Fermented Pastes and Sauces

Chili paste can not only make food "spicy," but also give it a complete flavor, depth, and often umami. The key difference is whether the paste is fermented (and behaves like a concentrated base), or if it is more of a chili blend or chili paste in oil meant for quick seasoning. In this article, we compare the main types of fermented chili pastes in Asia, how to recognize them by their role in the kitchen, how to start using them at home, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Fermented sauces and pastes are among the most important "flavor bases" in Asian cuisines: in small amounts, they can provide umami, depth, aroma, and the finished character of a dish. To work as they should, they need, besides proper use, reasonable home storage – especially after opening, when you work with them by teaspoons and drops.

Nam Prik Kapi is a punchy Thai chili dip built around fermented shrimp paste, lime, and fresh chilies. A small spoonful adds salty depth, citrus brightness, and serious heat—perfect for turning plain rice, crisp vegetables, and simple fish or eggs into a complete, satisfying meal.

Korean “jang” – that is fermented sauces and pastes – are the flavor backbone of the entire cuisine. In practice, however, confusion often arises: gochujang, doenjang, and ssamjang look like “some dark pastes,” but each has a different role. In the article, we will show what to expect from them, how to use them in everyday cooking, and why it’s not worth mixing them up.

Fermentation is one of the key methods in Asian kitchens to create depth of flavor, umami, aroma, and a "finished taste" – often even in dishes that rely on only a few ingredients. This guide will help you navigate the main groups of fermented bases (from soy sauces through pastes to fish and marine ferments), understand their role, and avoid common mistakes in selection and use.

Miso paste is one of the basic building blocks of Japanese cuisine.

Discover the unique flavor of brown rice chili paste! This article will guide you through the world of exotic flavors and show you how this spicy ingredient can spice up your favorite recipes. Read on to find out how it's made, where to use it, and why you should try it!