilantro will work in its place, but will not lend the same flavor. Find fresh Thai basil in Asian markets or online stores. Thai chiles can be red or green, are only about 1 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inch or less in diameter. They are on the high end of the heat scale. Find them in Asian markets. If unavailable, substitute fresh cayenne chiles or 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste, of purchased chile sauce, such as sriracha. Fresh chiles can be frozen, airtight, for up to 3 months. Many of these Asian ingredients and more can be purchased from importfoods.com, (888) 618-8424. |
 
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