chili powder – yummy food share

Savory Braised Pork and Tofu Skillet

2025-11-28

Looking for a new weeknight dinner hero? You’ve just found it. This dish is the perfect answer to the “what’s for dinner” dilemma when you want something incredibly flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. In fact, this one-pan wonder comes together in about 10 minutes of active cooking time and is beautifully simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks. The magic lies in a quick braising method where tender slices of pork and firm, savory tofu simmer together in a light, aromatic sauce. The result is a wonderfully comforting meal that’s salty, savory, and has just a hint of warmth from garlic and chili. Its approachable flavor and easy preparation make it a guaranteed hit for a satisfying and speedy meal. To get started, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. The star of the show is a special type of tofu that is key to the dish’s texture. Don’t worry if you can’t find the exact kind; common supermarket alternatives work beautifully. Ingredients: For the Main Event: 9 oz (about 250g) Pressed Spiced Tofu (also known as xiang gan). This tofu is firm, dense, and often has a brownish hue from being pressed and braised in spices. If you can’t find it at an Asian market, smoked tofu is an excellent and widely available substitute. In a pinch, you can also use extra-firm tofu that has been pressed for at least 30 minutes to remove as much water as possible. 7 oz (about 200g) Lean Pork Loin or Tenderloin, very thinly sliced. Aromatics: 2 cloves Garlic For the Marinade and Sauce: 1 tsp Cornstarch 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce, plus a little extra for cooking (use all-purpose soy sauce, not dark soy sauce) ½ tsp Salt A pinch of Chili Powder or red pepper flakes (adjust to your…

Fiery Sizzling Eggplant Strips

2025-11-24

Get ready to dazzle your taste buds with a dish that’s incredibly simple to make yet bursting with vibrant, bold flavors! This Steamed Eggplant Strips recipe is a weeknight wonder, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish, and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. The magic lies in its preparation: tender, steamed eggplant strips are coated in a fragrant, spicy, and savory sauce that awakens the palate. Its addictive aroma and delightful kick of heat promise a truly satisfying meal that’s both comforting and exciting, proving that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary delight: 1 large long eggplant (or two regular globe eggplants) – Look for firm, smooth-skinned ones. 2-3 cloves garlic, minced – For that essential aromatic foundation. 1-2 bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference) – If you can’t find bird’s eye chilies, use a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small fresh red chili for heat. 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds – Adds a nutty depth. 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat and color) 2 stalks spring onion (scallions) – We’ll use both the white and green parts separately. 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Preferably a light soy sauce for its delicate flavor. If you happen to have “steamed fish soy sauce” (蒸鱼豉油), that’s perfect! 1 tablespoon black vinegar – Adds a crucial tangy counterpoint. Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute. 1 teaspoon oyster sauce – For umami richness. 1 teaspoon sugar – Balances the acidity and heat. 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil) – For blooming the aromatics. Let’s get cooking! Start by preparing your eggplant. Wash and trim the…

Zesty Seaweed Shrimp Bowl A Flavorful Escape

2025-11-20

Get ready for a taste sensation that’s both wonderfully refreshing and delightfully spicy! This dish, which we’ll call Zesty Seaweed Shrimp Bowl, is an absolute gem. It masterfully balances the oceanic freshness of seaweed with the springy bite of shrimp, all coated in a vibrant, tangy, and fiery dressing. Don’t let the unique flavor profile fool you; this is an incredibly easy dish to whip up, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a stunning appetizer. With a total preparation time of about an hour, and a simple cooking process involving boiling, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create something this spectacular. The sour and spicy notes dance on your palate, making it an invigorating culinary adventure you won’t soon forget. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful dish to life. The beauty of this recipe is its adjustability, so “appropriate amount” (适量) means feel free to tailor it to your preference! Dried Kelp (海带): 1 appropriate amount. If you can find dried kelp sheets or strands, they are fantastic. If fresh kelp is available, even better! Western Substitute: If kelp is hard to come by, consider rehydrated Wakame seaweed (often available in Asian markets or the international aisle of larger supermarkets), though the texture will be slightly different. Shrimp Paste (虾滑): 1 appropriate amount. This is often fresh shrimp meat that has been pounded or blended into a paste until sticky. You can buy it pre-made or make your own by finely mincing or pulsing fresh shrimp in a food processor. Fresh Cilantro (香菜): 1 appropriate amount, chopped. Lemon (柠檬): 1-2, to taste. Garlic (蒜末): 2-3 cloves, minced finely. Millet Chilies (小米辣): 1-2, or more if you love heat, finely chopped. These are small, potent chilies. Chili Powder (辣椒面): 1-2 tablespoons, or to taste. This can be…

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…

Savory Braised Pork Ribs and Green Beans

2025-11-07

If you’re searching for a dish that delivers deep, comforting flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, you’ve just found your new weeknight champion. This recipe for braised pork ribs and green beans is a stunning example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s a hearty, savory, one-pan meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day. Using a quick-braising method, the pork ribs become wonderfully tender while the green beans cook to a perfect crisp-tender texture, all coated in a rich, garlicky sauce. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and its incredibly satisfying, savory flavor profile. It’s wonderfully easy for beginners, yet the taste is so robust it will impress even the most seasoned home cooks. To get started, you’ll need a handful of accessible ingredients. The key is to find good quality pork ribs and fresh, crisp green beans. Here’s a full list of what you’ll need, along with some tips and easy substitutions for a Western kitchen. For the Marinade: Pork Ribs: 400g (about 0.9 lbs), cut into small, bite-sized pieces. You can ask your butcher to do this for you. Pork riblets or St. Louis-style ribs cut into individual bones work perfectly. Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. This is the secret to tenderizing the pork and creating a velvety coating. Light Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Use a low-sodium version if you prefer. This is different from dark soy sauce; it’s saltier and less thick. For the Main Dish: Green Beans: 500g (about 1.1 lbs). The original recipe uses “knife beans” (刀豆), which are a type of flat, broad green bean. Standard string beans or flat Italian green beans are excellent and widely available substitutes. Garlic: 2 cloves, thinly sliced. Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon. This adds a…