Yuxiang Rousi: A Taste of Sichuan’s “Fish-Flavored” Magic There’s a dish that, despite its name, contains not a single fleck of fish, yet it evokes a complex symphony of flavors that many associate with the sea. Yuxiang Rousi, often translated simply as “Sichuan Pork” in American Chinese restaurants, holds a special place in my culinary … Read more
The Enchanting Aroma of Five-Spice Tea Cake There are certain scents that, for me, are inextricably linked to moments of pure comfort and quiet joy. The warm embrace of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, known collectively as Chinese five-spice, is one such olfactory beacon. It always transports me back to my … Read more
The Unforgettable Charm of Fried Rice with Ham There’s a particular magic that happens when humble ingredients are transformed by the heat of a wok and a little culinary alchemy. For me, that magic is most vividly embodied in a perfectly executed Fried Rice with Ham. I remember one blustery autumn evening, long before I … Read more
Yummy Spring Rolls with Shiitake Mushroom Filling There’s something undeniably magical about a perfectly crisp spring roll. For me, it’s a sensory trip back to my childhood, specifically to those bustling Sunday afternoon family gatherings where the air would be thick with the aroma of freshly fried delights. My grandmother, a woman whose kitchen was … Read more
Ketchup Prawns: A Tangy Symphony from My Mother’s Kitchen There are some dishes that, no matter how many Michelin-starred restaurants I visit or how many exotic ingredients I encounter, always bring me back to the comforting embrace of home. Ketchup Prawns is one of them. It’s a dish my mother would whip up on weeknights, … Read more
The Crispy Foundation: Flat and Square You Tiao for Jian Bing The aroma of frying dough, the gentle sizzle, the satisfying crunch – these are sensory memories I hold dear from my travels through China. On a crisp morning in Beijing, years ago now, I found myself captivated by the bustling street food scene, and … Read more
The Comfort of Home: A Culinary Journey with Roast Pork Egg Foo Yung There are certain dishes that, for me, are more than just food; they are time capsules, transporting me back to cherished moments. Roast Pork Egg Foo Yung is one of those magical creations. I recall my grandmother, a woman whose kitchen was … Read more
Five-Spice Chicken Wings for Your Nuwave/Flavorwave Oven There’s a particular aroma that instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchens, a symphony of warm spices and savory notes that promised something truly special. For me, that scent is inextricably linked to Chinese five-spice powder. I remember my grandmother, with her nimble hands and a twinkle … Read more
Xiao Long Bao: A Culinary Hug in a Steamed Bun There are some foods that don’t just nourish the body, but also the soul. For me, Xiao Long Bao are precisely that. I remember the first time I encountered these delicate soup dumplings, on a chilly evening in Shanghai. The thin, almost translucent skin, the … Read more
The Irresistible Charm of Arroz Frito Estilo Chino Cubano My earliest memories of eating Chinese food in Cuba aren’t about fancy dim sum or elaborate banquet dishes. They’re about humble, comforting bowls of fried rice, a dish that, at first glance, might seem like an unlikely staple in the heart of the Caribbean. Yet, this … Read more
Weight Watchers Cashew Chicken: A Flavorful Journey to Healthier Chinese Favorites There are some dishes that just transport me back in time. For me, Cashew Chicken is one of them. I can vividly recall the bustling energy of my grandmother’s kitchen on a Friday night, the air thick with the intoxicating aroma of ginger, garlic, … Read more
The Humble, Wonderful Water Dumpling: A Taste of Simplicity and Joy There’s a certain magic in dishes that transcend complexity, that speak to us with their honesty and comfort. For me, water dumplings hold that special place. I remember my grandmother, her hands a blur of practiced motion, creating these delicate parcels of flavor. The … Read more
The Aromatic Embrace: Crafting Your Perfect 5-Spice Tea There are certain aromas that, to me, are as evocative as a perfectly aged perfume. The moment I first encountered the warm, intoxicating blend of Chinese five-spice powder, it was in the comforting embrace of a steaming mug of tea, much like the one we’re about to … Read more
The Soul of Dim Sum: Mastering the Perfect Yum Cha Dipping Sauce There’s a certain magic that happens when the steaming baskets are lifted, revealing plump har gow, delicate siu mai, and savory potstickers. It’s a symphony for the senses, a vibrant tableau of Cantonese culinary tradition. But for me, the unsung hero of any … Read more
WW 3 Points – Chinese Barbecued Pork: A Culinary Journey to Flavor Town Growing up, the scent of roasted meats often filled my family kitchen, but it was the distinct aroma of Chinese barbecued pork, or Char Siu, that truly ignited my senses. I remember my mother meticulously preparing it, the vibrant red marinade clinging … Read more
Yu Xiang Pai Gu Mian: A Taste of Sichuan Soul in Every Noodle Bowl There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when you stir-fry aromatics in a wok, the fragrant dance of garlic, ginger, and chili paste awakening the senses. I remember the first time I tasted Yu Xiang Pai Gu Mian, a dish … Read more
The Art of Instant Pot Orange Chicken: A Chef’s Take on a Beloved Classic There are certain dishes that, for me, evoke a powerful wave of nostalgia. Instant Pot Orange Chicken is one of them. I remember, years ago, standing in a bustling, steamy kitchen in a small Chinese takeout joint, mesmerized by the sheer … Read more
Five Spice Cod with Chilli Soy Dressing There are some dishes that, with just a few familiar aromas, transport you back to a specific moment in time. For me, the warm, star anise-tinged scent of Chinese five-spice powder conjures up bustling market stalls and the comforting sizzle of a wok. This particular recipe for Five … Read more
William Cai’s Tomato and Egg Jiaozi: A Taste of Childhood Nostalgia There’s a particular magic that happens when humble ingredients transform into something truly extraordinary. For me, that magic is inextricably linked to the vibrant, comforting flavors of jiaozi. I vividly recall a chilly autumn afternoon, years ago, when a dear friend shared a batch … Read more
Imperial Fondue Dipping Sauces I: A Symphony of Flavors for Your Gathering The scent of bubbling fondue always transports me back to crisp autumn evenings, gathered around a warm hearth with loved ones. It’s not just about the rich, melted cheese or the decadent chocolate; it’s about the shared experience, the clinking of forks, and … Read more
Zhajiang Mian – Minced Pork Tossed Noodles: A Taste of Comfort There are certain dishes that, with a single aroma, can transport you back in time. For me, Zhajiang Mian holds that power. I first encountered its savory embrace on a bustling street corner in Beijing years ago, the steam rising from a vendor’s wok … Read more
Yunnan Style Grilled Veggies With Dipping Sauce The air in Yunnan’s night markets is a sensory symphony – a fragrant dance of grilling meats, pungent spices, and the cheerful chatter of vendors. My first true encounter with this dish was on a humid evening in Kunming, the scent of smoky charcoal mingling with the promise … Read more
Yum Cha Chinese Vegetables With Oyster Sauce: A Taste of Tradition The aroma of simmering garlic and the subtle brininess of oyster sauce instantly transport me back to my childhood weekends. Sundays were sacred, a time for family gatherings, and for my family, that meant a pilgrimage to our local Yum Cha restaurant. We’d sit … Read more
The Gentle Embrace of Winter Melon Soup: A Comforting Classic There’s a quiet magic to winter melon soup, a dish that whispers of home and hearth, especially during the cooler months. I recall my grandmother, her hands weathered but nimble, preparing this very soup for us on a blustery afternoon. The kitchen would fill with … Read more
Youtiao: My Golden Rods of Nostalgia There are some foods that transport you instantly, not just to a place, but to a specific moment, a feeling. For me, that food is youtiao. I remember my grandmother, her hands dusted with flour, carefully stretching and twisting these doughy strands before plunging them into shimmering oil. The … Read more
Winter Melon Soup with Barley and Goji Berries: A Nourishing Elixir for the Soul As the winter air bites and the days grow shorter, my kitchen often becomes a sanctuary, a place where I conjure warmth and comfort from simple, wholesome ingredients. There’s one particular soup that has become a cherished ritual during these cooler … Read more
Crispy, Golden Delights: My Journey with Fried Wontons My earliest memories of wontons aren’t just about the taste, but the entire sensory experience. I recall my grandmother, her hands dusted with a fine flour, meticulously folding each delicate skin. The air in her small kitchen would be thick with the comforting aroma of ginger and … Read more
Ken Hom’s East-West Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Culinary Bridge The aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and ginger always transports me back to my childhood. While my family’s roots are deeply entrenched in traditional Chinese cuisine, I also remember the sheer delight of American comfort foods filtering into our home, especially on those rare occasions when … Read more
#1 Favorite Chinese Steamed Whole Fish by Sy The aroma of ginger and scallion, mingling with the subtle sweetness of perfectly steamed fish, transports me back to bustling family dinners in my childhood. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an event, a celebration of fresh ingredients and the art of simple, elegant cooking. The … Read more
Yang Rou Chuan: A Fiery Taste of Xinjiang Street Food The first time I encountered Yang Rou Chuan, it was a crisp evening in a bustling night market, the air thick with the intoxicating aroma of grilled meats and a symphony of sizzling sounds. Amidst the vibrant chaos, a lone vendor, with practiced speed and … Read more