Rock Sugar
Osmanthus Sugar and Vinegar Ribs
Indulge in these irresistible **Osmanthus-Glazed Pork Ribs**—a perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and aromatic flavors! Succulent pork ribs are marinated in Shaoxing wine, coated with egg white and cornstarch for extra crispiness, then deep-fried to golden perfection. The magic happens when the ribs are tossed in a fragrant syrup made from rock sugar, osmanthus, and a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick. A drizzle of June fresh soy sauce enhances the rich color and umami depth. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch, followed by the floral sweetness of osmanthus and a hint of acidity. Quick stir-frying ensures the ribs stay juicy while soaking up the glossy glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these ribs are a crowd-pleaser with a unique gourmet twist!
Pig Feet Hot Pot
This **Spicy Pork Trotter Hot Pot** is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender, collagen-packed pork trotters with a fiery Sichuan-inspired broth. The pork trotters are first stewed for hours with ginger, scallions, red dates, and wolfberries, creating a deeply savory and nourishing base. The broth is then elevated with a bold blend of beef tallow oil, rehydrated dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns, delivering a numbing, aromatic heat. A touch of rock sugar, white wine, and huangjiu balances the spice, while garlic, old ginger, and scallions enhance the umami depth. Served with fresh veggies like mushrooms, lettuce, pea shoots, and chewy rice cakes, this hot pot is a feast for the senses. Customize your meal with a tangy, garlicky dipping sauce featuring sesame oil, cilantro, and peppercorns. Perfect for gatherings, this dish is a luxurious, slow-cooked masterpiece that warms the soul and excites the palate.
Pineapple Chicken
Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of this irresistible Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry! Tender chicken legs are marinated with soy sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch for a juicy, golden-brown sear, then paired with fresh pineapple soaked in salt water to enhance its natural sweetness. The secret? Stir-frying the pineapple first keeps the chicken tender, while a splash of lemon juice and rock sugar creates a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze. Quick-cooked over high heat to lock in the pineapple's vibrant juices, this dish is a perfect balance of tropical freshness and rich umami. Easy to make yet bursting with flavor, it’s a weeknight favorite that tastes like a gourmet escape!
Pumpkin and Silver Ear Congee
Warm up with this comforting and nourishing Silver Ear Fungus and Pumpkin Porridge—a delightful blend of textures and natural sweetness. This recipe combines tender silver ear fungus (known for its gelatinous bite and health benefits) with creamy pumpkin cubes, simmered to perfection in a light, fragrant broth. The addition of rice thickens the porridge into a velvety consistency, while optional rock sugar adds a subtle sweetness. Perfect for chilly days or as a soothing dessert, this porridge is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The slow simmering process enhances the flavors, making each spoonful rich and satisfying. Easy to prepare yet deeply flavorful, this porridge is a must-try for anyone seeking a wholesome, homemade treat.
Savory Fried Eggplant
This **Sichuan-Style Braised Eggplant** is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender eggplant with a rich, savory-sweet glaze for an unforgettable flavor experience. The eggplant is first fried until buttery soft, then pressed to remove excess oil, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Aromatic peppercorns, fresh ginger, and vibrant green and red peppers add layers of depth and a hint of spice. The magic happens when rock sugar caramelizes into a glossy sauce, enhanced with soy sauce and cooking wine for a perfect balance of umami and sweetness. Finished with a light starch thickening, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste at home. Ideal served over steamed rice, this recipe highlights the eggplant’s natural creaminess while keeping it light and flavorful. A must-try for lovers of bold, aromatic Chinese cuisine!
Small Rice and Red Date Porridge
This nourishing and comforting millet porridge with red dates and wolfberries is a traditional Chinese recipe that’s both delicious and wholesome. Perfect for breakfast or a soothing dessert, this dish combines the natural sweetness of red dates and rock sugar with the earthy goodness of millet and the subtle tang of Chinese wolfberries. The millet is simmered to creamy perfection, while the red dates and wolfberries infuse the porridge with rich flavor and nutrients. A touch of rock sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, making this a balanced and satisfying treat. Easy to prepare, this porridge is not only a delight to the taste buds but also packed with health benefits—ideal for boosting energy and promoting digestion. Whether you're looking for a warm, hearty meal or a gentle, restorative dish, this millet porridge is a must-try!
Spicy Crawfish
Spicy Stir-Fried Lobster is a bold and aromatic dish bursting with rich flavors and fiery heat. This recipe features tender lobster stir-fried with a fragrant blend of dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and Chinese peppercorns for a numbing, spicy kick. The secret lies in the careful layering of spices—first toasting cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg in hot oil, then adding white sesame seeds, garlic, and sugar garlic for depth. A splash of Shaoxing yellow wine enhances the umami, while rock sugar balances the heat. The lobsters are cleaned meticulously, ensuring freshness, then simmered to perfection, absorbing the intense flavors. Perfect for seafood lovers who crave a spicy, restaurant-quality dish at home, this stir-fry delivers a mouthwatering combination of heat, aroma, and succulent lobster meat in every bite.
Steamed Pear with Rock Sugar
Indulge in this delicate and refreshing **Steamed Pear with Rock Sugar and Dried Lily**, a soothing dessert that combines natural sweetness with aromatic herbal notes. Perfect for cooling down on a warm day or as a light, healthy treat, this recipe features tender pears stuffed with rock sugar and dried lily bulbs, then gently steamed to perfection. The rock sugar melts into a luscious syrup, while the dried lily adds a subtle floral fragrance, enhancing the pear’s natural juiciness. Served chilled, each bite is a harmonious blend of sweetness and delicate texture. Simple yet elegant, this dessert is a must-try for those who love light, wholesome treats with minimal effort. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of steamed pears—a delightful balance of flavor and wellness!
Stir-Fried Gluten
This savory and aromatic Braised Gluten with Black Fungus is a delicious vegan dish that combines chewy roasted gluten with tender black fungus in a rich, umami-packed sauce. The key to its deep flavor lies in the balance of light and dark soy sauce, enhanced by a touch of rock sugar for subtle sweetness. The black fungus adds a delightful crunch, while homemade MSG and a drizzle of sesame oil elevate the dish with a fragrant finish. Quick and easy to prepare, this stir-fry is perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal. The gluten soaks up the savory sauce beautifully, making every bite irresistible. Garnished with fresh scallions, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving a flavorful, plant-based delight. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying meal!
Sugar Snow Pear
This simple yet delightful pear soup is a soothing and naturally sweet treat, perfect for warming up or soothing the throat. Made with just fresh pears, rock sugar, and water, this recipe highlights the pure, comforting flavors of simmered fruit. The pears are peeled and gently cooked until tender, blending their delicate sweetness with the subtle caramel-like richness of rock sugar. The high-to-low heat method ensures the pears soften perfectly while infusing the broth with their fragrant essence. Enjoy this light, nourishing soup as a dessert or a calming remedy—its natural sweetness and smooth texture make it a wholesome favorite for all ages. Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients, this pear soup is a timeless classic that’s both delicious and effortlessly elegant.