Paocai (泡菜), literally meaning “soaked vegetables” in Chinese, is a traditional Sichuanese pickle made through lacto-fermentation. Paocai is deeply rooted in Sichuan cuisine, prized for its versatility as both a side dish and ingredient. Unlike many other fermented pickles, paocai…
Tinned Fish with Dressed Winter Citrus
Brighten your table with this quick, refreshing small plate that pairs pantry-staple tinned fish with vibrant winter citrus. My plate features canned hake, but feel free to swap it for any tinned white fish, tuna, or mackerel. The citrus pictured…
Black Sugar Ginger Hot Chocolate
A cozy twist on hot chocolate, this 5-ingredient recipe features the warmth of black sugar and ginger. Dark chocolate and a pinch of salt balance the flavors, creating a rich yet not-too-sweet treat. Inspired by black sugar and ginger tea,…
Apricot Kernel (Chinese Almond) Ice Cream
All about apricot kernels! Plus a custard-based ice cream with an intoxicating nutty almond aroma.
Bay Leaf Chip Ice Cream
Bay leaf chip is mint chip’s sophisticated cousin from the back of the pantry. Bay leaf’s minty and woodsy fragrance meets dark chocolate in a nod to the nostalgia of mint chip ice cream. It’s my direct response to people…
Spiced Caramel Poached Pears
This 5-ingredient recipe comes together in one pot, and can be made up to 5 days ahead. This recipe pairs juicy pears with the warm flavors of cinnamon, star anise, and a rich caramel poaching liquid that doubles as a…
Salt Fried Pork 盐煎肉
Salt Fried Pork is a flavor-packed Sichuan dish perfect for weeknights, since it takes just 10 minutes to make. Juicy pork, aromatic green garlic, douchi, and Pixian douban are fundamental flavors of Sichuan cuisine: deeply complex but simple to enjoy,…
Tofu Skin, Celtuce, and Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
This Chinese cold appetizer is quick to execute while delivering big on flavor and nutrition. Tofu skin lends protein while celtuce and wood ear mushroom provide fiber and micronutrients. Sichuan peppercorn oil ties the dish together with its signature tingle….
Mapo Tofu
This is my take on 麻婆豆腐 mapo tofu, the iconic tingly-spicy Sichuan tofu dish. It’s a version fit for weeknights, slightly abbreviated but not at all short on flavor. Ingredients Tofu – Soft, medium, and firm tofu all have a…
Chinese-American Dutch Baby
This puffy pancake combines an American brunch favorite with Chinese breakfast flavors of soy, pork floss, and pickles. What is a Dutch baby? A Dutch baby is essentially a large, puffy, oven-baked pancake. It’s incredibly versatile since it can be…
Okroshka
Okroshka is a refreshing cold soup from Russia. It’s filled with crisp vegetables and protein for a light meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. I have been eating this on its own as a light meal during summer….
Tinned Calamari and Roasted Red Pepper Salad
This 10 minute recipe requires no cooking thanks to tinned calamari. Get all the ingredients from Trader Joe’s while you pick up their tinned calamari.
