Ingredients

Every ingredient carries a history. Explore traditional uses, modern research, and how to work with each one in the kitchen.

185 ingredients

Amchoor

Amchoor

Aamchur, Dried Mango Powder

Amla

Amla

Indian Gooseberry, Amalaki

intensely sourastringentbitter

Arrowhead Root

Arrowhead Root

Ci Gu, Arrowhead

mildly starchyslightly sweetclean

Asafoetida

Asafoetida

Hing, Heeng

pungentsulphurous rawonion-like when cooked

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera, Indian Winter Cherry

bitterearthyslightly sweet

Astragalus Root

Astragalus Root

Huang Qi, 黄芪

sweetmildbean-like

Atta

Atta

Chakki Atta, Whole Wheat Flour

earthynuttyslightly sweet

Baby Corn

Baby Corn

Xiao Yu Mi, Young Corn

mildslightly sweettender-crisp

Baijiu

Baijiu

Bai Jiu, Chinese Liquor

fierycomplexfunky

Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo Shoots

Zhu Sun, Bamboo Tips

mildearthyslightly bitter (fresh)

Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice

Bas Mati, Fragrant Rice

fragrantfloralnutty

Bay Leaves

Bay Leaves

Tej Patta, Indian Bay Leaf

warmherbalslightly floral

Bean Curd Sticks

Bean Curd Sticks

Fu Zhu, Yuba

mildslightly nuttyabsorptive

Bean Sprouts

Bean Sprouts

Dou Ya, Mung Bean Sprouts

mildfreshcrunchy

Beetroot

Beetroot

Beet, Chukandar

sweetearthyrich

Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon

Karela, Bitter Gourd

intensely bitterslightly astringentearthy

Black Cardamom

Black Cardamom

Badi Elaichi, Kali Elaichi

smokycamphoraceousearthy

Black Chickpeas

Black Chickpeas

Kala Chana, Desi Chickpeas

nuttyearthyslightly smoky

Black Cumin Seeds

Black Cumin Seeds

Shah Jeera, Kala Jeera

earthywarmslightly bitter

Black Pepper

Black Pepper

Kali Mirch, Piper nigrum

sharpspicywoody

Black Vinegar

Black Vinegar

Zhenjiang Vinegar, Chinkiang Vinegar

mellowcomplexslightly sweet

Bok Choy

Bok Choy

Pak Choi, Bai Cai

mildslightly sweetfresh

Bottle Gourd

Bottle Gourd

Lauki, Dudhi

mildslightly sweetwatery

Brown Sugar

Brown Sugar

Raw Cane Sugar, Demerara

molassescaramelwarm

Cardamom

Cardamom

Elaichi, Elettaria cardamomum

floralcitrusywarm

Carom Seeds

Carom Seeds

Ajwain, Bishop's Weed

intensely aromaticthyme-likeslightly bitter

Cassia Cinnamon

Cassia Cinnamon

Rou Gui, Chinese Cinnamon

Century Eggs

Century Eggs

Pi Dan, Thousand-Year Eggs

complexsulfurouscreamy

Chana Dal

Chana Dal

Split Bengal Gram, Split Desi Chickpeas

nuttysweetslightly firm

Chestnuts

Chestnuts

Chinese Chestnuts, Li Zi

sweetstarchyearthy

Chicken Bouillon Powder

Chicken Bouillon Powder

Ji Jing, Chicken Powder

savorychicken-forwardumami

Chickpeas

Chickpeas

Kabuli Chana, Garbanzo Beans

nuttyearthyslightly sweet

Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili Garlic Sauce

Tuong Ot Toi, Sambal Bawang Putih

freshpungentbright

Chili Oil

Chili Oil

La You, Hong You

spicynumbingtoasty

Chinese Broccoli

Chinese Broccoli

Kai Lan, Gai Lan

robustslightly bitterfresh

Chinese Celery

Chinese Celery

Qin Cai, Asian Celery

intensely herbalsharparomatic

Chinese Eggplant

Chinese Eggplant

Qie Zi, Asian Eggplant

mildcreamyslightly sweet

Chinese Rock Sugar

Chinese Rock Sugar

Bing Tang, Rock Candy

sweetmild caramelclean

Chinese Sausage

Chinese Sausage

Lap Cheong, Lop Chong

sweetsavorysmoky

Chinese Sesame Paste

Chinese Sesame Paste

Zhi Ma Jiang, Chinese Tahini

deeply nuttytoastyrich

Chinese Yam

Chinese Yam

Shan Yao, Huai Shan

mildslightly sweetstarchy

Choy Sum

Choy Sum

Cai Xin, Choi Sum

mildslightly sweettender

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

Ceylon Cinnamon, Dalchini

Cloves

Cloves

Laung, Syzygium aromaticum

intensely aromaticwarmslightly sweet

Coconut Milk

Coconut Milk

Santan, Kati

creamysweetrich

Codonopsis Root

Codonopsis Root

Dang Shen, 党参

sweetearthymild

Coriander

Coriander

Dhania, Cilantro (leaves)

citrusywarmslightly sweet

Corn Syrup

Mulyeot, 물엿

mildneutralclean

Cream

Cream

Malai, Fresh Cream

Cumin

Cumin

Jeera, Cuminum cyminum

earthywarmslightly bitter

Curry Leaves

Curry Leaves

Kadi Patta, Meetha Neem

citrusyherbalslightly bitter

Daikon Radish

Daikon Radish

Luo Bo, White Radish

mildslightly pepperyclean

Dark Soy Sauce

Dark Soy Sauce

Lao Chou, Black Soy Sauce

richslightly sweetcaramel

Dashi

Dashi

Dashi Stock, Japanese Soup Stock

umamicleansavory

Daylily

Daylily

Golden Needles, Huang Hua Cai

sweetfloralearthy

Doenjang

Doenjang

된장, Korean Miso

umamipungentearthy

Doubanjiang

Doubanjiang

Toban Djan, Pixian Douban

intensely savoryspicyfermented

Dried Chilies

Dried Chilies

Gan La Jiao, Dried Red Chilies

spicyearthyslightly smoky

Dried Longan Flesh

Dried Longan Flesh

Long Yan Rou, 龙眼肉

sweetsmokycaramel

Dried Scallops

Dried Scallops

Gan Bei, Conpoy

intensely savorysweetdeeply umami

Dried Shiitake Mushrooms

Dried Shiitake Mushrooms

Dong Gu, Winter Mushrooms

intensely umamideeply earthywoody

Dried Shrimp

Dried Shrimp

Xia Mi, Dried Prawns

intensely savorysaltyumami

Dried Tangerine Peel

Dried Tangerine Peel

Chenpi, 陈皮

citrusywarmmusky

Drumsticks

Drumsticks

Moringa Pods, Sahjan

slightly bitterearthyvegetal

Dumpling Wrappers

Dumpling Wrappers

Jiao Zi Pi, Gyoza Wrappers

neutralwheatychewy

Egg Noodles

Egg Noodles

Ji Dan Mian, Cantonese Egg Noodles

richslightly eggyspringy

Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki Mushrooms

Jin Zhen Gu, Golden Needle Mushrooms

mildslightly fruitydelicate

Fennel

Fennel

Saunf, Foeniculum vulgare

sweetanise-likewarm

Fennel Seeds

Fennel Seeds

Xiao Hui Xiang, Chinese Fennel

sweetanise-likewarm

Fenugreek

Fenugreek

Methi, Trigonella foenum-graecum

bitterslightly sweetmaple-like

Fermented Black Beans

Fermented Black Beans

Dou Chi, Salted Black Beans

intensely savorysaltyearthy

Fermented Tofu

Fermented Tofu

Doufu Ru, Sufu

intensely savorysaltycreamy

Firm Tofu

Firm Tofu

Lao Doufu, Extra Firm Tofu

mildcleanslightly creamy

Fish Sauce

Fish Sauce

Nam Pla, Nuoc Mam

umamisaltysavory

Five-Spice Powder

Five-Spice Powder

Wu Xiang Fen, Chinese Five Spice

warmsweetanise-forward

Fresh Chilies

Fresh Chilies

Xian La Jiao, Fresh Red Chilies

spicyfreshbright

Galangal

Galangal

Laos, Lengkuas

pineycitrusysharp

Garam Masala

Garam Masala

Whole Spice Mix, Hot Spice Blend

warmcomplexaromatic

Garlic

Garlic

Da Suan, Allium sativum

pungentsharpsavory

Garlic Chives

Garlic Chives

Jiu Cai, Chinese Chives

garlickyfreshpungent

Ghee

Ghee

Clarified Butter, Smen

richnuttybuttery

Ginger

Ginger

Adrak (fresh), Sonth (dried)

spicywarmbright

Ginger-Scallion Paste

Ginger-Scallion Paste

Ginger Scallion Sauce, Jiang Cong Jiang

brightsharppungent

Ginseng

Ginseng

Insam, 인삼

bitterearthysweet

Glass Noodles

Glass Noodles

Fen Si, Cellophane Noodles

neutralalmost flavorlessslippery

Glutinous Rice

Glutinous Rice

Sweet Rice, Sticky Rice

Gochugaru

Gochugaru

Korean Red Pepper Flakes, Korean Chili Flakes

sweetsmokyfruity

Gochujang

Gochujang

Korean Red Chili Paste, Red Pepper Paste

spicysweetfermented

Goji Berries

Goji Berries

Wolfberry, Gou Qi Zi

mildly sweettangyfruity

Green Chilies

Green Chilies

Hari Mirch, Serrano

sharpbrightgrassy

Ground Bean Sauce

Ground Bean Sauce

Mian Jiang, Yellow Soybean Paste

saltysavoryfermented

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin Sauce

Haixian Jiang, Chinese Barbecue Sauce

sweetsavorytangy

Holy Basil

Holy Basil

Tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum

clove-likepepperyslightly minty

Jaggery

Jaggery

Gur, Gud

richmolasses-likecaramel

Jujube

Jujube

Red Date, Da Zao

sweetwarmcaramel

Kaffir Lime Leaves

Kaffir Lime Leaves

Makrut Lime Leaves, Bai Makrut

intensely citrusyfloralherbaceous

Kashmiri Chilies

Kashmiri Chilies

Kashmiri Mirch, Deggi Mirch (similar variety)

mild heatdeeply redsweet

Kasuri Methi

Kasuri Methi

Dried Fenugreek Leaves, Kasoori Methi

bitterslightly sweetwarm

Kimchi

Kimchi

Gimchi, Kimchee

Korean Radish

Korean Radish

Mu, 무

pepperysweetcrisp

Korean Sweet Potato Starch Noodles

Korean Sweet Potato Starch Noodles

Dangmyeon, 당면

neutralmildstarchy

Lao Gan Ma Chili Sauce

Lao Gan Ma Chili Sauce

Old Godmother, Lao Gan Ma

savoryspicycrunchy

Lemongrass

Lemongrass

Takrai, Xa

citrusyfloralbright

Lentils

Lentils

Dal, Masoor

earthymildslightly peppery

Licorice Root

Licorice Root

Mulethi, Yashtimadhu

sweetslightly bitterwarm

Light Soy Sauce

Light Soy Sauce

Sheng Chou, Thin Soy Sauce

saltybrightsavory

Lotus Root

Lotus Root

Lian Ou, He Ou

mildslightly sweetstarchy

Lotus Seeds

Lotus Seeds

Lian Zi, 蓮子

sweetstarchymild

Mace

Mace

Javitri, Myristica fragrans (the aril)

warmsweetfloral

Masoor Dal

Masoor Dal

Red Lentils, Split Red Lentils

earthyslightly sweetmild

Mirin

Mirin

Hon Mirin, Shin Mirin

sweetmellowrounded

Miso

Miso

Fermented Soybean Paste, Shinshu Miso

savoryumamisalty

Moong Dal

Moong Dal

Mung Dal, Split Mung Beans

mildslightly sweetclean

Moringa

Moringa

Drumstick Tree, Moringa oleifera

earthyslightly bittergrassy

MSG

MSG

Monosodium Glutamate, Wei Jing

umamisavory-enhancingneutral

Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens

Jie Cai, Chinese Mustard

pepperybitterpungent

Mustard Oil

Mustard Oil

Sarson Ka Tel, Shorshe Tel

pungentsharpnutty

Mustard Seeds

Mustard Seeds

Rai, Sarson

nuttypungentsharp

Napa Cabbage

Napa Cabbage

Da Bai Cai, Chinese Cabbage

mildslightly sweettender

Nigella Seeds

Nigella Seeds

Kalonji, Black Seed

slightly bitterpepperyonion-like

Nutmeg

Nutmeg

Jaiphal, Jatiphala

Okra

Okra

Bhindi, Lady's Finger

mildslightly grassyvegetal

Osmanthus Flowers

Osmanthus Flowers

Gui Hua, 桂花

floralsweetfruity

Oyster Sauce

Oyster Sauce

Hao You, Oyster-Flavored Sauce

sweetdeeply savoryumami

Palm Sugar

Palm Sugar

Coconut Sugar, Gula Melaka

complexcaramelslightly smoky

Paneer

Paneer

Indian Cottage Cheese, Chenna (unset form)

mildmilkyslightly tangy

Peanut Oil

Peanut Oil

Groundnut Oil, Arachis Oil

mildnuttyslightly sweet

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled Vegetables

Pao Cai, Sichuan Paocai

Pine Nuts

Pine Nuts

Song Zi, Jat

butterycreamyresinous

Pomegranate Seeds (Dried)

Pomegranate Seeds (Dried)

Anardana, Anar Dana

tartfruitytangy

Potato Starch

Potato Starch

Gamja Jeonbun, Katakuriko

neutralcleanno aftertaste

Preserved Mustard Greens

Preserved Mustard Greens

Mei Cai, Zha Cai

soursaltyfermented

Pumpkin

Pumpkin

Kaddu, Kumra

sweetearthymild

Rajma

Rajma

Red Kidney Beans, Phaseolus vulgaris

richearthymeaty

Red Chili Powder

Red Chili Powder

Lal Mirch, Cayenne Powder

hotsharppungent

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi Mushroom

Lingzhi, Ganoderma lucidum

bitterwoodyearthy

Rice Flour

Rice Flour

Chawal Ka Atta, Bột Gạo

neutralcleansubtly sweet

Rice Noodles

Rice Noodles

Mi Fen, Rice Vermicelli

mildcleanneutral

Rice Syrup

Rice Syrup

Jocheong, 조청

Rice Vinegar

Rice Vinegar

Rice Wine Vinegar, Mi Cu

mildcleanslightly sweet

Ridge Gourd

Ridge Gourd

Turai, Turiya

mildslightly sweetspongy

Rose

Rose

Gulab, Rosa damascena

floralslightly sweetdelicate

Saeujeot

Saeujeot

새우젓, Salted Shrimp

umamibrinypungent

Saffron

Saffron

Kesar, Zafaran

floralhoneyedslightly metallic

Sake

Sake

Nihonshu, Japanese Rice Wine

umamisweetclean

Salt

Salt

Yan, Table Salt

saltycleanmineral

Salted Duck Eggs

Salted Duck Eggs

Xian Ya Dan, Salted Eggs

saltyrichyolk is intensely orange and grainy

Scallion Oil

Scallion Oil

Cong You, Spring Onion Oil

richsavorydeeply aromatic

Scallions

Scallions

Green Onions, Cong

sharponion-likefresh

Sesame Oil

Sesame Oil

Zhi Ma You, Toasted Sesame Oil

intensely nuttytoastyrich

Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds

Chamkkae, 참깨

nuttywarmtoasty

Shallots

Shallots

Xiao Cong, Asian Shallots

sweetmildcomplex

Shanghai Baby Bok Choy

Shanghai Baby Bok Choy

Shanghai Bok Choy, Xiao Bai Cai

mildsweettender

Shaoxing Wine

Shaoxing Wine

Shao Hsing Wine, Chinese Rice Wine

nuttyslightly sweetcomplex

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake Mushrooms

Xiang Gu, Fragrant Mushroom

richearthydeeply umami

Shrimp Paste

Shrimp Paste

Belacan, Terasi

intensely savoryumamibriny

Sichuan Chili Flakes

Sichuan Chili Flakes

La Jiao Mian, Chili Powder (Chinese)

moderately spicyfruityvivid red

Sichuan Peppercorn

Sichuan Peppercorn

Hua Jiao, Chinese Prickly Ash

numbingcitrusyfloral

Silken Tofu

Silken Tofu

Nen Doufu, Soft Tofu

delicatecreamycustardy

Snake Gourd

Snake Gourd

Padwal, Chichinda

mildslightly bitterwatery

Snow Fungus

Snow Fungus

Bai Mu Er, Silver Ear

neutralsubtly sweetmild

Snow Peas

Snow Peas

He Lan Dou, Mangetout

sweetfreshcrisp

Soy Sauce

Soy Sauce

Shoyu, Jiang You

saltydeeply savoryumami

Split Chickpeas

Split Chickpeas

Kabuli Chana Dal, Split Kabuli Chana

mildnuttyslightly sweet

Star Anise

Ba Jiao, Chinese Star Anise

sweetlicoricewarm

Straw Mushrooms

Straw Mushrooms

Cao Gu, Paddy Straw Mushrooms

mildearthyslightly slippery

Sweet Bean Sauce

Sweet Bean Sauce

Tian Mian Jiang, Sweet Flour Paste

sweetrichsavory

Tamarind

Tamarind

Imli, Makham

soursweetfruity

Tapioca Starch

Tapioca Starch

Tapioca Flour, Cassava Starch

neutralcleanno flavor

Taro

Taro

Yu Tou, Yam Taro

starchymildly sweetnutty

Thai Basil

Thai Basil

Horapha, Húng Quế

aniselicoricepeppery

Tofu

Tofu

Doufu, Bean Curd

mildcleanneutral

Tofu Puffs

Tofu Puffs

Dou Pao, Abura-age

mildslightly nuttyspongy

Toor Dal

Toor Dal

Arhar Dal, Split Pigeon Peas

earthynuttyslightly sweet

Turmeric

Turmeric

Haldi, Curcuma longa

earthywarmslightly bitter

Urad Dal

Urad Dal

Black Gram, Vigna mungo

richcreamyslightly earthy

Water Chestnuts

Water Chestnuts

Ma Ti, Chinese Water Chestnut

crispslightly sweetfresh

Water Spinach

Water Spinach

Kong Xin Cai, Morning Glory

mildcleanslightly sweet

White Pepper

White Pepper

Bai Hu Jiao, White Peppercorn

White Poppy Seeds

White Poppy Seeds

Khus Khus, Khas Khas

mildnuttyslightly sweet

Wonton Wrappers

Wonton Wrappers

Hun Tun Pi, Wonton Skin

neutralwheatythin

Wood Ear Mushrooms

Wood Ear Mushrooms

Mu Er, Black Fungus

neutralmildgelatinous

Yellow Lantern Chili Sauce

Yellow Lantern Chili Sauce

Huang Deng Long La Jiao Jiang, Hainan Yellow Pepper Sauce

intensely hotfruitytropical

Yogurt

Yogurt

Dahi, Curd

tangycreamyslightly sour

Yu Choy

You Cai, Chinese Rapeseed

mildslightly bitterearthy