Star Anise
Tomato Bean Brisket Soup
This savory and nutritious **Tomato Beef Soup** is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender beef with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Succulent beef slices are stir-fried to lock in richness, then pressure-cooked with scallions, ginger, bay leaves, peppercorns, and star anise for deep, fragrant broth. Onions and radishes add sweetness and texture, while fermented soybeans bring a rich umami kick. Simmered together with juicy diced tomatoes, the soup gains a tangy brightness, enhanced with a splash of white vinegar and chicken powder for extra depth. Perfect for warming up on chilly days, this comforting soup balances bold spices, tender beef, and fresh veggies in every spoonful. Quick to prepare with a pressure cooker yet packed with layers of flavor, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Tomato Sauce Chicken Wings
These savory and aromatic chicken wings are a must-try for anyone craving rich, bold flavors. The wings are first boiled with fragrant spices like cinnamon, star anise, and peppercorns to infuse deep, warm notes. Then, they’re stir-fried with scallions, ginger, and garlic for an irresistible aroma before being coated in a luscious tomato sauce with a touch of sugar for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Simmered to perfection, the wings soak up all the delicious flavors, resulting in tender meat with a sticky, flavorful glaze. Whether as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a main dish, these chicken wings are sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and bold, well-rounded taste. Easy to make yet packed with gourmet appeal, this recipe is a game-changer for any home cook!
Vietnamese Pho
This aromatic Vietnamese-inspired oxtail pho is a labor of love, featuring a deeply spiced broth simmered for 8 hours with cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and fresh aromatics like lemongrass and cilantro roots. The secret? A handmade spice sachet infuses the rich oxtail broth with layers of warmth, while tender rice noodles and thinly sliced beef cook instantly under its steaming heat. Topped with crisp mung bean sprouts, fragrant basil, mint, and crushed peanuts, each bowl is a harmony of textures. Elevate it with a fiery side of marinated bird’s eye chili sauce—bright with lemon and fish sauce—for a bold, customizable kick. Perfect for soul-warming comfort, this pho celebrates slow-cooked depth and fresh, vibrant garnishes.
Xinjiang Pepper Chicken
This Spicy and Numbing Sichuan Chicken is a bold, flavor-packed dish that brings the authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine to your table. Tender chicken legs are marinated with salt and Sichuan pepper, then simmered in a fragrant broth infused with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and numbing pepper for deep, aromatic flavors. The shredded chicken is tossed with fresh onions, scallions, and green peppers, then drenched in a fiery mix of homemade chili oil, Sichuan pepper oil, and numbing oil for that signature *málà* (spicy-numbing) kick. The finishing touch of Taotao chicken seasoning elevates the dish with umami richness. Perfect for spice lovers, this dish delivers a thrilling balance of heat, fragrance, and tender texture. A true Sichuan classic that’s as delicious as it is addictive!
Zongzi Braised Chicken Wings
Indulge in a unique fusion of flavors with this **Chicken Wings with Pan-Fried Zongzi** recipe—a delightful twist on traditional Chinese cuisine. Succulent chicken wings are marinated with aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, then steamed to tender perfection. Paired with crispy pan-fried white rice zongzi, this dish offers a satisfying contrast of textures. The zongzi, lightly browned for a golden crunch, soaks up the rich, savory sauce from the chicken, creating a mouthwatering harmony of sweet and savory notes. Perfect for a festive meal or a comforting family dinner, this recipe combines the best of both worlds—juicy, flavorful chicken and the hearty, chewy goodness of zongzi. Easy to prepare yet impressive in taste, it’s a must-try for anyone craving a creative and delicious dish!