Chilli bean paste

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This is made from a mixture of ground chillies, salt, garlic and oil that has been fermented to form a rich paste, and is used as a seasoning in Chinese dishes.

Chilli sauce

Made from chillies, vinegar, sugar and salt, this bright red sauce is sometimes used in Chinese cooking but mainly as a dipping sauce or to add heat to any dish.

Chinese sausage(lap chong)

These thin sausages about15cm(6 inches) in are made from cured duck liver, pork liver or pork. They are used to season rice and poultry dishes, and must be cooked before being eaten.

Cinnamon

In Chinese cooking, the cinnamon bark’s aromatic flavour is widely used in braised dishes and is one of the ingredients in Chinese five-spice powder.

Dried Chinese mushrooms

Dried Chinese mushrooms need to be rehydrated in hot water before using. They have an intense meaty flavour and the soaking liquid is often used in place of stock in a sauce. The flesh is usually finely chopped and sauteed in Chinese vegetable dishes.

Hoisin sauce

Part of the bean sauce family, this rich, thick and dark sauce is made from soya bean paste, garlic, vine-gar, sugar and spices.

Noodles

Egg noodles are made from wheat flour and eggs and are available fresh and dried. They come in different thicknesses and are usually yellowish in colour. They are used in stir-fries as well as soups.

Rice noodles are made from rice flour, wheat starch and water, and are available fresh and dried.

Bean thread noodles (also known as transparent or cellophane noodlesare made from ground mung beans. They are available dried and are very fine and white in colour. Once soaked, they become oft an soft and translucent.

Oyster sauce This popular southern Chinese sauce is thick and brown with a rich taste. Made from oysters, soy sauce spice and spices, it is highly versatile and adds boost of flavour to many dishes.

Preserved cabbage

Cabbage leaves are pickled in a mixture of salt, vinegar and sugar, and used as seasoning. Preserved cabbage is available in cans and should always be rinsed before using.