Star Anise

Dongpo Pork
A delicious recipe for Dongpo Pork.

Braised Abalone and Pork Belly
This savory stir-fry combines earthy mushrooms, crisp bamboo shoots, and vibrant green and red peppers for a dish bursting with flavor and texture. The secret lies in the aromatic blend of star anise and ginger, stir-fried to perfection in a rich broth of mushroom and chicken stock. The mushrooms are soaked to enhance their umami depth, while the bamboo shoots add a satisfying crunch. A splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil elevate the dish, creating a harmonious balance of savory and fragrant notes. Quick and easy to prepare, this stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Braised Beef
This hearty and flavorful beef and potato stew is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. Tender beef cubes are blanched to remove impurities, then simmered with aromatic ginger, star anise, and a rich blend of soy sauce, sugar, and cooking wine for deep, savory-sweet flavors. The magic happens in the pressure cooker, where the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in just 20 minutes. Cubed potatoes are added at the end, soaking up the delicious concentrated broth and thickening into a luscious sauce. The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a dish that’s both satisfying and aromatic. Whether served over rice or enjoyed on its own, this stew is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of textures and rich umami taste. Easy to make yet packed with depth, it’s a must-try for anyone craving a homestyle, warming meal.

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 Okra
This fragrant and flavorful stir-fried yardlong beans recipe is a delicious way to enjoy this crisp, tender vegetable. The dish starts with aromatic scallions, ginger, and garlic, sautéed with star anise for a warm, slightly sweet depth of flavor. Fresh yardlong beans are stir-fried to perfection, then coated in savory soy sauce for a rich, umami-packed color. A quick stewing process softens the beans slightly while keeping them vibrant, and a final reduction thickens the sauce for a glossy finish. The combination of spices and seasonings—like salt, monosodium glutamate, or chicken powder—enhances the natural sweetness of the beans, making this dish a standout side or light main. Perfect with steamed rice, this easy yet impressive recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen in just minutes!

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 Duck Web
This irresistible Braised Duck Feet recipe delivers tender, flavorful bites with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Duck feet are first blanched to remove impurities, then caramelized with granulated sugar for a rich golden hue. Aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves infuse depth, while ginger and scallions add a fresh kick. The magic happens when the duck feet simmer in a blend of light and dark soy sauce, creating a glossy, thick glaze that clings to every bite. The result? Fall-off-the-bone tenderness with a bold, umami-packed sauce. Perfect as a appetizer or paired with steamed rice, this dish showcases traditional braising techniques for an unforgettable texture and taste. A must-try for lovers of rich, slow-cooked flavors!

Braised Fish in Brown Sauce
This crispy and flavorful **Fried Carp with Aromatic Soy Glaze** is a must-try dish for seafood lovers! Fresh carp is marinated in cooking wine, salt, and pepper, then coated in egg for a golden, crispy fry. The magic happens when the fish is simmered in a fragrant blend of scallions, ginger, star anise, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, creating a rich, savory-sweet glaze that soaks into every bite. The result? Tender, flaky fish with a perfect balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Serve it over steamed rice for a comforting and satisfying meal. This recipe brings together simple ingredients and classic techniques for a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make. Whether for a family lunch or a special dinner, this fried carp will steal the show with its irresistible aroma and deep, umami flavors!

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 Lion's Head
These **Crispy Braised Meatballs with Chinese Yam** are a mouthwatering delight, combining tender minced meat, aromatic spices, and a rich, savory sauce. The secret lies in the **Chinese yam**, which adds a subtle sweetness and helps bind the meat mixture for the perfect texture. Wrapped around a hard-boiled egg, each meatball is fried to golden perfection, then simmered in a fragrant broth infused with **star anise, peppercorns, and ginger** for deep, layered flavor. A touch of **rock sugar** balances the savory notes, while a glossy, thickened sauce ties it all together. Whether served as a comforting family meal or a standout dish for gatherings, these meatballs are irresistibly juicy inside and crispy outside—a true crowd-pleaser! Try this recipe for a delicious twist on classic braised meatballs.