Dried Chili Peppers
Pickle and Minced Pork
This authentic Sichuan-style stir-fry combines tangy pickled mustard greens (酸菜) with fragrant minced pork for a bold, umami-packed dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Black Fungus and Mushroom Slices
This savory **Stir-Fried Pork with Chinese Toon, Wood Ear, and Shiitake Mushrooms** is a fragrant and flavorful dish that combines tender marinated pork with earthy mushrooms and the unique aroma of Chinese toon. The pork is thinly sliced and marinated in salt, starch, and sesame oil for extra tenderness, then stir-fried with aromatic dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns for a touch of heat and numbing spice. Wood ear and shiitake mushrooms add a satisfying chewiness, while fresh Chinese toon brings a distinctive herbal note. Quick high-heat cooking locks in the juices, and a splash of light soy sauce enhances the umami richness. Finished with a pinch of chicken essence, this dish is a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors—ideal served over steamed rice for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Braised Chicken Feet
This savory and aromatic Braised Chicken Feet recipe is a must-try for lovers of rich, flavorful dishes. Tender chicken feet are first blanched to remove impurities, then stir-fried with light soy sauce and sugar for a caramelized glaze. Simmered in a fragrant blend of ginger, dried chili peppers, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and peppercorns, the chicken feet absorb deep, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. The slow stewing process ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while the final reduction creates a glossy, thick sauce that clings to every bite. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, this dish highlights the bold flavors of Chinese braising techniques. The combination of warming spices and a hint of heat from the chilies makes it irresistibly delicious. Serve hot for an unforgettable umami-packed experience!
Braised Chinese Cabbage
This refreshing and vibrant Sichuan-inspired vegetable salad is a perfect balance of crisp textures and bold flavors. Thinly shredded cucumber, carrot, dried tofu, and Chinese cabbage create a satisfying crunch, while blanched bean sprouts add a tender bite. The dish comes alive with a fragrant chili oil infusion—made by frying dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns—then blended with June fresh soy sauce, tangy vinegar, a hint of sugar, and nutty sesame oil for a mouthwatering dressing. Topped with fresh scallions and garlic, every bite delivers a harmony of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Quick to prepare yet packed with layers of taste, this versatile salad pairs beautifully with rice or makes a standout side dish for wine gatherings. A must-try for lovers of bold, aromatic flavors!
Braised Chinese Water Chestnut
Crispy, caramelized water chestnuts take center stage in this irresistible stir-fry, infused with the warm aroma of star anise and a hint of spice from dried chilies. Perfectly charred and slightly sweet, this dish balances smoky depth with a touch of umami from light soy sauce and sugar. The slow stir-frying technique locks in flavor, while a final simmer melds the seasonings into every bite. Ideal as a side or a standalone snack, these glazed water chestnuts offer a unique texture—crisp yet tender—with a glossy, savory-sweet finish. A simple yet stunning dish that turns humble ingredients into a standout favorite!
Braised Frozen Tofu
This **Crispy Frozen Tofu Stir-Fry** is a savory, aromatic dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. The secret lies in freezing the tofu overnight, giving it a chewy, meaty texture that soaks up the rich, spicy-sweet sauce. Paired with tender potatoes and crisp green peppers, this dish is stir-fried with fragrant spices like star anise, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns for a bold, warming taste. The rock sugar caramelizes in hot oil, creating a glossy, slightly sweet glaze that coats every bite. Quick yet deeply satisfying, this recipe balances heat, umami, and a hint of sweetness—perfect served over rice for a comforting meal. A must-try for tofu lovers and anyone craving a hearty, spice-infused dish!
Braised Noodles with Meat and Green Beans
This savory stir-fried noodle dish is a delicious harmony of tender marinated meat, crisp green beans, and aromatic spices. Lean meat strips are marinated with ginger, oil, and starch for extra tenderness, then stir-fried to perfection. The magic happens when scallions, garlic, dried chili peppers, and star anise infuse the dish with deep, fragrant flavors. Thick-cut carrots and green beans add texture, while a blend of light and dark soy sauce, cooking wine, and a hint of sugar creates a rich, umami-packed sauce. The noodles soak up all the delicious flavors as they simmer, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste. Finished with a drizzle of sesame oil, this dish is a comforting yet vibrant meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. The balance of spice, sweetness, and savory depth makes it truly irresistible!
Braised Pork with Hand-Torn Cabbage
This savory **Stir-Fried Chinese Bacon with Cabbage** is a mouthwatering dish that combines rich, smoky flavors with crisp, fresh vegetables for a perfect balance. Tender **Chinese bacon** is slowly fried to render its fat, creating a crispy texture, while **cabbage** absorbs the delicious umami notes. Aromatic **garlic** and fiery **dried chili peppers** add depth and a subtle kick, making every bite irresistible. The dish is stir-fried to perfection, ensuring the cabbage stays slightly crunchy yet tender. A touch of **salt, sugar, and steamed fish soy sauce** enhances the natural sweetness and savoriness without overpowering the ingredients. Quick to prepare yet packed with bold flavors, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a homestyle Chinese meal. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or as a standout side dish, it’s a delicious way to savor the harmony of smoky, spicy, and fresh tastes in every bite!
Braised Shrimp in Beer
This **Beer-Braised Spicy Shrimp** recipe is a mouthwatering dish that combines succulent shrimp with bold, aromatic flavors. The secret lies in stir-frying the shrimp until dry, ensuring the shells separate from the meat for maximum flavor and easy eating. Aromatic onions, ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and dried chili peppers create a fragrant base, while a full bottle of beer adds depth and richness. Simmered with cooking wine, light soy sauce, sugar, and salt, the shrimp soak up the savory-sweet sauce, resulting in a perfectly balanced dish with a hint of spice. Ideal for seafood lovers, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful shrimp with a rich, slightly spicy broth—perfect over rice or enjoyed on its own. Quick to prepare yet packed with restaurant-quality taste, it’s a must-try for an impressive weeknight meal or a flavorful appetizer.
Braised Sturgeon
This **Pan-Fried Sturgeon with Aromatic Sauce** is a show-stopping dish that combines tender, flaky fish with a rich, savory-sweet glaze. Fresh sturgeon is marinated in salt for enhanced flavor, then pan-fried to a golden crisp. A fragrant stir-fry of scallions, ginger, garlic, onions, and dried chili peppers builds the base of the sauce, deepened with light and dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and a touch of sugar. The fish simmers in this umami-packed broth, soaking up every delicious note. Finished with a glossy starch-thickened sauce and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or scallions, this dish delivers a perfect balance of texture and bold, layered flavors. Ideal for a special meal, this recipe highlights the sturgeon’s delicate taste while elevating it with classic Chinese aromatics and a hint of spice. A must-try for seafood lovers!