Superior Extract – Holy Crush Sauce

Superior Extract – Holy Crush Sauce

Is there a more intimidating place than an international supermarket? With foreign languages, unusual and intriguing ingredients and little clue how to use them, it’s no wonder that people often stick to what they know. However, just venturing into an Asian supermarket is a culinary journey and there is a wealth of fantastic Asian ingredients that should become staples in your pantry. We translate and demystify the best Asian ingredients you’ll find at your nearest Asian supermarket.

Bonito flakes (katsuobushi)

Well, here comes bonito, or katsuobushi, which is skipjack tuna that is dried, fermented and smoked. It is sold either in one large piece, looking much like a piece of wood, or already shaved into flakes. If you’re into making any type of broth, you’ll need bonito along with kombu to make the dashi base. The same goes for miso soups, as the bonito adds an earthy umami flavour that really can’t be replaced.

Fish sauce (nam pla)

We are longtime lovers of fish sauce, as seen in our favourite stir-fries found here. It somehow manages to find its way into the hearts (and dishes) of even devoted fishy-haters. Made from anchovies and salt, which are then fermented, fish sauce adds so much more than fishiness to food. It adds depth, saltiness and umami. If a recipe calls for fish sauce, make sure that you use fish sauce – there really is no substitute for this powerhouse ingredient. If you’re still not convinced, try out these Asian-style Fish Burgers, you’ll only need a dash or two of fish sauce to see its flavour come through.

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