Ingredients
Ingredient guides, substitutions, and notes — organized and easy to search.
Snow Peas
Snow peas are flat, edible-podded peas that are a staple in many Asian cuisines. Originating in the Middle East and South Asia, they have been cultivated for thousands of years and are now widely enjoyed around the globe. They possess a fresh, sweet flavor with a subtle grassy note and a satisfying crispness that adds texture to dishes. The pods are tender yet crunchy, making them delightful to eat raw or cooked. In cooking, snow peas hold their shape well, making them ideal for stir-fries and sautés, while also being capable of softening pleasantly in soups and stews.
Soba Noodles
Soba noodles are traditional Japanese buckwheat noodles known for their distinctive earthy flavor and firm texture. Originating in Japan, these noodles have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries, particularly favored during the autumn season. Soba offers a nutty, slightly smoky taste with a satisfying chew that holds up well in both hot and cold dishes. Its grayish-brown hue comes from the buckwheat flour used in its preparation, which also contributes to its nutritious profile, rich in fiber and protein. In cooking, soba noodles are versatile; they can be served chilled with a dipping sauce, in hot broths, or even stir-fried. They cook relatively quickly and do not require rinsing after boiling, unlike some other types of noodles.
Soppressata
Soppressata is a traditional Italian cured sausage known for its robust and savory flavor. Originating from Southern Italy, particularly the regions of Calabria and Basilicata, it is made from coarsely ground pork seasoned with garlic, chili peppers, and fennel seeds. The flavor profile is bold and spicy with a slight tang from fermentation, offering a delightful complexity. Its texture is firm yet slightly yielding, making it ideal for slicing. When cooked, soppressata can become crispy and is often used to add depth and richness to dishes. Its versatility in both raw and cooked applications makes it a favorite in Italian cuisine and beyond.
Sour Cream
Creamy and tangy, sour cream is a beloved dairy delight that adds richness and a touch of zest to both sweet and savory dishes.
Sourdough Bread
A rustic, tangy loaf with a chewy crust and airy interior, sourdough bread is a beloved staple in kitchens around the world. Its unique flavor comes from a natural fermentation process, creating a delightful complexity.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is a plant-based beverage made from soaking, grinding, and boiling soybeans. Originating in East Asia, it has been consumed for centuries, particularly in China. Its flavor is mild and slightly nutty, with a subtle sweetness that varies depending on the brand and whether it is sweetened. The texture is smooth and creamy, often comparable to dairy milk, though it can sometimes have a slightly grainy or beany aftertaste if not processed well. Soy milk performs well in cooking and baking, as it can froth like dairy milk for lattes, and its high protein content helps provide structure in recipes. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from smoothies to soups.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a rich, savory condiment made from fermented soybeans, roasted grain, salt, and water. Its deep umami flavor enhances a wide variety of dishes.
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a unique winter squash variety known for its flesh, which separates into strands resembling spaghetti when cooked. Originating in the Americas, it has been cultivated for centuries and is celebrated for its versatility in modern cuisine. Its flavor is mild and subtly sweet, with a tender texture akin to al dente pasta. When cooked, it softens considerably but retains a pleasant chewiness. In culinary applications, spaghetti squash holds its shape well, making it an ideal candidate for dishes requiring a pasta substitute. It absorbs sauces and seasonings effectively, enhancing its flavor profile while maintaining a lightness that appeals to health-conscious eaters.
Spanish Chorizo
Spanish chorizo is a traditional pork sausage originating from Spain, renowned for its distinctive smoky and slightly spicy flavor profile. This beloved ingredient is typically made from coarsely ground pork seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and other spices. The flavor is robust and aromatic, offering a delightful balance of smokiness and heat. Its texture is firm yet tender, making it ideal for slicing or crumbling. In cooking, Spanish chorizo holds its shape well when pan-fried, releasing flavorful oils that infuse dishes with its essence. It can be enjoyed cooked or raw, depending on regional preferences and preparation methods.
Split Peas
Split peas are the humble yet hearty backbone of countless comforting dishes. These small, lens-shaped legumes boast a mild, nutty flavor and a creamy texture when cooked, making them a pantry staple for soups and stews.
Sprinkles
Tiny bursts of color and flavor, sprinkles are the edible confetti that transform ordinary treats into dazzling delights. Their crunchy texture and vibrant hues bring joy to every bite.
Sriracha
A vibrant, tangy, and fiery hot sauce with a perfect balance of garlicky spice and a touch of sweetness. Its smooth, reddish-orange hue promises a kick that awakens the palate.
Star Anise
Star anise is a star-shaped spice native to southern China and Vietnam, renowned for its intense licorice-like flavor and warm, aromatic scent. Its smooth, glossy exterior encases a seed pod that delivers a sweet, slightly peppery taste with hints of cinnamon and clove. This spice is a cornerstone of Chinese five-spice powder and is celebrated for its ability to infuse warmth and depth into both sweet and savory dishes. Its unique shape and flavor make it a visually striking and essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines.
Steel-Cut Oats
Steel-cut oats are whole oat groats that have been chopped into coarse, nutty-flavored pieces. They boast a chewy texture and a rich, hearty flavor that makes them a beloved breakfast staple.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a beloved member of the rose family, known for their vibrant red color and distinctive heart shape. Originating in Europe and now cultivated worldwide, they are most commonly associated with spring and summer harvests. Their flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweet and tart, with a fragrant aroma that evokes memories of fresh berry desserts. The texture of strawberries is juicy and succulent, with tiny seeds that add a subtle crunch. When cooked, strawberries release their natural juices and can break down to form a luscious sauce or preserve, enhancing both sweet and savory dishes with their bright flavor.
String Cheese
String cheese is a playful, portable snack made from mozzarella or other semi-soft cheeses, expertly stretched into thin, stringy strands that delightfully pull apart with each bite.
Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas are a variety of edible-podded pea that combines the sweetness of a sugar pea with the crunch of a snow pea. Originating in the 1970s from a cross between the two, they quickly gained popularity in Western cuisine for their delightful flavor and texture. These vibrant green pods offer a sweet, slightly grassy taste with a satisfying snap when bitten into. Their texture is crisp and tender, making them a delightful addition to both raw and cooked dishes. In cooking, sugar snap peas hold their shape well, whether they are quickly sautéed, steamed, or added to stir-fries, while still maintaining their signature crunch and fresh flavor.
Sumac
Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice made from the dried and ground berries of the sumac plant. It has a bright, citrusy flavor with a hint of earthiness, making it a popular choice in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil are a flavorful and convenient pantry staple, made from ripe tomatoes that have been slowly dried under the sun to intensify their taste. Originating from Mediterranean countries, particularly Italy, these tomatoes are preserved in oil to maintain their texture and enhance their rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. The oil they are packed in often infuses with their essence, making it a valuable cooking ingredient in itself. Their chewy texture adds a delightful contrast to dishes, and they are versatile in cooking, capable of softening when heated or maintaining their texture when used raw. Sun-dried tomatoes in oil can brighten sauces, salads, and pastas with their concentrated tomatoey goodness.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a light, mild-flavored vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant. It is known for its high vitamin E content and is popular for its neutral taste and versatility in cooking.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are small, nutty, and packed with a delightful crunch. Their golden shells encase tender kernels that are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, offering a burst of earthy flavor.
Sushi Rice
Sushi rice, also known as uruchimai or shari, is a short-grain Japanese rice variety prized for its ability to form firm, sticky clumps ideal for sushi-making. Originating in Japan, it has become a staple in East Asian cuisine. The rice has a subtly sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile, thanks to the traditional seasoning of vinegar, sugar, and salt added post-cooking. Its texture is soft and glossy, with a pleasant chewiness that holds together well when shaped. When cooking, sushi rice requires precise rinsing to remove excess starch, followed by careful steaming to achieve the desired consistency. Its unique properties allow it to absorb flavors while maintaining structure, making it indispensable in sushi and beyond.
Sweet Chili Sauce
A harmonious blend of fiery chili peppers and luscious sweetness, this sauce is a tantalizing dance of heat and sugar.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are nutrient-rich root vegetables known for their vibrant orange flesh and naturally sweet flavor. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.