Star Anise

Pork Ribs with Noodles or Potato Stew
Indulge in tender, flavorful Chinese-style pork ribs with this easy-to-follow recipe! Marinated with aromatic cooking wine and thirteen spices, the ribs become incredibly succulent before being stir-fried to perfection with scallions, ginger, and soy sauce. The secret to their rich taste lies in slow stewing with star anise, a touch of sugar, and vinegar for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Optional potatoes or noodles soak up the savory broth, making every bite irresistible. Whether you prefer them as a standalone dish or paired with hearty sides, these fall-off-the-bone ribs are a must-try. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home!

Potato and Mutton Stew
This succulent Lamb and Potato Stew is a fragrant, hearty dish that combines tender lamb with aromatic spices for an unforgettable meal. The lamb is soaked and blanched to ensure a clean, rich flavor, then stir-fried with cinnamon, star anise, bay leaves, chili peppers, ginger, scallions, and garlic for a deeply spiced base. Sichuan peppercorns, wine, soy sauce, and cumin powder add layers of umami and warmth. Slow-stewed to perfection, the lamb becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the potatoes soak up the bold, savory broth. A final sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens the dish, making it perfect served over steamed rice. Whether cooked on the stovetop or in a rice cooker for convenience, this stew delivers a comforting, flavorful experience with every bite. Ideal for chilly nights or whenever you crave a satisfying, spice-infused meal.

Potato Beef Stew
This hearty and flavorful **Beef and Potato Stew** is a comforting dish that combines tender beef, caramelized potatoes, and sweet carrots in a rich, aromatic broth. Key ingredients like ginger, scallions, and warm spices—star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves—infuse the stew with deep, savory notes. The beef is first blanched to ensure tenderness, then stir-fried with Shaoxing wine and soy sauces for a rich umami base. Potatoes and carrots are browned to perfection, adding a delightful texture and sweetness. Slowly simmered for 90 minutes, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the final addition of vegetables ensures they soak up all the delicious flavors. Perfect for chilly nights, this stew is a satisfying, one-pot meal that’s both nourishing and irresistibly delicious. Serve it hot for a meal that’s sure to impress!

Potato Chicken Cubes
This savory Potato Chicken Chunks recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, soft potatoes, and aromatic spices for a mouthwatering meal. The chicken is stir-fried with minced ginger and garlic until golden, then simmered with potatoes in a rich blend of soy sauce, cooking wine, vinegar, and warm spices like cinnamon and star anise. The result is a perfectly balanced dish with a slightly sweet finish from a touch of sugar and fresh scallion strips. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld, creating a deliciously thick sauce that coats every bite. Whether served over rice or enjoyed on its own, this comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare yet packed with bold, homestyle taste, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner or weekend comfort food.

Radish and Brisket Stew
This hearty Beef Brisket and Radish Stew is the ultimate comfort food for cold winter days! Tender beef brisket is slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves, then combined with hearty radish pieces for a satisfying texture. The rich broth is deepened with fermented bean paste, five-spice powder, and a touch of balsamic vinegar for a savory, umami-packed flavor. Garnished with fresh coriander, this stew is best enjoyed with steamed rice, soaking up every drop of the fragrant, soul-warming broth. The long, gentle stewing ensures melt-in-your-mouth beef and radish infused with warm spices—a truly delicious and nourishing meal!

Roasted Small Fish
This **Sichuan-Style Roasted Fish** is a bold and aromatic dish that combines tender roasted fish with a spicy, umami-packed stir-fry topping. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside, the fish is first roasted with a hint of cooking wine for depth, then topped with a fiery mix of garlic, ginger, star anise, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns for that signature numbing heat. A touch of bean paste and secret sauce (or Lao Gan Ma) adds rich, savory flavor, balanced by a hint of sweetness. Colorful veggies like lotus root, potatoes, bell peppers, and cucumber bring freshness and crunch. Finished with a final roast to meld the flavors, this dish is a feast for the senses—spicy, fragrant, and utterly irresistible. Ideal for those who love bold, authentic Sichuan flavors!

Smoked Fish
This delicious fried fish recipe delivers an irresistible aroma and a flavor reminiscent of canned fish, making it a standout dish. The key lies in perfectly slicing slightly thawed fish and frying it to golden perfection before simmering in a rich, aromatic sauce. Infused with scallions, ginger, star anise, Sichuan pepper, and dried tangerine peel, the sauce is enhanced with white wine, sugar, and a touch of vinegar for balance. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the fish, while gentle flipping keeps it intact. Finished with five-spice powder, this dish is even more flavorful when cooled—perfect as a make-ahead meal or a savory snack. A must-try for anyone who loves tender, fragrant fish with a hint of sweetness and spice!

Sour Cabbage Ribs
This savory and aromatic Pork Ribs with Pickled Mustard Greens recipe is a comforting dish bursting with umami flavors. Tender pork ribs are first blanched, then stir-fried with fragrant Sichuan peppercorns and star anise for a bold, spicy depth. Pressure-cooked to perfection, the ribs become melt-in-your-mouth tender before being stewed with tangy pickled mustard greens, scallions, and ginger for a perfect balance of sour and savory notes. The pickled mustard greens add a refreshing crunch and a unique fermented tang that elevates the dish. Quick, easy, and packed with rich flavors, this homestyle recipe is perfect for a hearty meal. Serve it with steamed rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth!

Spicy Beef
This Sichuan-style crispy beef recipe delivers an irresistible combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with a perfect crispy texture. Tender beef strips are first blanched with aromatic star anise, ginger, scallions, and cooking wine to remove any gaminess, then marinated for extra tenderness. The magic happens when the beef is fried to golden perfection and tossed in a glossy, caramelized brown sugar glaze infused with fiery chili pepper powder, numbing Sichuan pepper, and toasty sesame seeds. Each bite offers a bold contrast of crispy edges, tender meat, and layers of spice balanced by subtle sweetness. Adjust the heat and seasoning to your taste for a customizable dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or paired with steamed rice. A restaurant-worthy dish made easy at home!

Spicy Chicken Tips
This **Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Gizzards with Peppers** is a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken gizzards with vibrant peppers and aromatic spices for a mouthwatering experience. The gizzards are stir-fried to golden perfection with fragrant garlic, ginger, star anise, and dried flower pepper, then tossed with a savory blend of bean paste, soy sauce, and a hint of sugar for depth. Crisp green pepper tubes and diamond-cut red peppers add a fresh, colorful crunch, while chicken essence and salt enhance the umami-rich taste. Quick to prepare yet packed with layers of spice and texture, this dish is perfect for those who love a fiery, satisfying stir-fry. Serve it hot for an unforgettable meal that’s both hearty and delicious!