Soy Rice Fire, inspirations from classic Chinese recipes and techniques - Part 14

To make this refreshing chrysanthemum green salad, the leaves are steamed briefly until just wilted. The sesame dressing and toasted sesame seeds accentuate the aroma of the leaves.

Cold dishes and salads• Vegetables• [Steaming]

Chrysanthemum green salad with sesame dressing

The authentic version of this Sichuanese dish uses only chicken and peanuts as the main ingredients. The optimal ratio of sugar, Zhenjiang vinegar, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce creates balanced and layered flavors.

Poultry and eggs• [Stir-frying]

Gong Bao chicken (宫保鸡丁)

When the noodles are tossed with soy sauce and the fragrant scallion oil, they are coated with a powerful flavor punch, a beautiful golden color, and a marvelous sheen.

Rice, noodles, and grains• [Deep-frying/Shallow-frying]

Shanghai scallion-oil noodles (上海葱油面)

This rich and delicious winter soup with pig’s trotters and dried soybeans is consumed by millions of Chinese families to stay warm and nourished.

Meat• Soups and stews• Soybeans and tofu• [Simmering]

Pig’s trotter and soybean soup

Steaming butterflied shrimp with minced garlic is a simple and brilliant way to create juicy shrimp and an irresistible aroma.

Fish and shelfish• [Steaming]

Steamed butterflied shrimp with minced garlic (蒜蓉开背虾)

The rich flavors of the beef, the irresistible aromas of the five-spice powder, and the subtle earthiness of the arrowhead meld beautifully after braising together.

Meat• Vegetables• [Simmering]

Braised beef and arrowhead with five-spice powder

Stir-fry aromatic yellow chives with pressed tofu and mung bean sprouts creates a very satisfying vegetarian dish with layers of texture.

Soybeans and tofu• Vegetables• [Stir-frying]

Stir-fried yellow chives with pressed tofu and mung bean sprouts

Without using any milk or cream, the milky look and creamy taste of this fish soup is the result of the emulsion of gelatin and fat through boiling.

Fish and shelfish• Soups and stews• [Boiling/Poaching]

Chinese-style milky fish soup