sesame oil – yummy food share

Irresistible Scallion Garlic Skillet Chicken

2026-01-24

If you’re searching for a dinner that delivers knockout flavor without chaining you to the stove for hours, you’ve just found your new go-to recipe. This pan-fried chicken thigh dish is a masterclass in simplicity and taste. Ready in under an hour and incredibly easy to execute, it’s perfect for both seasoned home cooks and anyone just starting their culinary journey. The magic lies in its two-part flavor process: a savory marinade that tenderizes the chicken into juicy perfection, and a fresh, aromatic scallion and garlic topping that’s added right at the end. The chicken is pan-fried to achieve that irresistibly crispy skin, while the inside remains wonderfully moist. It’s a beautifully balanced dish that celebrates the pure, savory goodness of its ingredients, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any weeknight meal. Before we get to the fun part, let’s gather our ingredients. The list is short and features many pantry staples. Don’t worry if you can’t find one or two specific items; I’ve included some easy swaps that work beautifully. For the Chicken: 4 medium boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs or 700g) 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or regular all-purpose soy sauce) 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (For that beautiful color! If you don’t have it, you can use an extra teaspoon of light soy sauce, perhaps with a tiny drop of molasses or a pinch of brown sugar for color.) 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or any neutral cooking oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil) For the Scallion Garlic Topping: 3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced 3 scallions (green onions), finely chopped 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil A quick note on ingredients: Dark soy sauce is thicker, darker, and less salty than light soy…

Savory Sunrise Pork Patty

2026-01-07

Welcome to one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes! If you’re looking for a dish that is bursting with savory, umami flavor but is incredibly simple and quick to make, you’ve found it. This steamed pork patty is a true gem, ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. The magic of this dish lies in its cooking method—steaming. It’s a gentle technique that locks in all the moisture and flavor, resulting in a patty that is unbelievably tender and juicy. The combination of earthy mushrooms, crunchy carrots, and a special savory ingredient creates a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s a wonderfully easy recipe that delivers a deeply satisfying meal with minimal fuss, and it’s guaranteed to have you reaching for a second bowl of rice. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish. Many of these ingredients are pantry staples, but I’ve included some easy-to-find substitutions for the more specialized items. For the Patty: 350g (about 0.75 lb) Ground Pork: For the juiciest result, I recommend a blend with a little fat, like 80/20. 10 Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: These provide a deep, earthy umami flavor that is essential to the dish. You can find them in most supermarkets or Asian grocery stores. 1 small handful of Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms: Also known as black fungus, these have a wonderful, slightly crunchy texture but not much flavor. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with finely chopped fresh cremini mushrooms or simply omit them. 1/2 Small Carrot 2 tablespoons Dong Cai (Preserved Tianjin Vegetable): This is the secret ingredient! It’s a type of pickled leafy green that adds an intense salty and savory depth. You can find it in vacuum-sealed packs or jars at Asian markets. If unavailable,…

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…

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…

Hearty Tomato Meatball and Tofu Soup

2025-12-16

If you’re ever in need of a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this is it. This beautifully rustic soup is a one-pot wonder, ready in about 20 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. Its genius lies in its simplicity. While the flavor profile is complex—a vibrant, savory tomato broth that’s perfectly balanced with a tangy sweetness—the process is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll be creating tender, juicy, homemade meatballs and simmering them with silky tofu in a rich, ruby-red broth that looks as incredible as it tastes. Don’t let the idea of making meatballs from scratch intimidate you; it’s the easiest and most rewarding part of this recipe. This dish is pure comfort, proving that sophisticated flavors don’t always require hours in the kitchen. Here is everything you’ll need to get started. Don’t worry if you can’t find an exact ingredient; this recipe is very forgiving and I’ve included some easy swaps you can find in any major supermarket. For the Meatballs: Ground Pork: 300g (about 2/3 lb). Ground chicken or turkey are also fantastic alternatives. For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of pork and beef. Minced Ginger: 1 tablespoon. You can use ginger paste from a jar if you’re short on time. Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma. Salt: 1 teaspoon. Chicken Essence (or Bouillon Powder): 1/2 teaspoon. This is a flavor enhancer that adds savory depth (umami). If you prefer to avoid it, you can substitute it with a pinch of mushroom powder or simply rely on the salt and pepper for seasoning. Sweet Potato Starch: 2 tablespoons. This is the secret to tender, juicy meatballs that hold their shape. If you can’t find it in the international aisle, cornstarch is an excellent and readily…

Vibrant Cabbage Cucumber Salad with Spicy Sesame

2025-12-05

Hello fellow food adventurers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s incredibly quick, delightfully crunchy, and bursting with a unique flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish, at its heart, is a simple tossed salad, but don’t let its ease fool you. It’s a masterclass in balancing textures and tastes, coming together in just about 20 minutes with minimal effort. Perfect for a busy weeknight or as a vibrant side dish to impress, it features crisp purple cabbage and refreshing cucumber tossed in a dressing that has just the right amount of kick. Get ready to wow yourself and your guests with this one – it’s wonderfully forgiving and endlessly adaptable! Let’s talk ingredients! For this delightful salad, you’ll need: Purple Cabbage: About half a medium head, finely shredded. It’s the star for its color and crunch. Cucumber: 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced then cut into matchsticks. English or Persian cucumbers work wonderfully here for their thin skin and fewer seeds. Garlic: 2-3 cloves, finely minced. This adds a pungent depth. Millet Pepper (小米椒): 1-2 small fresh chilies, finely minced. These are tiny but pack a punch! If you can’t find them at your local Asian market, you can substitute with finely minced Thai chilies or a Serrano pepper. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. White Sesame Seeds: 1-2 tablespoons, toasted for maximum flavor. Salt: About 1 teaspoon for brining and a pinch for seasoning. Sugar: 1 tablespoon for brining and 1 teaspoon for the dressing. Soy Sauce: 1-2 tablespoons. This brings that essential umami depth. Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. The original recipe calls for “香醋” (fragrant vinegar), which is typically a dark, aged black vinegar with a complex profile. If you can’t find it, a good quality rice vinegar or even a balsamic vinegar…

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…

Vibrant Garden Beans Freshly Tossed

2025-11-28

Welcome to a delightful culinary exploration that brings a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor right to your table! Today, we’re diving into a simple yet immensely satisfying recipe for a refreshing bean dish. Often overlooked, beans like the ones featured here are nutritional powerhouses, brimming with dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. They are low in calories yet packed with well-balanced nutrition, making them a fantastic addition to any healthy eating plan. This particular preparation focuses on enhancing the natural crispness and bright green hue of the beans, creating a dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. With a preparation time of just about 20 minutes, this recipe might be labeled as slightly advanced in its original context, but rest assured, it’s incredibly approachable for home cooks. The real magic lies in achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture and infusing it with a nuanced, subtly spicy, and zesty dressing. It’s a dish that truly sings with freshness, perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side, or a palate cleanser. Ingredients You’ll Need Gathering your ingredients is the first step to achieving a truly spectacular outcome. Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful bean toss: Yardlong Beans (or Long Beans): About 1 pound (approx. 450g). These are long, slender beans. If you can’t find them, regular green beans (string beans) or even snap peas can be used as a substitute, though the texture and shape will differ slightly. Garlic: 2-3 cloves, finely minced. Small Red Chilies: 2, thinly sliced into rings. For a milder heat, you can deseed them or use half a jalapeño. If you love spice, add an extra chili! Light Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons. This is your primary savory and umami component. Regular soy sauce works, but light soy sauce is less salty and gives a…

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,…