monosodium glutamate – yummy food share

Sizzling Spicy Pepper Chicken

2025-12-09

If you’re searching for a dish that packs a serious flavor punch and comes together in about 30 minutes, you’ve just found your new favorite. This stir-fry is a spectacular whirlwind of textures and tastes, featuring wonderfully crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a fragrant, spicy mix of fresh peppers and aromatics. While it involves a quick frying step, the process is surprisingly straightforward, making it a perfect “ordinary” difficulty recipe for a weeknight adventure or a weekend treat. The true star here is the incredible flavor profile—a medium, vibrant heat that’s beautifully balanced by a unique tingling sensation from Sichuan peppercorns. It’s an easy-to-master dish that will make you feel like a pro chef in your own kitchen. Ingredients Here is what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry if you can’t find a specific ingredient; I’ve included some easy-to-find substitutions. For the Chicken: 1.5 lbs (about 700g) chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces. Traditionally, a mix of bone-in parts like wings, legs, and even chicken feet and gizzards are used. For an easier version, boneless, skin-on chicken thighs work perfectly. Chicken wings (flats and drumettes) are also a fantastic choice. The Vegetables: 1 green pointed pepper (or 1 green bell pepper, or 2 jalapeños for more heat) 1 yellow pointed pepper (or 1 yellow or red bell pepper) ½ cup diced lotus root (about ½ inch cubes) 3-4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced A 1-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced The Aromatics & Seasoning: 1 tablespoon green Sichuan peppercorns 1 tablespoon dried red chiles (or to taste) 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) ½ teaspoon MSG (optional, for an umami boost) Vegetable oil or other neutral oil for frying (about 2-3 cups) A Note on Ingredients: Green Sichuan Peppercorns: These are essential for the dish’s signature málà (numbing…

Earthy Marvel Mushroom and Crisp Dragon’s Beard Salad

2025-12-03

Embark on a culinary adventure that promises delightful textures and vibrant flavors, all with minimal fuss. This recipe introduces you to a unique combination starring the Noble Wrinkled Mushroom, also known as Sheep Belly Ear Mushroom, and the crisp, refreshing Dragon’s Beard Vegetable. Prepare yourself for a dish that’s both nourishing and wonderfully satisfying, perfect for a light meal or a delightful side. Despite its exotic ingredients and impressive health benefits – lauded for centuries for its ability to enrich blood, enhance complexion, support digestion, and bolster cardiovascular health – this salad is surprisingly simple to prepare. The active preparation is incredibly quick, though it requires a few hours for the mushrooms to rehydrate, making it an ideal dish to start ahead of time. Its delightful tangy and spicy (suan la) profile is balanced, offering a refreshing kick that awakens the palate. We’re confident you’ll find this dish a treasure, both in taste and ease of creation. Yields: 2-3 servings Prep time: 2 hours (for soaking mushrooms) + 15 minutes (active prep) Cook time: 3 minutes Difficulty: Easy Ingredients: Noble Wrinkled Mushrooms (Sheep Belly Ear Mushrooms): 30g (dried) About these mushrooms: These rare edible fungi are prized for their unique wrinkled appearance resembling a sheep’s stomach and their tender yet slightly chewy texture. They grow at high altitudes and are packed with nutrients. Western Substitution: If you can’t find these specifically, rehydrated dried wood ear mushrooms (also known as cloud ear mushrooms) can offer a similar textural experience, though the subtle flavor will differ. Dragon’s Beard Vegetable (Gong Cai): 20g (dried) About this vegetable: Also known as thousand-year-old vegetable, this unique vegetable is characterized by its crunchy stalks and slightly tangy, refreshing taste. It provides valuable vitamins and dietary fiber. Western Substitution: There isn’t a direct substitute that captures its…

Crisp Lotus Root Garden Salad

2025-11-27

Welcome to a culinary adventure that’s as visually stunning as it is delightfully refreshing! Today, we’re diving into a quick yet elegant dish from traditional Asian kitchens: a Crisp Lotus Root Salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a beautiful appetizer that elevates any meal into a special occasion. With a preparation time of just about 10 minutes, it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly remarkable. While the recipe lists ‘advanced’ difficulty, this refers more to the finesse of the plating than the cooking itself, making it accessible for home cooks looking to impress. The taste is clean and pure, allowing the natural flavors of the lotus root to shine, subtly enhanced by a light, zesty dressing. Get ready to discover a dish that’s both easy to prepare and a joy to behold. Before we get cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. The star of our show is the lotus root. This unique aquatic vegetable, the rhizome of the lotus plant, boasts a beautiful, lacy pattern when sliced and offers a wonderfully crisp texture. It’s packed with fiber and vitamins, making it a healthy choice. You’ll need one fresh lotus root section. For color and a touch of zest, we’ll use two small red chilis, or if you prefer milder flavors, you can use a small piece of red bell pepper instead. For the dressing and garnish, we’ll need a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a dash of light soy sauce (often labeled as “low sodium” or “regular” soy sauce in Western supermarkets), a splash of white vinegar for tang, a drizzle of fragrant sesame oil, salt to taste, and a pinch of MSG if you enjoy its flavor-enhancing properties (optional, feel free to omit). If you can’t find light soy sauce, regular soy sauce will work,…

Fiery Garlic Blistered Long Beans

2025-11-11

If you’re searching for a dish that is incredibly fast, astonishingly delicious, and brings a bold punch of flavor to your dinner table, look no further. This recipe transforms humble long beans into a spectacular side dish that could easily steal the show. Ready in about ten minutes, this dish is surprisingly simple to master. The magic lies in a quick flash-fry technique that gives the beans a wonderfully wrinkled, “blistered” skin, locking in a tender-crisp texture. The flavor profile is a thrilling journey for your taste buds: savory, spicy from the chilies, with a unique, tingly numbness from Sichuan peppercorns, all balanced by a hint of sweetness and a bright splash of vinegar. It’s the perfect, exciting weeknight vegetable dish that tastes like it came from a specialty restaurant but is easy enough for any home cook to perfect. Here is what you’ll need to create this amazing dish. Don’t be intimidated by any unfamiliar ingredients; I’ve included simple swaps you can find at any major supermarket. For the Beans: Long Beans: 1 large handful (about 1 lb or 450g). These are also known as yardlong beans or asparagus beans. If you can’t find them, regular green beans or French beans (haricots verts) work beautifully as a substitute. Peanut Oil: About 1 cup (240ml) for frying. You can substitute with any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil. For the Aromatics & Sauce: Garlic: 3-4 cloves, finely minced. Ginger: 1-inch piece, finely minced. Dried Red Chilies: 5-10, depending on your spice preference. Arbol chilies are a good option. You can snip them in half to release more heat. Sichuan Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon. These are a key ingredient for their unique citrusy aroma and tingly, mouth-numbing sensation (known as “málà”). You can find them…

Hearty Braised Fish in a Savory Ale Broth

2025-10-24

Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food! This dish is a beautiful example of how a few simple techniques can transform humble ingredients into something truly spectacular. We’re talking about a whole fish, pan-fried to golden perfection and then slow-braised in a deeply savory and aromatic broth. While it simmers away for a little while, filling your kitchen with the most incredible smells, the actual hands-on time is minimal, making it a perfect project for a lazy weekend afternoon. The result is fall-off-the-bone tender fish swimming in a rich, umami-packed sauce that’s just begging to be soaked up with a warm flatbread. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients; the process is straightforward, and the flavor payoff is absolutely massive. First things first, let’s gather our ingredients. The magic of this dish comes from layering flavors, so try to get everything prepped before you begin. For the star of the show, a firm white fish works best. The original recipe uses tilapia, but sea bass, cod, or even carp would be fantastic. If you’re feeling adventurous, using a large fish head is the traditional way to go! The pork belly adds a wonderful richness, but you can substitute it with a few slices of thick-cut, unsmoked bacon in a pinch. The most unique ingredient here is the Pixian Doubanjiang, a fermented broad bean paste that provides a deep, savory, and slightly spicy foundation. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores. If you can’t, a Korean gochujang or another chili bean paste can work, though the flavor will be slightly different. For the Fish: 1 whole tilapia (about 1.5-2 lbs), cleaned and scaled 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying For the Braising Broth: 4 oz pork belly, thinly sliced A handful of aromatics: 2-3 star anise…

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….

Savory Pork Nugget Tomato Soup

2025-10-19

If you’re searching for a meal that delivers a massive punch of flavor in under 30 minutes, you’ve just found your new weeknight favorite. This incredible soup is the perfect fusion of comforting and exciting, bringing together savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes in one soul-warming bowl. Deceptively simple to prepare, its magic lies in building layers of flavor, starting with an aromatic base and finishing with a vibrant, rich tomato broth. The textures are just as wonderful as the taste, featuring delightfully chewy crispy pork nuggets and silky tofu that soak up all the deliciousness. It’s an easy-to-master recipe that feels like a gourmet treat, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. Before you get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so don’t worry if you can’t find an exact item – I’ll provide some easy-to-find alternatives. For the Soup: Crispy Pork Nuggets: About 1 cup. You can often find these pre-made in the frozen section of Asian markets. Alternatively, you can use leftover fried pork cutlets or even thickly sliced sausage, browned until crispy. Fried Tofu: About 1 cup, sliced or in puffs. Fried tofu puffs are ideal as they act like sponges for the broth. If unavailable, use a block of extra-firm tofu. Simply press out the excess water, cut it into slices or cubes, and pan-fry in a little oil until golden brown on all sides. Black Wood Ear Mushrooms: A small handful (about 1/4 cup, dried). These add a wonderful, slightly crunchy texture. You’ll need to rehydrate them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft, then slice them. If you can’t find them, thinly sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms are a great substitute. Tomatoes: 2 medium-sized, ripe…

Slow Braised Pork Belly with Tiger Skin Eggs

2025-10-18

Welcome to one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes! If you’re looking for a dish that is deeply savory, incredibly aromatic, and guaranteed to impress, you’ve come to the right place. This slow-braised pork belly is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. While it requires a couple of hours of simmering to reach perfection, the active preparation time is minimal, and the process is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice cooks. We’ll use a classic technique of caramelizing sugar to create a beautiful, deep mahogany color and a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the rich pork. The end result is fork-tender pork that literally melts in your mouth, springy quail eggs that have soaked up all the delicious sauce, and slightly smoky peppers, all coated in a glossy, irresistible glaze. It’s the perfect project for a lazy weekend afternoon, filling your kitchen with the most incredible aromas. To get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The list might seem long, but many of these are pantry staples or can be easily found. Don’t worry, I’ll provide plenty of substitution tips! For the Main Ingredients: Pork Belly: About 2 lbs (900g), preferably skin-on, cut into 1.5-inch thick slices. Quail Eggs: 12-15, hard-boiled and peeled. If you can’t find quail eggs, you can use 4-5 regular chicken eggs, hard-boiled, peeled, and halved. Long Green Peppers: 3-4. Jalapeños or Anaheim peppers are an excellent substitute if you can’t find long green peppers. For the Braising Liquid & Aromatics: Rock Sugar: 3 tablespoons. Rock sugar gives a cleaner, more complex sweetness and a better glaze. You can substitute with granulated white sugar. Light Soy Sauce: 4 tablespoons. This is your primary source of saltiness and umami. It’s thinner and lighter in color than dark soy sauce. Dark Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon. This is mainly for…

Golden Garlic Crayfish Tails

2025-10-13

Get ready to discover your new favorite seafood dish! If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with bold, savory flavor but comes together in about 30 minutes, then you’ve come to the right place. This recipe for Golden Garlic Crayfish Tails is an absolute showstopper. It walks the perfect line between being incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight and impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. The magic lies in its two-part garlic technique—once fried to a nutty, golden-brown perfection and then added fresh at the end for a sharp, aromatic kick. The result is a rich, glossy, and utterly addictive sauce that clings to every single piece of tender crayfish. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; it’s a straightforward process of searing and simmering that yields a truly spectacular result. To create this incredible dish, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. The best part is that many of them are pantry staples, and the few specialty items are easily found or substituted. For the crayfish, a one-pound bag of frozen, pre-cooked tails works perfectly and saves you a ton of prep time. Just be sure to thaw them completely before you start. Let’s get everything together! Here’s what you’ll need: Crayfish Tails: 1 lb (about 450g), thawed if frozen Garlic: 1 to 2 entire heads, peeled (yes, you read that right!) Scallions (Green Onions): 2-3 stalks, finely chopped, for garnish Ginger: 2-3 thin slices Dry Sherry: 2 tablespoons. This is a great substitute for traditional Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine). Light Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon Beer: ½ cup (about 120ml). A light lager or pilsner works best. Ground White Pepper: ¼ teaspoon Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste MSG (optional): a pinch. This enhances the savory “umami” flavor but…