Asian home cooking is all about bold flavors, fresh aromatics, and quick techniques. These five frozen staples cut down on prep, reduce food waste, and help you get dinner on the table with way less stress. Consider them your weeknight magic!
1. Minced Lemongrass
A must-have for Asian cooking, lemongrass adds a citrusy, floral depth that defines many classic dishes.
Why freeze it? Fresh stalks are tough to prep and don’t last long. Buying pre-minced or blending your own and freezing in small portions means you always have it ready.
Use in: Curries, soups like tom yum, marinades, grilled meats, or lemongrass chicken.
2. Kaffir Lime Leaves
These glossy, aromatic leaves are the secret to that unmistakable Southeast Asian fragrance, think green curry or tom yum soup.
Why freeze it? They’re hard to find fresh and spoil fast, but freezing preserves their punch without any prep.
Use in: Thai curries, laksa, soups, coconut-based broths, or even to infuse rice.
3. Chopped Spring Onion
Used in almost every Asian dish, from Korean pancakes to Chinese stir-fries and Pho toppings.
Why freeze it? Spring onions wilt quickly in the fridge. Pre-chopping and freezing gives you instant access to that pop of flavor and color.
Use in: Fried rice, stir-fries, soups, omelets, or as garnish.
4. Mix Frozen Veg
A lifesaver when the fridge is empty. These frozen mixes usually contain sliced carrots, baby corn, snow peas, and bell peppers.
Why freeze it? It’s like instant meal insurance—just toss it in a hot wok or pan and go.
Use in: Fried rice, noodles, veggie sides, or sautéed with garlic and soy sauce.
5. Frozen Dumplings
From gyoza to mandu to wontons, dumplings are more than a snack, they’re a full meal when you’re low on time or energy.
Why freeze it? They cook straight from frozen, no thawing required. Steam, boil, or pan-fry for a satisfying bite in minutes.
Use in: Soups, noodle bowls or even in stir-fry.
