Buying Asian products online makes it easier to prepare a soup, a curry, sushi or an original snack. But you still need to know exactly what you're putting in your basket. An appetising photo can hide a small pack size, a high sugar content, or a product that needs to be kept in the fridge after opening.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, compare the intended use, the ingredients, the net weight and the storage instructions before you order.
Asian snacks, such as dried tofu, dried fruit or sunflower seeds, are generally ready to eat. On the other hand, dried Asian mushrooms, lotus leaves and dried lemongrass need preparation.
A product described as versatile isn't necessarily usable straight away. Always check for labels like "ready to eat", "rehydrate", "rinse" or "infuse".
Some products come in small packets because drying significantly reduces their volume. Nori seaweed in a 12.5 g pack can be enough for several sushi rolls, whereas a packet of dried mushrooms must first be rehydrated before you can add them to a recipe.
Compare the net weight, the number of possible portions and how often you plan to use the product. A 500 g pack of dried bonito might be good value for a restaurant, but far too bulky for occasional home use.
Asian ingredients can contain fish, shellfish, soya, wheat or sulphites. Seasoned dried tofu, for example, may be made with a soy sauce that contains wheat. As for dried fruit, it can contain sulphites or added sugars.
Take the time to read the ingredients list and the allergen declaration, even if you usually buy the same brand. The composition can vary from one product to another.
Choose a clear ingredients list that matches the recipe you have in mind. Lemongrass made from lemongrass alone fits easily into a soup, a broth, a tea or a marinade. The X.O. Dried Lemongrass Pieces 100 g states a Thai origin and recommends storage in a cool, dry place.
Origin alone doesn't guarantee taste or quality. However, it does help you check that the product matches the type of cuisine you're after: Japanese products for nori or bonito-based dishes, South-East Asian ingredients for curries and fragrant broths.
Asian mushrooms are a good example of why this matters. ONG XEN sliced black fungus must be rehydrated before being added to a dish. FU XING straw mushrooms, sold in a 425 g tin, are preserved in brine and can simply be drained before cooking.
For FX Lotus Leaf 400 g, the product page advises rinsing them, then soaking or steaming them according to the packet instructions. They are used to wrap glutinous rice, meat, poultry or various steamed preparations.
Dried products should be stored away from moisture and light. After opening, seal the packet carefully to preserve their texture. This applies especially to dried fruit, Asian spices and mushrooms.
However, not all dried products are stored the same way. BDMP Dried Shrimp M 100 g must be kept in the fridge, at a maximum temperature of 7 °C. Salt and drying never replace the instructions on the packaging.
Why this choice suits this profile: at 100 g, this packet lets you discover dried lemongrass without ending up with an oversized stock. It can be used in soups, curries, teas and marinades.
The ingredients list is limited to lemongrass, and the instructions recommend storing it in a cool, dry place. No tricky seasoned blend here.
100% lemongrass, 100 g pack size, stated Thai origin and no declared allergens.
Why this choice suits this profile: this large pack is aimed at people who cook Japanese food regularly and want to always have dried bonito on hand for dashi, noodles, tofu or toppings.
The pack size is clearly stated and the product page mentions the presence of fish. This lets you check the allergen and decide whether this quantity suits your needs.
Bonito listed as the main ingredient, 500 g pack size and detailed usage for dashi and toppings.
Why this choice suits this profile: its 400 g pack size is ideal for frequent cooking, family meals and professionals who use lotus leaves for steaming.
The product page states that you need to rinse the leaves, then soften them before use. So there's no risk of using them directly while they're still dry and stiff.
100% lotus leaves, 400 g pack size and detailed usage for rice, meat, poultry and steamed dishes.
We've selected a full range, updated in real time, of products that meet these exacting criteria and European food safety regulations.
The label is your best guide. BDMP dried shrimp must be stored at a maximum of 7 °C, while most dried fruit, spices and dried mushrooms can be kept in a cool, dry place away from light. After opening, seal the packets carefully to keep moisture out.
Rinse them if necessary, then soak or steam them following the instructions on the packet. Sliced black fungus is usually rehydrated before being added to a soup, a stir-fry or a sauce. If needed, remove any tough parts for a better texture.
No. YYH Xinjiang dates are listed as 100% dates. Other products, such as dried strawberries, mangoes or pineapples, may contain sugar, syrup or preservatives. Check the ingredients list and the sugar content to choose the product that best suits your needs.