Craving your favourite Asian takeaway dishes without leaving home? The secret to creating it at home is in the sauce! These essential Asian-inspired staples will instantly elevate your fake-out feast. 

1. Soya sauce 

Sure, we love to drench our sushi in it, but soya sauce is the anchor to many Asian dishes. Made from fermented soybeans, this umami-packed sauce pours seamlessly into stir-fries, marinades, dipping sauces and even soups – improving almost every dish it touches.  

Watch below to learn about the differences between light & dark soy sauce:  

@ziangsfoodworkshop If you’ve ever wondered how to use, or what’s the difference between light soy sauce and dark soy sauce and why Chinese takeaways and takeouts use both, then I got you covered with this Light vs dark soy sauce video #foodtok #chef #chinesefood #chinesetakeaway #soysauce ♬ Chill Kitty (Lofi) – The Machinist Beats

2. Hoisin sauce  

Hoisin, which comes from the Cantonese word for seafood, is anything but fishy – it’s a thicker condiment often nicknamed the Chinese BBQ sauce. Made with fermented soybeans, garlic, red chilli peppers and sugar, it delivers a glossy, umami-rich punch and is typically used in marinades and stir-fries. 

3. Fish sauce  

“Fish sauce is a salty, robust condiment,” says chef Ronna Welsh. “You’ll sometimes find a bottle on the table of Vietnamese, Thai or even Philippine restaurants, alongside chilli pastes and other condiments,” she explains. Made from fermented anchovies, salt and water, it’s a staple for adding savoury depth to curries and soups.  

@rosereisman Fish sauce has become a popular ingredient in recent years. But what is it exactly? And how do you use it? Watch to find out! #rosereisman #condiments #fishsauce ♬ original sound – Rose Reisman

4. Oyster sauce  

Contrary to its name, oyster sauce doesn’t taste fishy at all. Made from oyster extract, it has a rich, earthy flavour that’s salty with just a hint of sweetness. Although similar in colour to soya sauce, it’s less salty and brimming with umami – making it perfect for drizzling over vegetables or whisking into marinades for meat.  

@sachienomura How Oyster sauce was invented! Oyster sauce was invented by accident in 1888 by Lee Kum Sheung in Guangdong, China, when he left oyster soup simmering for too long. Instead of a clear broth, he discovered a thick, brownish, caramelized, and intensely savory sauce. This original, concentrated, and umami-rich liquid was then sold as a new, delicious condiment, marking the beginning of the Lee Kum Kee brand. Now oyster sauce is popular and used all around the world! #cooking #oyster #chef #food #facts ♬ Sweet Tea – Neyaraf

Photography: Pexels, Freepik 

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There are few things as upsetting as reaching for an ingredient, only to find out it expired three weeks ago. From oatmeal to condiments like soya sauce, here are five foods with a long shelf life, along with some helpful storage tips.  

Oatmeal  

How long it lasts: Two to three years 

Oatmeal, the number one nutritious (and delicious) breakfast for many, is jam-packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fibre, making it the perfect food to stock up on in your pantry. “Regular and quick-cooking oats can last in the pantry unopened or resealed for two to three years,” says Laura Burak, a registered dietitian and founder of Laura Burak Nutrition.  

Storage tip: If you want to store your oats for a long while, keep it in a cool, dry place in the original cardboard packaging. Additionally, you can transfer it to an airtight container. 

Spoil your family with these scrumptious rooibos, oat and honey cakes. 

Soya sauce 

How long it lasts: Indefinitely (unopened); six months (opened); two years (refrigerated)  

Good news, sushi lovers! You can buy your soya sauce without fretting about the expiration date. Soya sauce is used extensively in Asian cooking and is a fantastic ingredient to stock in your pantry. Plus, it lasts for long whether it’s been opened or not.   

Storing tip: Once opened, store it in the refrigerator. Putting it in your pantry? Keep your bottle away from appliances that generate heat (like a dishwasher or stove). 

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Sugar 

How long it lasts: Two years 

Most of us go through sugar so fast that we never spare a thought about its expiration date. Those white (or yellow or brown) granules that make our world go round can (technically) be stored forever without spoiling. However, for best quality, it’s recommended that you use sugar within two years of opening.  

Storage tip: Keep your sugar in an airtight, moisture-proof container on a cool, dark shelf in your kitchen. 

Tea 

How long it lasts: Six to twelve months 

From Ceylon and Earl Grey to our beloved rooibos, tea is a popular warm (or cold) beverage enjoyed by most. Depending on the quality, looseleaf tea’s shelf life can extend a year longer than tea bags. Additionally, the type of tea (like aged white tea) can determine the lifespan and even improve with age, while others (herbal teas with added oils) have a shorter shelf life.  

Storage tip: Keep looseleaf tea and tea bags away from moisture and stow them in a sealed container for best results.  

 

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This yummy strawberry and basil iced tea will cool you off during summer’s heat 

Dried fruit 

How long it lasts: Twelve months 

What do you do when you don’t have fresh fruit on hand? Reach for dried fruit (in moderation), of course! Whether you snack on it, throw it in a potjie or use it for baking, dried fruit is a versatile ingredient to stock in any pantry. 

Storing tip: Keep it in tightly sealed containers. Additionally, you can pop it in the freezer to extend its shelf life even more. 

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