corn starch – yummy food share

Spicy Tangy Beef and Crunchy Greens Salad

2026-01-25

If you’re tired of the same old boring salads, get ready to meet your new favorite dish. This incredible recipe brings together tender slices of beef and a uniquely crunchy vegetable, all tossed in a zesty, spicy, and savory dressing that comes alive with a sizzle of hot oil. Don’t let the amazing flavors fool you; this dish is surprisingly simple to make and comes together in about an hour, most of which is just hands-off soaking and marinating time. It’s the perfect light yet satisfying meal, a stunning appetizer, or a fantastic side dish that introduces a wonderful world of textures and tastes. Its ease of preparation and bold, unforgettable flavor profile make it a perfect entry point for anyone looking to explore new culinary horizons. Before you start, let’s gather our ingredients. The measurements here are a great starting point, but feel free to adjust the spice and tang to your personal preference! For the Salad: Beef: About 1/2 pound (225g) of a tender cut like sirloin, flank steak, or top round. Gong Cai (Tribute Vegetable): About 2 ounces (50g) of the dried vegetable. This is the star of the show! It’s a type of dried stem lettuce with an unparalleled crunchy texture. You can find it in most Asian supermarkets or online. If you can’t find it, don’t worry! Thinly sliced celery hearts or fresh celtuce (if available) make excellent substitutes for that signature crunch. Cilantro: A generous handful, roughly chopped. Garlic: 3-4 cloves, finely minced. For the Beef Marinade: Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon Dark Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon (This is thicker and less salty than regular soy sauce, primarily used for color. You can use a bit more regular soy sauce if you don’t have it). Oyster Sauce: 1 teaspoon Peanut Oil: 1 teaspoon (or another neutral…

Effortless Garlic Beef and Broccolini Skillet

2026-01-20

If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that hits the table in under an hour but tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant, you’ve found it. This stir-fry is the perfect harmony of incredibly tender beef and crisp, vibrant broccolini, all brought together with a simple yet deeply savory garlic sauce. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to create something truly spectacular. The magic lies in a classic technique for marinating the beef, which guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth texture every single time. Deceptively simple to prepare, this recipe is perfect for both seasoned home cooks and anyone just starting their culinary adventures. It’s a flavor-packed skillet meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Before you get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The list is short and sweet, and many items are probably already in your pantry. Don’t worry if you can’t find something specific; I’ve included plenty of easy substitutions. For a meal serving 2-3 people, you will need: Beef: About 1 lb (450g) of flank steak, sirloin, or rump steak. The key is to choose a cut that is good for quick cooking. Sweet Stem Broccoli: One large bunch, about 9 oz (250g). This is often sold as Broccolini or Tenderstem broccoli in Western supermarkets. They have long, tender stalks and small florets, making them perfect for stir-fries. If you can’t find it, you can use regular broccoli; just cut the florets into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the tender parts of the stems. Garlic: 3 to 4 cloves, peeled and roughly chopped or minced. Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. This is our secret weapon for creating that velvety smooth texture on the beef. Dark Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon. This adds a beautiful color and a hint of molasses-like sweetness. If you…

Savory Pork and Wood Ear Stir Fry

2026-01-06

If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight meal that punches way above its weight in flavor and texture, you’ve just found your new favorite. This stir-fry is a delightful introduction to the magic of simple, well-executed home cooking. It’s a dish I turn to again and again because it comes together in under an hour, requires no special culinary degrees, and delivers a taste that is both comforting and exciting. The process is a straightforward stir-fry, but the result is anything but ordinary. You get incredibly tender, savory slices of pork nestled against the uniquely firm, yet yielding, bite of wood ear mushrooms, all coated in a light, glossy sauce. It’s an easy-to-master recipe that will make you feel like a stir-fry pro in your own kitchen. Gather Your Ingredients Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic dish. Don’t be intimidated by any unfamiliar names; everything is easy to find at an Asian market or online, and I’ve included simple swaps you can find at any major supermarket. For the Main Event: Lean Pork: About 1/2 pound (225g), such as pork loin or tenderloin. Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms: A large handful, about 1/2 cup (15g). These are also known as black fungus. You can find them in the dried goods or international aisle. Substitution: If you can’t find them, about 1.5 cups of fresh shiitake or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced, will work, though they will have a softer texture. Green Onions: 2-3 stalks, also known as scallions. Peanut Oil: About 3 tablespoons, for stir-frying. Substitution: Any neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil, is a perfect substitute. For the Marinade & Sauce: Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. This is the secret to getting that velvety texture on the pork. Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons, divided….

Golden Crispy Oyster Pancake

2025-11-12

Are you searching for a unique and utterly delicious dish that looks impressive but is secretly simple to make? Look no further than this Golden Crispy Oyster Pancake. This savory delight is a fantastic introduction to a classic coastal flavor profile, bringing the taste of the sea right to your kitchen. In under an hour, you can transform a handful of simple ingredients into a show-stopping pancake that boasts an incredible texture: delightfully crispy edges give way to a soft, slightly chewy center, all packed with plump, juicy oysters and tender slivers of fresh vegetables. This isn’t your typical breakfast pancake; it’s a savory, pan-fried masterpiece that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch, a light dinner, or even a stunning appetizer. Its flavor is a beautiful harmony of briny goodness and subtle sweetness, making it an easy-to-love dish for both adventurous foodies and picky eaters alike. Before you start, let’s gather your ingredients. The key to the pancake’s signature texture lies in sweet potato starch, which creates a wonderful chewiness that you can’t get from regular flour. Here’s what you’ll need for a pancake that serves 2-3 people: Ingredients: Fresh Oysters: 1 cup (about 200g), shucked and small if possible Loofah: 1 medium (about 250g) Sweet Potato Starch: 1/2 cup (about 60g) Large Eggs: 2 Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, for cleaning the oysters Peanut Oil: 3-4 tablespoons, for frying Notes and Substitutions: Oysters: Fresh, small oysters are traditional and provide the best flavor. If you can’t find them, fully thawed frozen oysters or well-drained canned oysters will also work beautifully. Just be sure to pat them very dry. Loofah (a.k.a. Silk Melon): This is a green, ridged gourd common in Asian cuisine with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a wonderfully soft texture when cooked. If you can’t…

Lotus Root Pork Belly Bites A Simple Savory Supper

2025-11-10

Get ready to embark on a delightful culinary adventure with a dish that promises to charm your taste buds and impress your dinner guests, all without breaking a sweat! This recipe, known for its elegant simplicity and heartwarming flavors, brings together tender lotus root and succulent ground pork in a harmony that is both comforting and exotic. With a cooking time of just around an hour and a difficulty level that’s incredibly beginner-friendly, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create something so profoundly delicious. The technique, a gentle braise, allows the natural flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a savory, umami-rich experience that’s surprisingly mellow and deeply satisfying. It’s a wonderful way to explore new ingredients and flavors without intimidation. Let’s gather our tasty components! Here’s what you’ll need: For the Core: Lotus Root: An amount that feels right for your meal – perhaps 1-2 medium-sized roots. This is the star, offering a wonderful, slightly crunchy texture and subtle sweetness. You can usually find fresh lotus root in Asian grocery stores. If fresh isn’t available, you might find frozen sliced lotus root, which works well too after thawing. Pork Shoulder (or Pork Belly): About 1 pound (approximately 450g) of ground pork. Pork shoulder (or “front leg pork” as it’s sometimes called) is ideal for its balanced fat content, making the filling juicy. If you can’t find shoulder, regular ground pork (ideally 80/20 or 70/30 lean-to-fat ratio) is a perfect substitute. For the Flavor Boosters: Scallions (Green Onions): A small bunch, finely chopped. These add a fresh, aromatic kick. Peanut Oil: Enough for frying, about 2-3 tablespoons. Any neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil will work just as well. Cornstarch: 2-3 tablespoons, divided. This acts as a binder for the meat and helps create a lovely golden…

Hearty Shrimp and Pork Wontons

2025-10-12

There are few things more comforting than a steaming, fragrant bowl of homemade wonton soup. This recipe is your ticket to creating that perfect bowl right in your own kitchen. While it might seem like a special occasion dish, you can bring this entire meal together in about an hour, making it an ideal weekend project or a truly rewarding weeknight dinner. The process is wonderfully straightforward, and the result is simply spectacular: plump, juicy wontons filled with a savory blend of pork and tender shrimp, all swimming in a soul-soothing broth. This recipe focuses on creating a fantastic texture, with a smooth pork base studded with delightful chunks of shrimp, ensuring every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. First things first, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful components. Don’t worry if you can’t find an item or two; I’ve included some easy-to-find substitutions. For the Wonton Filling: 1/2 lb (about 225g) ground pork 1/2 lb (about 225g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 package (about 50 wrappers) square wonton wrappers 1 large egg white 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon thirteen-spice powder (or substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder) 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 1 teaspoon oyster sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil A pinch of MSG (optional, you can omit or use mushroom powder for a similar umami boost) For the Savory Soup Broth (per bowl): 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper A pinch of MSG (optional) 1 teaspoon light soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon dried seaweed (you can use crumbled Japanese nori sheets as a substitute) 1 teaspoon dried baby shrimp (found in Asian markets, they add a wonderful…

Spicy Tangy Fish with Pickled Greens

2025-10-11

Have you ever craved a dish that’s a whirlwind of flavors—tangy, spicy, and deeply savory all at once? If so, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite meal. This incredible poached fish dish, with its signature golden broth and tender, silky fish fillets, is a true masterpiece of flavors and textures. It might look and sound like something you could only order at a high-end restaurant, but I’m here to tell you a secret: you can absolutely make this showstopper at home. In just about an hour, you can transform a handful of ingredients into a complex, satisfying, and utterly addictive meal. The preparation is straightforward, focusing on building layers of flavor that come together in a spectacular finish. Get ready to impress your friends, your family, and most importantly, yourself! Before you start, let’s gather our ingredients. The key to this dish is balancing the sour, spicy, and savory notes, so getting the right components is important. But don’t worry, many of these have easy-to-find substitutes. For the Fish and Marinade: 1.5 lbs (about 700g) firm white fish fillets, such as cod, halibut, or tilapia (catfish also works beautifully) 1 egg white 1 tbsp Shaoxing cooking wine (or dry sherry) 1 tbsp cornstarch 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp white pepper 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) For the Broth and Assembly: 1 cup Sichuan pickled mustard greens (Suan Cai). This is the star ingredient, found in vacuum packs at most Asian markets. Its unique tangy flavor is hard to replicate, but in a pinch, you could try well-rinsed sauerkraut, though the taste will be different. The head and bones from your fish (optional, but adds incredible depth to the broth) 3 cloves garlic, minced, divided 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced 2-3 pickled red chilies,…

Savory Tomato Beef over Silken Tofu

2025-09-28

If you’re searching for a meal that hits all the right notes—quick, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully light—then you’ve just found your new favorite recipe. This dish is an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners. Imagine tender, savory ground beef and juicy tomatoes simmered into a rich, tangy sauce, all gently steamed over a bed of melt-in-your-mouth tofu. The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the steaming technique, which locks in moisture and flawlessly melds the flavors together without adding heavy oils. It’s a dish that takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and is so easy to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newcomers. The result is a comforting, nutritious meal that feels both wholesome and gourmet. To get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The list is short and features items that are easy to find, but I’ve also included some handy notes and substitutions to make your shopping trip a breeze. For the Dish: 1 large ripe tomato 100g (about 1/4 lb) lean ground beef (Ground pork or even ground chicken would also be delicious.) 150g (about 1/2 a standard block) silken or soft tofu (This is key! Look for tofu labeled “silken” or “soft.” Its delicate, custard-like texture is perfect for this dish. Medium-firm tofu can work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that signature creamy mouthfeel.) 1 scallion (also known as a green onion), for garnish For the Marinade and Sauce: A pinch of salt 2g (about 1/2 tsp) sugar (This helps balance the acidity of the tomato.) 1g (about 1/4 tsp) ground white pepper (White pepper has a more earthy, subtle heat than black pepper. If you only have black pepper, use it sparingly.) 1 tbsp light soy sauce (Sometimes just labeled “soy sauce” in Western supermarkets….

Dreamy Matcha Cloud Cheesecake Cups

2025-09-28

Have you ever imagined a dessert that’s as light as a cloud but packed with sophisticated flavor? Look no further. These little cheesecake cups are a baker’s dream, delivering a texture so moist, fluffy, and delicate it will feel like you’re eating a sweet, creamy cloud. The secret lies in the gentle water bath baking method, which creates an incredibly soft and tender crumb. This recipe strikes a perfect harmony between the earthy, slightly bitter notes of premium matcha and the rich, savory tang of cream cheese. Best of all, despite its elegant appearance and divine taste, this dessert is surprisingly simple to make, taking just about an hour from start to finish. It’s the perfect project for a quiet afternoon and a guaranteed showstopper for anyone who tries it, even for baking beginners. Get ready to fall in love at first bite! Before you begin, let’s gather our ingredients. Precision is key in baking, so using a kitchen scale is highly recommended for the best results. For this recipe, you will need: For the Matcha Cheese Batter: Cream Cheese: 130g (about 4.5 oz), full-fat, softened to room temperature Warm Milk: 80g (about 1/3 cup) Unsalted Butter: 40g (about 3 tbsp) Large Eggs: 4, separated into yolks and whites Cake Flour: 20g (about 2.5 tbsp). Cake flour creates a finer, more tender crumb. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly denser. Cornstarch: 20g (about 2.5 tbsp) Matcha Powder: 10g (about 1.5 tbsp). Use a good quality culinary grade matcha for the best color and flavor. For the Meringue: Egg Whites: From the 4 large eggs you separated Granulated Sugar: 70g (about 1/3 cup) Lemon Juice: A few drops (about 1/4 tsp). This helps stabilize the egg whites. You can…