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.
Char Siu Fried Ribs
This recipe originates from one of my favorite blogs, Woks of Life, with the addition of a glaze. If you haven't explored their site yet, I highly recommend it—they offer a treasure trove of information on Cantonese and Chinese cooking. These ribs tend to disappear quickly when I put them on the table—they are crispy yet tender. Plus, I brush them with a glaze similar to the makings of char sui.
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.
Hot and Tangy: 3 Creative Uses for Fermented Chilis
Unlock the potential of fermented chilies with one base ferment, and create three incredible products: Duo Jiao, hot sauce, and sambal. Duo Jiao, a Chinese condiment made from fermented chilies and salt, adds a fiery kick to stir-fries and steamed dishes. Homemade fermented hot sauce offers a deeper, more complex heat perfect for tacos and eggs. Sambal, a Southeast Asian chili paste, combines fermented chilies and garlic for a tangy, versatile condiment. Transform your meals with these bold, spicy flavors!
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.