The Chinese pantry trio: buy for the job

Three bottles do three different jobs: light soy sauce seasons stir-fries and cold dishes with a salty, savory hit. Chinese black vinegar brings mellow acidity and a gentle sweetness to dipping and cold dishes. Sesame oil adds toasted aroma to cold dishes, soups, and hot food. 123

Shop by function: look for light soy sauce when you need savory seasoning, 香醋 / Chinese black vinegar when you want lift or a dumpling dip, and 香油 / sesame oil when the dish needs a fragrant finish. They are complementary bottles, not interchangeable ones. 123

Store them with the same care you would give any frequently used condiment: cap soy sauce tightly and refrigerate if you can; keep vinegar in a cool, dry place; keep sesame oil tightly capped in glass and away from light. 123