7 Ingredient Swaps That Make Chinese Cooking Simple
By Shireen Jamooji
October 28, 2023
Nobody can resist the sumptuous flavours of a great Chinese meal. But recreating them at home can be a challenge since a lot of the authentic ingredients can be hard to come by. Here are a few easy swaps you can try to simplify cooking Chinese food at home.
Soy Sauce
Replace with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Hoisin Sauce
Mix together peanut butter, honey, and a dash of hot sauce for a makeshift hoisin sauce.
Oyster Sauce
Substitute with vegetarian oyster sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar.
Five Spice
Create your own blend using equal parts of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.
Shaoxing Wine
Swap with dry sherry or white wine mixed with chicken or vegetable stock.
Ginger and Garlic
Premade ginger or ginger paste can replace fresh ginger in a pinch.
Sesame Oil
Try using peanut oil or gingelly oil for a milder taste.
