3 Kings Tiny Cubes You Make Soup With: Spice Storage & Usage Hacks for Maximum Flavor!

3 Kings Tiny Cubes You Make Soup With: Spice Storage & Usage Hacks for Maximum Flavor!

3 Kings Tiny Cubes You Make Soup With: Spice Storage & Usage Hacks for Maximum Flavor!

If you’ve ever reached into your pantry for that trusty little box of "Three Kings" soup cubes and wondered if there was more to them than meets the eye—you’re not alone. These tiny flavor bombs are kitchen gold, but how do you get the most out of them? Whether you're a spice-savvy chef or just someone who loves adding a kick to their instant noodles, this guide is your roadmap to smarter seasoning.

Table of Contents

What Exactly Are the Three Kings Tiny Cubes?

The "Three Kings" soup cubes are iconic in many Asian households, especially in Filipino, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Known for their small size and big punch of flavor, these cubes come in various types like chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetable. They’re essentially concentrated seasonings compressed into cubes—making them easy to store and use on the fly.

Three Kings soup cubes arranged neatly in a bowl.

Why Use Them?

  • Convenience: No need to measure salt, garlic, onion powder, and stock separately.
  • Consistency: Every cube delivers the same rich flavor profile.
  • Versatility: Not just for soup—more on that later!

Hack #1: Crumble It, Don't Cube It—For Even Flavor Distribution

You drop the cube in boiling water, stir once, and call it good. But what happens next? The cube sinks to the bottom, half-dissolved, and only flavors the lower part of the pot. By the time you eat, the top portion of your soup is bland.

Close-up of a crumbled Three Kings cube in a pan.

The Fix: Crumble Before You Cook

  1. Break the cube into smaller pieces before adding it to your dish.
  2. Let it sit in a dry pan for a few seconds so it releases its aromas.
  3. Add to your recipe at the start for better integration of flavors.

Pro Tip:

Use a mortar and pestle or even the back of a spoon to crush the cube into a powder—it integrates much faster!

Hack #2: Mix & Match—Customizing Your Own Mini Spice Cubes

Why settle for just one flavor when you can create your own fusion cube combo?

DIY custom spice cube mix using different Three Kings varieties.

How to Make Your Own Custom Cubes:

  1. Crush one chicken, one shrimp, and one vegetable cube into powder.
  2. Mix thoroughly in a bowl.
  3. Press the mixture into silicone ice cube trays (use 1 tsp per slot).
  4. Freeze until solid, then store in an airtight container.
Classic Use Custom Blend Use
Chicken cube = Chicken soup Custom cube = Chicken + seafood + veggie ramen broth
Beef cube = Beef stew Custom cube = Korean BBQ tofu stir-fry

Flavor Combinations to Try:

  • Shrimp + Garlic Butter
  • Vegetable + Chili
  • Chicken + Mushroom Umami Bomb

Hack #3: Store Them Like a Pro—Keep Flavor Locked In

Many people keep their soup cubes in drawers, fridge doors, or worse—right next to the stove! This exposes them to heat, humidity, and air—enemy numbers one through three for preserving flavor.

Various storage containers for spice cubes.

Smart Storage Solutions:

  • Airtight Containers: Use small glass jars or resealable bags with silica packs.
  • Cool & Dry Place: Keep in a pantry or drawer away from stovetops.
  • Label & Date: Helps avoid “Which cube is which?” chaos months later.
Poor Storage Optimal Storage
In original plastic packaging, sitting near the stove In labeled mason jar with desiccant pack, stored in pantry
Exposed to humidity in the fridge door Vacuum-sealed and kept in freezer

Hack #4: Infuse Oils & Butters with Your Favorite Cube Flavors

Take your cooking game to the next level by infusing oils or butter with melted Three Kings cubes. Think of it as creating a ready-to-use flavor bomb base for any dish.

Infused oil with Three Kings cube in a small bottle.

How to Do It:

  1. Heat up a small amount of neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed) in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add a crumbled cube and let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes.
  3. Strain and store the infused oil in a cool, dark place.

Uses:

  • Stir into mashed potatoes
  • Toss with roasted vegetables
  • Dipper for crusty bread

Hack #5: Beyond Soup—Creative Uses in Everyday Cooking

These cubes are not just for soups—they can jazz up almost anything in your kitchen. Here’s where creativity meets convenience.

Diverse dishes made using Three Kings cubes: fried rice, marinade, salad dressing.

Ideas to Steal:

  • Fried Rice Boost: Melt a chicken cube into hot oil before adding rice.
  • Marinade Magic: Dissolve a cube in water, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a quick meat marinade.
  • Dressing Hack: Crush a vegetable cube into olive oil and vinegar for a zesty salad dressing.
Traditional Use Creative Use
Soup broth Ramen egg glaze
Instant noodle flavoring Popcorn seasoning
Gravy thickener Burger patty enhancer

Conclusion

The Three Kings tiny soup cubes are more than just a shortcut—they’re a secret weapon in your spice arsenal. Whether you’re crumbling them for even flavor distribution, mixing your own custom blends, or using them in unconventional ways, there’s no shortage of hacks to elevate your everyday meals.

Happy cook smiling with a plate of food made using Three Kings cubes.

So next time you reach for that familiar red or yellow packet, remember: the power of flavor is in your hands—and sometimes, it comes in very tiny cubes.

Final Tips:

  • Always store your cubes properly to maintain potency.
  • Experiment with infusion techniques for gourmet results.
  • Don’t be afraid to break the mold—literally and figuratively.

Stay spicy, friends!

Chef Liu Wei

Chef Liu Wei

A master of Chinese cuisine with special expertise in the regional spice traditions of Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, and Cantonese cooking. Chef Liu's culinary journey began in his family's restaurant in Chengdu, where he learned the complex art of balancing the 23 distinct flavors recognized in traditional Chinese gastronomy. His expertise in heat management techniques - from numbing Sichuan peppercorns to the slow-building heat of dried chilies - transforms how home cooks approach spicy cuisines. Chef Liu excels at explaining the philosophy behind Chinese five-spice and other traditional blends, highlighting their connection to traditional Chinese medicine and seasonal eating practices. His demonstrations of proper wok cooking techniques show how heat, timing, and spice application work together to create authentic flavors. Chef Liu's approachable teaching style makes the sophisticated spice traditions of China accessible to cooks of all backgrounds.