The Influence of Asian Cuisine on Mediterranean Food
Countries like Spain that enjoy an exquisite, varied and traditional gastronomic culture have warmly received another type of cuisine that’s just as flavoursome, diverse and enduring. This cuisine has been able to adapt to conquer the most demanding palates and has even influenced Mediterranean food. Do you know which type of cuisine we’re talking about?
Asian cuisine! From techniques and concepts to ingredients and flavours, Asian gastronomy has made an extensive contribution to Mediterranean and fusion cuisine. For example, did you know that it was Chinese gastronomy that introduced soy sauce and different types of vinegars, jams and spices? Temperature control while cooking and the almost perfect balance of spices in each dish are further contributions made by Asian cuisine.
Want to discover even more about what Asian gastronomic tradition has brought to the Mediterranean?
- Colour: you’ll always find plenty of colour in both Asian and Mediterranean food. Some dishes are known for their uniform tones while others have striking contrasts. What’s more, each colour is associated with nutritional benefits. For example, the red and yellow found in some fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants. The white of mushrooms, celery and banana helps control cholesterol levels. Green, found in many vegetables, is rich in potassium and vitamin K, while blue and purple contribute to healthy aging.
- Flavour: it may seem obvious, but good flavour is one of the most important components to tempt even the most demanding of foodies. Asian and Mediterranean food are known for their smoky, fruity, refreshing and sweet flavours.
- Aroma: this is another strength of oriental food that has been very well received in the Mediterranean. Aroma depends on the flavours that make up the dish. A dish with a good aroma is appetising and irresistible!
- Presentation: attention to detail in how a dish is presented is yet another contribution of Asian cuisine. We eat first with our eyes!
But the list goes on. Another contribution of oriental cuisine is variety. The diversity of ingredients is enormous. They include everything from cabbage leaves, carrot, onion, eggs, pork, black pepper, wheat noodles, soy sauce and prawns to bamboo, beef, mushrooms and chicken. This host of products has allowed Mediterranean gastronomy, together with Asian cuisine, to be among the most varied in the world.
The balance of flavours, textures and quantities are contributions made by Asian cuisine that Mediterranean and fusion cuisine have welcomed with zeal.
- Balance of flavours: all the ingredients enhance the flavour of the star component rather than competing with it. To achieve this, you have to understand spices, quantities and what creates a good taste.
- Textural balance: this depends on temperature control while cooking. For example, stewed meats have a softer texture, while fried meats will be crispier.
Popularity of Asian cuisine in Spain
Did you know that Asian cuisine first found popularity in Spain in the 90s, which is when restaurants with varied offerings began to grow.
Oriental food was well received in Spain owing to its delicious and diverse range based on methods and flavours that have grown in popularity, such as stir-fry and sweet-and-sour.
What’s more, Asian cuisine isn’t particularly complicated. All you need is the ingredients, the recipe and the desire to be at the centre of your own oriental kitchen.
But if what you want is an express trip to experience the diverse, aromatic and colourful offerings of this time-honoured gastronomy, we’d like to invite you to take a tour of the countries of Southeast Asia in the comfort of your own home with our Ta-Tung ready meals. Spring rolls, special fried rice and beef with mushrooms and bamboo are some of the dishes you can enjoy.
As you can see, Asian cuisine has brought techniques and ingredients that Mediterranean gastronomy has welcomed with zeal. But it’s also true that oriental cuisine has been well received by the people of Spain, who enjoy the aroma, flavour and colour encased in each recipe. Would you like to experience Asian food? Easy meals packed with flavour all in one place! Qǐng xiǎngyòng! (Enjoy your meal!)
