Cold Dishes
Lemon Pickled Cabbage
This refreshing lemon pickled Chinese cabbage is a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy dish perfect for awakening your taste buds! Crisp Chinese cabbage is cut into diamond-shaped pieces, salted to remove excess water, then soaked in a zesty blend of red chili peppers, sugar, white vinegar, and fresh yellow lemon slices. The result? A bright, crunchy, and irresistibly appetizing side dish with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The 12-hour soak allows the cabbage to absorb all the delicious notes of the chili-infused lemon brine, making every bite burst with freshness. Ideal as a palate cleanser or a light accompaniment to rich meals, this easy-to-make pickled vegetable dish is a must-try for lovers of bold, tangy flavors. Ready to serve in just a few simple steps—no cooking required!
Lotus Root Salad
This refreshing **Sour and Spicy Cold Lotus Root** is the perfect summer dish, combining crisp textures with bold flavors. Thinly sliced lotus root is blanched to perfection, ensuring a satisfying crunch, then tossed with aromatic scallions, ginger, and fiery dried chili peppers. A tangy-sweet marinade of sugar and white vinegar enhances the natural freshness of the lotus root, creating a vibrant balance of sour and spicy notes. Using a clay or non-reactive pot keeps the lotus root bright and appetizing, while a quick chill before serving makes it irresistibly cool and refreshing. Ideal as a zesty appetizer or side dish, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy lotus root with a punch of flavor—simple, quick, and utterly delicious!
Lotus Root Slices
This crispy and flavorful stir-fried lotus root recipe is a vibrant dish that combines tender lotus root slices with colorful peppers for a delightful texture and taste. The lotus root is thinly sliced and soaked to remove excess starch, ensuring a perfect crispness when stir-fried. Fresh green and red peppers add a mild heat and bright color, while a savory blend of soy sauce, rich bone broth, and umami-packed oyster sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the lotus root. Quick high-heat cooking locks in freshness, and a final simmer in bone broth infuses deep flavor. The result is a crunchy, aromatic, and slightly spicy dish that’s both nutritious and irresistible—perfect as a side or a light main course. Try this easy yet impressive recipe for a delicious taste of crisp-tender lotus root with a savory kick!
Marbled Tea Egg
Create stunning and flavorful Flower Tea Eggs with this unique recipe that combines artistry and taste! Using simple ingredients like white shell eggs, fresh flowers, onion skins, and stockings, you’ll transform ordinary eggs into edible masterpieces. The process involves wrapping eggs with delicate flowers secured in stockings, then boiling them in a fragrant broth of onion skins, vinegar, and salt—or elevate the flavor with star anise, soy sauce, or tea leaves. The result? Beautifully patterned eggs with a subtly savory, spiced taste. Perfect for festive occasions or as a creative snack, these Flower Tea Eggs are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Try experimenting with different flowers and spices for a personalized touch!
Mixed Wood Ear in Sweet and Sour Sauce
This Sichuan-style Wood Ear Mushroom Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the earthy crunch of wood ears with a bold, aromatic dressing. Perfect as a refreshing appetizer or side, this recipe features blanched wood ears tossed in a fragrant scallion-ginger oil infused with garlic, Sichuan pepper, and a tangy-sweet blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. The key to its irresistible taste lies in the technique—stir-frying the ingredients in a hot wok ensures every bite is coated in the savory, slightly spicy, and umami-rich sauce. A dash of Sichuan pepper oil and optional chicken essence elevates the dish with a numbing heat and depth of flavor. Quick to prepare yet packed with texture and zest, this salad is a must-try for lovers of bold, authentic Sichuan cuisine!
Nanchang Liangpi
This refreshing **Jiangxi Cold Mixed Rice Noodles** recipe is the perfect dish for a hot day, combining chewy rice noodles with a bold, spicy-savory sauce. The key lies in perfectly cooking the rice noodles—boiling briefly before simmering to tender perfection, then chilling for a springy texture. A fragrant stir-fry of ginger, garlic, and dried chilies forms the base of the rich, umami-packed sauce, enhanced with light and dark soy sauces for depth. Tossed with tangy pickled vegetables and a drizzle of sesame oil, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. Quick to prepare yet packed with layers of spice and freshness, these noodles are a must-try for anyone craving a vibrant, cooling meal.
Northeastern Egg Sauce
This savory **Fermented Soybean Egg Stir-Fry** is a bold and flavorful dish that combines rich, umami-packed fermented soybean paste with fluffy scrambled eggs, aromatic garlic, and a hint of chili heat. The secret lies in the technique—breaking the eggs into tender, bite-sized pieces before blending them with the savory bean paste, creating a luscious, saucy texture. Fresh green peppers add a crisp contrast, while a touch of sugar balances the deep, fermented flavors. Quick and easy to make, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal served over steamed rice. The slow simmering of the bean paste ensures a smooth, fragrant sauce that clings to every bite, making it an irresistible comfort food with a unique depth of flavor. Try it for a delicious twist on classic stir-fried eggs!
Northeastern Pickled Vegetables
This hearty and flavorful cowpea stew combines tender pork, fresh cowpeas, and vibrant pointed peppers in a savory soy-based sauce for a comforting meal. The dish starts with stir-frying marbled pork slices until golden, then infusing the oil with aromatic scallions and ginger. Key to its rich taste is the use of seafood or extra fresh soy sauce, which adds depth without overpowering. Potatoes soak up the umami broth, while cowpeas simmer until perfectly tender. A final addition of pointed peppers brings a subtle heat and freshness. The optional Sichuan pepper powder adds a hint of warmth, making this dish uniquely aromatic. Simmered to perfection and finished with a reduced sauce, this one-pan wonder is ideal over steamed rice. Perfect for weeknights, it’s a balanced blend of protein, veggies, and bold flavors that keeps you coming back for more!
Northeastern Salted Vegetable
This hearty and flavorful cowpea stir-fry combines tender pork, fresh cowpeas, and spicy peppers with soft potatoes for a satisfying meal. The dish starts with stir-frying marbled pork slices until golden, then infusing them with fragrant scallions, ginger, and a rich soy sauce base. Potatoes soak up the savory flavors, while cowpeas add a crisp texture. A key tip: use fresh soy sauce for depth, and adjust saltiness as you go. Simmered to perfection, the hot peppers are added last for a spicy kick. The final reduction thickens the sauce, enhancing every bite. Perfect with rice, this dish balances spice, umami, and comfort in one pan!
Northeastern Style Cold Skin Noodles
This delicious sesame rice noodle dish is a quick, flavorful meal that combines the rich taste of sesame paste with tender rice noodles for a satisfying bite. The recipe starts by preparing fresh raw ingredients, which are then cut into thin shreds to ensure even texture and flavor in every forkful. The star of the dish is the creamy sesame paste, blended with a pinch of salt and a hint of monosodium glutamate to enhance its nutty depth. Once mixed, the sauce is generously poured over the soft rice noodles and stirred thoroughly, coating each strand for a perfectly balanced taste. Simple yet packed with umami richness, this dish is ideal for a speedy lunch or a light dinner. The combination of smooth sesame paste and chewy rice noodles makes it a standout—easy to prepare but full of bold, comforting flavors. Try it for a fuss-free meal that’s both delicious and satisfying!