Asian Cuisine: Classic Flavors with a Twist

Explore Asia’s Rich Culinary Landscape with Bold Flavor Discoveries.

When it comes to Asian cuisine, finding a thoughtful balance of flavors is key to menu success. And what better way to enhance these flavors than by adding a burst of freshness with microgreens and edible flowers? From refreshing Thai salads to dim sum and hot pots, here’s your ultimate guide to using Fresh Origins®’ ingredients across the expansive world of Asian cuisine.

Part 1: Transforming Tradition with Innovative Asian Ingredients

With an extensive and diverse history across the Eastern world, Asian cuisines provide the perfect culinary map to embrace new and creative twists on ingredients. These vibrant, flavorful additions are perfect for transforming Asian-inspired dishes with an exciting new flair.

Micro Wasabi™

With a bold, spicy flavor reminiscent of authentic wasabi, our Micro Wasabi™ provides a refreshing sinus-clearing sensation perfect for pairing with Japanese cuisine. Micro Wasabi™ is the perfect choice for those seeking to add a zesty pop to the plate. Find more information about Micro Wasabi™ here.

Wasabi Salmon Poke: Persian Cucumber, Coho Salmon, Slivered Onions, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Brown Rice, Gochujang Poke Sauce, Micro Wasabi™ Oil, and Micro Wasabi™ on a Bed of Brown Rice
Chef Steven Woerdehoff

Menu Inspiration:
The spicy kick of Micro Wasabi™ is the perfect addition to sushi and sashimi. It provides a punchy alternative to traditional wasabi paste, offering an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Looking for even more ways to use Micro Wasabi™? Add a sprinkle to cold soba noodles or use it in vinaigrettes to bring the heat.

Micro Cilantro

One of the most popular items in our extensive catalog, Micro Cilantro is the easiest menu swap to take your Asian dishes to the next level. This tiny attractive herb boasts a surprisingly intense cilantro flavor and is perfect for including in multiple dishes on a single menu. Find more information about Micro Cilantro here.

Menu Inspiration:
Micro Cilantro is an essential inclusion in Vietnamese Phở, where its bright, herbaceous notes cut through the richness of the broth. Or try fresh Micro Cilantro in Indian chutneys, paired with mint, yogurt, or lime to balance spicy dishes like samosas or curries.

Micro Shiso Mix™

Micro Shiso Mix™ features a unique blend of color and texture, combining Shiso Red, Shiso Green, Shiso Bicolor™, and Shiso Korean™. With flavorful yet subtle hints of mint and anise, this mix pairs perfectly with Asian entrées, appetizers, seafood, and beef. Find more information about Micro Shiso Mix™ here.

Menu Inspiration:
For sushi and sashimi, add Micro Shiso Mix for a complementary and fresh herbal note that balances out the rich, umami flavors of the fish. This herbaceous blend also pairs beautifully with Korean dishes like bibimbap or a spicy kimchi stew, where it can help tone down the heat and add complexity.

Garlic Flower

Garlic Flower showcases tiny violet blossoms and is derived from the garlic plant, creating a concentrated flavor in every bite. These beautiful gems can be added to any dish, instantly enhancing visual appeal and creating an attractive presentation across the diverse landscape of Asian cuisines. Find more information about Garlic Flower here.

Menu Inspiration:
Garlic Flower’s versatile profile is perfect for a variety of cuisines across Asia. Add garlic flowers to your filling for dumplings or toss it into stir-fries just before serving to add a fresh, garlicky aroma that’s not too harsh. It pairs beautifully with tofu, Bok Choy, or any seasonal stir-fried vegetables.

Part 2: Looking to Create Memorable Dishes with Asian-Inspired Flair?

This thoughtfully curated line up of microgreens was selected with taste and visual appeal in mind. Whether you are modernizing traditional Asian dishes or infusing an out of the box idea with Eastern influence, fresh flavors like these have never been easier to use.

Micro Asian Mix™

Micro Asian Mix™ is an amazingly delicious blend of Shiso, Mustards, Radish Ruby™, Shungiku, and Tatsoi. This mix offers several layers of refreshing, unique flavors that are perfect for topping sushi and other Asian favorites. Find more information about Micro Asian Mix™ here.

Menu Inspiration:

Add Micro Asian Mix™ to ramen bowls for a complex flavor profile that balances the richness of the broth with its peppery bite or toss it into stir-fries and steamed dishes like baozi (dumplings) for a flavor-packed topping.

Micro Basil Thai

Showcasing tiny, light grayish-green leaves with a sweet anise flavor, Micro Basil Thai is perfect for adding a refined edge to Asian dishes and soups. These delicate leaves add a unique and delightful taste to your culinary creations across cultures. Find more information about Micro Basil Thai here.

Menu Inspiration:
Micro Basil Thai is a key ingredient in setting your curry apart from the rest, with its sweet and peppery flavor to balance the richness of the coconut milk. Also perfect for topping off Thai salads like Som Tam (green papaya salad) or for enhancing traditional Pad See Ew, Micro Basil Thai is a menu must-have year-round.

Micro Chinese Cedar™

This is one of our most bold and distinctively flavored microgreens! Micro Chinese Cedar™ is very savory and earthy and is an excellent addition to meats and veggies. Its flavors evolve while tasting, starting with flavors of roasted coconut then changing to onion and garlic and finishing with major umami. Find more information about Micro Chinese Cedar™ here.

Menu Inspiration:
Use Micro Chinese Cedar™ to garnish grilled fish or meats like Chinese-style barbecued pork (char siu), where its piney fragrance complements the smoky flavors. Sprinkle over dim sum or noodle dishes for a unique herbaceous twist.