Cold Dishes
Celery and Lily
This refreshing and simple stir-fry combines the delicate bitterness of dried lily bulbs with the crisp freshness of celery for a light yet flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, the recipe starts by soaking and blanching the lily bulbs to soften their texture and mellow their natural bitterness. A quick stir-fry in aromatic peanut oil at just the right temperature ensures the vegetables retain their crunch while absorbing the savory notes of salt and chicken essence. The result is a beautifully balanced dish—crisp celery and tender lily bulbs with a subtle, satisfying bitterness that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as a side to richer mains. Easy to prepare yet packed with unique flavors, this stir-fry is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, vegetable-forward dish in minutes.
Celery and Peanut Salad
This Sichuan-Inspired Peanut and Celery Salad is a refreshing, aromatic dish bursting with bold flavors and textures. Tender peanuts are simmered with fragrant Sichuan peppercorns, bay leaves, cinnamon, and fennel for a subtly spiced depth, while crisp celery is blanched to perfection for a satisfying crunch. The combination is elevated with a drizzle of olive oil, nutty sesame oil, and a hint of mustard oil for a touch of pungent warmth. A pinch of salt and monosodium glutamate enhances the umami-rich blend, creating a harmonious balance. Light yet flavorful, this salad is perfect as a side or a standalone snack. For an extra tangy kick, add a splash of vinegar before serving. Quick to prepare yet packed with complex flavors, this dish is a must-try for lovers of Sichuan cuisine and vibrant, healthy salads.
Celery and Scallion
Crispy, savory, and bursting with flavor, this quick and easy stir-fried lotus root is a must-try dish! Fresh lotus root is peeled and shredded, then marinated with salt to enhance its natural sweetness. A hot wok with fragrant garlic sets the foundation, while the lotus root cooks to a perfect crisp-tender texture. Finished with fresh scallions and a touch of seasoning, this simple yet delicious recipe highlights the lotus root’s unique crunch and mild, nutty taste. Ready in minutes, it’s a healthy, low-calorie side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. Try this authentic stir-fry for a taste of crisp, savory perfection!
Century Egg Tofu
This refreshing and flavorful **Bean Curd with Preserved Egg Salad** is a delightful cold dish that combines silky bean curd with the rich, umami taste of preserved and salted eggs. The dish is elevated with a tangy garlic-vinegar sauce, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of sesame oil for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The bean curd is carefully drained to ensure a smooth, firm bite, while the diced preserved egg and salted egg yolk add a savory depth. A quick mix of minced garlic, light soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil creates a bright, aromatic dressing that ties everything together. Easy to prepare yet impressive in taste, this salad is ideal as an appetizer or light meal. The contrast of creamy bean curd, briny eggs, and fresh herbs makes every bite irresistible. Try this unique and delicious recipe for a refreshing twist on traditional tofu dishes!
Cherry Radish Salad
This refreshing and flavorful Radish and Greens Salad is a delightful way to enjoy the crisp, peppery taste of radishes paired with their tender greens. The recipe highlights simple yet vibrant ingredients—radish, radish greens, and toasted sesame seeds—to create a dish that’s both light and satisfying. The radishes are thinly sliced for quick flavor absorption, blanched to soften their bite, and then tossed with a tangy-sweet dressing of vinegar, sugar, and fragrant oil. The radish greens add a fresh, slightly bitter contrast, while toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty aroma and crunch. Quick to prepare, this salad is perfect as a bright side dish or a healthy snack. The balance of textures and flavors—crisp, tender, sweet, and savory—makes it a standout dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Garnish with extra sesame seeds for an elegant finish!
Chicken Breast Salad
This vibrant and nutritious Chicken & Wood Ear Mushroom Salad is a delightful blend of tender chicken breast, crunchy wood ear mushrooms, fresh spinach, and silky cellophane noodles. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, the recipe combines both roasted and blanched chicken for added depth of flavor. The wood ear mushrooms lend a unique earthy texture, while blanched spinach keeps the dish bright and fresh. Softened cellophane noodles tie everything together, creating a harmonious mix of flavors and textures. Quick to prepare, this salad is ideal for meal prep or a refreshing lunch—simply toss the ingredients with your favorite seasonings for a customizable, healthy dish. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a delicious way to enjoy lean protein and wholesome veggies in every bite!
Chicken Shreds in Cold Sauce
This vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired salad combines crisp carrots, refreshing cucumbers, tender mushrooms, and shredded chicken for a perfect balance of textures. The dish stands out with its savory-sweet sauce—a tantalizing mix of garlic, chili peppers, sesame oil, vinegar, and a hint of sugar—heated to meld the flavors beautifully. Quick and easy to prepare, the vegetables are lightly boiled for tenderness while retaining a satisfying crunch, then tossed with juicy chicken threads. The finishing touch? A glossy, aromatic sauce that coats every bite, delivering a delicious harmony of spicy, tangy, and umami notes. Garnished with fresh cucumber slices, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious—ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or a stunning side. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers seeking a meal that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor!
Chilled Cherry Radish
This refreshing and vibrant pickled radish greens and cherry radish salad is a delightful mix of tangy, crunchy, and savory flavors. The recipe starts by soaking radish greens in salt to soften their texture, while crisp cherry radish slices add a peppery bite. Tossed with aromatic garlic, a hint of sugar, vinegar for brightness, and a touch of umami from monosodium glutamate, this dish is a perfect balance of flavors. Quick to prepare yet packed with texture and taste, it’s an ideal side dish or light snack. The natural colors of the radish greens and cherry radish make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful salad that highlights fresh ingredients with a punchy, pickled twist!
Chinese Pickles
This tangy and flavorful pickled vegetable recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors! Perfectly crisp vegetables are cut into long strips, lightly salted to draw out excess moisture, then tossed in a mouthwatering blend of garlic sauce, white vinegar, and sugar for a sweet-and-savory kick. The magic happens as the mixture marinates for at least 12 hours, allowing the flavors to meld into a deliciously crunchy, umami-packed side dish. The generous amount of garlic sauce adds a rich depth, while the vinegar and sugar balance each other for a refreshing bite. Ideal as a condiment, snack, or side, this easy-to-make recipe shines with its simplicity and bold taste. Skip the stainless steel containers to preserve the best texture, and customize the sweetness or tang to your liking. A versatile dish that pairs well with rice, noodles, or grilled meats—it’s a pantry staple you’ll crave again and again!
Chopped Chili and Garlic
This easy and flavorful pickled garlic sprouts recipe is a must-try for lovers of tangy, spicy delights! Fresh garlic sprouts are finely shredded, marinated with salt for a crisp texture, and then mixed with fiery chopped chili peppers for a bold kick. After a few days of refrigeration, the flavors meld into a perfect balance of pungent garlic and spicy heat—ideal as a zesty side dish or a vibrant topping for rice and noodles. With just two main ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe delivers an addictive crunch and intense umami flavor. Perfect for meal prep, these pickled garlic sprouts get better with time, making them a deliciously versatile staple in your fridge. Try this simple yet irresistible recipe for a burst of bold, homemade flavor!