Thirteen Spices
Homemade Pork Sauce
This savory and aromatic **Stir-Fried Pork with Sweet Bean Paste** is a mouthwatering dish that brings bold flavors to your table. Tender pork cubes are seared to perfection, releasing rich oils that blend beautifully with fragrant scallions, ginger, and garlic. The star of the dish—sweet bean paste—adds a deep, umami richness, while a touch of **thirteen spices** elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic kick. Quick and easy to prepare, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings. The key lies in balancing the ingredients, allowing the pork’s natural juices to meld with the savory-sweet sauce for an irresistible finish. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s packed with bold, comforting flavors. A must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful Chinese-inspired dishes!
Red Oil Chili
This aromatic and spicy chili oil recipe is a game-changer for elevating your dishes with deep, layered flavors. The process begins by blending chili powder, white sesame, fennel, and thirteen spices, then infusing hot oil with fragrant cinnamon and Sichuan pepper for a bold kick. The secret lies in the triple-step technique: "frying fragrance" unlocks the spices' aroma, "frying chili" intensifies the heat, and "frying red" delivers that signature vibrant color and rich taste. Perfect for drizzling over cold dishes, noodles, or stir-fries, this versatile chili oil balances smoky, nutty, and spicy notes. The removal of larger spices like cinnamon ensures a smooth texture while keeping the fiery essence. Customize the spiciness to your liking and enjoy a homemade condiment that transforms any meal into a flavor-packed experience.
Stir-fried Dried Tofu with Scallions
This quick and flavorful stir-fry combines tender leeks with savory dried tofu for a deliciously simple yet satisfying dish. The key to its rich taste lies in the aromatic blend of scallions and thirteen spices, which infuse every bite with warmth and depth. Blanching the dried tofu first ensures a perfect texture—soft yet slightly chewy—while a quick stir-fry locks in freshness. The leeks add a mild sweetness, balanced by a touch of light soy sauce and salt. Ready in minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights but tastes gourmet. Serve it hot for a wholesome, plant-based meal that’s packed with protein and vibrant flavors. Perfect over rice or noodles, it’s a must-try for tofu lovers and anyone craving a quick, healthy stir-fry!
Thirteen Spices Braised Pig Trotters
This succulent Braised Pig Trotters with Mushrooms is a melt-in-your-mouth delight, combining rich flavors and tender textures for an unforgettable dish. The pig trotters are blanched and caramelized with rock sugar, creating a sweet and savory base, while soaked mushrooms add deep umami notes. Enhanced with aromatic thirteen spices and soy sauce, the broth becomes irresistibly fragrant. Slow-cooked to perfection in an electric pressure cooker (or traditional pot), the trotters turn fork-tender, infused with the sweetness of onions and earthy mushrooms. The result? A hearty, flavorful dish with a glossy, sticky glaze that’s perfect over steamed rice. Whether for a family feast or a comforting meal, this recipe delivers rich taste and fall-off-the-bone tenderness in every bite.
Braised Eggplant with Potatoes
This hearty and flavorful stir-fried eggplant and potato dish is a comforting meal that brings together fresh vegetables and aromatic spices for a truly delicious experience. Tender eggplant, cubed potatoes, and crisp green peppers are stir-fried with fragrant garlic, scallions, and ginger, then simmered in a savory blend of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and thirteen spices. The hand-torn eggplant soaks up the rich, umami-packed sauce, while the potatoes add a satisfying texture. Finished with a final sprinkle of fresh scallions and garlic, this dish delivers layers of bold flavor in every bite. Perfect served over steamed rice, this easy-to-make yet deeply satisfying recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves homestyle Chinese cooking. The combination of soft eggplant, hearty potatoes, and a thick, spiced sauce makes it an irresistible comfort food classic.
Chili Stir-Fried Tofu and Bean Sprouts
This Spicy Pork Belly Stir-Fry with Dried Tofu and Bean Sprouts is a bold, flavorful dish that combines tender pork belly, crispy bean sprouts, and chewy dried tofu in a savory, spicy sauce. The pork belly is first golden-fried to perfection, then infused with aromatic scallions, garlic, and thirteen spices for deep, complex flavor. Fresh chili peppers add a fiery kick, while soy sauce and dark soy sauce create a rich, umami-packed base. The bean sprouts bring a satisfying crunch, and the dried tofu soaks up all the delicious seasonings. A final touch of cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, coating every bite in mouthwatering goodness. Quick to make yet bursting with layers of taste and texture, this stir-fry is perfect for spice lovers and anyone craving a hearty, satisfying meal. Serve it hot over rice for an unforgettable dining experience!
Fresh Mushroom and Potato Slices
This savory stir-fried potatoes and mushrooms dish is a comforting, flavor-packed recipe that’s quick to make yet full of depth. Thinly sliced potatoes are soaked to remove starch, ensuring a perfect texture, while fresh mushrooms add a rich, earthy taste. The magic begins with fragrant scallions and garlic sizzling in oil, followed by a touch of aromatic thirteen spices and light soy sauce for a bold umami kick. The potatoes are stir-fried until tender-crisp, then combined with blanched mushrooms for a delightful contrast in textures. A splash of water helps meld the flavors, while a final sprinkle of salt and fresh scallions brightens the dish. Simple yet satisfying, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty side—packed with layers of flavor and wholesome ingredients.
Fried Dough Cake
These irresistible oil pastry buns are a flaky, savory delight with a golden sesame crust! Made with a soft fermented dough wrapped around a flavorful oil dough infused with aromatic thirteen spices, chicken essence, and a hint of umami, these buns bake to perfection with a crispy exterior and tender layers inside. The dough is expertly folded for maximum flakiness, then brushed with oil and sprinkled with sesame seeds for extra crunch. Baked at 200°C until golden brown, these buns are perfect as a snack or side dish. The combination of savory spices and buttery layers makes them utterly addictive. Try this easy-to-follow recipe for homemade buns that rival bakery-quality results—warm, fragrant, and utterly delicious!
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 Strips with Chili Sauce
This irresistible Stir-Fried Potato Strips with Chili Sauce is a savory, spicy delight that brings bold flavors to your table. Tender golden potato strips are wok-tossed with aromatic dried red chilies, then infused with rich broad bean paste, light soy sauce, and a hint of thirteen spices for depth. The key to perfection? A precise balance of water ensures the potatoes cook to a slightly sticky, melt-in-your-mouth texture without becoming mushy. Finished with fresh scallions for a bright contrast, this dish offers a satisfying mix of heat, umami, and subtle sweetness. Quick to prepare yet bursting with complexity, it’s a standout side or main that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. A must-try for lovers of Sichuan-inspired comfort food!