Other Asian Pastes for Everyday Cooking

Sweet-spicy chili sauce is already a kitchen shortcut for instant flavor—but add yuzu and it becomes something brighter and more versatile. The gentle sweetness helps it cling to food, the chili brings warmth, and yuzu adds a crisp citrus aroma that can make fried, grilled, or rich dishes taste lighter and more defined.

Maengda chilli paste is one of those Thai pantry shortcuts that can make plain rice, noodles, or a quick stir-fry taste “finished” in seconds. It’s not just about heat—its signature is a bold, lingering aroma and a concentrated savoury profile. Here’s what “Maengda” means, what to expect from the flavour, and how to use it well at home.

Tamarind is the ingredient behind that distinctive sweet-sour “tang” in many Asian dishes—from Pad Thai-style sauces to sour soups and chutneys. Here’s what tamarind actually is, how different tamarind products compare, and how to get the flavor right without guesswork.

Discover the secrets of yuzu paste—a citrus ingredient that will give your dishes a fresh and exotic flavor. Read on to learn how to use it in marinades, sauces, or cocktails and take your cooking to the next level!