black pepper powder – yummy food share

Hearty Tomato Meatball and Tofu Soup

2025-12-16

If you’re ever in need of a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this is it. This beautifully rustic soup is a one-pot wonder, ready in about 20 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. Its genius lies in its simplicity. While the flavor profile is complex—a vibrant, savory tomato broth that’s perfectly balanced with a tangy sweetness—the process is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll be creating tender, juicy, homemade meatballs and simmering them with silky tofu in a rich, ruby-red broth that looks as incredible as it tastes. Don’t let the idea of making meatballs from scratch intimidate you; it’s the easiest and most rewarding part of this recipe. This dish is pure comfort, proving that sophisticated flavors don’t always require hours in the kitchen. Here is everything you’ll need to get started. Don’t worry if you can’t find an exact ingredient; this recipe is very forgiving and I’ve included some easy swaps you can find in any major supermarket. For the Meatballs: Ground Pork: 300g (about 2/3 lb). Ground chicken or turkey are also fantastic alternatives. For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of pork and beef. Minced Ginger: 1 tablespoon. You can use ginger paste from a jar if you’re short on time. Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma. Salt: 1 teaspoon. Chicken Essence (or Bouillon Powder): 1/2 teaspoon. This is a flavor enhancer that adds savory depth (umami). If you prefer to avoid it, you can substitute it with a pinch of mushroom powder or simply rely on the salt and pepper for seasoning. Sweet Potato Starch: 2 tablespoons. This is the secret to tender, juicy meatballs that hold their shape. If you can’t find it in the international aisle, cornstarch is an excellent and readily…

Air Dried Steamed Beef Jerky

2025-11-18

Autumn’s arrival often brings a crispness to the air, with cooler mornings and evenings, and it’s the perfect time to crave intensely flavored, chewy snacks. If you’re anything like me, whipping up your own culinary delights is incredibly rewarding. This recipe for Air Dried Steamed Beef Jerky is a true labor of love, taking several days from start to finish, and it requires a bit of patience and practice, making it an advanced project for the dedicated home cook. The unique process involves an initial seasoning and air-drying phase, followed by steaming, and finally a second drying period. This method results in jerky that’s incredibly flavorful, deeply aromatic, and delightfully chewy, without being too “fiery” or heavy. It’s a perfectly satisfying snack, whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative during a diet, a sophisticated treat to accompany a movie, or an energizing pick-me-up for your afternoon tea. Plus, knowing you’ve made this exquisite, pure, additive-free snack entirely by hand is a fantastic feeling of accomplishment! Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this impressive beef jerky. This recipe makes a substantial batch, perfect for sharing or enjoying over time – feel free to halve it if you’re just starting out. Yields: Approx. 10kg (22 lbs) of finished jerky (based on initial 10kg raw beef) Prep time: 1 hour active prep + overnight marinade Drying/Steaming/Drying: 3-4 days total Ingredients: Main: 20 catties (approx. 10 kg / 22 lbs) fresh beef hind leg, lean cuts like the ‘eye of round’ or ‘top round’ are ideal. Substitutions: If you can’t find specific cuts, choose the leanest beef roast available at your local butcher or supermarket. Marinade & Seasoning: 1 large purple onion, finely chopped A small bunch of scallions (green parts only), finely chopped Sichuan peppercorns, a generous pinch (whole) Chili powder (for…

Honey Maltose Cured Pork Sausages

2025-11-16

Embark on a culinary adventure that brings a treasured flavor from traditional kitchens right to your home. These Honey Maltose Cured Pork Sausages are a testament to time-honored preservation techniques, resulting in a wonderfully savory and delightfully sweet delicacy. While this recipe is characterized as advanced, its complexity lies in the patient process rather than intricate techniques, making it a deeply rewarding project for the enthusiastic home cook. The preparation involves several hours dedicated to curing and steaming, yielding a rich, umami-packed pork sausage with a subtle sweetness from honey and maltose. The signature crimson hue, often achieved with a touch of red yeast powder (though optional for flavor), makes these sausages a visually stunning addition to any meal or gathering. Prepare to impress with a dish that balances traditional depth with a pleasingly approachable flavor profile. To create these delightful cured pork sausages, you’ll need the following ingredients. For the pork, we start with 2000g of pork shoulder or butt, preferably with a 28% fat content for optimal texture and moisture. You can achieve this by hand-trimming if necessary. For the curing mixture: 50g of honey, 20g of maltose (a thick, sweet syrup; corn syrup or extra honey can be used as a substitute), 20g of granulated sugar, 30g of salt, 80g of tapioca starch (potato starch is a good alternative), 60g of oyster sauce, 4g of red yeast powder (optional, purely for a vibrant red color, as it’s flavorless), 200g of ice cubes, 8g of black pepper powder, and a dash of high-proof white spirit or vodka for soaking the casings. You will also need about 6 casings. For the optional variations, prepare 1 large ear of corn (kernels removed) and a generous amount of grated cheese. Let’s move on to the step-by-step process. Begin by preparing your…

Effortless Butter Seared Steak and Asparagus

2025-10-26

Looking for a meal that feels fancy and indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes? You’ve found it. This recipe for Butter-Seared Steak and Asparagus is the ultimate weeknight hero and a perfect star for a weekend date night. It’s a dish that relies on the simple, powerful magic of a hot pan, good quality ingredients, and a little bit of butter. The process is incredibly straightforward—we’re talking basic pan-searing—making it perfect for even the most novice of cooks. The result, however, is anything but basic. You get a juicy, perfectly cooked steak with a gorgeous crust, paired with crisp-tender asparagus spears that have soaked up all the savory, buttery goodness from the pan. It’s a classic, elegant combination that never fails to impress. Before you fire up the stove, let’s gather our simple yet mighty cast of ingredients. The beauty of this dish is its short and accessible shopping list. Don’t worry if you can’t find something specific; I’ve included plenty of easy-to-find alternatives. For the Stars of the Show: Steak: 1 or 2 steaks, about 8-10 ounces (225-285g) each and 1-1.5 inches thick. A good quality steak is key. Ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin are all fantastic choices for pan-searing as they have a great balance of flavor and tenderness. Asparagus: 1 bunch (about 1 pound or 450g) of fresh asparagus. Look for stalks that are firm, with tight, compact tips. Substitute: If asparagus isn’t in season, broccolini or even green beans work wonderfully. Adjust blanching time accordingly. For the Flavor: Butter: 2-3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. Substitute: You can use salted butter (just be mindful when adding more salt) or ghee, which has a higher smoke point. For a dairy-free option, a…

Golden Honey Glazed Roast Chicken Thighs

2025-10-16

If you’re dreaming of a one-pan dinner that delivers on flavor without a mountain of cleanup, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe for roasted chicken thighs is an absolute showstopper, bringing together succulent, fall-off-the-bone chicken with a melody of perfectly roasted vegetables. The magic lies in a savory, slightly sweet marinade that infuses every bite with incredible depth. It takes about an hour of active time to prepare, with the majority of the work being hands-off marinating. Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish is wonderfully easy to make, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a casual weekend dinner with friends. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma! Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry if you can’t find a specific ingredient; I’ve included some easy swaps that work beautifully. For the Chicken and Marinade: 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs or 900g) 1/4 cup New Orleans style marinade powder: This is a popular pre-mixed savory and slightly spicy seasoning blend you can often find at Asian supermarkets or online. If you can’t find it, you can make your own simple substitute by mixing: 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick). 1 tbsp cooking wine: Chinese Shaoxing wine is traditional. A dry sherry or even a splash of dry white wine is a perfect substitute. 2 scallions (green onions), roughly chopped 3 slices of fresh ginger For the Vegetables and Glaze: 2 medium potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps halved if large. Cremini or button mushrooms also work great. 1 large onion, cut…