Cornstarch
Kung Pao Chicken
This **Sichuan-Style Chicken with Peanuts** is a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender marinated chicken, crispy golden peanuts, and hearty vegetables in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. The chicken is first marinated in Shaoxing wine and cornstarch for extra tenderness, then stir-fried to perfection. Blanched and deep-fried peanuts add a satisfying crunch, while potatoes and carrots bring a comforting texture. The star of the dish is the rich, aromatic sauce—made with vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and fermented bean paste—delivering a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and umami. A sprinkle of Sichuan pepper adds a tingling, numbing kick that elevates every bite. Serve this vibrant stir-fry over steamed rice for a complete meal that’s both hearty and irresistibly delicious. A must-try for lovers of bold, authentic Sichuan flavors!
Mapo Tofu
This **Mapo Tofu** recipe delivers an irresistible combination of silky tofu and bold, spicy flavors—a classic Sichuan dish that’s both comforting and full of depth. Tender tofu cubes soak up a rich, fragrant sauce made with aromatic ginger, garlic, and scallions, enhanced by the umami kick of **douban sauce**. A touch of soy sauce and sugar balances the heat, while a sprinkle of **Sichuan pepper powder** adds a tingling, numbing sensation that makes this dish unforgettable. The secret? Gently simmering the tofu in the savory-spicy sauce ensures it stays intact while absorbing every delicious layer of flavor. Finished with a glossy, cornstarch-thickened glaze and fresh scallions, this **Mapo Tofu** is perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal. Quick to prepare yet bursting with authentic taste, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves bold, mouthwatering dishes!
Meat Stuffed Tofu Balls
These crispy, savory **Stuffed Tofu Cubes** are a delicious fusion of tender meat and golden-fried tofu, smothered in a rich, glossy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe features juicy meat filling stuffed into soft tofu cubes, then pan-fried until crispy on all sides. The magic happens when oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of cornstarch combine to create a velvety glaze that coats each bite with umami goodness. Quick to make yet impressive in flavor, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy tofu with a satisfying meaty twist. Whether served over rice or as a standalone snack, these stuffed tofu cubes are sure to become a favorite for their irresistible texture and bold, savory taste.
Min Nan-Style Cured Sausage
Discover the art of crafting homemade Chinese sausages with this traditional recipe! Made with succulent pork leg meat (perfectly balanced at a 3:7 fat-to-lean ratio) and seasoned with aromatic Chinese sorghum wine, sugar, and salt, these sausages deliver rich, savory flavors. The key lies in the meticulous preparation—marinating the meat for hours, cleaning the small intestine with cornstarch for a smooth texture, and hand-filling it using a funnel for an authentic touch. After air-drying in a cool, ventilated spot for 5-6 days, the result is a firm, flavorful sausage with a satisfying bite. Perfect for steaming, stir-frying, or enjoying as a savory snack, these homemade sausages are a delicious nod to time-honored techniques. Try this recipe for a taste of artisanal craftsmanship!
Mushroom and Asparagus Stir Fry
This **Savory Mushroom & Asparagus Stir-Fry** is a deliciously aromatic dish that combines tender mushrooms with crisp asparagus in a rich, umami-packed sauce. The mushrooms are first steamed to perfection in a fragrant blend of ginger, scallions, oyster sauce, and soy sauces, absorbing deep, savory flavors. Meanwhile, the asparagus is blanched to retain its vibrant green color and slight crunch, then lightly stir-fried with scallions and ginger for extra freshness. The final touch is a glossy, velvety sauce made from the mushroom-steaming liquid, thickened with cornstarch for a luxurious finish. Perfect as a side or main dish, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of asparagus and the earthy depth of mushrooms, balanced by a hint of sugar and savory oyster sauce. Quick, flavorful, and packed with texture, this stir-fry is a must-try for any home cook looking for a restaurant-quality dish!
Mushroom Stir-Fried Pork Strips
This delicious Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender slices of pork are marinated with salt, cooking wine, and cornstarch for extra juiciness, then stir-fried with savory mushrooms until perfectly tender. The mushrooms release their rich umami flavor, blending beautifully with the savory pork for a satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients—pork, mushrooms, and basic pantry staples—this dish comes together in minutes but tastes like a restaurant-quality favorite. The quick marination ensures the pork stays succulent, while the stir-frying method locks in all the delicious flavors. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, comforting meal. Easy to make yet packed with taste, this Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, home-cooked dishes!
No-Fermentation Fast-Hand Corn Cake
Indulge in this quick and delightful microwave raisin cake that’s soft, fluffy, and packed with sweet bursts of raisins! Perfect for a last-minute treat, this easy recipe combines simple ingredients like cornstarch, baking powder, sugar, milk, and eggs into a smooth batter, enriched with plump raisins for extra flavor. The magic happens in the microwave—no oven needed! Just mix, rest, and microwave for a moist, cake-like texture in minutes. Ideal for busy days or sudden cravings, this fuss-free dessert is a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it warm, sliced, and ready to satisfy your sweet tooth effortlessly!
Northeastern Style Braised Pork Belly
Crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor, this Chinese-style fried pork tenderloin is a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. Thinly sliced pork is marinated with salt, egg white, and cooking wine for extra tenderness, then coated in cornstarch for a perfectly crispy texture when deep-fried. The dish gets its irresistible balance of sweet and tangy flavors from a savory sauce made with soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, and aromatic scallions, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fried carrots add a fresh crunch, while cilantro lends a vibrant finishing touch. Quick to prepare yet restaurant-quality, this pork tenderloin recipe delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite, making it a standout meal for any occasion. Serve it hot for a deliciously crispy and saucy experience!
Peking Sauce Pork Shreds
This quick and flavorful stir-fry combines tender strips of lean meat with aromatic scallions in a rich, savory-sweet sauce. The secret lies in the perfect balance of sweet bean sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar, creating a glossy, umami-packed glaze that coats every bite. Thinly sliced scallions add a fresh, crisp contrast, while marinating the meat with soy sauce and cornstarch ensures it stays juicy and tender. Ready in just five minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for any meal. The high-heat wok cooking locks in the flavors, delivering a restaurant-quality stir-fry with minimal effort. A must-try for anyone craving bold, satisfying flavors in a flash!
Pepper Salt Ribs
Crispy, flavorful, and aromatic, these Peppercorn Salt Pork Ribs are a mouthwatering delight that brings authentic Asian-inspired taste to your table. Succulent pork ribs are marinated in a savory blend of light soy sauce, pepper salt, and a touch of monosodium glutamate, ensuring deep flavor penetration. Coated in a perfect mix of cornstarch and flour, then bound with beaten egg for extra crispiness, the ribs are fried to golden perfection. The final stir-fry with fragrant garlic, spicy dried chili peppers, and a sprinkle of nutty white sesame seeds elevates the dish with bold, aromatic layers. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch, tender meat, and a spicy-savory kick that’s irresistible. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer, these ribs are a must-try for anyone craving restaurant-quality flavor at home.