Aged Vinegar
Jellyfish Salad
This refreshing and crunchy Jellyfish Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for a light appetizer or side dish. Tender jellyfish is soaked and blanched to perfection, then tossed with crisp purple cabbage and cucumber for a vibrant bite. The dish comes alive with a tangy-sweet sauce made from aged vinegar, light soy sauce, and fragrant oil, balanced with a hint of garlic paste for depth. Toasted white sesame seeds add a nutty finish, enhancing every mouthful. Quick to prepare yet packed with umami and freshness, this salad is a standout for its unique combination of ingredients and bold, savory-sweet dressing. Ideal for hot days or as a palate-cleansing starter, it’s a dish that surprises and satisfies with every bite.
Spicy Oil-Poured Chili Peppers
This fiery and aromatic Chinese chili oil is a must-try for spice lovers! Made with dried chili peppers, numbing Sichuan peppercorns, and fragrant five-spice powder, this homemade condiment packs a bold, complex flavor. The secret lies in pouring smoking-hot oil over the spice blend, unlocking deep, toasty notes from the sesame seeds and peppercorns. A final splash of aged vinegar adds a tangy twist, balancing the heat perfectly. Perfect for drizzling over dumplings, noodles, or stir-fries, this chili oil brings an addictive kick to any dish. Quick to prepare yet bursting with authentic Sichuan-inspired flavors, it’s a pantry staple you’ll want to make again and again!
Steamed Golden Pomfret
This steamed fish recipe delivers tender, flavorful results with a perfect balance of savory and aromatic notes. Fresh fish is marinated with scallions, ginger, cooking wine, and light soy sauce to eliminate any fishy taste while enhancing its natural sweetness. The secret to extra richness? A touch of lard or fatty meat melts into the fish during steaming, ensuring moist, succulent flesh. After a quick 15-minute steam, the fish is finished with vibrant scallion flowers, a drizzle of umami-packed steamed fish soy sauce, and a hint of aged vinegar for brightness. The optional hot oil sizzle at the end adds a fragrant crunch. Simple yet elegant, this dish highlights the fish’s delicate texture with restaurant-quality depth—perfect for a healthy, impressive meal.
Wax Gourd in Dress
This stunning accordion-cut cucumber salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate! Thinly sliced cucumber is transformed into an elegant fan shape using a simple chopstick technique, then dressed with a bold mix of aged vinegar, aromatic minced garlic, and a hint of sugar for balance. The dish gets its kick from homemade spicy chili peppers (adjustable to taste) and a luxurious finish of fragrant sesame oil and crunchy white sesame seeds. What makes this recipe special is the mesmerizing presentation paired with the irresistible contrast of cool cucumber against the tangy, sweet, and spicy dressing. Perfect as a refreshing appetizer or side dish, this visually impressive yet easy-to-make salad brings restaurant-quality flair to your table in minutes. The accordion cut not only looks beautiful but also helps the cucumber soak up every drop of the flavorful dressing for maximum taste in every bite.