Quick and Tasty Foods from Your Supermarket's Asian Aisle
Photo: Lara Robby/Studio D
Asian Home Gourmet Spice Pastes
These seasoning packets (plus meat or pasta) let you cook Vietnamese lemongrass chicken and Singaporean curry noodles without buying a basketful of obscure ingredients.
$2 each; Asian markets and gourmet stores
Photo: Lara Robby/Studio D
The Ginger People Organic Ginger
Add a spoonful of jarred, ready-to-use minced or grated ginger (it's like prechopped garlic) to stir-fries, coleslaw, and marinades for a zingy flavor boost.
$3; Whole Foods
Photo: Lara Robby/Studio D
Annie Chun's Seaweed Snacks
Crispy, roasted seaweed strips are a healthy alternative to potato chips—plus they're high in omega-3s and contain only about 60 calories per package.
$2 each; supermarkets
Photo: Lara Robby/Studio D
Marukome Miso & Easy
A squirt of this concentrated broth transforms hot water into Japanese miso soup (add vegetables or tofu for a heartier version). Or use it straight up as a marinade for roasted chicken or grilled streak.
$5; Asian markets
Photo: Lara Robby/Studio D
Simply Asia Noodle Bowls
Think of these hearty meals-in-a-bowl as an updated take on instant ramen. Just add water and pop in the microwave for hot noodles in a spicy Mongolian sauce or sesame teriyaki glaze.
$4; supermarkets
Photo: Lara Robby/Studio D
A Taste of Thai Spicy Peanut Bake
Roll chicken in this crunchy coating for a Thai version of chicken tenders, or toss the mix with broccoli to create an unexpected side dish.
$4; supermarkets
7 Asian-inspired twists on your favorite recipes
From the April 2011 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine