Here is a list
of cooking terms that might prove to be useful in your days of cooking that "special'
meal.
For those who are
unfamiliar with ingredients often found in the Asian market, here is a list of some food
items to ease your cooking shopping needs.
1. Udon noodles:
These thick Japanese noodles are similar to spaghetti. They come in round or square
and are typically made from either wheat or corn flour.
2. Fine Rice
Vermicelli: Unlike traditional vermicelli, these Asian noodles are wide and
flat (more similar in shape to fettuccine). You can also find them labeled as "rice
stick noodles".
3. Rice Paper:
This edible, translucent paper is similar to phyllo dough in texture. Rice paper
can also be labeled as "dried pastry flake".
4. Fish Sauce:
Made from water, anchovies, and salt, it's very potent -in other words, a
little goes a long way. It's very high in sodium, so again use sparingly.
5. Bean Threads
or Cellophane Noodles: Made from the starch of green mung beans, these
noodles have a different texture from traditional noodles. They can also be found
labeled as 'transparent' or 'shining noodles', 'pea-stick noodles', or 'mung bean sticks'.
6. Daikon:
This is a large Asian radish, similar in appearance to a parsnip.
Carrot can be substituted.
7. Dried
Jellied Fungus: Available only in Asian stores, it's similar in appearance
to dried wood ear mushrooms.
8. Oyster
Sauce: A concentrated sauce made from oysters, brine, and soy sauce.
It's a commonly used Asian condiment.