salt – Page 3 – yummy food share

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 Simmered Catfish with Aromatic Perilla

2026-01-05

Are you looking for a dish that is deeply comforting, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare? This Golden Simmered Catfish with Aromatic Perilla is your answer. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe comes together in under an hour. The primary cooking method is a gentle braise, which allows the delicate fish to become incredibly tender while it soaks up a rich, savory broth. The real star of the show, however, is the fresh perilla, an herb that infuses the entire dish with a unique, fragrant aroma that is simply unforgettable. Don’t be intimidated if some ingredients seem unfamiliar; this recipe is forgiving, easy to master, and a fantastic introduction to a classic flavor combination. Let’s get our ingredients ready. The key is to find a good balance between the savory fish, the umami-rich sauce, and the fragrant herbs. Don’t worry if you can’t find the exact items; I’ll provide plenty of easy-to-find alternatives. For the Fish: Yellow Catfish: About 1.5 lbs (around 700g). These are small, tender catfish. Substitution: If you can’t find yellow catfish, regular channel catfish fillets work beautifully. You can also use other firm, white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock. Perilla Leaves: A large handful. Perilla is a unique herb in the mint family with a flavor profile that combines hints of basil, mint, and anise. It’s often found in Asian grocery stores, sometimes under its Japanese name, Shiso. Substitution: Thai basil is an excellent substitute that brings a similar aromatic quality. If you can’t find either, a combination of fresh Italian basil and a few mint leaves will give you a lovely, fragrant alternative. For the Sauce and Seasoning: Peanut Oil: 3 tablespoons. Substitution: Any neutral cooking oil like canola, vegetable, or…

Golden Crispy Garlic Potato Bites

2026-01-05

If you believe that the humble potato has reached its peak with French fries, I’m here to introduce you to your new favorite obsession. Imagine this: bite-sized cubes of potato with a shatteringly crisp, golden-brown shell that gives way to a soft, fluffy interior. This dish, ready in about 30 minutes, uses a simple but brilliant double-frying technique to achieve a level of crunchiness that is truly next-level. While the method might sound a bit advanced, it’s surprisingly straightforward and the results are absolutely worth it. Infused with the savory aroma of garlic and fresh parsley, these potato bites are a perfect side dish, an addictive snack for movie night, or the star appetizer at your next get-together. Prepare to be amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create something so incredibly delicious. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these crunchy marvels. The ingredients are simple, and I’ve included some easy-to-find alternatives so you can head to your kitchen and start cooking right away. Ingredients: Potatoes: 2 large Russet or King Edward potatoes. These starchy varieties are perfect for frying, as they become wonderfully fluffy on the inside. Yukon Golds will also work, though they are slightly waxier. Starch: About 1/2 cup of potato starch or cornstarch. Potato starch is traditionally used and creates a very light, crisp coating. However, cornstarch is a fantastic and widely available substitute that yields a similar crunchy result. Oil for Frying: About 4 cups of a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. Salt: 1 teaspoon for the boiling water, plus more for seasoning. For the Garlic Parsley Seasoning: 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley 1 clove of garlic, minced very finely ½ teaspoon sea salt or flaky salt A Quick Note on Ingredients: The “Garlic…

Delicious Pan-Fried Shrimp Carrot Rounds

2026-01-03

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a simple yet remarkably flavorful dish! This recipe for Savory Shrimp Carrot Rounds is a delightful way to transform humble shrimp into something truly special. With a prep time of about 30 minutes and a cooking time of approximately 30 minutes, this recipe is a fantastic weekend project or a rewarding weeknight meal. It falls into the “easy” difficulty category, perfect for cooks of all levels. The magic lies in its straightforward pan-frying technique that locks in moisture and creates a beautifully golden-brown exterior. The result is a wonderfully savory and fresh bite, packed with the natural sweetness of shrimp and a hint of earthy carrot, making it an irresistible treat that’s surprisingly easy to master. Before we dive into the culinary adventure, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples, making this recipe accessible for everyone. For about 1 pound (450g) of shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped, you’ll need: about ½ cup of finely diced carrot, 2 to 3 scallions (green onions), finely chopped, and about 2 tablespoons of starch (cornstarch or tapioca starch work perfectly). For seasoning, we’ll use ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. A crucial element is the aromatic liquid—we’ll make this by combining the minced ginger, garlic, and roughly chopped parts of the scallions with about 2 tablespoons of water. This mixture helps to infuse flavor and create a tender texture. If you can’t find fresh ginger or garlic, powdered versions can be used, but fresh truly brings out the best flavor. And if you don’t have scallions, the white and light green parts of a leek can be a good substitute, though the flavor profile will be milder. Now, let’s…

Heartwarming Radish and Tofu Soup

2026-01-01

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. If you’re looking for a recipe that is incredibly quick, surprisingly flavorful, and beautifully light, you’ve found it. This Radish and Tofu Soup is a culinary gem that comes together in just about 10 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a simple, restorative lunch. The cooking process is wonderfully straightforward—mostly just simmering—and the resulting flavor is a delicate balance of sweet, savory, and fresh. The unique sweetness from the cooked radish, a savory depth from a secret ingredient, and the silky texture of tofu create a soup that is both comforting and elegantly simple. Don’t be fooled by its pale color; this soup packs a gentle but memorable punch that will have you coming back for a second bowl. Let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, so you won’t need a long shopping list. For the substitutes, I’ve suggested items commonly found in Western supermarkets that will work wonderfully. Ingredients: For the Soup: 1/2 large Daikon Radish (about 1 pound or 450g) 1/2 block (about 7 oz or 200g) Silken or Soft Tofu 1 small handful (about 2 tablespoons) Dried Shrimp 1-inch piece of Ginger 4 cups Boiling Water or a light vegetable broth 1 tablespoon Neutral Oil (like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil) For the Thickener & Garnish: 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (or cornstarch) A handful of fresh Cilantro A pinch of Ground White Pepper A few drops of Toasted Sesame Oil Salt, to taste A Note on Ingredients: Daikon Radish: This large white radish is milder and sweeter than its small red counterparts, especially when cooked. You can find it in most large supermarkets, often in the international…

Golden Fluffy Pumpkin Loaf

2025-12-30

Welcome to your next favorite baking project! If you’ve ever dreamed of a loaf of bread that is as beautiful as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re making a stunning Golden Pumpkin Loaf that boasts a pillowy-soft, feathery crumb and a subtle, natural sweetness from real pumpkin. While this recipe involves a few hours from start to finish, most of that is hands-off rising time, making it a perfect, relaxing activity for a lazy afternoon. The process itself is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginner bakers, especially if you have a stand mixer or bread machine to handle the kneading. The result is a spectacular, golden-hued loaf with an incredibly tender, pull-apart texture that will fill your home with the coziest aroma. Before you roll up your sleeves, let’s gather our ingredients. The magic of this loaf lies in its simple, wholesome components. I’ve provided measurements in both grams for precision and cups for convenience. Don’t worry if you can’t find some specialty items; I’ve got you covered with easy-to-find alternatives. For the Pumpkin Loaf: Bread Flour: 250g (approx. 2 cups) Pumpkin Purée: 150g (approx. 2/3 cup) Large Egg: 55g (about 1 large egg), lightly beaten Granulated Sugar: 20g (approx. 1.5 tbsp) Salt: 2g (approx. ¼ tsp) Instant Yeast: 3g (approx. 1 tsp) Unsalted Butter: 18g (approx. 1.5 tbsp), softened at room temperature For the optional Streusel Topping (酥粒): A few tablespoons of a simple mix of cold butter, flour, and sugar, rubbed together until crumbly. A Few Notes on Ingredients: Pumpkin Purée: Canned pumpkin purée is a fantastic time-saver! Just make sure you grab 100% pure pumpkin, not the pre-spiced pumpkin pie filling. If you prefer to make your own, simply steam or roast pumpkin pieces until tender, then blend into a smooth paste. Bread…

Fiery Golden Fish Stew with Pickled Greens

2025-12-30

Welcome to a dish that will awaken your senses and transport you straight to the heart of Sichuan’s vibrant culinary scene. This Fiery Golden Fish Stew, known locally as Suan Cai Yu, is a masterpiece of flavors, balancing tangy, spicy, and deeply savory notes in one glorious bowl. Don’t let its complex taste profile fool you; this dish is surprisingly straightforward and can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. The magic lies in a rich, golden broth simmered with crisp, piquant pickled mustard greens, which infuse the entire stew with their signature sour kick. Tender, silky fish slices soak up this incredible flavor, creating a dish that is both comforting and exhilarating with every spoonful. To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The star of the show is a special seasoning kit, which makes this recipe incredibly easy to master. Here’s your shopping list: For the Stew: Fish: 1.5 kg (about 3.3 lbs) of a firm, white-fleshed fish. While grass carp is traditional, it can be hard to find. Excellent substitutes include tilapia, cod, haddock, or catfish fillets. Ask your fishmonger to slice them into thin, bite-sized pieces. Sichuan Pickled Vegetable Fish Seasoning Kit: 1 packet (approx. 300g). You can find this at most Asian supermarkets or online. These brilliant all-in-one kits typically contain three smaller packets inside: a fish marinade powder, a packet of pickled mustard greens (the “Suan Cai”), and a soup base concentrate. Cooking Oil: 4-5 tablespoons of a neutral oil like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil. The original recipe calls for a larger amount for a richer, restaurant-style finish, but this quantity works perfectly for a delicious home version. Water or Stock: 0.8 – 1 liter (about 3.5 – 4.5 cups)….

10 Minute Silky Egg and Greens Soup

2025-12-22

Have you ever found yourself staring into the fridge, craving something warm, comforting, and wholesome, but with absolutely zero energy to cook? This recipe is your answer. It’s a phenomenally fast and simple soup that comes together in just 10 minutes from start to finish. Don’t let the speed fool you; this dish is a masterclass in creating deep, savory flavor with minimal effort. Using a classic cooking technique, we’ll create a light yet satisfying broth, packed with tender greens and delicate, cloud-like ribbons of egg. It’s beautifully simple, incredibly forgiving for beginners, and the kind of recipe that will make you feel like a kitchen wizard on even the busiest of weeknights. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started. The ingredient list is short and sweet, and I’ve included some easy-to-find substitutions for items that might not be in your local supermarket. For the Soup (Serves 1-2): Bok Choy: 1 large head. This is a type of leafy green with crisp, white stems and dark green leaves. If you can’t find bok choy, you can easily substitute it with a generous handful of fresh spinach, a few leaves of Swiss chard (chop the stems finely), or even Napa cabbage. Egg: 1 large. Garlic: 2-3 cloves, thinly sliced. Neutral Cooking Oil: 1 tablespoon. Any oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor works, like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil. Salt: To taste, start with about ½ teaspoon. Flaxseed Oil: A few drops for finishing. This is an earthy, nutty finishing oil, not for cooking. A fantastic and more common substitute is toasted sesame oil, which will provide a similar rich, aromatic finish. Do not skip this final touch, as it truly elevates the soup’s aroma! Water: About 2 cups (or 500ml). Now for the fun part! This process is…

Poached Pork Meatballs and Bok Choy Soup

2025-12-22

If you’re searching for a dish that is the very definition of comfort in a bowl, look no further. This recipe for poached pork meatballs and bok choy soup is a revelation in its simplicity and deeply satisfying flavor. It’s a complete meal you can whip up in about 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. The cooking method is gentle poaching, which is the secret to creating unbelievably tender, silky meatballs that practically melt in your mouth. Unlike fried or heavily browned meatballs, these are delicate and juicy, swimming in a clean, savory broth with crisp-tender greens. Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you; the combination of aromatic seasonings creates a flavor profile that is both nuanced and incredibly warming. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly recipe that delivers impressive results every time. Here is everything you will need to get started. Don’t be intimidated by any unfamiliar ingredients; they are usually easy to find in the international aisle of most large supermarkets or at an Asian market, and I’ve included simple substitutes for anything you might not have on hand. The key is to build layers of savory flavor, so tasting and adjusting as you go is always a good idea. For the Meatballs: Ground Pork: 200g (about ½ lb). Lean ground pork is great, but a little fat adds flavor. Ground chicken or turkey would also work well. Egg White: 1 large. This is a crucial binder that gives the meatballs a wonderfully smooth, tender texture. Scallions: 2, finely chopped (white and green parts). Ginger: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated or minced. Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon. This adds a deep, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. If you don’t have it, use an equal amount of Hoisin sauce or a mix of 2 teaspoons soy sauce and…