Firecracker chicken is a popular sweet, spicy, and tangy chicken dish. It is deep-fried, giving it a very crispy texture. However, firecracker chicken is not a traditional Chinese recipe but an American Chinese creation. The name “firecracker” comes from the dish’s spicy kick, but you can adjust the heat level to suit your preference. This …
I recently enjoyed a fantastic Chinese tofu dish at a local restaurant and couldn’t wait to share the recipe. This dish combines silken tofu, Chinese mushrooms, minced meat, spinach, and Zha Cai, a Chinese preserved vegetable. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, or you can make it less salty as a stand-alone dish. This healthy …
Braised pork knuckle with dried oysters is a deeply symbolic and savory centerpiece for Chinese New Year — called 橫財就手 in Cantonese, which loosely means a windfall of good fortune. This festive dish brings together rich umami from dried oysters, earthy depth from shiitake mushrooms, and silky strands of fat choy, all slow-braised with aromatic …
On the first day of Chinese New Year, many Chinese families observe a vegetarian tradition. For us, that meal has always been Buddha’s Delight, also known as Loh Han Jai (罗汉斋). This dish has been prepared in our family for decades by my mother-in-law, a traditional Chinese cook who has never missed making it for …
Dong Po Rou (东坡肉) is a timeless Chinese braised pork belly dish that symbolizes richness, prosperity, and celebration — making it perfect for your Chinese New Year feast. Originating from Hangzhou and named after the famous Song Dynasty scholar Su Dong Po, this dish is prized for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich savory-sweet flavor. This …
Fried beef hor fun 干炒牛河 is a popular dish in Asian cafés and casual restaurants. It involves simple yet distinctive ingredients and is quick and easy to prepare. While it may appear straightforward, proper cooking is essential for achieving the desired wok aroma and ensuring the beef slices are smooth and tender. There are limitations …
Chinese New Year is a time for family, tradition, and delicious food that brings luck, prosperity, and joy to the new year. From savory mains to festive snacks and sweet treats, every dish has a story and a symbolic meaning. Whether you are hosting a reunion dinner or preparing snacks for family and friends, these …
Have you ever wondered how to tenderize a tough cut of beef? Let me present a scenario. Suppose you want to prepare a stir-fried dish but don’t have high-quality beef in your refrigerator. Instead, you find a tough cut of beef shank left over from making your curry. Is there a way to transform it …
Have you ever tried Hong Kong-style Borscht soup? If so, you likely had it at a Hong Kong-style café! This soup is made with beef and various vegetables in a tomato-based broth. Hong Kong-style Borscht is the fusion of Russian/European influences with traditional Cantonese cooking methods. It retains the elements that appeal to Cantonese tastes …
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—Hong Kong Pan-Fried Noodles are a feast for the senses and your palate. Also known as 两面黄, or “two-sided golden noodles,” this dish perfectly combines golden, crunchy noodles with a delightful contrast to the topping of tender meat, fresh vegetables, and silky gravy. The first time I …