Soy Rice Fire, inspirations from classic Chinese recipes and techniques - Part 6

The thinner variety of Chinese yam is called iron stick yam (tiegun shanyao 铁棍山药), so named because the marks on its skin resemble rust. Here, it's steamed, sliced, and then steeped in osmanthus syrup.

Cold dishes and salads• Vegetables• [Steaming]

Steamed iron stick yam with osmanthus syrup (桂花山药)

In this Chinese-style pepper steak, the beef is cut into cubes for stir-frying, and the garlic adds a new dimension to the magic pairing of beef and black pepper.

Meat• [Stir-frying]

Stir-fried beef with black pepper (黑椒牛肉粒)

Shuidong mustard, a variety of Chinese mustard gree, is beloved for its stalks that have an incredibly crisp, tender texture and mildly mustardy, sweet taste. A quick stir-fry is the best way to enjoy this vegetable.

Vegetables• [Stir-frying]

Stir-fried Shuidong mustard with bacon and garlic

Steaming whole fish with fermented black beans (douchi 豆豉), an iconic Chinese ingredient with a distinctive aroma and rich umami taste, give the dish a complex flavor—and a attractive look too.

Fish and shelfish• [Steaming]

Steamed fish with fermented black beans

When simmered in stock until broken down, taro releases its starch to make the soup rich and creamy—very much like thick potato soups most people in the West are familiar with, but without the use of heavy cream, sour cream, milk, or cheese. The addition of bok choy and ham turns the soup into a one-dish meal.

Soups and stews• Vegetables• [Simmering]

Thick taro soup with bok choy and ham (青菜火腿芋艿羹)

In this stunning dish from Sichuan, the chilies and peppercorns lend their wonderful aromas to the fried chicken pieces while giving them a gentle heat and a subtle tingling effect.

Poultry and eggs• [Deep-frying/Shallow-frying]• [Stir-frying]

Sichuan chicken with chilies (laziji 辣子鸡)

These steamed meat-filled rolls, called lazy dragon, are a favorite street food in Beijing. Creating these fluffy, juicy lazy dragon rolls at home is quite easy, even if you've never made Chinese buns or dumplings before.

Dumplings, dim sum, and snacks• [Steaming]

Steamed lazy dragon rolls, old Beijing style (老北京懒龙)

Stir-fried sweet corn, peas, pressed tofu, and pine nuts, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

Vegetables• [Stir-frying]

Vegetarian lettuce wraps (素式生菜包)