It's time to answer some of your most frequently asked questions!


  • What is the difference between Chinese and Japanese soy sauces?         

 

Chinese-style soy sauces are usually made over several weeks with soybeans, salt, wheat and water. After preparation, caramel color may be added to give the sauce its characteristic dark color. Chinese-style soy sauces are often used for color rather than flavor. "Light" and "dark" refer to the color of the sauce, not how salty it is. In fact, a light Chinese-style soy sauce can taste more salty than a dark one!


Japanese-style soy sauces, also known as shoyu, are usually made over months rather than weeks, and may be aged even longer to develop flavor. Generally, Japanese soy sauces are made with less salt than their Chinese-style counterparts. Wheat and a mixture of yeast and fungus cultures – also known as koji – are key ingredients in Japanese soy sauce. Colorings are rarely, if ever, used.


In Japan, soy sauce is used for both flavor and color. Apart from the production method, this is probably the biggest difference between Chinese style and Japanese style soy sauce.


  • How does Kewpie mayonnaise differ from the rest on the market?


While classic mayo uses whole eggs, Kewpie mayo incorporates yolks and only yolks for a yellow color and rich smooth texture. Egg yolks - exactly four in each 500g bottle - are an important source of amino acids that give Kewpie Mayonnaise its characteristic salty taste and, to mention the obvious, egg taste.


Also instead of white vinegar, Kewpie relies on a blend of vinegars—rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and distilled vinegar—for added complexity, deliciousness, and natural sweetness.

No trace of sugar is used, making it ideal for a low-carb diet.


Additionally, the squeeze bottle helps retain oxygen, increasing its shelf life.



  • How can I make bao buns if I don't have a steamer?

 


The first bamboo steamer was made specifically for cooking bao buns. Fortunately, you can cook bao buns without it.

Steaming bao in the microwave is a great technique because it's quick, simple, and microwaves are a common fixture in many kitchens around the world. You will need:


- A microwave oven

- A plate

- A bowl

- Paper towels


Instructions:


1. Take a paper towel and wet it with some water.

2. Roll up the bao and place on a plate.

3. Microwave for 1 minute at a time on medium until steamed properly.

It is important to microwave the bao at short intervals (check every 30”) on a medium setting. If you microwave it too long on high, the bun will dry out and become hard.


or

Another alternative technique is to put some water in a pot to boil, place a colander lined with a perforated oilcloth inside the pot, without the water touching the bottom, place the bao buns around the perimeter, close the lid and throw 3-4 towels on top. The steaming time for bao buns is around 15 minutes.


  • How long can I store my sauces?


 Oyster sauce: To maximize the shelf life of opened oyster sauce, refrigerate and keep tightly closed at all times. Oyster sauce that is constantly in the refrigerator will generally remain at its best for about 2 years.

If oyster sauce develops an odor, taste or appearance, or if mold develops, it should be discarded.


Soy Sauce : According to Kikkoman's website, soy sauce will not spoil "as long as no water or other ingredients have been added." This means that keeping it tightly sealed prevents it from spoiling to a large extent.

An unopened bottle of soy sauce lasts at least a few years after the printed date. Once you open it, it keeps its best quality for about a month at room temperature and maybe half a year in the fridge, but it remains safe and decent in terms of quality for much longer.


Fish sauce: Once opened, you can freely use this product for at least one year when stored in the refrigerator, without worrying that its quality will decrease. It can stay fresh for a long time, thanks to the high level of salt and the absence of perishable ingredients. In most cases, you can keep an unopened bottle of fish sauce for a year after the date on the label. It is approximately a period of three to four years after bottling.


Sriracha Sauce: Sriracha hot sauce does not spoil easily because most of its ingredients, such as chili peppers, vinegar and salt, are natural preservatives. This is true for almost all hot sauces. So even though the sauce comes with a date printed on the bottle, it usually lasts months after that. A cool and dry place is good enough to store it.


Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauce doesn't spoil quickly, but it doesn't last forever. Once you open the bottle, it will keep for a few months to a year if you refrigerate it.


  • How do I cook dumplings?



There are 3 ways:


Deep frying : add oil to a deep fryer or a large pot and then add the frozen duplings to the oil. For best results, make sure not to thaw your pasta first.

Fry them for about two to three minutes, taking out a test dumpling first. When done it will have a brown and crispy outside with a hot and steamy inside.

Pan frying : Heat a pan on a medium to high temperature with a few tablespoons of oil in it. Once hot, add your frozen dumplings. Cook in the oil for about three to four minutes, turning once to brown several sides. Then add enough water to cover the dumplings about halfway, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Steam until all the water evaporates. With this method, your pasta will end up a mixture of steamed and fried.

Boiling : Boiling is always a good option, especially if you want to add them to soup. Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add your frozen pasta (again, don't thaw it first) and toss so it doesn't stick to the sides.

Bring your water back to a boil, then add about a cup of cold water. Repeat, bringing back to a boil and adding another cup of cold water. Once your water boils for the third time, your pasta will be ready.

Steaming: Place them in a steamer or a bamboo basket (which you will put on top of a pot of boiling water) for 10'.


For any question related to our products, do not hesitate to contact us via our Instagram profile @Salamatasianmarket, by phone at 216 900 86 12 or of course in one of our stores!