The Savoury Wonder of Soy Sauce in Chinese Cuisine
Come learn more about the versatile culinary uses and unique qualities that make soy sauce indispensable in Chinese cuisine.
For thousands of years, cumin has mesmerised chefs and foodies around the world with its rich and complex aroma, greatly prized in Eastern and Northern Chinese culinary traditions, as well as an essential spice in several Southeast Asian cuisines. Believed to have originated from around the Middle East, cumin has long since spread and settled around the globe. In fact, if you enjoy spicy, meaty Asian delicacies, then you’ve probably tasted cumin’s unique zest within the layers of piquant aromas and flavours.
So, let’s dive a little deeper into the wondrous features of cumin, and explore its tantalising culinary uses
Cumin’s flavour profile
On its own, cumin exudes a bitter, pungent scent; when cooked, the seeds will release an earthy, nutty and peppery warmth that can uplift the savoury depth of meaty dishes. Cumin can also seamlessly blend with savoury sauces, as well as other herbs and spices to create complex zesty layers in a dish.
How to prepare cumin for cooking
Cumin seeds are commonly available in 2 forms: in whole seeds and powdered. While powdered cumin in jars is convenient for quick use, Asian chefs and traditional cooks will usually toast whole cumin seeds in a dry heated pan to get a richer, fuller aroma. The toasted cumin is left to cool, then ground with mortar and pestle into a fine powder, either on their own or with other spices, to make flavourful spice blends and seasonings. Cumin can also be incorporated into marinades and curry pastes, depending on the cuisine and recipe.
For example, Thai Green and Yellow Curry, Massaman Curry and Panang Curry all use cumin in their seasoning pastes. Chinese cuisine typically mixes cumin with Sichuan peppercorns. Indonesian cooking would combine cumin with turmeric and other spicy aromatics. Each cuisine’s cumin-infused dishes deliver its own unique flavour depth and nuanced zesty warmth.
Cumin is awesome with meaty dishes
Cumin’s rich earthy, nutty warmth is exceptional to complement the natural gamey, savoury flavour of lamb.
The Sichuan Cumin Lamb Noodles is a scrumptious treat you don’t want to miss! Thinly sliced lamb is marinated with light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine and a warm, zesty mix of powdered cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fried with minced garlic and ginger, and enriched with a savoury, malty-sweet sauce blend. Served with soft, flat wide noodles and a drizzle of chilli oil. Spicy and richly savoury to taste, with the signature numbing zest of Sichuan cooking.
Spicy Cumin Lamb Skewers is a Northern Chinese favourite. Tender, juicy lamb cubes, seasoned with Shaoxing Wine and a spice mix of cumin, fennel, garlic and chilli flakes. Skewered and grilled to warm, aromatic perfection with an enchanting smoky note. Every bite delivers a bold piquant savoury flavour that lingers on your tastebuds! Add the Spicy Cumin Lamb Skewers to your barbecue menu with our recipe.
Another delicious lamb delight flavoured with cumin is the iconic Burmese Sheik-Thar Puffs. Crisp and buttery pastry puffs with a spicy, warming and umami lamb mince filling. Imbued with the combined zesty, earthy aromas of cumin, turmeric, paprika, pepper powder, and ginger powder. A hearty, yummy indulgence that leaves you wanting more! Enjoy your Burmese Lamb Puffs fresh out the oven with our recipe.
Besides lamb dishes, cumin is also an essential spice in the marinade for the irresistible Ayam Penyet, the traditional Indonesian smashed fried chicken. Here, cumin is mixed with turmeric, fennel and coriander seeds, candlenuts, shallot, garlic and galangal; resulting in layers of warm, spicy, earthy aromas, imbued into the succulent fried chicken. Served with fried tofu, crunchy assorted veggies, rice, and spicy sambal paste.
That’s just a small sample of all the yummies you can make with cumin! Come check out more cumin-flavoured treats in our recipes collection!
More Spice Deep Dives
Cumin is among the flavourful herbs and spices used in Asian cuisines. There are many more to discover! Come learn more about Sichuan peppercorns, Five Spice Powder, and other Asian spice blends. Also, be sure to check out our pick of 20 amazing Asian herbs and spices you should add to your pantry!
