Pairing crunchy shrimp with slippery, springy glass noodles creates a wonderful contrast of textures. In this popular shrimp and glass noodles, the real secret lies in the homemade shrimp broth. By pan-frying the fresh shrimp heads and shells, we extract an intense seafood flavor that is fully absorbed by the glass noodles. Seasoned with garlic, …
Chinese yam stir-fry with celery and cloud mushrooms might sound unfamiliar to non-Chinese, but it is a very popular side dish in Chinese cuisine. I had it multiple times during my two-week trip to northern Xinjiang. Among all the rich, spicy, and heavily seasoned dishes we had during the journey, this simple non-spicy stir fry …
Chinese broccoli Stir-fry may look like a simple dish, but there is actually a lot that can go wrong. When it is done properly, it can transform from a simple home-cooked vegetable dish into one of the most elegant Cantonese-style greens you would expect in a restaurant. At home, getting really good Chinese broccoli often …
I am happy to share with you an easy Chinese braised pork belly with preserved vegetables, Mei Cai Pork Belly (梅菜焖猪肉). This recipe is a specialty from my wife, who is Hakka, so it comes from an authentic Hakka cuisine tradition. The preserved mustard greens (Mei Cai) are packed with natural umami and are ideal …
Today I want to share a simple Cantonese braised tofu with minced pork. It is an easy dish, but it comes with a built-in challenge. The tofu I am using is soft silken tofu because I want that smooth, delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. For this recipe, I will not use firm tofu because that silky mouthfeel …
The Lion’s Mane mushroom has always fascinated me, but it was a recent journey that truly deepened my appreciation for it. I actually sourced these beautiful mushrooms in Hong Kong while traveling from Malaysia. In Hong Kong’s vibrant markets, this once-rare delicacy is now much more accessible, making it the perfect plant-based alternative for those …
What happens when you combine Japanese noodles, Chinese cooking techniques, and a hint of Western seasoning? You get this flavorful beef udon with black pepper. This beef udon is a variation of the classic Japanese niku udon with a simple twist by adding freshly crushed black pepper. It adds a subtle heat and aroma that …
Fried wontons are a simple yet popular snack. They are perfect for any occasion, whether as a side dish, served with noodles, or simply as finger food for parties. In this article, I am sharing a fried wonton recipe that uses store-bought wrappers for convenience. Since there is usually a lot going on in the …
Char Siu (Chinese barbecue pork, 叉烧) has always held a special place in my heart. It is not just a dish, but a memory tied to my early years growing up in Ipoh. Back then, my mother prepared nearly every meal at home. Breakfast before school, simple lunch boxes of rice with stir-fried vegetables and …
When you think of oxtail soup, you will probably imagine a rich and heavy Western dish simmered with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. But in Malaysia, oxtail soup (Sup Ekor) takes on a completely different path. It is lighter, more aromatic, and deeply comforting. Sup Ekor, a Malaysian oxtail soup, is prepared with a …
Steamed Eggs (蒸水蛋) is a very common and easy dish that many Chinese families prepare at home. I am quite confident to say that almost everyone has either eaten it or made it themselves at some point. So the aim of this post is not to show you how to make steamed egg, but to …