Malaysian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, and at the heart of this culinary richness lies the art of seasoning. In this article, we’ll highlight the top seasonings loved by chefs and provide tips on how to use them like a pro. Whether you’re a home cook or a food business owner, this guide will help you elevate your dishes with the best seasonings Malaysia has to offer.
Here are the top 6 seasonings that Malaysian chefs swear by to create authentic and delicious dishes.
Star anise is a star-shaped spice with a sweet, liquorice-like aroma. It’s a staple in Malaysian kitchens, often used in braised dishes, soups, and curries. Its unique flavour enhancers dishes like mutton curry, adding a warm and slightly sweet note.
It is versatile and long-lasting, making it a cost-effective choice for bulk cooking. Its distinctive flavour can also help your dishes stand out.
Tip for Food Service: Add to boiling water when cooking rice or noodles for a subtle, aromatic lift.
Recipe Inspiration: Mutton Masala Recipe
Cinnamon is a sweet and warm spice that’s perfect for both savoury and sweet dishes. It’s commonly used in stews, desserts, and traditional spice blends like the ‘four siblings’ mix.
It adds depth to a wide range of dishes, from savoury curries to desserts, allowing you to diversify your menu without additional inventory.
Tip for Food Service: Fry a stick in oil at the start of cooking to infuse rich aroma into curries and stews.
Recipe Inspiration: Chicken Rice Bibimbap Recipe
Cloves are known for their strong, aromatic flavour. They’re often used in curries and rice dishes, adding depth and warmth. Cloves are a key ingredient in traditional spice mixes, making them indispensable in Malaysian cooking.
A little goes a long way with cloves, making them a budget-friendly option for adding bold flavours to your dishes.
Tip for Food Service: Add 2–3 cloves to the rice cooker for fragrant, restaurant-style flavoured rice.
Recipe Inspiration: Mutton Masala Recipe
Lemongrass adds a fresh, citrusy flavour to dishes and is a must-have in soups, marinades, and grilled meats. It’s a key ingredient in popular dishes like tom yum, laksa, and satay.
Lemongrass is a crowd-pleaser, adding a refreshing twist to dishes that can attract health-conscious customers. It’s also easy to source locally.
Tip for Food Service: Blend and freeze into cubes for quick-use marinades or soup bases.
Recipe Inspiration: Spicy Sour Fish Recipe
Turmeric is prized for its vibrant colour and earthy flavour. It’s a staple in curries and dishes like Rendang and Ayam Masak Merah. Also, it has health benefits, making it a favourite among health-conscious cooks.
With its natural colouring, Turmeric helps to reduce the need for artificial additives, appealing to customers seeking clean-label products.
Tip for Food Service: Lightly coat meats with turmeric before frying to boost colour and reduce odour.
Recipe Inspiration: Minang-Style Chicken Gulai Recipe
Efficient delivery is crucial for customer satisfaction. Decide whether to handle deliveries yourself, hire riders, or partner with third-party platforms like GrabFood, Foodpanda, or Lalamove.
Use high-quality, leak-proof packaging to ensure meals stay fresh during transit. Plan delivery routes to minimize delays and optimize costs.
Running a food business can be hectic, and preparing spices from scratch may not always be feasible. That’s where Ajinomoto Food Biz Partner comes in. Our products help to streamline operations, reduce preparation time, and ensure consistent flavour in every dish. Whether you’re making curries, soups, or marinades, Ajinomoto has you covered!
By understanding how to use these seasonings effectively, you can elevate your cooking and create dishes that truly stand out. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spice combinations and explore ready-made solutions from us. With the right seasonings, you can bring the authentic taste of Malaysia to your kitchen or food business.
Ajinomoto Food Biz Partner
