Pork Bone and Daikon Soup
Pork bone and daikon soup is one of the simplest yet most fulfilling Chinese soups in my repertoire. It’s a dish rooted in tradition, where comfort meets nourishment. The recipe begins by simmering pork rib bones in a hearty, flavorful bone broth until they become fall-apart tender. Then, the ribs are joined by chunks of daikon and carrots, creating a harmonious blend of savory and subtly sweet flavors.
Crispy Rice & Kimchi Pancakes
I’ve known this since I was a kid learning how to make fried rice in my grandmother’s kitchen. The other day, I saw Carolina Gelen’s take on Ketchup Rice and thought it would be great to recreate a crispy Korean variation with kimchi and gochujang similar to a jeon but without the batter. It's quick to make, and its crispy golden exterior pairs perfectly with a sunny side up egg, making it a hearty meal for any time of day, especially breakfast.
Gong Bao Chicken
This beloved Chinese dish, especially popular in the Hunan province, owes its distinctive heat and sourness to a fermented pickled chili relish called du jiao. My recipe is adapted from Fuchsia Dunlop’s acclaimed book, Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook: Recipes from Hunan Province.
A Guide to Hot Pot at Home
The third installation of Demystified: Soy Bean Paste, we’re exploring the use of Chinese fermented soybean paste in hot pot. Hot pot is a beloved tradition, especially in Northern China. At the heart of the table sits a boiling broth, surrounded by an array of proteins, vegetables, noodles, and other accompaniments. Guests are invited to immerse their favorite ingredients into the broth, letting them cook for just a few moments or minutes.
Bossam with Ssamjang
The second installation of Demystified: Soy Bean Paste, we're covering Korean soybean paste or at least a variation. Ssamjang combines both doenjang (fermented soybean paste) and gochujang (fermented red pepper paste) to make a dipping sauce. Traditionally, it’s served with boiled pork in a lettuce wrap. Some people prefer boiled pork shoulder but I love the richness of boiled pork belly with the crunch of pickled garlic.