Ingredients
Ingredient guides, substitutions, and notes — organized and easy to search.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a flavorful oil extracted from sesame seeds, known for its rich, nutty aroma and taste. It is a staple in Asian cuisines, adding depth and complexity to dishes.
Sesame Seeds
Tiny, nutty, and irresistibly crunchy, sesame seeds are a treasure trove of flavor and texture. These little seeds pack a powerful punch, offering a rich, toasty aroma that can elevate any dish.
Shallots
Shallots are a type of onion with a mild, sweet flavor and a subtle hint of garlic. They are prized for their delicate taste and are often used in fine cooking.
Sherry Vinegar
Sherry vinegar is a rich, aromatic vinegar made from sherry wine. Its complex flavor profile includes notes of nuts, dried fruits, and a subtle sweetness balanced by a tangy acidity.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of edible fungus native to East Asia, particularly cultivated in China, Japan, and South Korea. These mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavor with an umami depth that adds complexity to dishes. Their texture is firm and meaty, making them a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan cooking as a substitute for meat. Shiitakes possess a smooth, velvety cap with a distinct aroma that is both woodsy and savory. When cooked, they release their moisture and become tender, while their concentrated flavor intensifies, enhancing broths, sauces, and stir-fries.
Shishito Peppers
Shishito peppers are slender, mild Japanese peppers, typically measuring about 2 to 3 inches in length. Originating from Spain but popularized in Japanese cuisine, they are beloved for their unique flavor profile: primarily sweet with a subtle grassy note, though occasionally one in a batch might surprise with a spicy kick. Their texture is tender yet slightly firm, offering a satisfying bite when cooked. In cooking, shishito peppers are versatile; they blister beautifully when pan-fried or grilled, developing a smoky flavor and a slightly charred exterior while maintaining a vibrant green color. They are often served as a simple appetizer, seasoned lightly with salt or used to add color and mild heat to dishes.
Short-Grain White Rice
Plump and tender, short-grain white rice is a culinary gem with a delightful chewy texture and a subtle sweetness. Each grain clings to its neighbor, creating a harmonious, creamy dish that comforts the soul.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
A beloved kitchen staple, shredded cheddar cheese boasts a sharp, tangy flavor and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Its vibrant orange hue and irresistible aroma bring warmth and comfort to any dish.
Shredded Coconut
Shredded coconut is a delightful ingredient, offering a sweet, nutty flavor and a tender, fibrous texture that can transport you straight to a tropical paradise with every bite.
Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
Shredded Colby Jack cheese is a popular American blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. Originating in the United States, this cheese combines the mild, buttery flavor of Colby with the smooth, slightly tangy notes of Monterey Jack. Its texture is semi-firm, with a smooth melt that makes it ideal for dishes requiring a creamy, gooey consistency. When heated, it melts evenly without becoming overly greasy, making it a favorite for grilled sandwiches and melted toppings. Its mild flavor profile allows it to complement rather than overpower other ingredients, offering a versatile choice for both cooking and snacking.
Shredded Italian Blend Cheese
A delightful mix of classic Italian cheeses, shredded to perfection for easy melting and a harmonious blend of flavors. Each strand offers a taste of tradition, with a golden hue and a texture that's both silky and slightly sharp.
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
A harmonious blend of classic Mexican cheeses, shredded to perfection. This cheese boasts a rich, creamy texture with a slightly tangy and smoky flavor, perfect for melting into your favorite dishes.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
A delightful blend of creamy, mild, and slightly nutty shredded mozzarella cheese that melts beautifully into a golden, gooey perfection.
Shrimp (Peeled and Deveined)
Sweet and succulent, these peeled and deveined shrimp are a seafood lover's dream. Their delicate texture and briny essence bring the ocean's bounty straight to your plate.
Sichuan Peppercorns
Sichuan peppercorns, native to the Sichuan province of China, offer a unique flavor profile with a citrusy aroma and a tingling, numbing sensation on the palate. Their texture is slightly woody and rough, with a flavor that is both floral and lemony. These peppercorns are a cornerstone of Sichuan cuisine, prized for their ability to awaken the senses and balance fiery dishes. Their distinctive zing makes them invaluable in creating depth and complexity in a variety of dishes.
Skim Milk
A lean, nutrient-rich liquid with a velvety texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Skim milk is the epitome of purity, offering all the creamy satisfaction without the heavy fat content.
Slivered Almonds
Slivered almonds are thin, elongated almond slices that bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to dishes. Their golden-brown hue and delicate texture make them a versatile addition to both sweet and savory recipes.
Smoked Cheddar Cheese
Smoked cheddar cheese is a variation of traditional cheddar that undergoes an additional smoking process, infusing it with a distinct smoky flavor. Originating from England, this cheese has gained popularity worldwide for its unique taste profile. The flavor is rich and tangy with a pronounced smokiness that can range from mild to intense, depending on the smoking method and duration. Its texture is firm and crumbly, making it ideal for grating or slicing. When melted, smoked cheddar becomes velvety and smooth, enhancing dishes with its robust flavor. In cooking, it adds depth to soups, sauces, and casseroles, while also holding its shape well in baked dishes like gratins or atop burgers.
Smoked Gouda Cheese
Smoked Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a rich, nutty flavor that's beautifully enhanced by a smoky aroma. Its smooth, creamy texture melts in your mouth, offering a delightful balance of savory and sweet notes.
Smoked Ham Hock
A smoked ham hock is the joint where a pig's foot meets its leg, renowned for its rich, savory flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. Originating from traditional European and Southern American cuisines, it is often cured and smoked, imparting a deep, smoky aroma with hints of saltiness. The collagen-rich meat becomes succulent and gelatinous when simmered slowly, making it a prized ingredient for enhancing soups, stews, and beans. Its robust flavor can transform humble dishes into hearty, comforting meals. In cooking, it adds both depth of taste and a silky mouthfeel due to the rendered fat and collagen.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika is a spice made from dried, smoked red peppers that are ground into a fine powder. It offers a deep, smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness, adding richness to dishes without heat.
Smoked Salmon
Rich, silky, and deeply flavorful, smoked salmon boasts a smoky aroma and a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Its vibrant orange hue is a feast for the eyes, while its savory taste is a delight for the palate.
Smoked Sausage
Rich, savory, and deeply aromatic, smoked sausage is a culinary delight that brings a smoky depth to any dish. Its robust flavor is the result of a traditional smoking process that infuses it with a unique, irresistible taste.
Smoked Turkey Breast
Smoked turkey breast is a lean and flavorful cut of meat derived from the breast of a turkey, traditionally prepared through a smoking process that infuses it with a rich, smoky aroma and taste. Originating from American culinary traditions, particularly in regions with a strong barbecue culture, smoked turkey breast is celebrated for its robust, savory flavor profile, which is simultaneously smoky and subtly sweet. Its texture is moist and tender when properly cooked, making it a satisfying addition to various dishes. In cooking, smoked turkey breast is versatile, holding its shape well in sandwiches and salads while also complementing hearty casseroles and grain bowls. Its inherent smokiness can elevate soups and stews, providing depth without the need for additional seasoning.