Cold Dishes
Black Fungus Salad
This refreshing and zesty wood ear salad is a perfect blend of crunchy textures and bold flavors, making it an irresistible side dish or appetizer. Featuring tender wood ears soaked and blanched to perfection, the salad is tossed with crisp onions, fresh scallions, aromatic parsley, and spicy chili peppers for a vibrant mix. The dressing—a harmonious balance of aged vinegar, soy sauce, fiery chili oil, sugar, and salt—elevates the dish with a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet kick. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is ideal for those who love a punchy, umami-rich salad with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for meal prep or a light, healthy snack, this wood ear salad is sure to become a favorite for its simplicity and explosive flavors.
Blanched Lettuce
This quick and easy blanched lettuce recipe is a delicious way to enjoy crisp, tender greens with minimal effort. Fresh lettuce leaves are blanched to perfection in boiling water for just 30 seconds, locking in their vibrant color and natural crunch. The dish is elevated with a savory umami-rich sauce made from oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and a drizzle of fragrant sesame oil—creating a perfect balance of salty and nutty flavors. A splash of the blanching water helps blend the seasonings into a smooth, glossy dressing that coats the lettuce beautifully. Ready in minutes, this simple yet flavorful side dish is ideal for busy weeknights or as a light, healthy addition to any meal. Serve it hot for the best texture and taste!
Braised Bamboo Shoots
This refreshing and flavorful Bamboo Shoot Salad is a vibrant dish that highlights the natural crunch and mild sweetness of bamboo shoots, enhanced by a zesty homemade dressing. Fresh bamboo shoots are blanched to perfection, ensuring a tender yet crisp texture, then tossed with aromatic scallions, fragrant coriander, and pungent garlic. The magic lies in the dressing—hot oil is poured over the herbs to release their bold flavors, then mixed with soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and chicken essence for a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy kick. Quick to prepare yet packed with layers of taste and texture, this dish is perfect as a light appetizer or a healthy side. The combination of fresh ingredients and a bold, umami-rich sauce makes this salad irresistibly delicious and a standout addition to any meal.
Braised Cucumber in Dressing
This refreshing and visually stunning **Sliced Marinated Cucumber** recipe is a must-try for a quick, flavorful side dish or snack. The unique cutting technique—using chopsticks as a guide—creates delicate, accordion-style slices that perfectly soak up the savory-sweet marinade. Crisp cucumbers are lightly salted to draw out excess moisture, then tossed in a vibrant blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of sugar for balance, and aromatic sesame oil for depth. The result? A crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet bite with an elegant presentation. Perfect for summer meals, bento boxes, or as a palate-cleansing appetizer, this dish comes together in minutes but delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor. The harmony of umami, acidity, and subtle sweetness makes it irresistible—plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free adaptable!
Braised Cucumber in Sauce
This refreshing and crunchy sesame cucumber salad is a must-try dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! Thinly sliced cucumber is expertly cut into delicate "clothing" strips for an elegant presentation, then lightly pickled with salt and vinegar to enhance its crisp texture. The star of the dish is the rich, aromatic sesame sauce—made with toasted sesame, fragrant oil, and a hint of salt—that coats every bite. Topped with vibrant red bell pepper and freshly minced garlic, this salad bursts with fresh, savory, and nutty flavors. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning and flavorful culinary experience. Quick to prepare yet impressive, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the natural crunch of cucumbers with a savory sesame twist!
Braised Mushrooms
This refreshing Golden Mushroom Salad is a crisp, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light meal or side. Tender golden mushrooms are blanched to perfection, then paired with crunchy cucumber, onion, and green pepper strips for a vibrant mix of textures. The magic lies in the simple yet bold seasoning—a blend of salt, sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce (or a hint of oyster sauce) that elevates the natural umami of the mushrooms. Quick to prepare and bursting with freshness, this salad is ideal for hot days or as a healthy appetizer. The contrast of cool, crisp veggies and savory, aromatic dressing makes every bite irresistible. Try it for a deliciously easy dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying!
Braised Purple Cabbage
This vibrant Purple Cabbage and Garlic Sprouts Salad is a crisp, refreshing dish bursting with flavor and nutrients. Thinly shredded purple cabbage offers a satisfying crunch, while garlic sprouts (or minced garlic) add a bold, aromatic kick. Tossed with a simple yet irresistible dressing of salt, light soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil, this salad strikes the perfect balance between tangy, savory, and nutty notes. Ready in minutes, it’s an ideal side dish for busy weeknights or a colorful addition to any meal. The combination of antioxidant-rich purple cabbage and pungent garlic sprouts makes this dish as healthy as it is delicious. Enjoy it as a light lunch, a zesty accompaniment to grilled meats, or a standout potluck favorite. With its eye-catching color and bold flavors, this salad is sure to impress!
Cabbage Salad
This refreshing and crunchy Celery Sesame Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect as a light side or appetizer. Fresh celery is finely shredded and marinated with salt to enhance its natural crispness, then tossed with tangy vinegar and aromatic sesame oil for a delightful balance of flavors. The finishing touch of toasted white sesame seeds adds a nutty depth and subtle crunch. Quick to prepare and packed with texture, this salad is a healthy, low-calorie option that pairs well with any meal. Its bright, savory-sour notes make it a standout dish that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a refreshing addition to your next gathering!
Cactus Salad
This refreshing and vibrant cactus salad is a delightful blend of crisp textures and bold flavors, perfect for a light and healthy dish. The tender cactus strips, prepped by boiling with a touch of oil and salt to reduce bitterness, offer a uniquely mild and slightly tangy taste. Paired with a zesty dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a hint of sugar, every bite is a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Fresh red chili peppers add a spicy kick, enhancing the dish’s bright, invigorating profile. Ideal for warm days or as a palate-cleansing side, this cactus salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the edible nopal. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore fresh, plant-based cuisine.
Celery and Bean Curd
This Spicy Sichuan Dried Tofu and Celery Stir-Fry is a bold, aromatic dish that brings together the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers with the satisfying textures of dried tofu and crisp celery. Perfect for spice lovers, this quick and easy recipe starts by infusing oil with fragrant garlic, fiery chilies, and tingly Sichuan peppercorns for an irresistible base. The dried tofu soaks up these intense flavors, while fresh celery adds a refreshing crunch. Seasoned simply with chicken essence and salt, every bite delivers a punch of umami and spice. Ready in minutes, this vibrant stir-fry is ideal as a side or a main dish served over steamed rice. A must-try for anyone craving authentic Sichuan flavors at home!