Cold Dishes
Stir-Fried Lotus Root Slices
Crispy, tangy, and bursting with bold flavors, this Sichuan-Style Spicy Lotus Root Salad is a refreshing and addictive dish! Tender lotus root is blanched to perfection, keeping its satisfying crunch, then tossed in a vibrant mix of rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and chili oil for a sweet-spicy kick. The magic happens when fragrant Sichuan peppercorns are sizzled in hot oil, adding a tingling, aromatic depth to every bite. Quick to prepare yet packed with layers of texture and taste, this salad is perfect as a zesty appetizer or a bright side dish. The contrast of cool, crisp lotus root with the fiery, numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns makes this recipe unforgettable. Try it for a unique twist on classic Asian flavors!
Stir-Fried Okra
This refreshing and flavorful okra salad is a must-try for anyone who loves crisp, tender vegetables with a zesty kick. The okra is blanched to perfection—boiled briefly with a touch of edible oil to retain its vibrant color, then shocked in cold water for a satisfying crunch. Sliced into bite-sized pieces, the okra is tossed in a mouthwatering dressing made with savory soy sauce, pungent garlic paste, tangy vinegar, a hint of brown sugar for balance, and fragrant oil for an aromatic finish. The result is a light yet bold dish that highlights okra’s natural texture while packing a punch of umami and brightness. Perfect as a side or a healthy snack, this easy-to-make recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients for a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Stir-Fried Tofu Sheets and Wood Ear Mushrooms
This refreshing and flavorful Dried Tofu and Black Fungus Salad is a perfect balance of textures and bold seasonings, making it an irresistible appetizer or side dish. Soaked dried tofu and black fungus are blanched to achieve the ideal tenderness, then tossed with aromatic pressed garlic, fresh cilantro, and vibrant red pepper for a colorful crunch. The magic lies in the zesty dressing—a harmonious blend of light soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil, enhanced with a hint of salt and pepper for depth. Quick to prepare yet packed with umami and a satisfying chew, this dish is a delightful combination of cool, spicy, and tangy flavors. Perfect for hot days or as a light, healthy meal, it’s a must-try for lovers of Chinese-inspired salads!
Stir-Fried Tofu Skin and Wood Ear
This refreshing and flavorful Dried Tofu and Black Fungus Salad is a perfect balance of textures and tastes, combining chewy tofu, crunchy fungus, and a zesty garlic-chili dressing. The dried tofu is first blanched to soften, then chilled for a firm yet tender bite, while the black fungus adds an earthy crunch. Tossed with fresh scallions, spicy red pepper, and aromatic pressed garlic, this dish is elevated with a bold mix of seasonings—light soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil—creating a tangy, spicy, and umami-rich flavor profile. Quick to prepare yet packed with layers of taste, this cold salad is ideal as a light appetizer or a healthy side dish. Its vibrant colors and refreshing bite make it a standout dish for any meal!
Sugar and Vinegar Lotus Root Slices
This quick and flavorful Stir-Fried Lotus Root is a deliciously crisp and savory dish that’s perfect for any meal. Fresh lotus root is thinly sliced and stir-fried with aromatic scallions, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers for a fragrant kick. The magic lies in the savory-sweet sauce—a blend of light soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and a hint of chicken essence—that coats each slice for a burst of umami. Finished with a drizzle of nutty sesame oil, this dish offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Easy to make yet packed with bold flavors, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy lotus root’s unique texture and taste. Perfect as a side or a light main, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves vibrant, healthy stir-fries!
Sugar and Vinegar Radish Skin
Transform your radish skins into a tangy, flavorful delight with this easy marinated radish skin recipe! Often discarded, radish skins are the star here—gently tapped to absorb a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors. A generous mix of sugar, vinegar, and light soy sauce creates a perfect balance, while marinating overnight ensures each bite is bursting with zesty goodness. The key? Using a glass bowl to preserve freshness and avoid plastic odors. This crunchy, umami-rich side dish is a must-try for reducing waste and enjoying an unexpected culinary gem. Perfect as a snack, salad topper, or banchan (Korean side dish), it’s a simple yet unforgettable way to savor every part of your radish!
Summer Eggplant Salad
This **Steamed Eggplant with Garlic and Chili** is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s both healthy and irresistibly delicious. Tender eggplant is steamed to perfection, then hand-shredded and tossed with fresh green peppers, aromatic garlic paste, and a fiery blend of dried chilies and Sichuan pepper. The magic happens when hot oil is poured over the seasonings, unlocking their bold, fragrant notes. A splash of soy sauce and vinegar adds a tangy depth, while roasted sesame seeds bring a nutty crunch. Simple yet bursting with umami and spice, this dish is perfect as a refreshing side or a light main. Quick to prepare and full of authentic flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves bold, veggie-forward meals!
Summer End Cold Noodles
This savory stir-fried noodle dish is a flavorful blend of tender ham, crisp red bell peppers, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a rich garlic-infused sauce. Thinly shredded ham is stir-fried until golden, then combined with vibrant red bell pepper circles for a sweet, smoky depth. Blanched celery and bean sprouts add a refreshing crunch, while perfectly cooked noodles soak up the umami-packed sauce made with garlic, soy sauces, sugar, and oyster sauce. A final drizzle of aromatic sesame oil and a sprinkle of black pepper elevate the dish with a warm, nutty finish. Quick to prepare yet bursting with bold flavors, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that’s both hearty and delicious. Enjoy the harmony of textures and tastes in every bite!
Summer Liangfen
This refreshing and flavorful Green Bean Starch Jelly is a delightful dish that combines smooth, translucent jelly with a savory, nutty topping. Made with simple ingredients like green bean starch, pure water, and a mix of roasted cashews, fresh garlic, cilantro, and chili, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The jelly is cooked to a silky consistency, cooled until firm, then sliced and topped with crunchy cashews, aromatic garlic, and zesty cilantro. A tangy sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil ties everything together for an irresistible taste. Easy to prepare yet impressive, this dish is perfect as a light appetizer or a refreshing side. The contrast of cool jelly with bold seasonings makes it a standout dish that’s both satisfying and unique. Try it for a deliciously different culinary experience!
Sweet and Sour Yam Slices
This **Stir-Fried Chinese Yam with Wood Ear Mushrooms** is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the earthy flavors of wood ear mushrooms and the crisp, slightly sweet taste of Chinese yam. Perfectly stir-fried with aromatic scallions, ginger, and fresh green peppers, this dish is a harmony of textures—crunchy, tender, and slightly caramelized. The key to its deliciousness lies in the high-heat cooking method, which locks in flavors while keeping the yam slices crisp yet tender. Wood ear mushrooms add a unique chewiness, while the ginger and scallions provide a fragrant depth. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is not only packed with health benefits but also a vibrant addition to any meal. Ideal for those who love light, flavorful, and wholesome stir-fries!