A CLOSER LOOK
How to recognize it
Usually small brown oval capsules with a rough, finely prickled husk enclosing dark seeds.
In the kitchen
Used in the spice mixture for Daokou braised chicken and in some pork or fish dishes.
Sharen includes several related ginger-family plants. Check the named ingredient; do not substitute white cardamom or tsaoko merely because the names seem similar.
Ask about this ingredient
这道菜里有砂仁吗？
Does this dish contain Sharen (amomum fruit)?
A few dishes to explore
These examples use this ingredient in typical or optional preparations. Open the dish to see the distinction; a restaurant’s recipe can differ.
