Cold Dishes
Hand-Torn Cabbage
This quick and flavorful **Stir-Fried Cabbage with Sichuan Peppercorns** is a vibrant, spicy, and aromatic dish that’s ready in minutes! Fresh cabbage is stir-fried over high heat with garlic, scallions, and fiery red peppers, then infused with the bold fragrance of Sichuan peppercorns for a tingling, numbing kick. A splash of light soy sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage, while a pinch of salt and chicken essence balances the flavors. The result? Crisp-tender cabbage with a smoky wok hei aroma and a tantalizing spicy-savory finish. Perfect as a side or a light main, this dish brings restaurant-quality heat to your table with minimal effort. Try it for a fast, healthy, and irresistibly delicious meal!
Homemade Aspic
This **Homemade Pork Skin Jelly** recipe delivers a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish with a perfect gelatinous texture. Tender pork skin is boiled, cleaned, and simmered with scallions, ginger, and star anise for a deep, aromatic broth. The slow-cooked process ensures maximum collagen extraction, creating a naturally sticky and savory jelly. Enhanced with soy sauce for color and seasoned lightly with salt, the pork skin is chilled overnight for the ideal firm yet tender bite. Served with a zesty mix of soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil, then topped with fresh garlic scallions, this dish offers a delightful balance of umami, spice, and tang. Perfect as a cold appetizer or snack, this recipe transforms humble pork skin into a gourmet treat with melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Homemade Dried Fish
This traditional dry-cured meat or fish recipe delivers bold, spicy flavors with a satisfyingly firm texture. A specialty of Sichuan cuisine, the dish starts with fresh animal organs or whole fish, meticulously cleaned for purity. The magic lies in the aromatic spice blend—fiery chili peppers and numbing Sichuan peppercorns are dry-fried and ground into an intensely fragrant powder. Generously coated in this signature spice mix, the meat undergoes a natural drying process, hung in a well-ventilated area to develop deep umami flavors. After one week, it's ready to enjoy, but waiting two weeks yields an irresistibly chewy, concentrated bite. Perfect as a bold appetizer or paired with rice, this rustic delicacy showcases the art of preservation with a mouthwatering spicy kick. The slow air-drying method locks in rich, complex tastes while creating a uniquely satisfying texture. A true testament to time-honored techniques, this recipe brings authentic Sichuan heat to your table with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
Homemade Pickles
This tangy and vibrant pickled vegetable recipe is a delicious way to enjoy crisp, crunchy veggies with a spicy kick! Featuring fresh white radish, carrot, and celery, this easy-to-make dish is packed with bold flavors from small chili peppers and small red peppers, all soaked in tangy white vinegar. The combination of textures and tastes makes it a perfect side dish or condiment to elevate any meal. With just a few simple steps, these pickled vegetables are ready in 1-2 days, making them a quick and flavorful addition to your menu. The natural sweetness of the carrots and radish balances the heat from the peppers, while the celery adds a refreshing crunch. Ideal for salads, sandwiches, or as a zesty snack, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a balance of spice and tang. Try it today and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
Japanese Cold Tofu
This refreshing **Ginger and Scallion Tofu Appetizer** is a light, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare yet packed with vibrant taste. Silky tofu serves as the perfect canvas for zesty ginger paste, crisp scallion flowers, and earthy wood ear fungus, creating a delightful contrast of textures. A drizzle of soy sauce ties everything together with a savory umami finish. The dish shines with its simplicity, letting the natural flavors of fresh ingredients take center stage. Perfect as a starter or a healthy side, this no-cook recipe is ideal for busy days or when you crave something light yet satisfying. Enjoy the bright, aromatic blend of ginger and scallions in every bite!
Korean Style Cold Mixed Baby Octopus
This refreshing and spicy Korean-style cuttlefish salad is bursting with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch! Tender cuttlefish is blanched to perfection, then shocked in ice-cold lemon water for a crisp texture. Tossed in a vibrant mix of Korean chili paste, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness and tang from sugar and vinegar, every bite delivers a delicious balance of heat and zest. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty aroma, elevating the dish with depth. Perfect as a chilled appetizer or side, this dish shines when marinated for 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Quick to prepare yet impressive in taste, it’s an irresistible seafood treat that’s sure to delight!
Kumquat Vinegar
This vibrant Kumquat Vinegar recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and citrusy flavors, perfect for refreshing drinks or culinary creations. Fresh kumquats are halved and layered with golden yellow rock sugar, then submerged in rich rice vinegar, creating a bright, aromatic infusion. The natural tartness of kumquats balances beautifully with the mellow sweetness of rock sugar, while the vinegar adds a crisp, clean finish. Easy to prepare, this versatile condiment can be used in dressings, marinades, or simply diluted as a refreshing beverage. The airtight fermentation process enhances the flavors, making each sip or bite burst with zesty citrus goodness. A must-try for those who love bold, healthful flavors!
Lettuce with Oyster Sauce
This simple yet flavorful Garlic Oyster Sauce Lettuce is a quick and delicious side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of crisp lettuce with a savory, umami-rich sauce. Fresh lettuce is blanched to perfection, maintaining its vibrant crunch, then topped with a glossy garlic-infused sauce made from oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and a hint of sugar for balance. The key to this dish is the aromatic stir-fried garlic that enhances the sauce, while starch thickens it into a luscious glaze. Ready in minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a refreshing addition to any Asian-inspired meal. The combination of tender lettuce and rich, garlicky sauce makes it an irresistible dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Try it for a restaurant-quality side that’s effortless to make at home!
Lotus Root in Vinaigrette
This refreshing and crunchy lotus root salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness and crisp texture of lotus root. Blanched to perfection, the lotus root slices are tender yet retain a delightful bite, while the aromatic blend of minced garlic and ginger adds a zesty kick. A splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt enhance the flavors, creating a light and tangy side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a healthy, low-calorie option that doesn’t compromise on taste. The cooling step in ice water ensures the lotus root stays crisp, making every bite irresistibly fresh. Ideal for summer meals or as a palate-cleansing appetizer, this dish is a must-try for lovers of clean, vibrant flavors.
Lotus Root in Vinegar Sauce
This refreshing and crunchy marinated lotus root salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Thinly sliced lotus root is blanched to retain its crisp texture, then tossed with colorful green and red peppers, fresh garlic, and a savory-sweet marinade of soy sauce, sugar vinegar, and spicy chili oil. The brief marination allows the lotus root to absorb the bold flavors while keeping its satisfying bite. Perfect as a side dish or a light appetizer, this recipe brings together a delightful balance of tangy, spicy, and umami notes. The combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic seasonings makes it a standout dish that’s both healthy and irresistibly delicious. Ready in minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick, flavorful addition to any meal.