bird’s eye chili – yummy food share

Aromatic Perilla and Chili Relish

2025-10-23

If you’re searching for that one secret ingredient to elevate your everyday meals from simple to spectacular, you’ve just found it. This Aromatic Perilla and Chili Relish is a vibrant, flavor-packed condiment that is unbelievably easy to make. In just twenty minutes, you can whip up a jar of this magic stuff using a simple stir-frying technique. The taste is a captivating dance of herbaceous, slightly minty perilla leaves, a savory punch from garlic, and a pleasant, warming heat from fresh chilies. It’s the kind of all-purpose relish that you’ll soon find yourself spooning onto everything—from noodles and rice to steamed buns and sandwiches. Don’t be intimidated by the unique ingredients; this recipe is incredibly straightforward and a perfect introduction to the wonderful world of savory condiments. What You’ll Need Here is the list of ingredients to create your own jar of flavor. I’ve included some easy-to-find substitutions for those who might not have an Asian market nearby. Perilla Leaves: 200g (about 7 oz). These are the star of the show, known for their unique flavor that’s a mix of mint, basil, and anise. You can typically find them in Asian grocery stores, sometimes labeled as Shiso. If you absolutely cannot find them, a combination of Thai basil and a small amount of fresh mint can create a different but still delicious alternative. Garlic: 1 whole head, peeled. Long Green Chilies: 2-3, for a mild, fragrant heat. Jalapeños are a good substitute if you can’t find long green chilies. Small Red Chilies: 3-5, or to your personal taste. Thai or bird’s eye chilies work perfectly to add a fiery kick. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your love for spice! Light Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons. This is for savory saltiness, not to be confused with dark soy sauce….

Spicy Garlic Zucchini and Shrimp Salad

2025-10-11

Welcome to what might just become your new favorite 20-minute meal! If you’re looking for a dish that is incredibly fast, refreshingly light, and bursting with bold flavors, you’ve come to the right place. This zucchini and shrimp salad is the perfect answer to a busy weeknight or a warm day when you crave something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its star technique: flash-infusing garlic and chili with sizzling hot oil to create a dressing that is out-of-this-world aromatic. It’s a delightful play on textures and tastes—crisp, cool zucchini “noodles,” tender shrimp, and a dressing that hits all the right notes of savory, tangy, and spicy. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients; it’s surprisingly easy to assemble and even easier to love. Before you get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The dressing is highly adaptable, so feel free to adjust the amounts to match your personal taste. Don’t worry if you can’t find some of the specific Asian ingredients; I’ve included some common and easy-to-find substitutions that work beautifully. For the Salad: 2 medium Zucchini 1/2 lb (about 225g) Shrimp, peeled and deveined For the Dressing: 3-4 cloves Garlic, finely minced 2-3 small Red Chilies, thinly sliced (see note) 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce (or regular soy sauce/tamari) 1.5 tbsp Chinese Black Vinegar (see note) 1 tsp Sugar 1/4 tsp Salt, or to taste 1 tsp Sesame Oil 2 tbsp Neutral Oil, for heating (like canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil) 1/4 tsp MSG (optional, for an extra umami boost) Notes on Ingredients: Chilies: The original recipe calls for “millet chilies” (小米辣), which are small and potent. Thai bird’s eye chilies are a perfect substitute. If you prefer less heat, a single red Fresno chili will provide…

Spicy Sesame Lettuce A 10 Minute Wonder

2025-09-20

Have you ever considered cooking lettuce? If your experience with this leafy green is limited to cold salads and sandwich fillings, you are in for a delightful surprise. This recipe transforms a humble head of lettuce into a warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying dish in under 10 minutes. It’s a true game-changer for quick weeknight meals or a fantastic side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The magic lies in a technique called blanching, which briefly cooks the lettuce to perfection, leaving it wonderfully crisp-tender. Paired with a bold, fragrant, and slightly spicy dressing, this dish is the epitome of simple, flavorful cooking. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy greens, especially on a cool evening or when you’re craving something light yet deeply flavorful. Before you start, let’s gather your ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so don’t worry if you can’t find every single item. Here are my suggestions for easy-to-find alternatives. For the Dish: Lettuce: 1 large head. A sturdy variety like Romaine, Iceberg, or Little Gem works best as they hold their crunch. Thai Chilies: 2, finely chopped. These are small, fiery red chilies. If you prefer less heat, use one, or substitute with a few dashes of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño with the seeds removed. Scallion: 1, finely chopped. Also known as green onion. Both the white and green parts are used. For the Dressing: Doubanjiang (Spicy Broad Bean Paste): 1 tablespoon. This is a key ingredient, offering a deep, savory, and spicy flavor. You can find it in most Asian markets. A great and widely available substitute is Gochujang (Korean chili paste). In a pinch, a mix of miso paste and a little chili garlic sauce will also work. Light Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon. For…

Spicy Garlic Glass Noodle Salad

2025-09-10

Are you searching for a dish that is effortlessly light yet bursting with an incredible depth of flavor? Look no further. This vibrant noodle salad is a true showstopper, ready in under an hour and so simple to prepare that it’s bound to become a staple in your light lunch or side dish rotation. The star of the show is the slippery, satisfying glass noodles, which act as the perfect canvas for a colorful medley of crisp, fresh vegetables. What truly sets this dish apart is its tantalizing dressing—a bold and zesty dance of savory garlic, tangy vinegar, and a gentle kick of heat. It’s a no-fuss recipe that relies on a simple tossing technique, making it perfect for even the most novice of home cooks. Get ready to awaken your taste buds with a dish that is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. To bring this delightful salad to life, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients and some key pantry staples. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, so feel free to adjust to your personal taste. Here’s what you’ll need for about 2-4 servings: For the Salad: Glass Noodles: 100g (about 3.5 oz). These are also known as cellophane noodles or mung bean vermicelli. They are naturally gluten-free. Cucumber: 1 medium English or Persian cucumber. These varieties have thin skin and fewer seeds, making them ideal for eating raw. Carrot: 1 medium carrot, peeled. Cilantro: A small bunch, about 1/2 cup, roughly chopped. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or mint for a different flavor profile. Chilies: 2-3 bird’s eye chilies, finely minced. These pack a punch! For less heat, you can use one serrano pepper or a generous pinch of red pepper…

Spicy Tangy Lotus Root Stir Fry

2025-09-10

If you’re searching for a dish that is astonishingly simple yet explodes with a universe of flavor and texture, you’ve just found your new favorite. This stir-fried lotus root is a culinary revelation that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a quick weeknight side or a vibrant addition to a larger meal. The real magic lies in its delightful contract: the lotus root stays wonderfully crisp and crunchy, while the sauce provides a thrilling dance of tangy, spicy, and savory notes. It has an assertive, appetite-whetting flavor profile that is utterly addictive. Don’t be intimidated by the unique main ingredient; this recipe is incredibly straightforward and a fantastic introduction to the wonders of lotus root. Let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this dish is its short and accessible list, where each component plays a starring role. You will need: Lotus Root: 1 large section, about 1 lb (or 450g) Garlic: 3-4 cloves Fresh Chilies: 2-3 Thai chilies (or to your taste) Peanut Oil: 2 tablespoons Aged Black Vinegar: 2 tablespoons Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste Notes on Ingredients: Lotus Root: You can find fresh lotus root in the produce section of most Asian markets. Look for firm, heavy sections without any soft spots or blemishes. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat! It has a mild flavor and a texture that’s like a crunchier, more fibrous potato. There isn’t a perfect substitute, but if you absolutely can’t find it, you could try this recipe with crisp water chestnuts or even thinly sliced jicama for a similar crunchy effect, though the visual appeal will be different. Thai Chilies : These small, potent chilies bring the heat. You can find them in most supermarkets. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your…

Savory One Pot Harvest Stew with Fluffy Flower Rolls

2025-08-25

Welcome to one of the most comforting and impressive one-pot meals you will ever make! This dish is a complete meal, featuring a hearty, savory stew of seasonal vegetables and tender pork, all simmering away while fluffy, gorgeous flower rolls steam to perfection right on top. While it looks complex, it’s a surprisingly straightforward process that takes about an hour from start to finish. The magic lies in the method: the stew’s aromatic steam cooks the buns, infusing them with incredible flavor. It’s the perfect weekend cooking project that results in a rustic, soul-warming feast. The harmony of tender pumpkin, potatoes, and rich pork, paired with bread that’s soaked up all that goodness, is an experience you won’t soon forget. Let’s get your ingredients together. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so feel free to use your favorite seasonal vegetables! Here’s what you’ll need: For the Stew: Pork: 1 large bowl of pre-stewed or braised pork (about 2 cups). Using leftover braised pork belly or shoulder is ideal as it’s already tender and flavorful. If you don’t have any, you can quickly pan-fry 1 pound of pork belly or shoulder chunks with a splash of soy sauce until browned. Pumpkin: Half of a small pumpkin or a small butternut squash, peeled and cubed. Potato: 1 large potato, peeled and cubed. Sweet Corn: 1 fresh corn on the cob, kernels sliced off. Green Beans: A generous handful of fresh green beans. Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small knob of ginger, minced (optional); 2-3 scallions, chopped; 2 small red chilies (like Thai or Bird’s Eye), finely chopped (optional, for a little heat). Spices: 5-6 Sichuan peppercorns (optional, but highly recommended for their unique, tingling flavor). Liquids & Seasoning: 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce/tamari); 1 teaspoon…

Savory Beef and Creamy Taro Stir Fry

2025-03-23

Are you looking for a new weeknight dinner that is both comforting and excitingly different? This stir-fry is your answer. It brings together tender, savory beef and wonderfully creamy taro in a rich, flavorful sauce with a gentle kick of spice. While it might sound exotic, this dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, coming together in about an hour with minimal fuss. The magic lies in the beautiful contrast of textures—the melt-in-your-mouth beef alongside the soft, starchy taro that soaks up every drop of the delicious sauce. It’s an easy-to-master recipe that delivers a uniquely satisfying meal, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special. To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by anything unfamiliar; most items can be found in larger supermarkets or an Asian grocery store, and I’ve included simple substitutes for anything tricky. For the Beef and Marinade: Beef: About 1 lb (450g) of a tender cut like sirloin, flank, or rump steak. Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. Light Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon. This is the standard soy sauce you likely already have. Dark Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon. This is mainly for color. If you don’t have it, just use an extra teaspoon of light soy sauce. Oyster Sauce: 1 teaspoon. For a deep, savory flavor. Peanut Oil: 1 tablespoon. You can substitute with any high-smoke-point neutral oil like canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil. For the Stir-Fry: Baby Taro: About 1 lb (450g). These small, round root vegetables have a creamy texture and nutty flavor when cooked. If you can’t find baby taro, you can use a large taro and cut it into chunks. In a pinch, new potatoes can work, though the flavor will be different. Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced. Chilies: 2-3 small red chilies, finely sliced. “Xiaomi” chilies are…