Vinegar
Cucumber Peel Salad
Turn leftover watermelon rind into a zesty, crunchy delight with this bold and flavorful Asian-inspired salad! This unique recipe transforms often-discarded watermelon rind into a tangy, spicy side dish by marinating it with savory soy sauce, aromatic sesame oil, and fiery Lao Gan Ma chili crisp. The magic happens when crispy rind shreds are tossed with garlic, vinegar, and a touch of sugar for balance, then topped with sizzling fragrant oil infused with bean paste and dried red peppers. Perfect as a refreshing appetizer or palate-cleansing side, this dish offers an irresistible mix of textures—from the crisp rind to the rich, spicy dressing. With its punchy umami flavors and hint of Sichuan flower pepper tingle, this zero-waste creation proves watermelon rind is the secret ingredient you've been missing. Quick to prepare yet packed with complex flavors, it's a sustainable way to enjoy every part of your watermelon!
Double Pepper Golden Needle Mushroom
This steamed enoki mushrooms recipe is a spicy, savory delight that’s quick to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Tender enoki mushrooms are steamed to perfection, retaining their delicate crunch, then topped with a vibrant mix of wild pepper and dried chili for a fiery kick. The magic lies in the sauce—a balanced blend of soy sauce, cooking wine, oyster sauce, and vinegar—poured over the mushrooms for a rich umami taste without overpowering saltiness. A final drizzle of hot oil enhances the aromas, while fresh scallions add color and freshness. Perfect as a side or light main, this dish is a must-try for spice lovers, with the option to add extra vinegar for a tangy twist. Simple, healthy, and irresistibly delicious!
Drunken Meat and Pickled Bean Shoots
This savory stir-fry combines tender pork with tangy pickled beans and a kick of fresh and dried chilies for a bold, flavorful dish. The recipe starts by infusing oil with garlic and dried chili for depth, then highlights fresh chili and juicy pork dices for a perfect balance of heat and richness. Quick stir-frying locks in the meat's juiciness, while the pickled beans add a delightful sour crunch. A splash of vinegar and cooking wine enhances the umami, creating a mouthwatering aroma. Simmered briefly to meld the flavors, this dish is a delicious harmony of spicy, sour, and savory notes—ideal served over steamed rice. Quick to make yet packed with complex tastes, it’s a standout weeknight meal with an irresistible punch!
Garlic Shoots Stir-Fried with Shredded Pork
This **Stir-Fried Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Scapes** is a savory, aromatic dish that highlights the natural sweetness of pork and the fresh, garlicky bite of scapes. Tender pork strips are quickly stir-fried with fragrant scallion flowers, then enhanced with a blend of **Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar** for a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The garlic scapes are added later to retain their crisp texture and vibrant flavor. The key to this dish is the careful layering of seasonings—just enough salt to enhance the scapes without overpowering the pork, and a touch of sugar to round out the flavors. Quick, high-heat cooking ensures juicy pork and crisp-tender scapes, finished with a glossy, savory-sweet glaze. A must-try for lovers of bold, umami-rich stir-fries!
Homemade Aspic
This **Homemade Pork Skin Jelly** recipe delivers a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish with a perfect gelatinous texture. Tender pork skin is boiled, cleaned, and simmered with scallions, ginger, and star anise for a deep, aromatic broth. The slow-cooked process ensures maximum collagen extraction, creating a naturally sticky and savory jelly. Enhanced with soy sauce for color and seasoned lightly with salt, the pork skin is chilled overnight for the ideal firm yet tender bite. Served with a zesty mix of soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil, then topped with fresh garlic scallions, this dish offers a delightful balance of umami, spice, and tang. Perfect as a cold appetizer or snack, this recipe transforms humble pork skin into a gourmet treat with melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Korean Style Cold Mixed Baby Octopus
This refreshing and spicy Korean-style cuttlefish salad is bursting with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch! Tender cuttlefish is blanched to perfection, then shocked in ice-cold lemon water for a crisp texture. Tossed in a vibrant mix of Korean chili paste, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness and tang from sugar and vinegar, every bite delivers a delicious balance of heat and zest. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty aroma, elevating the dish with depth. Perfect as a chilled appetizer or side, this dish shines when marinated for 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Quick to prepare yet impressive in taste, it’s an irresistible seafood treat that’s sure to delight!
Kung Pao Chicken
This **Sichuan-Style Chicken with Peanuts** is a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender marinated chicken, crispy golden peanuts, and hearty vegetables in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. The chicken is first marinated in Shaoxing wine and cornstarch for extra tenderness, then stir-fried to perfection. Blanched and deep-fried peanuts add a satisfying crunch, while potatoes and carrots bring a comforting texture. The star of the dish is the rich, aromatic sauce—made with vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and fermented bean paste—delivering a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and umami. A sprinkle of Sichuan pepper adds a tingling, numbing kick that elevates every bite. Serve this vibrant stir-fry over steamed rice for a complete meal that’s both hearty and irresistibly delicious. A must-try for lovers of bold, authentic Sichuan flavors!
Millet Yam Porridge
This soothing Chinese Yam and Millet Porridge is a nourishing, easy-to-make dish that combines the natural sweetness of Chinese yam with the wholesome texture of millet. Perfect for breakfast or a light meal, this recipe starts with a clever trick—soaking hands in diluted vinegar to prevent itchiness while handling the yam. The yam is peeled, diced, and simmered with millet in water, creating a creamy, comforting porridge. Cooking the millet first ensures a tender bite, while the yam adds a delicate, slightly sticky texture. A touch of sugar enhances the natural flavors, making it subtly sweet and satisfying. Rich in fiber and nutrients, this porridge is not only delicious but also gentle on digestion. Plus, the millet rinse water can be repurposed as a natural facial cleanser—adding a bonus beauty hack! Warm, wholesome, and effortlessly prepared, this porridge is a delightful way to enjoy traditional Chinese ingredients in a simple yet flavorful dish.
Old Vinegar with Sea Cucumber, Mushroom and Cucumber
This refreshing and crunchy Jellyfish Head Salad is a unique seafood delicacy that combines textures and flavors for an unforgettable dish. Featuring tender rehydrated jellyfish heads, earthy wood ear mushrooms, and crisp smashed cucumber, this salad is elevated by a tangy-sweet dressing of vinegar, sugar, and aromatic sesame seeds. The jellyfish—blanched to perfection for just 3-5 seconds—retains its signature snap, while the wood ear mushrooms add a satisfying chew. Quick to assemble but impressive in presentation, this salad shines with its balance of umami, brightness, and subtle sweetness. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, it’s best enjoyed immediately after dressing to preserve the jellyfish’s delicate texture. A standout dish for adventurous eaters and lovers of Asian-inspired flavors!
Peanut Pork Feet Soup
This hearty Peanut and Mushroom Pork Trotter Soup is a comforting, nutrient-rich dish perfect for nourishing the body and soul. Tender pork trotters are simmered to perfection with earthy mushrooms and protein-packed peanuts, creating a rich, flavorful broth enhanced by a touch of vinegar for a subtle tang. The key to this soup’s depth of flavor lies in reserving the soaking water from the peanuts and mushrooms, which adds an extra layer of richness. Slowly simmered until the pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender, this soup is both satisfying and wholesome. Ideal for chilly days or when you need a revitalizing meal, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for a truly delicious and traditional comfort dish. Season with salt to taste and enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness!