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6 Kitchen Safety Do's And Don'ts
6 Kitchen Safety Do's And Don'ts
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The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the workhorse of a household, given all the cooking, baking, meal prepping, and washing of dishes that are done multiple times daily. The kitchen is also identified as one of the home’s riskiest areas. A lot of accidents can happen, albeit preventable by practicing good safety practices.

In the kitchen, safety can mean a whole lot of things like avoiding fires, electrocution, slips, falls, cuts, and even as to food handling as well. They might seem nitpicky, but they should never be compromised.

With that said, remember to practice these kitchen safety do’s and don’ts, so anyone working in your kitchen can avoid burns, cuts, and other kitchen hazards:

 

Do: Have A Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Many modern homes today come with all sorts of safety features like fire alarms and water sprinklers. It’s an added price to pay to have those installed, but it’s certainly worth it in the name of safety. Homeowners of new properties, however, often have no choice as many local laws today require having those fire safety equipment and machines before their occupancy permits may be approved.

For older houses, this doesn’t mean your home should be any less safe. A good alternative to built-in water sprinklers is to have a fire extinguisher. Once you have one, learn how to use it too, in case you have a kitchen fire or something similar.

 

Do: Check All Your Wires And Cords

If you have old appliances, check them from time to time so you can be sure they’re still worthy of being used. By this, it means going through all the wires and cores to see that no wires are frayed. Old and worn-out wires and cords are a top safety hazard, so you have to be careful with using those.

Along with wires and cords, check the overall condition of the appliances too. Like wires, old and dysfunctional appliances are a safety hazard as they can overheat, for instance. There are so many new appliances nowadays with reasonable prices, so you can still find a few within your budget.

 

Do: Wash Your Hands Before Meal Prepping

No matter how much of a rush you’re in, wash your hands before prepping or touching food. Always have hand soap ready by your kitchen sink, within reach of anyone who needs to wash their hands.

This is a basic safety practice that helps ensure proper food safety and handling. When not practiced, food contamination can happen and unfortunately, this can mean getting sick after eating the food you’ve prepared.

 

Do: Practice Proper Fridge Organization

Properly organizing your fridge isn’t just about having an aesthetically-pleasing one, as you may see across various TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube videos. Rather, it’s also a matter of safety.

This means that food is placed on the right levels and sections in order to avoid spoilage and to keep it fresh. Moreover, proper fridge organization also means preventing heavy food containers and liquids from falling on you or your kids when you open the fridge simply because everything is a mess inside.

 

Don’t: Wear Loose And Flowing Clothes When Cooking

No matter what the occasion may be, if you’ll still be cooking in the kitchen, skip the loose, flowing, or billowy clothes. You’ll be in a rush and too busy trying to finish all the cooking that the last thing you want is for your clothes to get trapped somewhere. In worst instances, your clothes may get caught in a fire.

Always wear tight and properly-fitting clothes when cooking. You can always change to your dress later on once you’ve finished.

 

Don’t: Try To Catch A Falling Knife

Attempting to catch a falling knife means potentially cutting yourself. Rather than try your best to catch it, a better practice is to take a step back instead and let the knife fall on the floor. Just be sure you’re alert enough to move far enough so the knife doesn’t land on your foot as well.

 

Conclusion 

Sure, you’ve heard of all the horror stories of accidents in the kitchen, both big and small. The kitchen should be a happy place, but if you aren’t careful enough, it can also be a hazardous one. Especially when you’re doing a lot of cooking as in during parties, it’s all hands on deck that safety can easily be placed on a backseat. All the do’s and don’ts above point to one important conclusion: when in the kitchen, always have the presence of mind and be alert. Accidents can easily be avoided when you focus on the task at hand.

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8 Tips For Storing Drinks And Beverages
8 Tips For Storing Drinks And Beverages
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8 Tips For Storing Drinks And Beverages

Drinks and beverages are a great way to bring your guests together. No matter the occasion, you can find a drink to fit it perfectly. However, there are some considerations you should know to serve the best beverage possible.

Whether you're a small restaurant or just having people over for dinner, no cafe is complete without a commercial drinks fridge or a modern home more inviting than with a dedicated wine cabinet. Most people, however, are unaware that they’re storing their beverages incorrectly. This article would discuss everything you need to know.

Here are some tips on how to store drinks and beverages properly so you can keep them fresh longer:

1. The Refrigerator Is King

The refrigerator is the best place to store drinks and beverages. It keeps them cold, preserves their flavour, and prevents flatness. The refrigerator can also keep your drinks from spoiling if you open them frequently as well as from being contaminated or spoiled by bacteria or mould.

When you’re serving soda, tea, or a cocktail at a party or get-together, it's important to serve these beverages at the right temperature so they taste great. This means keeping them cold in your refrigerator until they're ready to be served.

2. Storing Milk

While milk has a shelf life of three to five days, you can increase the time it stays fresh by keeping it in the refrigerator until you need it. Keeping milk in a closed container and not allowing it to become too warm will also help extend its shelf life. Don't store milk in the freezer, however, because this causes ice crystals that affect both taste and texture.

3. Storing Water

Storing water and other beverages in the fridge is a good option because it’ll keep them cool for long periods. You can also use a cooler if you need something simpler or don't have access to a refrigerator. The temperature of these drinks should be around 40-45 °F when stored in this manner.

4. Storing Coffee

If you're storing coffee, keep it in the bag it came in, and then put that in the freezer or refrigerator if you won't be using it soon. The airtight seal will help keep it fresh.

5. Storing Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages should be kept in a separate cabinet with a lock and out of reach of children and pets. The temperature at which you store your alcoholic beverages is also important. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources like stoves or direct sunlight.

If you’re storing wine, it should be kept away from direct light and stored in a dry dark place. Wine is more likely to be damaged by light than other beverages. Wine is also more likely to be damaged by heat and moisture than other beverages.

6. Use Glass Containers

One of the most important things to keep in mind when storing drinks is you should always store them in glass containers. The reason for this is that plastic can leach chemicals into your beverage, which compromises its quality and taste.

In addition, if you choose to store beverages in plastic containers, it's also important to make sure they're clean and free from contaminants before filling them with liquid. This way, there are fewer opportunities for bacteria or mould growth inside of the container.

7. Store Drinks Away From Direct Sunlight

Heat can damage the quality of beverages over time, so make sure you don't store them next to windows where they could get too hot during the day; also, never leave them out overnight. If possible, try locating them near air conditioning vents if there are none on hand. This will help keep things as cool as possible while still staying out of direct light from windows or lamps nearby.

8. Keep Away From Pets And Kids

Don’t store around pets or kids. This one goes without saying, but remember that pets have sharp teeth, which could easily puncture through any packaging. Children may knock over glasses and containers as they roam around the house, so you need to keep the beverages out of reach as well.

Conclusion

That's all you need to know about storing drinks and beverages. It can be easy if you follow these tips. You’ll notice that they’re mostly common sense, but it’s always good to have a reminder from time to time. The main thing is that your beverages last longer when stored properly and taste better too. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you plan and prepare.

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6 Best Foods To Pair With Oolong Tea
6 Best Foods To Pair With Oolong Tea
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Many tea lovers agree that a cup of tea can be the perfect drink accompaniment for almost any food item. Whether sweet, savory, or anything in between, tea goes well with many dishes, fruits, snacks, or desserts. Aside from its versatile flavor, oolong can also cleanse the palate with each sip, allowing the diner to savor the taste of the meal with more clarity. Ultimately, freshly brewed tea offers warmth, ideal for cold days or relaxing the body after a long day.  

Oolong tea is one popular variant characterized by its smooth and rich flavor that's more complex than other types. Besides its light and dark variants, oolong has the desirable traits of black and green tea, making it an instant crowd favorite. Moreover, this tea boasts many health benefits that aid in weight management, relieve stress, and enhance cognitive functions.  

Where to Buy Oolong Tea

You can easily purchase your oolong online, from a wide range of retailers. If you're in the UK, then you can buy oolong tea at rareteacompany.com, where they have a variety of options including some very rare varieties of loose leaf tea.

 

Oolong Tea from Rareteacompany.com

Flavor-wise, oolong can be paired with light snacks, sweets, and savory food items such as curries and meat dishes. Aside from these, here are some more food pairing ideas with a delicious cup of oolong tea. 

  1. Fruits 

Are you looking for a refreshing snack to serve your guests for a fun, relaxing afternoon? Then, you can consider serving oolong tea with a platter of cut-up fresh fruits such as: 

  • Cherries 

  • Berry varieties such as strawberries, blueberries, and others 

  • Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons 

  • Apples 

  • Plums 

  • Mangoes 

  • Peaches 

  • Apricots 

  • Pineapple 

  • Pears 

For the perfect pairing, you'll need to use a lighter variant of oolong or something with a fruity hint to achieve better flavor balance. You can also use mint oolong tea for a pleasant, cooling effect.  

  1. Charcuterie Cheese Board 

Do you want to host a unique afternoon tea party? Then, you can serve your guests a charcuterie cheese board filled with nuts, cold cuts, crackers, olives, and cheese variants. This pairing would make an enjoyable light meal while chatting with guests in a casual gathering. Moreover, you can play with different flavors and textures to make it an exciting dining experience for your guests.  

The variety of items you can include on your cheese board depends on your liking, though the selection of cheese should be able to match the flavor profile of your oolong tea to achieve a pleasant balance. For instance, if you have oolong teas with fruity or floral notes, you can serve them with hard-pressed uncooked cheese such as: 

  • Edam 

  • Gouda 

  • Reblochon 

  • Monterey Jack 

  • Cantal 

  • Cheddar 

To add variation to the flavor profile of your cheeseboard, add sweet and savory sauces and dips, as well as a pot of honey. However, if you're serving your tea hot, it may be advisable to avoid spicy foods because the cooling effect required to tone down the spiciness is insufficient. 

  1. Savory Dishes And Snacks 

Many tea lovers would enjoy a glass of ice-cold oolong tea served with their favorite savory dishes. You can pair this versatile drink with food items such as: 

  • Soups 

  • Chips 

  • Salads 

  • Fried, stewed, roasted, or curried meat dishes 

  • Vegetable dishes 

  • Pasta varieties 

  • Meat or vegetable-based wraps such as tacos and burritos 

  • Cold cuts 

Iced oolong tea is perfect for serving savory dishes heavy with oil, cream, or spices because of its naturally tart and refreshing taste, which can help cut intense flavors and cleanse the palate. Moreover, you can explore fruit and floral oolong varieties if you want to boost the fragrance and taste of your iced tea.  

  1. Sandwiches 

Sandwiches can be served with either hot or cold beverages, and oolong tea also makes an excellent pairing. Moreover, there are various ways to serve oolong tea with sandwiches. For instance, you can serve finger sandwiches with a pot of freshly brewed tea, sugar, and cream for afternoon tea. Meanwhile, you can also serve iced oolong tea with a squeeze of citrus, or a few mint leaves for a cooling drink with a clubhouse sandwich or burger and fries.  

  1. Pastries 

Pastries are some of the most popular food items paired with different types of tea. They can be either sweet or savory and can have a variety of flavor profiles. Examples of pastries that go well with oolong tea include: 

  • Pies 

  • Quiche 

  • Croissants 

  • Bread-based appetizers such as canapes, crostini, and bruschetta 

  • Pretzels 

  • Macarons 

  • Biscuits 

  • Cookies 

  • Tarts 

  • Scones 

  • Donuts 

Oolong tea has a flexible flavor that's easy to match with any pastry of your choosing. The trick is to find the best variant for your food item. For instance, dark oolong tea has a depth of flavor suited for creamy and savory pies, croissants, or appetizers. Meanwhile, light and tart oolong teas would go well with mild-flavored pastries such as biscuits, scones, or cookies.  

 

 

  1. Desserts 

Oolong tea can also be the perfect drink for those with a sweet tooth. This type of tea is ideal for pairing with various desserts, such as: 

  • Cakes 

  • Teacakes 

  • Gelatin-based sweets such as panna cotta 

  • Spiced or sweetened fruit desserts such as cobblers or poached pears, apricots, and nectarines 

  • Meringue 

  • Pavlova 

  • Custard 

As with other food types, selecting the correct oolong tea is essential to match your dessert. Moreover, you can also add more flavors to your tea to match your food. For instance, if you're serving fruit poached in liquor, you can add a hint of the same liquor in your tea to make the flavors complement each other.  

Conclusion 

When choosing the best food item to go well with your oolong tea, you'll need to consider the weather, temperature, time of day, and what would suit the occasion. Moreover, you'll also need to factor in the flavor profile of your tea and the food item you'll serve. If you're serving a fruity version of light oolong tea, you'll need to select an accompanying dish, snack, or dessert that would go well with the tart or citrusy profile. Meanwhile, deep-flavored black oolong tea would be the perfect drink to match a heavy sauce-based dish or a chocolate dessert.

 

TEA

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How To Make Sure Your Exotic Ingredients Remain Fresh
How To Make Sure Your Exotic Ingredients Remain Fresh
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Many aspiring chefs work hard to prepare not just mouth-watering but Michelin-star-worthy dishes. They flex their culinary flair by experimenting in the kitchen, and one way they do so is to incorporate exotic ingredients into their signature dishes. When chefs get their hands on them, they want to make them last longer so they can practice with the ingredient and perfect their dishes.

One example is saffron, which still holds the title of the world's most expensive exotic ingredient at USD$20 for two grams. The reason it is extremely expensive is its rarity and the labour it takes to harvest and process them. Other rare exotic ingredients chefs love to use are Japan's Wagyu beef and Yubari king melons, Spain's Jamon Iberico de Bellota, and Indonesia's Kopi Luwak. 

These ingredients are exceptionally delicate and require specific storage instructions to make them last. To give you a better idea of how to ensure your exotic ingredients remain fresh, check this list:

1. Freeze Them

Most culinary ingredients are okay to be stored at room temperature, but some would need a refrigerator or a freezer. Exotic fruits like durian, mangosteen, passion fruit, dragon fruit, lychees, and jack fruit are great to eat on their own but are also great ingredients for dishes, especially baked goods like pastries and cakes. The way to make them last is by freezing them.

You may carefully slice them into pieces, place them in a clean container, and freeze them. This way, anytime you crave a passion fruit cake, you can take it out of the freezer and thaw it for your recipe.

If you plan to include exotic ingredients in your restaurant menu, ensure you get reliable and commercially viable refrigeration solutions, like the ones from https://interfridge.co.nz/.

2. Soak Them In the Best Oil

Exotic ingredients like black garlic and truffles are becoming increasingly popular because they can turn ordinary dishes into sophisticated ones. 

Black garlic, for example, became ridiculously popular after being showcased on the famous culinary shows Iron Chef of America and Master Chef. Mainly used in Asian cooking, the world got exposed to black garlic's pleasantly unusual flavour that is reminiscent of caramel and tamarind. It became an incredible addition to pasta sauces, salad dressings, pizza, and roasts. 

Truffles, meanwhile, are fungi that can be found under the roots of trees in the wild forests of Italy. They are costly and not available all year round. Truffles have a unique aroma that pairs well with pasta or any dish you want to put it in. 

To prolong the life of both the black garlic and truffles, you may soak them in excellent quality extra virgin olive oil. This way, once the flavours of both ingredients got infused in the oil, you may use the oil to flavour dishes like salads, dressings, and sauces.

3. Store In A Dark, Dry Place

Your kitchen must have a designated spice cabinet. Most exotic spices, like saffron, achiote paste, curry powder, and dried herbs, need a cool, dark, dry storage place. This way, they will not lose their aroma and flavour to the sun's heat. Most modern kitchens have a pull-out cabinet for spices, and if you plan to have a restaurant soon, a big pantry with a dedicated spice cabinet is a must. 

Going back to our previous example—black garlic can also be stored in a dark, dry place, away from moisture, like in a dark pantry cabinet. Truffles should be rolled in a paper towel and placed inside an opened resealable bag inside the darkest part of the refrigerator. The bag should remain unsealed so the truffles can breathe, and the paper towels should be replaced with new ones when you see moisture seeping from the truffles.

4. Refrigerate Them

Many expensive exotic ingredients can't be frozen and would only need to be chilled at all times to hold their form and preserve their taste. Such is the case of caviar, another costly ingredient that would seal your fate as a five-star chef. Freezing caviar is a no-no since it would damage the texture and appearance of the delectable fish eggs.

Once opened, caviar should be consumed right away. That is why many culinary experts transfer the caviar to smaller containers, refrigerate them, and only take what they need from the refrigerator. This is also why you see tiny caviar bottles soaked in a bowl of ice on the buffet table in elegant banquets.

Conclusion

Expensive exotic ingredients can be a part of your culinary repertoire to elevate your skills and make you an outstanding and fearless master of the kitchen. Your ability to whip up elegantly lovely creations that don't just look pretty but also taste exquisite can help you earn a name in the cutthroat culinary world.

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A Simple Guide to Pairing Coffee with Food
A Simple Guide to Pairing Coffee with Food
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Coffee tastes good on its own, but when paired with food, it becomes more than just a pick-me-up beverage. Great coffee and food pairing can bring out the best aspects in each other, like a duet of a soprano and an alto that blends seamlessly and can transform each other from merely good to something sublime.  

Coffee with food is a partnership that has always gone on since the first cup of coffee was brewed. Today, coffee and food aren’t just about breakfast. As people’s tastes and preferences evolve and become more discriminating, the morning beverage is no longer just a hot drink to wash down your doughnuts or other confectionaries. With its aroma, different flavours, body, and ability to wake people up, coffee remains a part of many people’s daily sustenance.  (1)

Know what makes a good coffee

Knowing a few basic principles can help you discover the combo that would make your regular cup of coffee into something extraordinary. First, identifying your favourite beans’ dominant flavour is a good idea. Like pairing wine with food, finding a great partner for your coffee is all about matching the flavours that come together to make beautiful music inside your mouth. 

But, before you can find those flavours in your coffee beans, learning what it takes to brew a good cup of coffee is a crucial skill to have. Of course, your taste in coffee is yours—what works for you is best. However, understanding a few basic must-dos couldn’t hurt. 

Ensure that your equipment is always immaculate. Coffee filters, bean grinders, coffee makers, and other coffee-making tools should be cleaned properly after use. The equipment should be rinsed with hot water and dried with an absorbent cloth. Take care not to leave leftover coffee grounds—reusing them can make subsequent coffee tastes horrible. (2)

Also, picking great beans is a good start if you want great coffee. Stores like Will and Co offer different coffee beans that may help you explore various flavours. Coffee can have distinct flavours based on its origin, variety, how it’s processed, and how it’s roasted. Flavour is also affected by how the coffee was brewed. (3)

Understanding flavour profiles and roasts

Learning the basics of pairing coffee with food is like becoming a sommelier, but for coffee instead of wine. Learning to identify these aromatic and flavour notes can make it easier for you to make a great coffee-food pairing. If you want to get to know your coffee, remember to focus on two main areas: the beverage’s body and the roast. 

Coffee can be a dark roast, light roast, or medium roast. Dark roasts are inclined to be earthy and woody. On the other hand, light roasts tend to be a little acidic, but they can also have a touch of spice or a hint of something fruity. With medium roasts, you’ll notice a chocolatey flavour profile or perhaps something nutty. Medium roasts also often possess characteristics of both dark and light roasts. 

Coffee body refers to the beverage’s ‘mouthfeel’ and not the flavour itself. So, when you hear the term ‘full-bodied coffee,’ it means that the coffee gives your mouth a sense of texture. Full-bodied coffee feels thicker and more viscous in your mouth. Light-bodied coffee is clear and more watery. Medium is somewhere between the two. (4)

Coffee and food pairings

Knowing a bit about flavour profiles and understanding a coffee’s tastes should make it simpler to find more interesting coffee-food pairings beyond coffee and doughnut. Below is a basic guide for coffee and food pairings: 

  1. For Breakfast Dishes

Fruits, eggs, toast, pancakes, toast, pastries, or almost any breakfast dishes usually pair well with light or medium-roasted coffee.  Light or medium-roasted coffee is acidic and has a light mouth-feel, so it also goes well with food that has a similar characteristic. 

Pairing a light-roast coffee with the foods mentioned above can make the coffee’s flavour notes enhance the food’s qualities. Contrast pairings can also work with light or medium roasts. The roasts’ acidity nicely balances out rich, creamy, fruit and vegetable-based meals, like hummus or avocado. 

Light roast is also good with butter-based foods like pastries. Light roast with cake or shortbread complements the texture of the food, while the food enhances the inherent sweetness of the coffee. Salty dishes also balance the light roast’s acidity without affecting its flavours. For heavier breakfasts like omelettes or crepes, a dark, full-bodied roast is more suitable.  

  1. Meat and poultry dishes

Light roast coffee works equally well for both red meat and poultry-based dishes, as they harmonize well together. Medium roast goes well with poultry, which has a more subtle taste profile. On the other hand, darker, full-bodied roasts are great for red meats and other foods with bold flavours. Finally, savoury, and spicy dishes are great with dark, full-bodied espressos, as the coffee highlights the food’s flavour. 

  1. Desserts

While pastries and cakes go well with light-bodied coffee, chocolate desserts are excellent with dark, full-bodied roasts. It’s simpler if you remember fruit-based desserts go with a light roast and desserts with chocolate pair well with a darker roast. If you’re unsure, use medium roast—it's difficult to go wrong with a medium roast.   

Final Thoughts

Learning the basics of making good coffee and understanding roasts and flavour profiles is useful, as it can help you start your journey of discovering great food pairings for your favourite brew. Armed with this knowledge, finding great coffee-food combos will be easy and extremely rewarding.

 

References

1. “Top Reasons Why People Drink Coffee”, Source: https://coffee.org/pages/top-reasons-why-people-drink-coffee
2. “How Long Is Brewed Coffee Good For?”, Source: https://wokelark.com/reusing-coffee-grounds-another-cup-of-coffee-caffeine-cold-brew/
3. “Coffee Bean Types And Flavors: Choosing The Right Beans For Your Coffee Business”, Source: https://joesgaragecoffee.com/blog/coffee-bean-types-and-flavors/
4. “What is coffee "aroma"?”, Source: https://espressocoffeeguide.com/all-about-coffee-2/coffee-flavor/



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Top 8 Asian Kitchen Essentials
Top 8 Asian Kitchen Essentials
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While most Asian cuisines can be prepared with regular pots, there are special utensils to make cooking easier. You might not be able to afford everything at once, but you can always start somewhere. For instance, you can start with a bamboo skimmer and enjoy branching your vegetables. With time, you'll be able to get every Asian utensil you need with a bit of patience. Among the most important Asian kitchen utensils include:

1.     Cast Iron Wok

The wok is always on the top list of Asian kitchen utensils. There isn't any Asian kitchen without an iron cast wok. A wok is used for cooking almost every dish—from curries to stir-fries, dumplings, and deep-fried foods.

When purchasing a wok, there are some guidelines to follow. First, the wok should be made from cast iron. A cast iron requires more maintenance than a non-stick wok but it can enhance food flavour due to its coating. Second, the wok should be at least 14 inches with a long handle to prevent the hands from burning. You may want to visit webky.com.au for more information on woks and their prices.

2.     Wok Spatula And Ladle

Where there's a wok, there's a wok spatula. A good wok spatula should have a wooden handle to avoid burning the fingers. While there are fancy wok spatulas with stainless steel handles, they might not be a good choice since stainless steel is a good conductor of heat. With such a spatula wok, you are more likely to burn your fingers, unlike when using one with wooden handles. In addition, your hands are bound to become oily and greasy, making it difficult to have a good grip on a wok with stainless steel handles.

On the other hand, a wok ladle is essential when preparing and serving soup. The ladle should also have a wooden handle. In the same way steel wok spatulas aren't and shouldn't be used on a non-stick surface, silicone, bamboo, and wooden spatulas shouldn't be used in a wok since they might not collect the food from the bottom of the wok properly. Since wok spatulas come with a curved end, it glides the bottom of a curved wok, easily picking up all the food and sauces at the bottom.

3.     Clay Pots

Clay pots are probably the oldest Asian kitchen tool to date. Their designs also haven't changed much. Clay pots and braziers are made of sand and clay. They are suitable for cooking various cuisines such as stews, soups, and curries.

Most Asians love to transfer the already cooked food into a clay pot until serving time. This way, the food remains warm and fresh. You can choose a simple and rustic design or settle for a fancy design, but they're all valuable and efficient.

4.     Rice Cooker

Rice is an Asian staple food. Therefore, investing in a high-quality rice cooker is paramount among Asians. While you can also cook delicious rice on a stove, an electric rice cooker is more convenient and efficient. All you need to do is fill the cooker with clean rice and add water to the marked level before turning on the cooker.

You'll no longer experience mushy, undercooked, or burnt rice with an electric cooker. Also, the electric rice cooker can keep the rice warm for several hours. Therefore, regardless of whether you prepared your rice early, it will still be warm during mealtime.

5.     Bamboo Skimmer

A bamboo or spider skimmer is essential as far as deep-frying is concerned. Unlike when using a wok or spatula, a skimmer picks up more food when serving. Skimmers are found in different sizes to suit various needs. Larger skimmers are suitable for vegetable and noodle branching, while medium skimmers are suitable for deep-frying.

6.     Mortar And Pestle

Asians are known for preparing spicy delicacies, hence the need for a mortar and pestle. Grinding fresh spices such as garlic and ginger is easier with these tools.

7.     Chinese Cleaver

Just looking at a Chinese cleaver can be intimidating. However, after using it, you'll definitely grow fond of it. A Chinese cleaver is used to cut meat like chicken and pork ribs. Since most Chinese dishes with pork ribs require the ribs to be chopped into small pieces, a cleaver is essential to make the work easy.

8.     Bamboo Wok Brush

A bamboo wok brush is essential if you have a wok in the kitchen. However, you can also use a stainless-steel scrubber to clean your wok instead of a bamboo wok brush.

When using a wok brush, rinse the wok first under running water, then brush it in a circular motion to get rid of food particles. Afterward, place the wok on the burner under medium heat for it to dry. As much as possible, avoid using soap since it can remove the much-needed oils to give the wok a nice patina.

Conclusion

Asians are known for preparing incomparable delicacies. And to succeed in their cooking, they require high-quality utensils. Those mentioned above are but a few essentials. They are easily accessible, and you can always get some if you'd want to use Asian utensils.

 

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