Recipe
Hunan Tofu
This **Stir-Fried Tofu with Five-Flower Pork** is a savory and aromatic dish that brings together tender tofu, rich five-flower pork, and bold seasonings for a mouthwatering meal. The tofu is perfectly golden-fried for a crispy exterior and soft center, while the five-flower pork adds a deliciously fatty depth. Lean pork balances the dish with its meaty texture. Key ingredients like **fermented soybeans, garlic, ginger, and chili** infuse the dish with umami and a hint of spice. The stir-frying technique ensures every bite is packed with flavor—crisp tofu soaks up the savory sauce, while the chili and scallions add freshness. A splash of light soy sauce ties everything together for a well-rounded taste. Ideal served with steamed rice, this dish is a must-try for lovers of hearty, flavorful Chinese cuisine. Follow **Changsha Xiang Food Notes** for more delicious recipes!
Ice Flower Pan-Fried Dumplings
Crispy Pan-Fried Dumplings are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that delivers a perfect golden crust with every bite. This recipe uses simple ingredients—dumplings, oil, water, and starch—to create an irresistible texture contrast between the crispy bottom and tender filling. The key to success lies in the technique: a mix of water and starch creates a lacy, crunchy layer while preventing sticking. Cooked over medium heat and finished with residual warmth, these dumplings come out perfectly crisp without burning. Ideal as an appetizer or main course, these pan-fried dumplings are a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare yet packed with flavor. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying meal that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
Jellyfish Head with Cucumber
This refreshing and flavorful Jellyfish Head with Garlic Sauce is a delightful Asian-inspired dish that combines crisp textures with a tangy, umami-rich dressing. Tender jellyfish head, soaked to perfection, pairs beautifully with fresh cucumber slices for a light yet satisfying bite. The star of the dish is the aromatic garlic sauce—blending light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and a hint of MSG for a balanced sweet-savory kick. Quick to prepare, this no-cook recipe is perfect for hot days or as a unique appetizer. The contrast between the crunchy jellyfish, cool cucumber, and bold garlic dressing makes every bite irresistible. Serve it chilled for maximum freshness, mixing just before eating to preserve the vibrant textures. A must-try for adventurous food lovers!
Jellyfish Salad
This refreshing and crunchy Jellyfish Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for a light appetizer or side dish. Tender jellyfish is soaked and blanched to perfection, then tossed with crisp purple cabbage and cucumber for a vibrant bite. The dish comes alive with a tangy-sweet sauce made from aged vinegar, light soy sauce, and fragrant oil, balanced with a hint of garlic paste for depth. Toasted white sesame seeds add a nutty finish, enhancing every mouthful. Quick to prepare yet packed with umami and freshness, this salad is a standout for its unique combination of ingredients and bold, savory-sweet dressing. Ideal for hot days or as a palate-cleansing starter, it’s a dish that surprises and satisfies with every bite.
Jellyfish Salad
This refreshing and zesty jellyfish salad is a perfect balance of crunch and tang, making it an unforgettable appetizer or side dish. Fresh jellyfish is rinsed and combined with vibrant lemon slices, aromatic crushed garlic, and colorful diamond-cut green and red peppers for a burst of flavor and texture. The magic happens in the marinade—a harmonious blend of vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, salt, nutty sesame oil, and a hint of spicy mustard—which infuses every bite with a delightful umami kick. After marinating, the dish is finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of aroma and crunch. Quick to prepare yet impressive in taste, this jellyfish salad is a standout dish that brings a unique, restaurant-quality experience to your table. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light, palate-cleansing starter!
Kelp and Tofu Soup
This comforting Tofu and Kelp Soup is a nourishing, umami-packed dish that’s both simple and deeply flavorful. Tender tofu cubes are lightly stir-fried with fragrant scallions and star anise, creating a rich, aromatic base. The addition of pre-steamed kelp adds a delightful chewiness and a boost of minerals, while the light broth brings everything together in a soothing harmony. Perfect for a quick yet wholesome meal, this soup highlights the natural savoriness of kelp and the delicate texture of tofu, enhanced by the warm spice of star anise. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a healthy, plant-based dish that’s both satisfying and full of depth. Ideal for chilly days or whenever you crave a light but flavorful soup!
Kung Pao Chicken
This vibrant and flavorful Sichuan-inspired stir-fry combines tender chicken breast, crisp cucumber, radish, and green pepper with savory ham for a deliciously balanced dish. The magic lies in the aromatic blend of Sichuan pepper, flower pepper, scallions, and ginger, which infuses the oil with a bold, fragrant kick. Golden-brown peanuts add a satisfying crunch, elevating every bite. Quick and easy to prepare, this stir-fry starts with frying the peanuts for texture, then building layers of flavor by sautéing spices before adding the protein and vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish brings together spicy, savory, and fresh elements in one irresistible meal. Serve it hot over rice for a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience at home!
Kung Pao Konjac
This savory Sichuan-style stir-fry combines tender konjac and crisp bamboo shoots for a deliciously bold and flavorful dish. The konjac and bamboo shoots are blanched to perfection, then stir-fried with aromatic ginger, garlic, and numbing Sichuan peppercorns for an irresistible depth of flavor. A rich sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and sweet bean paste coats every bite, while crunchy peanuts and fresh garlic shoots add the perfect finishing touch. Simmered until the sauce thickens, this dish delivers a satisfying umami punch with a hint of spice. Perfect as a hearty side or a main course, this recipe brings authentic Sichuan taste to your table with minimal effort. Enjoy the perfect balance of textures and bold, mouthwatering flavors in every bite!
Kung Pao Shrimp Balls
This **Spicy Garlic Shrimp with Almonds** is a mouthwatering dish that combines succulent shrimp with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Marinated in cooking wine and starch for tenderness, the shrimp are stir-fried with fragrant garlic, scallions, ginger, and fiery dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing-spicy kick. A savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil coats the shrimp, while toasted almonds add a delightful nutty texture. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with every bite—perfect for spice lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike. Serve it hot over rice for an irresistible meal that’s bursting with umami and heat!
Kung Pao Squid
This **Kung Pao Squid with Peanuts** is a mouthwatering twist on the classic Sichuan dish, combining tender squid, crispy peanuts, and a bold, spicy-sweet sauce for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Fresh squid is blanched to perfection, then stir-fried with aromatic garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing heat. The secret? A homemade Kung Pao sauce blending sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce for the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Crisp celery adds freshness, while wine-infused peanuts bring a satisfying crunch. Quick and easy to make, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste at home—ideal for spice lovers craving a deliciously fiery seafood stir-fry. Serve hot for a sensational meal!