Soy Rice Fire, inspirations from classic Chinese recipes and techniques - Part 9

Aromatic and nutritious, this millet porridge makes a perfect light dinner when paired with stir-fried vegetables.

Rice, noodles, and grains• [Simmering]

Millet porridge with butternut squash

In this Chinese rendition of Galician octopus with potatoes, Chinese five-spice powder is used instead of paprika, providing a complex sweet-savory aroma to the boiled octopus and potato.

Fish and shelfish• [Boiling/Poaching]• [Stir-frying]

Octopus and potatoes with Chinese five-spice powder

In this refreshing salad, home-made Chinese mustard dressing gives a nice kick to the watermelon radishes cucumbers.

Cold dishes and salads• [Pickling/Raw]

Watermelon radish and cucumber salad with Chinese mustard dressing

There are many exciting ways to cook mussels, beyond the familiar French-style steamed mussels. Here, mussels, Chinese sausage, rice noodles, and tomatoes create a simple and exciting one-dish meal.

Fish and shelfish• Rice, noodles, and grains• [Boiling/Poaching]• [Stir-frying]

Mussels with Chinese sausage and rice noodles

Rich in umami flavor, mildly salty, and subtly sweet, kelp (aks kombu) is great on its own or used as a flavor enhancer. This refreshing kelp salad with garlic oil and sesame seeds is great in warm weather.

Cold dishes and salads• [Simmering]

Kelp salad with garlic oil and sesame seeds

This stir-fried lamb, brimming with flavors from the Xibei region of China, can add a nice splash of variety to your dinner routine and expand your Chinese recipe repertoire.

Meat• [Stir-frying]

Stir-fried lamb with cumin and cilantro

Fermented black soybeans, called douchi (豆豉) in Mandarin, add layers of flavors to the dish and contrast nicely with the grassy and sweet asparagus.

Vegetables• [Stir-frying]

Stir-fried asparagus with fermented black beans

Making these impressive balls is straightforward: shape the meatballs, roll them in glutinous rice, and steam. Once cooked, the rice grains become almost translucent with a pearly sheen, encasing the luscious meatballs.

Meat• Rice, noodles, and grains• [Steaming]

Steamed pearl meatballs in glutinous rice (珍珠丸子)