Chili
Braised Wood Ear with Vinegar
This refreshing and flavorful Wood Ear Mushroom Salad is a perfect balance of earthy, spicy, and aromatic notes. Soaked wood ear mushrooms provide a delightfully chewy texture, while fresh scallions, vibrant cilantro, and fiery chili threads add layers of brightness and heat. Tossed with a simple yet savory seasoning blend and finished with a drizzle of fragrant sesame oil, this dish is both light and satisfying. Ideal as a side or appetizer, this recipe highlights the natural umami of wood ear mushrooms while letting the fresh herbs and spices shine. Quick to prepare yet packed with bold flavors, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves crisp, zesty, and healthy salads. Perfect for summer meals or as a palate-cleansing side to richer dishes!
Hunan Tofu
This **Stir-Fried Tofu with Five-Flower Pork** is a savory and aromatic dish that brings together tender tofu, rich five-flower pork, and bold seasonings for a mouthwatering meal. The tofu is perfectly golden-fried for a crispy exterior and soft center, while the five-flower pork adds a deliciously fatty depth. Lean pork balances the dish with its meaty texture. Key ingredients like **fermented soybeans, garlic, ginger, and chili** infuse the dish with umami and a hint of spice. The stir-frying technique ensures every bite is packed with flavor—crisp tofu soaks up the savory sauce, while the chili and scallions add freshness. A splash of light soy sauce ties everything together for a well-rounded taste. Ideal served with steamed rice, this dish is a must-try for lovers of hearty, flavorful Chinese cuisine. Follow **Changsha Xiang Food Notes** for more delicious recipes!
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!
Pepper and Thousand Sheets Stir-Fried Pork
This **Stir-Fried Pork with Cabbage and Chili** is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender pork, crisp cabbage, and a spicy kick of chili for a satisfying meal. Thinly sliced pork is marinated with ginger, salt, and cooking wine for extra depth, then stir-fried until perfectly browned. Aromatic garlic and scallions add a fragrant base, while soy sauce enhances the savory umami notes. The cabbage stays delightfully crisp, balancing the dish’s texture, and fresh chili shreds bring a bold, spicy finish. Quick and easy to prepare, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality taste in minutes. The combination of juicy pork, crunchy vegetables, and a hint of heat makes this recipe a standout—ideal served over steamed rice for a complete, comforting meal.
Private House Pickled Vegetable and Sour Soup Dumplings
This vibrant and flavorful **Dumpling Soup with Okra and Pickled Vegetables** is a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Tender dumplings swim in a tangy, umami-rich broth made with pickled vegetables, rice wine, soy sauce, and vinegar, creating a perfect balance of savory and bright flavors. The dish is elevated with crisp blanched okra, fresh scallion flowers, and a hint of chili for a subtle kick. A drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of fragrant cilantro or parsley add the finishing touch. Plus, impress your guests with two stylish dumpling-wrapping techniques—**Yuanbao** (gold ingot) and **Huabian** (flower edge) folds—making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Quick to prepare yet packed with layers of texture and taste, this soup is a must-try for dumpling lovers and adventurous cooks alike!
Quick Roasted Scallions
These quick and flavorful Microwave BBQ Scallions are a game-changer for busy weeknights or a tasty side dish! Fresh scallions are brushed with oil, generously seasoned with aromatic cumin, five-spice powder, and a kick of chili, then microwaved to perfection. In just 5 minutes, you’ll have tender, smoky scallions with a delicious charred flavor—no grill required! The blend of spices creates a bold, barbecue-inspired taste, while the scallions caramelize slightly for a satisfying bite. Perfect as a low-effort snack, a side for grilled meats, or a topping for rice and noodles. This fuss-free recipe is ideal for small batches, but easily doubled for gatherings. Try these addictive scallions for a fast, healthy, and flavor-packed dish!
Salted Fish Braised Radish
This savory Dried Fish and Radish Stir-Fry is a flavorful dish that combines the umami richness of dried fish with the crisp freshness of radish. Perfectly balanced with aromatic ginger, spicy chili, and fermented bean paste, this recipe delivers a delicious depth of flavor. The dried fish and radish are cut into strips for even cooking, then stir-fried with fragrant spices to create a mouthwatering aroma. A splash of boiling water helps meld the ingredients, while slow simmering reduces the sauce for a rich, concentrated taste. Garnished with fresh scallions, this dish is a comforting and hearty meal that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. Quick to prepare yet packed with bold, satisfying flavors, this stir-fry is a must-try for anyone who loves traditional, homestyle cooking with a spicy kick.
Secret Recipe Grilled Shrimp
This mouthwatering garlic chili shrimp stir-fry is a flavor-packed dish that’s quick and easy to prepare! Succulent shrimp are marinated in a savory blend of salt, cooking wine, and soy sauce, then threaded onto skewers and fried to perfection. The magic happens when crispy shrimp meet a sizzling stir-fry of cabbage, onions, garlic, ginger, and spicy chili—all tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce. A final sprinkle of pepper salt powder adds a tantalizing kick. Perfectly balanced with tender shrimp and crunchy veggies, this dish delivers bold, aromatic flavors in every bite. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your table in minutes. Try it tonight for a deliciously spicy and satisfying meal!
Sour and Crispy Papaya Slices
This refreshing and tangy **Spicy Pickled Papaya** is a vibrant Thai-inspired dish that bursts with sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Made with crisp green papaya, zesty rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and fiery chili, this quick pickle is a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The secret lies in massaging the papaya with salt to remove any bitterness, then marinating it in a bright, tangy-sweet dressing for a crisp yet tender bite. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is ideal as a light appetizer, a zesty side, or a palate-cleansing snack. The combination of juicy papaya, aromatic chili, and the punch of vinegar makes it irresistibly addictive. Simple, fresh, and full of bold flavors—this easy recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a kick of heat with a refreshing crunch!
Stir-fried Cabbage
This **Spicy Stir-Fried Cabbage** is a bold, flavor-packed dish that brings together crisp cabbage with the aromatic heat of garlic, chili, and Sichuan peppercorns. The cabbage is soaked for perfect texture, then quickly stir-fried over high heat to retain its crunch. A fragrant base of toasted peppercorns and chili infuses the oil, while garlic adds depth. The dish is elevated with a savory-sweet blend of oyster sauce, a touch of sugar, and a final splash of vinegar for brightness. Chicken essence enhances the umami, making every bite irresistible. Perfect as a side or over steamed rice, this recipe delivers a punch of Sichuan-inspired flavors in minutes—easy, vibrant, and utterly delicious!