Lard
Pickled Pepper Fish Head
This steamed fish head recipe is a mouthwatering delicacy that combines fresh flavors and aromatic spices for an unforgettable dish. Featuring a tender 1-2 kg fish head marinated with salt and ginger, it’s then topped with vibrant pointed peppers, scallion knots, and ginger strips for a burst of freshness. The magic happens when steamed fish bean paste oil and rich lard are drizzled over the top, infusing the fish with deep umami and a silky texture. Steamed for just 15 minutes, the fish remains succulent and flaky, absorbing the bold flavors of the peppers and aromatics. Perfect for seafood lovers, this dish is a harmony of spicy, savory, and fragrant notes—ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a hearty homemade meal. Quick, flavorful, and packed with authentic taste, this steamed fish head is a must-try!
Pig Liver and Greens Soup
This tender and flavorful Pig Liver Soup with Greens is a comforting dish that combines rich, savory broth with melt-in-your-mouth pig liver and fresh, vibrant vegetables. The key to its deliciousness lies in blanching the liver first to lock in tenderness, then simmering it in a fragrant broth seasoned with ginger, green onions, and a touch of lard for depth. Baby greens like spinach add a fresh contrast, while a hint of cooking wine and starch ensures the liver stays silky smooth. Quick to prepare yet packed with umami, this nourishing soup is perfect for a light meal or revitalizing boost. The balance of textures and flavors—from the savory chicken essence to the aromatic lard—makes every spoonful irresistible. Try it for a wholesome, restaurant-quality dish at home!
Pork and Green Bean Stir Fry
This savory stir-fried green beans with minced meat is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. Fresh green beans are blanched to retain their crisp texture, then stir-fried with fragrant scallions and juicy minced meat for a rich, umami-packed taste. A splash of soy sauce enhances the depth of flavor, while a touch of lard adds a luxurious richness that makes this dish truly irresistible. The high-heat wok cooking method ensures every bite is infused with bold, aromatic goodness. Simple yet satisfying, this recipe brings together tender beans, savory meat, and a hint of smokiness for a deliciously balanced side or main course. Ready in minutes, it’s a must-try for anyone craving a hearty, home-cooked stir-fry with minimal effort and maximum taste!
Shrimp and Bok Choy Stir Fry
This irresistible Chinese cabbage and shrimp stir-fry is a flavor-packed dish that combines crisp vegetables, succulent shrimp, and aromatic spices for a truly mouthwatering experience. The secret lies in using rich lard for stir-frying, which enhances the natural sweetness of the Chinese cabbage and plump shrimp. Fragrant ginger, garlic, scallions, and dried chili peppers create a bold base, while shrimp roe adds a burst of umami depth. Finished with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of fragrant oil, every bite delivers a perfect balance of texture and taste. Quick to prepare yet full of restaurant-quality flavors, this dish is a standout for its smoky wok aroma and savory seasoning—ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Try it once, and it’ll become a favorite!
Simplest Yangchun Noodles
Experience the comforting simplicity and rich flavors of classic Yangchun Noodles with this irresistible recipe. Golden, crispy fried purple onions and aromatic lard form the base of a deeply savory broth made with chicken stock, dried shrimp, and old brine for an umami-packed depth. The noodles are cooked to perfection—chewy, smooth, and refreshing—then topped with a fragrant layer of onion oil, fresh green onions, and a golden sheen of lard. Each bite delivers a harmony of textures and tastes, from the tender dried shrimp to the clear yet complex broth. Perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying, this dish proves that the simplest ingredients can create the most unforgettable flavors. Don’t forget to sip every last drop of the rich, aromatic broth—it’s the soul of this beloved noodle bowl!
Spicy Pepper Stir-Fried Meat
This sizzling stir-fry combines tender slices of fatty and lean pork with bold chili peppers for a dish bursting with rich, spicy flavors. The secret lies in rendering lard from the fatty meat, creating a savory base that infuses every bite with depth. Lean pork is marinated in light soy sauce for extra tenderness, then stir-fried until perfectly cooked alongside charred chili peppers. A splash of water braises the ingredients, melding the smoky heat of the peppers with the umami-rich meat. Finished with dark soy sauce for color and a touch of seasoning, this dish delivers a mouthwatering balance of spice and savoriness. Quick to prepare yet packed with complexity, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves bold, hearty stir-fries with a satisfying kick!
Steamed Egg with Fresh Tofu
Silky and savory, this Steamed Tofu with Egg Custard is a melt-in-your-mouth delight that’s both simple and luxurious. Featuring extra-soft tofu as a velvety base, the dish is elevated by a smooth egg custard made with beaten eggs, warm water, and a spoonful of rich lard for depth of flavor. Lightly seasoned with salt and steamed to perfection, the custard turns tender and delicate. A finishing drizzle of umami-packed flavor sauce adds the perfect savory touch, enhancing every bite. Quick to prepare and steam in just 15 minutes, this comforting dish is ideal for a light yet satisfying meal. The combination of creamy tofu and fluffy custard creates a harmonious texture, while the lard and sauce infuse it with irresistible richness. A must-try for tofu lovers and anyone craving a delicate, flavorful dish!
Steamed Ribs with Rice Noodles
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of these **Steamed Fermented Bean Curd Pork Ribs**—a mouthwatering dish that combines tender ribs with aromatic spices for an unforgettable meal. The ribs are first marinated with scallion, ginger, and cooking wine to remove any gaminess, then infused with a bold blend of soy sauce, sugar, and fermented bean curd for deep umami richness. A touch of lard (optional) adds extra silkiness, while five-spice meat seasoning powder enhances the complexity. Steamed to perfection, the ribs become melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing all the fragrant marinade. This recipe stands out for its unique fermented bean curd twist, creating a dish that’s both comforting and packed with bold, savory flavors. Perfect as a main course, these steamed ribs are sure to impress with their juicy texture and irresistible aroma. Ready in just over an hour, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving authentic, homestyle Chinese flavors.
Stir-Fried Black Fungus with Meat
This sizzling stir-fry combines tender meat, spicy chili peppers, and earthy black fungus for a bold and flavorful dish. The magic starts with fragrant lard, rendering rich depth, followed by aromatic ginger and garlic for a savory base. Juicy meat is seared to perfection with soy sauce, then paired with crispy black fungus and fiery chili peppers for a dynamic texture and taste. Every bite delivers a harmony of umami, spice, and smokiness, making it an irresistible meal. Quick to prepare yet packed with authentic wok-fired goodness, this dish is perfect for spice lovers seeking a satisfying homemade stir-fry. Serve hot over steamed rice for a truly delicious experience!
Stir-fried Hand-torn Cabbage with Fried Gluten
This hand-torn Chinese cabbage stir-fry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. Tender Chinese cabbage is stir-fried with fragrant garlic, crispy pork fat, and fiery dried chili peppers for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The secret lies in the technique—infusing lard with Sichuan pepper for a subtle numbing spice, then removing it to let the garlic and chili peppers shine. A splash of white vinegar (or aged vinegar for deeper flavor) and light soy sauce adds tangy brightness, while a hint of sugar and optional oyster sauce rounds out the dish. The result? A refreshing yet savory side that’s crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this stir-fry proves that home-cooked meals can rival your favorite takeout. Perfect with steamed rice or as a vibrant standalone dish!