Curry is a classic local dish, primarily made from dozens of spices including turmeric, cinnamon, and chili. From boosting metabolism to enhancing immunity, curry not only ignites appetite but also, with its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has become a superfood championed by nutritionists.
-Jonetz Tokyo Curry Cubes
There are many Japanese curry cubes on the market, but they are often high in fat and sugar. This medium-spicy curry cube comes from Jonetz, a brand under the Japanese supermarket chain Don Don Donki, and is a good choice in terms of both taste and nutritional content.
Compared to other types of (non-Japanese) curry sauces, this curry cube has a relatively high fat, sugar, and sodium content, so it is recommended to reduce the amount used when cooking. The product instructions suggest using one box of curry cubes (180g) with 1200ml of water. However, you can reduce the curry cubes to 90g (with the same amount of water); you can also add Japanese curry powder, apple puree, onion puree, or a little dark chocolate to enrich the flavor without adding to your diet. In addition, you can remove the fat from the meat before cooking, and you can also increase the amount of onions, potatoes, and carrots.
Amocan Curry Chicken Sauce Instant Cooking Packets
These instant cooking packets are convenient and flavorful, with a rich variety of spices. Besides chili, lemongrass, garlic, and galangal, they also include cumin, fennel, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, bay leaves, and nutmeg, creating distinct layers of aroma and a full-bodied flavor. They also offer benefits such as stimulating appetite and anti-inflammatory properties.
Further Reading
The product is labeled as free of MSG, artificial colors, and preservatives, making it a relatively safe choice. The packaging consists of two parts: curry chicken sauce and a coconut milk premix packet. Coconut milk generally contains high levels of saturated fat. If you are concerned about excessive cholesterol or calorie intake, you can reduce the amount of coconut milk premix packet used, or substitute it with low-fat coconut milk or plant-based milk to retain the rich flavor while reducing the burden on your body.
-A1 Curry Chicken Instant Cooking Kit
This curry cooking kit was unanimously recommended by several culinary experts around me. Not only is it delicious, but its nutritional content is also reassuring, with the packaging displaying the Health Promotion Board's healthier label (25% lower sugar and sodium content than similar products).
This is a product from Malaysia, and the ingredients include chili powder, onion, vegetable oil, curry powder, etc. Remarkably, the curry powder ingredients are also listed (coriander, cumin, chili, fennel, etc.), allowing us to clearly know what we are consuming.
The nutrition facts label is also very detailed, listing not only the nutritional components of the sauce itself but also the nutritional data after cooking with other ingredients. Below the ingredient list is a golden rule: moderation is key.
-Prima Taste Singapore Curry Sauce
This ready-to-use curry sauce from the local brand Prima Taste is based on rich coconut milk, boasting a rich aroma and a skillfully blended blend of spices, presenting a cross-cultural Singapore curry flavor. The smooth texture makes it suitable for cooking vegetable curries and can also be used as a barbecue marinade to quickly enhance the flavor and complexity of the dish.
To balance flavor and health, it is recommended to dilute the sauce with water or a small amount of low-fat coconut milk, control the quantity, and increase the proportion of vegetables when cooking. Adding beans or lean, skinless, and fat-free meat can also increase fiber and micronutrients. If used as a marinade, remove excess oil before grilling to avoid extra calorie intake. These small adjustments will allow you to create a delicious yet lighter meal.
- MasFood Vegan Curry Sauce
There are several vegan curry sauces available on the market, but MasFood's vegan curry sauce isn't the highest in sodium. Generally, a sodium content exceeding 800 mg per 100g of sauce is considered high, so this product is also relatively high. It's recommended to dilute it appropriately during cooking and add more vegetables to reduce sodium intake.
Adding plenty of vegetables, reducing the amount of coconut milk, or using low-fat coconut milk or plant-based milk during cooking will help lower overall sodium and calorie intake. The curry sauce ingredients include lemongrass, turmeric, and chili, which not only taste great but also offer anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. While curry sauce is the foundation of deliciousness, the real key to health lies in how it's combined. Add more vegetables and less coconut milk for a warm and guilt-free meal.
- FairPrice Green Curry Sauce
If you're tired of red curry, try green curry. Green curry is typically made by crushing a variety of fresh herbs and spices, including green chilies, lemongrass, kaffir lime, and basil.
Green curry paste contains a large amount of fresh green chilies, whose capsaicin stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, promotes intestinal peristalsis, and generates heat in the body, temporarily boosting the metabolic rate and burning calories. Lemongrass has calming, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve stomach discomfort. Kaffir lime leaves are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Basil is a commonly used herb in both Eastern and Western cooking; according to the Compendium of Materia Medica, it is pungent and warm in nature, promoting blood circulation and invigorating qi.
Green curry served outside usually contains a lot of coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Cooking it at home allows for better control of seasoning, resulting in a healthier meal.
