30 Best Asian Spices, Sauces, and Herbs For Cooking

Asian cooking has a rich diversity of spices, herbs, and condiments that are mixed and matched to create distinct, flavorful dishes. There's a huge variety of spices and condiments out there, so I decided to put together this guide with some of my most used spices, condiments, and herbs when cooking.

All these flavoring agents are a great way to add flavor to a dish at minimal to zero calories -- there's nothing better than a delicious dish that is good for you too!

In this article, we'll be looking at:

Most Popular Spices, Herbs, and Condiments by Cuisine Type
Spices

Most Popular Spices, Herbs, and Condiments by Cuisine Type

This infograph breaks out the spices by each country's cuisine type. This will help you understand which kinds of ingredients to look out for when you are just starting out to learn to cook a specific cuisine type. Once you have the staple ingredients for a cuisine type, you'll be able to cook a wide variety of dishes by just mixing and matching the condiments.

Spices

Star anise

What it is: Seed pods of the illlicium verum plant from Vietnam and China.
What it tastes like: A fragrant, licorice-like flavor. It has bold flavours that is often described to help meat taste “meatier”.
Usage: Often used in broths, and braises, with beef and/or pork. Popular dishes star anise is found in include pho, bo kho, Thai noodle soups, and braised beef or pork. It is often used in Chinese cooking and Southeast Asian cooking.
Where to buy: Most major grocery stores, including Whole Foods, Safeway, etc. should have it. You can also order it online on Amazon.

Here are some example recipes I have that use star anise:

Bo Kho Pasta

Bay leaves

What it is: Bay leaf is a fragrant leaf from the laurel tree that is often used as an herb. In the store, it is often sold as a container of dried leaves.
What it tastes like: An herbal scent reminiscent of tea leaves; it is rather subtle but brings out an extra depth of flavor
Usage: Bay leaves are usually steeped in soup or slow cooked for braised meats, sauces, and stews. They're often used for pasta sauces, pho broth and broths of noodle soups, and braised beef dishes.
Where to buy: Most major grocery stores, including Whole Foods, Safeway, etc. should have it. You can also order it online on Amazon.

Here are some example recipes I have that use bay leaf:

Sichuan peppercorns

What it is: A variation of peppercorn found in the Sichuan province in China
What it tastes like: Has a more fragrant, citrus like taste with a spice that is often described as numbing and tingly. This one is not for the faint of heart!
Usage: Often used in Mala stir fry dishes and soups including Mala hot pot and mapo tofu. This is a popular spice in Chinese cuisines with spicy food.
Where to buy: This is a relatively more specialized spice that should be found in most Chinese and Asian supermarkets. You can also order it on Amazon.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Fennel seeds

What it is: Fennel seeds are derived from the herbal fennel plant
What it tastes like: Fennel has a sweet, powerful, licorice-like flavor.
Usage: They're often used for marinades for meat, stews and sauces. I've used it for braised meat pasta sauces as well as for Taiwanese beef noodle soup
Where to buy: This is a relatively common spice that you should be able to find in most major grocery stores and on Amazon.

Curry powders

What it is: Curry powder is exactly what it sounds like - powder in curry form. It is often associated with South Asian cuisine and has spread throughout Asia, with many countries creating their own adaptation of it
What it tastes like: It varies by the country of the curry, but it is generally has a strong flavour created by a mixture of spices. Japanese curries tend to be a little more on the sweeter side while Thai curries can be spicier and and more herbal and fragrant
Usage: Often used in curry dishes - in Thai cuisine, it is often mixed with coconut milk. It is also used to season noodles and rice dishes.
Where to buy: This should be relatively easy to find at your local Asian grocery store. S&B Curry powder is my personal favorite brand

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Coriander seeds

What it is: A spice from the seed of the coriander plant. Can be found in seed form or powder form. It looks similar to peppercorn.
What it tastes like: A fresh, citrus, floral, peppery taste.
Usage: It is often grounded and used for marinades or steeped in stews. I've used it a lot in cooking Thai food, such as Gai Yang (Thai BBQ Chicken) and Thai chicken noodle soup
Where to buy: Coriander is a pretty common kitchen spice and should be easily found in your local grocery store or online

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Sesame seeds

What it is: Tiny oil rich seeds grown from the sesame plant. There are generally 2 variations: black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds.
What it tastes like: A rich, nutty flavor
Usage: They're often used to garnish dishes and mixed in with sauces.
Where to buy: Sesame seeds are not hard to find - you should be able to find them in your local grocery store or on Amazon.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Brown sugar

What it is: Sugar product that contains molasses, hence the brown coloring. This is not specific to Asian cooking, but is in important ingredient that is vital to balancing out the spice heavy flavors in Asian cooking.
What it tastes like: A caramelized sweetness
Usage: Often used to achieve a perfect balance with dishes that are saltier or spicier. It can be found in soups, curries, and stir fry dishes.
Where to buy: Brown sugar is a common kitchen ingredient that should be found in most grocery stores

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Black peppercorns

What it is: Black peppercorns, or black pepper, is the most common type of pepper. It is a common tabletop spice that is used in all types of cuisines.
What it tastes like: A nutty and light spice
Usage: Beyond just garnishing and flavoring dishes like with most cuisines, black peppercorns are often steeped in soups in Thai and Vietnamese broth based dishes.
Where to buy: As one of the most common spices, it will be fairly easy to find this at most grocery stores

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Shichimi togarashi

What it is: Togarashi is a Japanese spice blend consisting of 7 spices
What it tastes like: A light kick with subtle nutty and herbal flavors
Usage: It is often used to garnish dishes or to add a light spice, such as on yakitori
Where to buy: You can find togarashi at most Asian grocery stores, or online

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

White peppercorns

What it is: White peppercorns is a spice produced from the pepper plant, similar to its black peppercorn sibling, and is often used in Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cooking. It can be found in seed form or powder form.
What it tastes like: A milder pepper taste
Usage: It is often grounded and used for meat marinades, or steeped in soups for flavor
Where to buy: This is a fairly common spice that can be found at most major grocery stores

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Five-spice powder

What it is: Five spice is an Asian Spice mixture that is often used in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. It consists of a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorn.
What it tastes like: Rich, licorice-like with warm, sweet flavors
Usage: It is often used to marinade meats, such as five spice chicken, and mixed in to create soups and broths for Thai and Vietnamese noodle soups
Where to buy: Most major grocery stores should carry this. You can also find this online on Amazon.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)

What it is: Gochugaru is a Korean red chili flake made from red chili peppers
What it tastes like: Similar to red pepper flakes, with a more pronounced chili flavor
Usage: It is often used in Korean cuisine for meat marinades and mixed in with soups in stews.
Where to buy: This is a relatively more specialized ingredient. You should be able to find it at a Korean grocery stores, and potentially some Asian grocery stores. You can also order it via Amazon.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Furikake

What it is: A garnish used in Japanese cooking that consists of sesame seeds, nori, salt, and dried fish.
What it tastes like: A nutty, briny flavor.
Usage: It is often used to garnish dishes or and to add a light briny flavor
Where to buy: You can find furikake at most Asian grocery stores or on Amazon

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Seasonings

Soy sauce

What it is: Soy sauce is a brown colored liquid made from fermenting soybeans. It's one of the most popular Asian condiments.
What it tastes like: Has a salty umami flavor, often used to make food taste saltier, similar to how salt is used
Usage: Soy sauce is super versatile and can be used to marinade meats, season soups, and make stir fry sauces for rice and noodle dishes. It is also often also used as a dipping sauce for meats, sushi, and vegetables.
Where to buy: Soy sauce is a very common condiment and can be found in most grocery stores.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Fish sauce

What it is: Fish sauce is a popular condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine made with anchovies and salt
What it tastes like: Has a briny, seafood like flavor.
Usage: Can be used to season soups, marinade meats, and used as a dipping sauce. Often found in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
Where to buy: Most Asian grocery stores should carry this. You can also order it online - Three Crabs Fish Sauce is my personal favorite brand.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Mirin

What it is: Mirin is a sweet rice wine that is often used in Japanese and Korean cooking.
What it tastes like: It is similar to sake with a slightly sweeter and less alcoholic taste
Usage: It is often used in stir fry sauces and soups. It is often a base in most Japanese soups and broths.
Where to buy: You can find mirin in your local Asian grocery stores. Some bigger chain grocery stores may carry it as well, or you can order it via Amazon.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Sesame oil

What it is: Sesame oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds
What it tastes like: Has a deep nutty aromatic flavor
Usage: Is often used for meat marinades and adding flavor to soups and a variety of other dishes.
Where to buy: Sesame oil is fairly easy to find. It is sold at most major grocery stores and can also be found online

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Gochujang

What it is: Gochujang is a thick red paste made from fermented peppers. It is often used in Korean cooking.
What it tastes like: Has a sweet and slightly spicy flavor. Contrary to it's bright red color, it is actually not that spicy.
Usage: It is often used in soup bases, sauce marinades for meats, or seasoning rice dishes (and pastas). It is also used as a seasoning in some Korean barbeque dishes, such as bibimbap.
Where to buy: This condiment can be found at Korean grocery stores, some Asian grocery stores, and can also be ordered online.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Doenjang

What it is: Doenjang is a thick brown soy bean paste. It is essentially a Korean miso paste/
What it tastes like: Umami briny soy bean taste. It is a funkier version of the popular Japanese miso paste.
Usage: It is often used in soup bases, sauce marinades for meats, or seasoning rice dishes (and pastas).
Where to buy: This condiment can be found at Korean grocery stores, some Asian grocery stores, and can also be ordered online.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Oyster sauce

What it is: Oyster sauce is a thick, rich, syrup like sauce made from oyster extract
What it tastes like: A very sweet and salty favor
Usage: It is often used in stir fries sauces, marinades, and to season or to use as a dipping sauce for vegetables and/or meats. It is often used in Chinese and Thai cuisine.
Where to buy: Oyster sauce is relatively common and can be found in most Asian grocery stores or major grocery stores. You can also order via Amazon.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Dark soy sauce

What it is: Dark soy sauce is a darker, sweeter version of soy sauce
What it tastes like: A sweeter, less salty version of soy sauce.
Usage: It is often used in stir fry sauces for noodles to help make the noodles look darker. It can also be used to color soups. It adds a deeper, sweeter flavor to the dish.
Where to buy: You can find dark soy sauce at most Asian grocery stores or online.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Dashi

What it is: A fish stock that is commonly used in Japanese cooking
What it tastes like: A briny umami flavor
Usage: Dashi stock powder is often used in most Japanese soups and broths. It can also be infused in rice and eggs for a delicious umami flavor. Dashi is often a key base flavoring for most Japanese dishes.
Where to buy: You can find dashi stock at most Asian grocery stores or you can order it online via Amazon. I always use the Ajinomoto Hondashi.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Herbs

Green onion (Scallions)

What it is: Green onion, also known as scallion, is a green stalk like plant from the onion family. It is one of the most commonly used herbs in Asian cooking.
What it tastes like: A milder, onion taste
Usage: The green onion stalk has a white color on the bottom and turns progressively green towards the top. The green parts are often used for garnishes while the white parts are often used to sauté in stir fries or soup bases for flavor.
Where to buy: Green onions are very common and can be found in most major grocery stores.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Fresh ginger

What it is: Ginger is a root like herb that is often used as an aromatic in Asian cooking
What it tastes like: A mild herbal flavor
Usage: Ginger is often used in marinades and sautéd in stir fries. Fresh ginger works best, but you can also use ground ginger if you don't have any available.
Where to buy: Ginger is very common and can be found in most major grocery store chains.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Thai basil

What it is: Thai basil is a variation of the basil plant from Southeast Asia
What it tastes like: A slightly more licorice-like, citrus flavor compared to traditional basil
Usage: It is often used to mix in savory stir fried dishes and noodle dishes to add freshness to the dish and balance out the saltiness. It is usually added to the dish after it is cooked so that it doesn't lose its flavor. It is often used in Thai, Vietnamese, and Taiwanese cooking. I even use it in Pasta some times.
Where to buy: Thai basil is relatively harder to find, but should be available in most Asian grocery stores or on Amazon. I also started to grow my on Thai basil with my Click'n'Grow so I can just grab some whenever I need it without worrying about it going bad! You can also substitute it with traditional basil, but the flavor won't be quite the same.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Cilantro

What it is: A leafy herb from the coriander family often used to add freshness. It is often known as “Chinese parsley”.
What it tastes like: Tart, lemon/lime taste
Usage: Cilantro is often used as a garnish, crushed up and steeped in soups and/or marinades, and blended to make sauces. It is super versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.
Where to buy: Cilantro is a common herb and can be found in most major grocery stores.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Lemon grass

What it is: Lemongrass is a woody stalk like plant that looks similar to scallions but much longer and harder with a woodier texture
What it tastes like: Very fragrant and citrus-like notes
Usage: Lemongrass is often sliced and pounded to release its flavor. It's used for meat marinades like chicken and shrimp and is also steeped in stews and soups, such as Tom Yum.
Where to buy: It can be somewhat specialized, but most Asian grocery stores and some specialty chain grocery stores should carry it. You can also use the dried version but the flavor is definitely not the same.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Kaffir lime leaf

What it is: Kaffir lime leaf, also known as makrut lime leaf, is a citrus fruit from Southeast Asia.
What it tastes like: Spiced citrus flavor
Usage: It is de-stemmed and pounded to be made into curry pastes or steeped in soups. It's most commonly found in Southeast Asian cuisines.
Where to buy: This is a specialty herb that is relatively harder to find. I found it in some specialty Southeast Asian grocery stores as well as HMart. You can also order the dried version via Amazon.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Thai Curry

Thai Chili

What it is: Thai chili is a small but fiery chili that is often used in Thai cooking. It is one of the spiciest peppers out there.
What it tastes like: Fire!!
Usage: This is an essential ingredient in most spicy foods in Thai and Asian cooking. It is often found in stir fries and soups to add a kick. For this unfamiliar with Thai spice levels, I would use with caution. One Thai chili provides a good mild to medium spice. For those who prefer a medium to high level of spice, 2 to 3 should be the sweet spot.
Where to buy: Thai chilis can be found in most Asian grocery stores and some major chain grocery stores. I personally like to order the dried ones via Amazon since they last long and are easy to store.

Here are some example recipes I have that use this:

Most Popular Spices, Herbs, and Condiments by Cuisine Type

Spices

Star anise

Bay leaves

Sichuan peppercorns

Fennel seeds

Curry powders

Coriander seeds

Sesame seeds

Brown sugar

Black peppercorns

Shichimi togarashi

White peppercorns

Five-spice powder

Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)

Furikake

Seasonings

Soy sauce

Fish sauce

Mirin

Sesame oil

Gochujang

Doenjang

Oyster sauce

Dark soy sauce

Dashi

Herbs

Green onion (Scallions)

Fresh ginger

Thai basil

Cilantro

Lemon grass

Kaffir lime leaf

Thai Chili

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