Galangal Paste
Description
Galangal paste is a pre-made blend of galangal, a pungent root from the ginger family, mixed with other ingredients like water, oil, and spices. It is used as a convenient way to add the distinct, peppery, and citrusy flavor of galangal to Southeast Asian dishes like curries, soups, and marinades. The paste has a flavor profile that is sharper and more citrusy than ginger.
What it is
Based on galangal: The primary ingredient is galangal, a root similar in appearance to ginger but with a more pungent, sharp, and citrusy taste. It is also known as "Thai ginger".
Convenient and ready-to-use: Galangal paste is a convenient alternative to fresh or dried galangal, with the hard work of peeling and mincing done for you.
Mixture of ingredients: Besides galangal, it typically contains water, oil (such as rapeseed oil), salt, sugar, and sometimes cornflour or citric acid to preserve it.
How to use it
In curries: It's a staple ingredient in Thai curry pastes, providing a key flavor component.
In soups: Add it to soups for an authentic, sharp, and spicy flavor, notes Oriental Mart.
In other dishes: It can also be used for sautéing, in marinades, or added to other dishes that require the distinct galangal flavor, explains Socilink.
Why it's useful
Longer shelf life: As a pre-made paste, it is less likely to spoil than fresh galangal, making it a great pantry staple.
Balanced flavor: It helps to balance the sweet, sour, and fresh notes in dishes, according to Oriental Mart.
Type
Fish
