salt – yummy food share

Fluffy Homemade Milk Bread Rolls

2025-09-13

Have you ever dreamt of filling your home with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but felt intimidated by complicated, time-consuming recipes? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is your gateway to baking success, delivering incredibly soft, pillowy rolls with a tender crumb and a subtly sweet, milky flavor. In just about an hour, you can transform a few simple pantry staples into a batch of beautiful, golden buns. The process is straightforward baking at its best, making it absolutely perfect for beginners. While these rolls are delightful on their own, still warm from the oven, they truly shine as the perfect vehicle for homemade hot dogs, sliders, or delicious mini sandwiches. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share them with you! Before you begin, let’s gather your ingredients. The magic of these rolls lies in their simplicity, so you won’t need anything too exotic. For this recipe, you will need: Bread Flour: 200g (about 1 2/3 cups) Milk: 135-140g (about 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) Granulated Sugar: 12g (about 1 tablespoon) Salt: 3g (about 1/2 teaspoon) Instant Yeast: 2g (about 1/2 teaspoon) Unsalted Butter: 16g (about 1 tablespoon), softened to room temperature A quick note on your ingredients: Bread flour is listed here as “high-gluten flour” in the original recipe because its higher protein content gives the rolls their signature chewy and soft structure. If you only have all-purpose flour, it will still work, but the texture might be slightly less springy. For the milk, whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but any milk will do. Finally, using instant yeast means you can mix it directly with your dry ingredients, making the process even simpler. If you only have active dry yeast, you may want to activate…

Earthy Shiitake Puffs with Tender Greens

2025-09-11

Ready for a dish that feels wonderfully wholesome, comes together in just 20 minutes, and introduces a truly delightful texture you may have never experienced before? This stir-fry is a beautiful lesson in simplicity and flavor. While the ingredient list is short and the flavors are delicate, the result is a surprisingly complex and satisfying meal. The star of the show is the combination of meaty shiitake mushrooms and light, airy gluten puffs, all tossed with fresh, tender greens. It’s a dish that looks elegant and showcases a clever cooking technique, but trust me, it’s incredibly easy to master. This is the perfect recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch that will leave you feeling nourished and happy. Let’s gather our ingredients. You won’t need much, which is part of the charm of this recipe. For substitutes, I’ve offered some common alternatives you can find in most supermarkets, but I highly encourage you to visit an Asian market to find the original ingredients for the most authentic experience. Ingredients: Bok Choy Shoots (Ji Mao Cai): 8 oz (about 227g), washed thoroughly. These are very young, tender bok choy. If you can’t find them, regular baby bok choy, cut in half or quarters lengthwise, is a perfect substitute. In a pinch, even spinach could work, though the texture will be much softer. Fried Gluten Puffs (You Mian Jin): 6 pieces. This might be a new ingredient for you! They are hollow, deep-fried balls of wheat gluten, with a spongy, light texture that’s incredible at soaking up broths and sauces. You can find them in the dry goods or refrigerated section of most Asian grocery stores. If you absolutely can’t find them, you could substitute with cubes of firm, pressed tofu that you’ve pan-fried until golden, or even some…

Golden Sweet Sesame Swirls

2025-09-10

If you’re looking for a baking project that will fill your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma and reward you with a truly spectacular treat, you’ve found it. These Golden Sweet Sesame Swirls are a masterpiece of texture and flavor. While the process takes a few hours, most of that is hands-off time while the dough works its magic. I’d classify this as a rewarding weekend bake rather than a difficult chore. The result is a stunning pastry with a crisp, golden exterior that gives way to soft, flaky layers inside. At its heart lies a sweet, buttery filling, all topped with a crunchy, nutty layer of toasted sesame seeds. They are incredibly satisfying to make and even more delightful to eat. Let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using pantry staples you likely already have. For any ingredients you might not have on hand, I’ll suggest some easy-to-find alternatives. For the Dough: 300g All-Purpose Flour 3g Instant Yeast (or one packet of active dry yeast) 1g Salt 160g Cool Water 15g Granulated Sugar For the Oil Roux (for lamination): 40g All-Purpose Flour 30g Neutral Oil (like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil) For the Sweet Filling: 30g All-Purpose Flour 30g Granulated Sugar 18g Neutral Oil For the Topping: 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar A generous spoonful of White Sesame Seeds A quick note on the ingredients: The “Oil Roux” is a simple paste of flour and oil that we’ll spread onto the dough. This is the secret to creating those beautiful, flaky layers. For the oil, a neutral-flavored one works perfectly, but if you want a richer, more buttery flavor, feel free to use melted unsalted butter in both the roux and the filling. If you only have active dry yeast, simply activate it in the…

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…

Sun Dried Cuttlefish and Winter Melon Soup

2025-09-08

If you’re searching for a soup that is profoundly comforting, light on the palate, and brimming with a unique, savory depth, you’ve just found your new favorite recipe. This beautiful soup pairs the concentrated oceanic umami of dried cuttlefish with the gentle, subtle sweetness of winter melon. While the ingredient list might seem exotic, the preparation is surprisingly simple. The recipe does require a few hours of hands-off soaking time to bring the cuttlefish back to life, but the active cooking is a quick and easy affair, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a classic slow-food-fast-cook dish, delivering a clean, elegant flavor that is both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. Don’t be deterred by the “advanced” difficulty rating you might see elsewhere; if you can boil water, you can master this delightful stew. Before you start, let’s gather our ingredients. The magic of this dish comes from a few special items, but don’t worry, they are either easy to find in an Asian market or have simple substitutes. Dried Cuttlefish: 130 grams (about 4.5 oz). This is the star of the show! It’s cuttlefish that has been salted and sun-dried, which concentrates its flavor immensely. Look for it in the dried seafood aisle of most Asian supermarkets. If you can’t find dried cuttlefish, dried squid is an excellent substitute. Winter Melon: 625 grams (about 1.4 lbs). This large, green-skinned gourd has a wonderfully mild flavor and a soft, tender texture when cooked. If winter melon isn’t available, you can substitute it with chayote squash or even zucchini, though the texture will be slightly different. Cooking Wine: A splash (about 1 tablespoon). We use this to marinate the cuttlefish, which helps to round out its flavor. Chinese Shaoxing wine is traditional, but a dry sherry works perfectly as…

Rustic Torn Cabbage and Pork Skillet

2025-08-30

If you’re staring at a head of cabbage in your fridge wondering how to make it exciting, I have the perfect answer. This recipe is your new secret weapon for weeknight dinners. It transforms humble cabbage into a wildly flavorful, savory, and slightly spicy dish in just 20 minutes flat. The magic here is in the technique—tearing the cabbage by hand instead of chopping it. This creates beautifully rustic edges that catch the sauce and cook to a perfect tender-crisp texture. Forget boiled, mushy cabbage; this stir-fry is vibrant, aromatic, and so incredibly simple to make, even if you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that proves delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Before you start, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so don’t worry if you can’t find the exact items. For the Stir-Fry: 1 medium head of green cabbage: About 2 lbs (or roughly 1 kg). The key is to use a standard green cabbage. Savoy or even Napa cabbage can work in a pinch, but their texture will be slightly softer. A handful of cooked pork (about 1/2 cup, chopped): The original recipe calls for “熟大肉” (shú dà ròu), which simply means cooked pork, often referring to boiled pork belly. For an amazing and easy-to-find substitute, use thick-cut bacon or pancetta! Simply chop it up and you can fry it right in the pan. Leftover roast pork or even smoked sausage would also be delicious. 1 medium yellow onion: The original uses “皮芽子” (pí yá zi), a regional term for onion. A standard yellow or red onion will provide the perfect sweet, aromatic base. 1 fresh red chili: A Fresno or red jalapeño is perfect for adding a mild, pleasant heat. If you prefer less spice, remove the…

Golden Garlic and Pepper Squash Bites

2025-08-29

If you’re searching for a side dish that is incredibly simple to make but delivers a seriously impressive flavor, you have come to the right place. Meet your new favorite way to eat squash! This recipe transforms a humble vegetable into golden, savory bites that are crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft and sweet on the inside. The best part? It all comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. This is the perfect healthy, flavorful, and fast addition to any weeknight meal. The secret lies in a light dusting of starch, which creates an irresistible texture, while minced garlic and black pepper provide a fragrant, savory kick that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the squash. It’s a sophisticated yet effortless dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Before you start, let’s gather everything you’ll need. The ingredient list is short and simple, and you likely have most of these items in your pantry already. I’ve also included some easy substitutions to make this recipe accessible no matter where you are. You will need: Squash: About 1.5 lbs (or 700g), peeled and seeded. Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons. Minced Garlic: 2-3 cloves, or about 1 tablespoon. Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground for the best flavor. Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon. Any neutral oil like canola, avocado, or sunflower oil will work. A Few Notes on Ingredients: Which Squash to Use? The original recipe calls for “squash” (南瓜), which is a broad term. For this recipe, I highly recommend using butternut squash or kabocha squash (sometimes called Japanese pumpkin). Both have a firm texture that holds up well to roasting and a lovely sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory garlic and pepper. You…

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…