Cold Dishes
Crispy Lotus Root Strips
Crispy Sesame Lotus Root Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that highlights the natural crunch and subtle sweetness of lotus root. This simple yet delicious recipe combines thinly shredded lotus root with rich sesame oil for a nutty, aromatic taste. The key to maintaining its crisp texture is coating the lotus root with sesame oil first—locking in moisture before adding salt to prevent sogginess. Customize with soy sauce, pepper powder, or a hint of sugar for extra depth. Perfect as a light side dish or healthy snack, this vibrant salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s an irresistible way to enjoy lotus root at its best!
Crispy Spicy Pepper
Charred Pepper Salad is a smoky, vibrant dish bursting with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Perfect as a side or appetizer, this recipe features fresh green or red peppers roasted over an open flame until blistered and charred, then peeled and hand-torn into strips for a rustic texture. Tossed in a savory-sweet mix of soy sauce, tangy white vinegar, and rich sesame oil, each bite delivers a delicious umami punch. For spice lovers, a sprinkle of chili powder adds a fiery kick. The secret? Charring the peppers enhances their natural sweetness while infusing a deep, smoky aroma. Quick to prepare yet packed with complex flavors, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving a simple yet unforgettable veggie delight. Serve chilled for maximum freshness!
Crunchy Radish
This refreshing and tangy White Radish Salad is a perfect blend of crisp, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it an ideal dish for hot summer days. Fresh white radish is thinly sliced and marinated in a zesty mix of vinegar, sugar, chili powder, and savory fish oil, creating a bold and umami-rich taste. The salad is chilled in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, then tossed again before serving for maximum freshness. Paired with an ice-cold glass of watermelon juice, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures. The heat from the chili powder balances the sweetness of the radish and watermelon, while the fish oil adds a unique depth of flavor. Quick to prepare and bursting with vibrant tastes, this salad is a must-try for anyone craving a light, flavorful, and cooling meal.
Cucumber and Eggplant Salad
This refreshing and flavorful Chinese-style steamed eggplant is a must-try dish that’s both simple and delicious. Tender eggplant is steamed to perfection, then tossed with a bold mix of freshly ground garlic, spicy chili, and aromatic sesame for a punch of flavor. The secret? Letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours to allow the seasonings to meld, creating a rich, savory taste. Topped with fresh scallions or fragrant coriander, this dish is as vibrant as it is tasty. Perfect as a cold appetizer or side dish, this garlic-chili eggplant is a healthy, low-calorie option that’s packed with bold, satisfying flavors. Easy to prepare yet impressive in taste, it’s a standout recipe for any meal!
Cucumber and La Pi Salad
This delicious Sichuan-style liangpi recipe is a perfect blend of chewy, spicy, and refreshing flavors, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. The liangpi (wheat starch noodles) are tossed with crisp cucumber shreds, aromatic garlic, and savory stir-fried meat, all enhanced by the bold kick of Sichuan peppercorns. The dish comes together with a tangy marinade of light soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and sugar, infusing every bite with a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and umami. What makes this recipe special is the smoky, slightly charred meat stir-fried with scallions and garlic, adding depth to the cool, chewy liangpi. Quick to prepare yet bursting with authentic flavors, this dish is a must-try for fans of bold, mouthwatering Sichuan cuisine. Serve it as a refreshing appetizer or a satisfying main—either way, it’s sure to impress!
Cucumber in Dressing
This stunning Garlic Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! Crisp cucumbers are expertly sliced into an elegant spiral pattern, then dressed in a zesty garlic sauce with ginger, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil for a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. A hint of chili oil adds a spicy kick for those who love heat. The secret? Cutting the cucumber with chopsticks ensures even, delicate slices that fan out beautifully. Plus, freshly mashed garlic—oxidized for maximum health benefits—packs a bold, aromatic punch. Quick to prepare yet impressive in presentation, this salad is ideal for summer meals, appetizers, or a light side dish. Enjoy the crunch and burst of fresh flavors in every bite!
Cucumber in Sauce
This refreshing and zesty smashed cucumber salad is a perfect blend of crisp texture and bold flavors. Made with fresh cucumbers and aromatic minced garlic, this dish is elevated with a savory mix of chili oil, sesame oil, and aged vinegar for a tangy, spicy kick. The cucumbers are smashed to absorb the marinade deeply, creating a juicy, flavorful bite every time. Quick to prepare and marinated just 5 minutes, this salad is an ideal side dish for any meal—light, vibrant, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a palate-cleansing appetizer, this recipe brings a delightful crunch and a burst of umami in every bite. Try it for a simple yet unforgettable dish!
Cucumber in Summer
This refreshing and tangy Apple Vinegar Cucumber recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy crisp cucumbers with a zesty twist. Perfect as a light snack or side dish, this no-cook recipe requires just two ingredients—fresh cucumbers and apple vinegar—for a burst of flavor. The cucumbers are sliced and marinated overnight in apple vinegar, absorbing the sweet and tangy notes while staying delightfully crunchy. The result is a crisp, tangy treat that’s both hydrating and full of probiotic benefits from the vinegar. Enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge, and don’t forget to sip the flavorful vinegar—it’s just as tasty! Quick to prepare and packed with bright flavors, this dish is ideal for hot days, picnics, or as a healthy addition to any meal. Keep any leftovers refrigerated for continued freshness. Try this effortless, gut-friendly recipe for a refreshing bite every time!
Cucumber Peel Salad
Turn leftover watermelon rind into a zesty, crunchy delight with this bold and flavorful Asian-inspired salad! This unique recipe transforms often-discarded watermelon rind into a tangy, spicy side dish by marinating it with savory soy sauce, aromatic sesame oil, and fiery Lao Gan Ma chili crisp. The magic happens when crispy rind shreds are tossed with garlic, vinegar, and a touch of sugar for balance, then topped with sizzling fragrant oil infused with bean paste and dried red peppers. Perfect as a refreshing appetizer or palate-cleansing side, this dish offers an irresistible mix of textures—from the crisp rind to the rich, spicy dressing. With its punchy umami flavors and hint of Sichuan flower pepper tingle, this zero-waste creation proves watermelon rind is the secret ingredient you've been missing. Quick to prepare yet packed with complex flavors, it's a sustainable way to enjoy every part of your watermelon!
Cucumber Salad
This refreshing and flavorful **Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Carrots** is a perfect balance of crisp texture and bold taste. Thinly sliced bitter melon is salted to reduce bitterness, then blanched with sweet carrot segments for a tender yet crunchy bite. Aromatic scallions, ginger, and garlic are stir-fried with fragrant flower pepper to create a savory base, while a tangy-sweet sauce—made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a hint of chili—adds depth. Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty finish, enhancing every bite. Quick blanching and an ice bath ensure vibrant color and perfect crispness, making this dish a delightful mix of health and flavor. Ideal as a side or light main, it’s a must-try for those who love bold, balanced Asian-inspired dishes!