Chinese Cookbook

58 Recipes You Can Make at Home!

BY

April Blomgren

Copyright 2020 April Blomgren

License Notes

No part of this Book can be reproduced in any form or by any means including print, electronic, scanning or photocopying unless prior permission is granted by the author.

All ideas, suggestions and guidelines mentioned here are written for informative purposes. While the author has taken every possible step to ensure accuracy, all readers are advised to follow information at their own risk. The author cannot be held responsible for personal and/or commercial damages in case of misinterpreting and misunderstanding any part of this Book

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Common Ingredients used in Chinese Recipes

Cooking Methods

Tools for Chinese Recipes

Appetizers

Tea Eggs

Fried Wontons

Shrimp Toast

Pork and Shrimp Shumai

Cold Sesame Noodles

Shrimp Balls

Spring Rolls

Fried Cuttlefish Balls

Poultry

General Tso's Chicken

Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ginger Chicken

Peanut Butter Chicken

Chengdu Chicken (Chicken with Hot Bean Paste)

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Vegetarian

Mapo Tofu

Bok Choy With Garlic and Ginger

Broccoli with Braised Shiitake Mushrooms

Spicy Garlic Eggplant

Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts

Chinese-Style Vermicelli

Tempeh Stir-Fry

Okra Stir-Fry

Seafood

Crab Rangoon

Shanghai Shrimp Stir-Fry

Kung Pao Shrimp

Tung Ting Shrimp

Crab Egg Foo Young

Chinese Steamed Fish Fillet

Ginger and Scallion Crab

Crispy Honey Shrimp

Beef & Pork

Shanghai Pork Chops

Sichuan Twice-Cooked Pork

Pork in Hoisin Sauce

Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple

Pork with Ginger and Soy Sauce

Pork Tenderloin and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Kung Pao Beef

Szechuan Beef

Beef Chop Suey

Chinese Pepper Steak

Rice & Noodle Recipes

Fried Rice

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Singapore Noodles

Pork Chow Mein

Chicken, Pork, And Shrimp Lo Mein

Soups and Stews

Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Seaweed Soup

Lotus Root with Pork Ribs Soup

Watercress and Pork Soup

Sweet Peanut Soup

Corn and Pork Ribs Soup

Jade Soup

Desserts

Chinese Doughnuts

8-Treasure Rice

Banana Wontons

Rice Cake

Egg Tarts

Conclusion

Author's Afterthoughts

About the Author

Introduction

Honestly, I want to thank and congratulate you for downloading this book, "Chinese cookbook: 58 Recipes you can make at home". This book indeed contains some of the most loved dishes eaten in China.

In China, food brings people together. Milestones are celebrated, honoured guests are shown due respect, and although business isn't supposed to be discussed while eating, business deals are made at the table. For a brief and delicious moment, people forget their troubles, connecting and sharing through food.

Many people believe that when it comes to cooking Chinese food, it is very complicated. This is not necessarily true, it's easy to prepare many Chinese recipes at home.

They use their spices cleverly, in techniques that go back thousands of years. Their expertise in preparing foods, once often served only to royals, is now readily available to people all over the world, so you’ll be happy to recreate some of these soups at home. Typical foods include rice or noodles that offer starches and carbs, and they are often served alongside dishes with fish, meat and vegetables. The Chinese use a great many fresh and tasty vegetables. Their foods focus not only on the taste but also on their aroma and appearance.

Most of the recipes in this book are simple to prepare and can be adapted to your particular preferences. The more you cook, the more skillful and knowledgeable you will be. Never despair when you make an error, for you will learn through mistakes and get better with practice.

Let’s get cooking!

Common Ingredients used in Chinese Recipes

Chinese dishes are actually famous all around the world. They are looked upon as more fattening and lacking in spices. Authentic Chinese dishes favor mostly vegetables, rice, and soybeans, while

Soy sauce

Indeed, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and regular soy sauce are all made from fermented soybeans. Light soy sauce is lighter in color though stronger in terms of saltiness. Dark soy sauce has been fermented for a longer duration. It is less salty, slightly sweet, and has a rich caramel color. Regular soy sauce is somewhat in between light and dark sauces.

Cooking Oil

Peanut oil is used for its added fragrance. It has a taste that complements most Chinese dishes and a high smoke point, making it perfect for stir-frying. Low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats, peanut oil is very heart-healthy.

Corn and soy oil can also be used.

Sesame oil is used to add flavor rather than frying and is usually drizzled over dishes before serving. 

Ginger, garlic, and scallions (spring onion)

These are used fresh in various forms — whole, crushed, grated, or chopped. They are used for flavor and to remove “odours” as well as for their medicinal benefits.

Five-spice Powder

A combination of fennel, peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves

Rice Vinegar

This is what is traditionally used in Chinese recipes. It can be either white or black. It does add a distinct flavor to Asian dishes.

Oyster Sauce

A rich, thick, brown sauce made from oysters and soy sauce adds flavor to many dishes.

Cornstarch

Commonly mixed in water and used for thickening sauces. A slurry of cornstarch and water is usually added to simmering ingredients to arrive at the right amount of sauce to coat the ingredients. It’s also used to make crispy coatings for fried meats, vegetables, and seafood.

Salt

Salt is highly valued in Chinese cooking. It brings all flavors to life. (Which is why some doctors forbid Chinese food for patients who need to watch their sodium intake.)

Rice Wine or Shaoxing

Made from fermented glutinous rice, it adds a nice flavor to dishes. Rice wine is used in marinating and braising. Its flavor is somewhat similar to dry sherry. It is added by pouring around the rim of the wok when stir-frying for quicker dispersion of alcohol and better flavor. It is also mixed with spices and soy sauce for making sauces or marinades. Substitutes are dry sherry and sake. If you use mirin, add ½ a tsp of sugar for every tbsp of mirin.

Chicken Stock Granules or chicken bouillon powder

It’s useful for adding a touch of flavor to cooked vegetables. It's essentially dehydrated chicken stock, but with additional seasonings. The flavor is less intense than bouillon cubes.

Dried Shiitake Mushrooms

Dried shiitake mushrooms add deep, savory flavor to Chinese dishes. Easily available at all Asian markets and some grocery stores, they can be stored in your pantry for months, if not years. Use whole mushrooms as the star ingredient in a dish or slice them into thin strips to add depth. Only soak them in a bowl of water overnight, or a pinch, boil them for about 20 minutes to soften.

Shallots

Shallots are a bit like red onion, but sweeter and milder in flavor, with a slight garlic hint. They make a good substitute for onion. In Asia, crispy fried shallots are a popular condiment or garnish.

Cilantro

Cilantro adds fresh, bright flavor to a dish. Because of its strong fragrance, it is seldom used as an actual ingredient but commonly used as a garnish.

Cooking Methods

Chinese cuisine makes use of various techniques in cooking. Chinese chefs aim to preserve the freshness, color, nutrients, and texture of foods through the following methods:

Frying

Although done in a wok, frying is not a popular cooking method in authentic Chinese cuisine.

Stir-Fry

It is a quick, low-fat, and nutrient-preserving method of cooking. The ingredients are cooked in an ultra-hot wok with minimal oil and frequent stirring. The result is a hot, fresh dish of crisp and tasty ingredients. Large woks are preferred for better distribution of heat and more desirable texture and flavor. The key to stir-frying is to start with a very hot wok before adding oil.

Steaming

Chinese ingenuity and innovation are well-represented by this time, space, and fuel-saving cooking method. The steamer is made up of bamboo baskets stacked on top of the other, in about three layers. Several kinds of food can certainly be cooked at a time over slow-boiling water. Popular steamed dishes are dim sums, such as buns or dumplings, pancakes, and fish.

Red Stewing

The name is taken from the resulting rich, brown color of the dishes using this cooking method. Unlike stir-fry, which uses the least amount of cooking time possible, this method requires several hours of cooking. Meat is usually seared first and cooked with soy sauce, rice wine, and traditional spices until tender and tasty.

Roasting

Large pieces of meat or whole chicken and duck are roasted in ovens. These are then chopped or sliced thinly and are usually served with a thick sauce or gravy.

Boiling

Commonly used for vegetables, which are boiled quickly, drained, and then served with a thick sauce. Noodles and soups are also cooked using this method. Poaching fish is often cooked using this method. A tasty broth is used to impart flavor.

Deep frying

The resulting dishes are crisp and tasty.

Tools for Chinese Recipes

The basic tools are more or less the same as those found in any regular kitchen. Here are some useful tools that will give your cooking fun and authentic.

Wok

When it comes to choosing a wok, a good-quality wok is essential but more expensive one does not always mean better. Chefs prefer large woks for more efficient heat distribution and better results in terms of texture and flavor.

Rice cooker

This is a handy item for Chinese cooking. It does away the need to continually watch the rice cooking and gives you time to make other preparations. Moreover, the rice cooker can be used for boiling and steaming.

Steamer

The traditional steamer makes use of tiers of bamboo baskets, but modern designs can be metal. This is used for dim sum and fish dishes.

Cleaver

A large knife used for cutting, slicing, and chopping. The flat side doubles as a smasher or crusher for garlic, ginger, and peppercorns.

Chopsticks

Chopsticks are indispensable to the Chinese cook. They can be used to pick up ingredients, loosen noodle strands, mix, flip, and even measure powdered ingredients. The chopsticks for cooking are made of bamboo or wood and are longer than regular ones.

Chinese scissors

These make cutting much easier and faster than using knives. They can be used for meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and herbs.

Spider strainer

This tool is used for scooping and straining at the same time. It has a web-shaped mesh and is ideal for freshly-boiled noodles and deep-fried rolls, chicken, or seafood.  

Appetizers

Tea Eggs

Serves: 8

Prep time: 10minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp dark soy sauce

3 tbsp loose black tea leaves

1 whole star anise

¼ cup Shaoxing cooking wine or dry sherry

1 (2-inch) piece cassia bark or cinnamon bark

1 tsp sugar

8 large eggs

Directions:

1. To make tea broth: In a medium pot over medium-high heat, combine the wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, tea leaves, star anise, cassia bark, sugar, and 3 cups water. Bring just to a simmer, stirring frequently.

2. Reduce the heat to low. Then, simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Next, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another medium pot, discard the solids, and return the broth to the medium pot.

4. Put the eggs in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, and cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce the heat to low. Then, simmer for 8 minutes. Drain and discard the water.

6. Next, using the back of your spoon, gently tap the shells of the eggs, so they are cracked all over.

7. Do not peel the eggs; they should look like they are webbed with cracks.

8. Put the cracked eggs in the pot of tea broth over medium-high heat and bring just to a boil.

9. Reduce the heat to low. Then, simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.

10. Remove from the heat. Then, cool in the broth.

11. Transfer the eggs and broth to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Fried Wontons

Serves: 50 wontons

Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pack (about 50 pieces) wonton wrappers

Oil for frying

For the filling

1 lb. ground pork

2 tbsp scallions, finely chopped

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice wine

½ tsp sugar 1 tbsp peanut oil

⅛ tsp ground white pepper

For the dipping sauce

1 tbsp water

1 tbsp sugar

1 ½ tbsp light soy sauce

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp rice vinegar

1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

For the filling

1. Combine all ingredients for the filling. Then, mix thoroughly, with your hands or a food processor, until the mixture is paste-like in consistency.

To make the wontons

1. First, line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Place a wrapper on a plate or clean surface and put about a tsp of filling in the center.

2. Moisten the wrapper with a dab of water around the filling. This will help the sides of the wrapper to stick together. Fold into either a rectangle or a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal.

3. For rectangles, bring bottom corners together until they overlap, moisten with water, and press to seal.

4. For triangles, bring the side corners together until they overlap and seal. Repeat until the filling is used up.

5. Arrange the wontons on the lined baking sheet, leaving space to prevent sticking. To store them, cover with plastic wrap and freeze. They keep for two months when frozen.

For dipping sauce

1. Prepare the sauce before frying the wontons, so the flavors can meld while the sauce is left standing. Simply whisk the sauce ingredients together in your bowl.

To fry

1. Heat enough oil for frying in a wok or pan over medium heat. The oil should approximately be 2 to 3 inches deep.

2. Fry the wontons in batches, turning over if needed, or keeping them submerged for even frying.

3. Let them drain on paper towels.

4. Serve with the dipping sauce.

Shrimp Toast

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cloves garlic, crushed

8 oz. shrimp, cooked and peeled

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 large egg

4 slices white bread, crusts removed

1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

2 tbsp vegetable oil

Sour and sweet sauce, to use as a dip

Directions:

1. In a blender or a food processor, puree the shrimp and garlic.

2. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg. Pulse or process a little longer until paste-like in consistency.

3. Spread the paste on the bread slices. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

4. Press down on the sesame seeds with a spatula, so they stick to the paste.

5. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.

6. Cut the bread into small triangles and fry them with the spread side up until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

7. Then, drain on a cooling rack or a plate lined with paper towels.

8. Serve with sweet and sour sauce.

Pork and Shrimp Shumai

Serves: 25 shumais

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

½ lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

½ lb. ground pork

3 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp grated ginger

½ tsp salt

2 pinches ground white pepper

2 tsp Shaoxing wine

25 round wonton wrappers

½ carrot, finely minced

Directions:

1. Mince the shrimp by flattening each piece with the side of a knife, then roughly chopping each one.

2. Mix the shrimp and the ground pork.

3. Add the sesame oil, cornstarch, soy sauce, ginger, salt, pepper, and Shaoxing wine to the shrimp and pork. Combine thoroughly.

4. Make an “O” with your thumb and index finger. Place one wonton wrapper on the “O” and gently press it down to create a small cup.

5. Using a tsp, fill the wonton cup to the top with some pork and shrimp mixture. Use the back of the tsp to press the filling into the cup.

6. Line a bamboo steamer with parchment paper liners or napa cabbage leaves. Arrange the shumai on top of the liners or leaves.

7. Top each shumai with a bit of minced carrot.

8. Steam for 10 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.

Cold Sesame Noodles

Serves: 7

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

6 oz. whole-grain spaghetti

2 tbsp sesame oil, divided

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

2 tsp brown sugar or honey

2 tsp peanut butter

1 carrot, julienned

1-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced

2 scallions, chopped

1 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions:

1. First, cook the spaghetti according to the own package directions for al dente. Rinse the noodles under cold water and toss in 1 tbsp of sesame oil to prevent the noodles from sticking.

2. Second, in a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tbsp of sesame oil, the soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and peanut butter, mixing well.

3. Pour the mixture over the noodles then add the carrot, ginger, scallions, and sesame seeds, tossing to combine.

4. Serve chilled.

Shrimp Balls 

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 9 minutes

Ingredients:

½ tsp grated ginger

1/ 4 tsp sesame oil

3 tsp cornstarch, as needed

1 egg

8 freshwater chestnuts

1 lb. medium shrimps, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp rice wine or rice vinegar

½ green onion, chopped

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. First, heat the oil for deep frying to 350F

2. Soak the shrimps in warm, lightly salted water for 5 minutes.

3. Pat dry on paper towels

4. Mince and mix well the shrimp and water chestnuts.

5. Mix the green onion, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, egg, pepper, and cornstarch.

6. Form your mixture into small balls.

7. Next, add the shrimp balls to the hot oil gradually, adding only a few at a time so as not to overcrowd the oil-heated wok.

8. Deep fry the balls approximately for 4 minutes, turning constantly, until they are crispy and golden.

9. Then, remove and drain on paper towels.

10. Lastly, serve the shrimp balls with sweet and sour sauce, hot mustard, or plum sauce.

Spring Rolls

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

6 Shrimps (peeled and chopped) 

1 piece Bean curd (diced) 

2 cloves garlic (chopped)

2 Shallots (chopped)

1 Jicama (shredded) 

1 Carrot (shredded) 

6 Long Beans (chopped) 

¼ tsp Salt

¼ tsp Sugar

¼ tsp White Pepper

4 Popiah skin/ wrappers

¼ tsp Oil

2 tbsp. Paste for sealing Cornstarch

5 tbsp. Water 

Directions:

1. Heat a little oil in a pan. Then, fry bean curd till slightly brown. Put aside till needed.

2. Use a wok to heat oil and fry shallots and garlic. Then add shrimp, beans, jicama, and carrots.

3. Season with pepper, salt, and sugar and cook for 5 minutes. Take a wrapper, lay flat, and put filling in the middle with some bean curd.

4. Fold two sides of wrapper inwards and roll tightly. Use the paste to seal and deep fry till golden.

5. Next, put on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

6. Serve with chili sauce.

Fried Cuttlefish Balls

Serves: 3

Prep time: 7 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

12 Cuttlefish balls

Oil for frying 

1 tbsp. Chili sauce 

Directions:

1. Defrost cuttlefish balls and pat dry with a paper towel.

2. Heat oil in pot and cook cuttlefish balls till they are golden.

3. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon.

4. Next, put on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

5. Put three cuttlefish balls on a skewer.

6. Repeat and drizzle with chili sauce.

Poultry

General Tso's Chicken

Serves: 4

Prep time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pieces chicken fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces

For the marinade and sauce

3 tbsp soy sauce 3 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp cornstarch

¼ cup white vinegar

½ cup hoisin sauce

1 ½ cups water

For sautéing

½ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp grated fresh ginger

4 cloves garlic, minced

For coating and deep-frying

½ tsp baking soda

1 ½ cups cornstarch

½ cup all-purpose flour

4 cups of vegetable oil

3 egg whites

For garnish

2 green onions, chopped

Directions:

1. First, combine the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl.

2. Separate ⅓ cup of the marinade and use it to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes, refrigerated. Set aside the remaining, for the sauce.

3. Heat a wok over high and heat the oil.

4. Reduce the heat to medium-high, and add the garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes.

5. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in the remaining sauce mixture (about 2 cups) and cook, continually stirring, until thickened. Remove it from the heat and cover. Keep it warm.

6. Next, in a bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. In a separate bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients for the coating, and mix until the consistency is similar to a coarse meal. Drain the marinated chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.

7. Then, dip each piece in the egg whites and then coat with the cornstarch mixture. Fry the chicken at 350°F until it is golden brown (about 3 minutes).

8. Drain on paper towels. Reheat the sauce to a simmer.

9. Add the chicken and stir to coat.

10. Serve.

Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Serves: 5

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tbsp peanut oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ onion, thinly sliced

2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, nicely cut into thin strips

1½ tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp fish sauce

½ cup cashews, lightly roasted

1 scallion, chopped

Directions:

1. In a wok over medium heat, heat the peanut oil.

2. Add the garlic and onion and stir-fry until fragrant.

3. Add the chicken, then stir-fry until the chicken is almost fully cooked.

4. Combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, and add to the chicken.

5. Next, increase the heat to high, stir well to mix, and continue stirring until the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Stir in the cashew nuts.

7. Garnish with the chopped scallion and serve.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Serves: 5

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tsp soy sauce Pinch ground white pepper

2 tsp cornstarch

2 tbsp peanut oil

10 oz. boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces

¼ cup Sweet and Sour Sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 carrot, sliced

1 scallion, chopped

1 small onion, cut into wedges

1 red bell pepper, nicely cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions:

1. Pour the soy sauce, white pepper, and cornstarch over the chicken breast and toss to combine. Then, marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

2. In a wok over medium-high heat, heat the peanut oil.

3. Add the chicken and stir-fry until slightly golden brown on all sides. Remove it from the wok and set it aside.

4. Next, add the garlic and stir-fry for about 20 seconds. Add the sweet and sour sauce, followed by the carrot, onion, and bell pepper.

5. Return the chicken to the wok, then mix all the ingredients well. Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving plate.

6. Garnish with the chopped scallion.

Ginger Chicken

Serves: 2

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

2 chicken breast halves, nicely cut into bite-size pieces

The Marinade

½ tsp salt Pinch ground white pepper

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp peanut oil

2-inch piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

2 tbsp water

2 bunches scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions:

1. Pour 1 tsp of sesame oil, the salt, pepper, and cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat. Then, marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

2. In a wok over medium-high heat, heat the peanut oil.

3. Add the chicken and stir-fry in two batches until fully cooked.

4. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.

5. Next, add the remaining 1 tbsp of sesame oil to the wok. Add the ginger and stir-fry for about 1 minute.

6. Return the chicken to the wok. Then, add the water and soy sauce. Stir-fry until the sauce thickens a little.

7. Add the scallions, stir well to combine, turn off the heat, and serve.  

Peanut Butter Chicken

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

¾ cup milk

3 cups crushed Corn Flakes

1 ½ lb. boneless chicken cutlets

3 tbsp creamy peanut butter

1 egg

Salt and pepper

Vegetable or canola oil

For Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce

3 tbsp brown sugar

¾ cup water (adjust to get desired thickness)

½ cup creamy peanut butter, or to taste

A few drops of honey

Directions:

1. Whisk together milk, 3 tbsp of creamy peanut butter, egg. Then, sprinkle in a few dashes of salt and pepper.

2. Soak chicken in mixture for 5 minutes. -While chicken is soaking, put sauce ingredients in a glass measuring cup or another microwavable container.

3. Start with ½ cup water and add more to reach desired consistency. Microwave mixture for 30 seconds, then whisk to combine. Microwave another 30 seconds until hot.

4. Next, add more water if necessary, to make mixture thinner. Coat soaked chicken pieces in corn flakes. Then, cook in oil until browned on both sides and cooked through.

5. Lastly, drizzle with peanut butter sauce and serve.

Chengdu Chicken (Chicken with Hot Bean Paste)

Serves: 4

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, trimmed and cut into cubes

¼ cup vegetable oil, divided

½ bunch spinach washed and drained

Salt, to taste

1 garlic clove, minced

2 slices ginger, minced

1 tbsp hot bean paste

½ tsp sesame oil, or to taste

1 green onion, chopped

1 tsp freshly ground Szechuan pepper

For the Marinade:

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine

¼ tsp sesame oil

3 tsp cornstarch

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine

1 tbsp soy sauce

2 tsp rice or red wine vinegar

1 tsp sugar

For the Thickener:

1½ tsp cornstarch

2 tbsp water

Directions:

1. Combine the first three marinade ingredients and add chicken.

2. Sprinkle with cornstarch and rub to coat. Let marinate for 25 minutes.

3. Next, stir sauce ingredients together in a bowl and set aside—heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok, frying pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add spinach and stir-fry until wilted. Then, transfer to a serving dish and set aside. Wipe pan clean, if needed, and add remaining oil.

5. Add chicken and stir-fry until browned on the outside (about 5–7 minutes). Transfer to a plate.

6. Add garlic, ginger, and hot bean paste and stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds)—return chicken to wok and stir to coat with bean paste. Push chicken to the side.

7. Stir in sauce mixture.

8. Give thickener a quick stir and stir into sauce. Continue stirring until thickened—coat chicken with sauce.

9. Stir in green onion and sesame oil

10. Sprinkle with Szechuan pepper.

11. Pile on top of spinach and serve.

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

Serves: 6

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 ½ lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced 

Salt and black pepper

2 carrots, thinly sliced

2 onions, chopped

1 cup broccoli, chopped into florets

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced

¼ cup cashews, chopped finely

1 tbsp honey

2 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

2 tbsp water

2 tbsp grapeseed oil

Cooked rice for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper

2. Mix honey, sesame oil, cashews, ginger, and water. Set aside.

3. Heat oil on medium-high in the wok.

4. Add onions and sauté until soft, about a minute.

5. Add carrots and broccoli and cook until tender. Turn the heat down to medium.

6. Put the vegetables on the side of the wok and cook the chicken for 5 minutes.

7. Add the pineapple and mix everything in the middle with the sauce and cook until warm, about 1-2 minutes.

8. Serve with rice if desired and enjoy!

Vegetarian

Mapo Tofu

Serves: 4

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For thickener

½ cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 tsp cornstarch

2 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

For stir-fry

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp ginger, minced

4 green onions, white part only, minced

1 tbsp fermented black beans, roughly chopped

½ tsp Sichuan peppercorns, black seeds removed, ground

6 oz. vegetarian ground meat substitute*

2 tsp chili bean paste

14-oz. block silken tofu, drained and cut into

¾-inch cubes

For garnish

Green onions, green part only, minced

Directions:

1. First, in a bowl, mix the ingredients for the thickener. Set aside. Heat the sesame oil in a wok over high heat.

2. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and green onions until fragrant.

3. Add the black beans and Sichuan pepper. Stir for a few seconds.

4. Next, add the ground pork and break up any lumps while stirring.

5. Cook until the pork is browned. Stir in chili bean paste, mixing well.

6. Add the tofu pieces and toss, being careful not to mash them.

7. Stir the thickener and pour it into the wok.

8. Stir the contents of the wok and bring the sauce to a boil.

9. When the sauce is thickened, remove the wok from the heat.

10. Lastly, garnish with green onion and serve with rice.

Bok Choy With Garlic and Ginger

Serves: 5

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1-inch piece ginger, peeled and julienned

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced

4 heads bok choy, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tbsp Shaoxing wine

½ tsp chicken stock granules

¼ tsp salt

Directions:

1. Pour the olive oil into a cold wok then add the garlic and ginger.

2. Turn the heat to medium-high. When the garlic starts to brown just a little, add the bok choy and stir-fry for a few seconds.

3. Add the Shaoxing wine, which will help steam the bok choy. Add a little water if needed. Sprinkle the chicken stock granules over the bok choy and stir well.

4. Lastly, when the stems of the bok choy are tender, they are ready to eat.

Broccoli with Braised Shiitake Mushrooms

Serves: 7

Prep time: 40 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Sauce

¼ cup water, plus

2 tbsp for cornstarch mixture

¼ cup oyster sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

2 pinches ground white pepper

2 tsp cornstarch

For the Broccoli

2 heads broccoli, cut into florets

4 Dried Shiitake Mushrooms

1 tbsp peanut oil

1 tbsp sesame oil

Directions:

1. Soak the shiitake mushrooms in water for a few hours or overnight until soft. If pressed for time, boil them in water for 30 minutes.

2. Rinse the mushrooms well, remove their stems, and squeeze as much water as possible. Set them aside.

3. Next, in a small bowl, prepare the sauce by combining ¼ cup of water and the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and pepper. Set it aside.

4. Then, in another small bowl, combine 2 tbsp of water and the cornstarch. Set it aside.

5. On a metal steaming rack in a wok over high heat, steam the broccoli florets for 5 minutes. Set them aside and discard the water from the wok.

6. Return the wok to the stovetop. Allow the wok to dry completely. Over medium-low heat, heat the peanut oil and sesame oil.

7. Add the sauce and mushrooms to the wok. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Increase the heat to high. Then, add the cornstarch-water mixture, stirring to thicken the sauce.

9. Put the broccoli on a round serving plate in a circle along the edge. Pour the mushrooms and sauce in the center of the plate and serve.

Spicy Garlic Eggplant

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Sauce

1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar or Chinese black vinegar

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp dark soy sauce

1½ tsp brown sugar

2 tsp chili bean paste

For the Stir-Fry

2 Chinese or Japanese eggplant, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tsp cornstarch

3 tbsp peanut oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 scallion, chopped

Directions:

1. First, in a small bowl, prepare the sauce by mixing the soy sauce, vinegar, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili bean paste. Set it aside.

2. Dust the eggplant with a light layer of cornstarch.

3. Next, in a wok over medium-high heat, heat the peanut oil.

4. Stir-fry the eggplant until cooked almost all the way through.

5. Add the garlic and stir-fry until aromatic.

6. Add the sauce to the wok, stir-frying until all the ingredients are mixed, then remove from the heat.

7. Transfer the eggplant to a serving dish. Lastly, garnish with the chopped scallion.

Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts

Serves: 5

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tbsp peanut oil

1 garlic clove, minced

½ carrot, julienned

4 cups fresh mung bean sprouts, rinsed

2 tsp soy sauce

¼ cup chopped garlic chives or scallions (1-inch pieces)

Pinch ground white pepper

Directions:

1. In a wok over high heat, heat the peanut oil.

2. Add the garlic. Then, stir-fry for just a few seconds until aromatic.

3. Add the carrot and stir-fry for 2 or 3 seconds.

4. Toss the bean sprouts into the wok, followed by the soy sauce. Stir well for a few seconds, then turn off the heat.

5. Add the garlic chives and pepper at the last minute, and transfer to a serving bowl.

Chinese-Style Vermicelli

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

½ tbsp Chili sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp Soy sauce

1 package or 8 oz. Dried rice noodles

Pepper and salt to taste

2 tbsp Vegetable oil

1 green onion, chopped

Directions:

1. First, boil water in a large pot. Cook rice noodles for about 2 minutes until tender then drain.

2. Next, heat oil in a large saucepan and fry garlic until tender.

3. Put in noodles and flavor with pepper, salt, chili sauce and soy sauce.

4. Sprinkle green onions before serving.

Tempeh Stir-Fry

Serves: 4

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups tempeh, cubed

2 Portobello mushrooms, cubed

3 baby bok choy, sliced

2 carrots, diced

2 tbsp, grapeseed oil

2 cups cooked brown rice

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp peanut sauce

1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

¼ tsp cayenne pepper, more if you like

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cumin

Directions:

1. Mix all of your ingredients for the sauce together in a small mixing bowl. Blend well until smooth and set aside.

2. Heat the oil on medium-high and put in mushrooms and carrots. Sauté until they become tender.

3. Add bok choy and tempeh. Turn the heat down to medium.

4. Fry everything until softened, and then add the sauce.

5. Cook for 5 minutes and serve.

Okra Stir-Fry

Serves: 2

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil

1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn

2 dried chili peppers, chopped

7 oz. okra, cut into bite-size pieces

2 tsp light soy sauce

Directions:

1. First, heat oil in a wok, skillet, or frying pan over medium heat. Stir-fry Sichuan peppercorn until dark and fragrant (about 1 minute). Fish out the peppercorns and discard. Add chili and stir-fry briefly (about 30 seconds).

2. Adjust heat to high.

3. Add okra and stir-fry to blanch and coat with oil (1 minute). Add soy sauce. Reduce heat if needed.

4. Continue stir-frying until okra is cooked through (about 3 minutes).

5. Serve hot.

Seafood

Crab Rangoon

Serves: 10

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 (14 oz.) Package Small Won Ton Wrappers

2 (8 oz.) Packages Cream Cheese, Softened

1/ 2 tsp Dried Parsley

1/ 2 tsp Chopped Fresh Cilantro

1 tsp Minced Fresh Ginger Root

3 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce

1 lb. Crabmeat, Shredded

4 cups Oil for Frying

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet

2. Take a bowl and add soy sauce, ginger, garlic, cilantro, crabmeat, parsley, and cream cheese, mix well.

3. Spread wonton wrapper on a clean surface and place 1 tsp of cream cheese mixture on it. Fold wrapper on filling to form a triangle or a half-moon. 

4. Brush edges with water, repeat the same steps for all wrappers. Cover with moist pepper towel.

5. Transfer 3-4 wontons in hot oil and cook till golden brown.

6. Place on a paper towel to drain out excess oil.

7. Serve hot.

Shanghai Shrimp Stir-Fry

Serves: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. medium shrimp shelled, deveined, washed, and drained 

1 cup oil, for frying

2 green onions, white portion only

3 slices ginger

1 tbsp rice wine

½ cup chicken broth

1 tsp sugar

¼ tsp Chinese black vinegar

1 tsp sesame oil

Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

2. Heat a wok over high heat. Add the oil, then fry the shrimp for about 10 seconds, or until opaque.

3. Fry in batches so as not to crowd the shrimp in the wok. You may use a spider strainer to lower and lift the shrimp and draining the oil back into the wok.

4. Set them aside.

5. Heat the oil in the wok almost to the smoking point. Lower the shrimp once again into the oil and fry for 5-10 seconds. Frying too long will cause shrimp to be dry.

6. Next, remove them from the wok and turn off the heat.

7. Carefully remove all oil above 1 tbsp and reheat the oil over low heat. Sauté the green onion whites and ginger until fragrant.

8. Add the wine, broth, sugar, and vinegar.

9. Bring to a simmer and stir for 30 seconds.

10. Return the shrimp to the wok and add the sesame oil. Stir-fry for 5-10 seconds, just to coat the shrimp with sauce.

11. Season with salt to taste and serve.

Kung Pao Shrimp

Serves: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

For marinade

1 tbsp rice wine

1 tsp cornstarch

½ tsp salt

For sauce

1 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp water

1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

¾ tsp cornstarch

½ tsp sesame oil

Other ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 large green or red bell pepper, nicely seeds removed and thinly sliced

1 tbsp garlic, minced

1 tbsp ginger, peeled and minced

3 Thai chilies, broken in half and seeded

¼ cup chopped unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts

3 cups cooked rice

Directions:

1. Stir the marinade ingredients together and marinate the shrimp for 10 minutes.

2. Whisk together the ingredients for the sauce. Set aside.

3. Heat a wok over high heat. Then, swirl in the oil.

4. Add the bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and chilies, and stir-fry for 1 minute.

5. Add the shrimp, then stir-fry for 2 minutes or until the shrimp have turned orange.

6. Stir in the sauce, and cook until thickened, about 30 seconds.

7. Sprinkle with peanuts and serve over rice.

Tung Ting Shrimp

Serves: 4

Prep time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tbsp soy sauce

½ cup sherry or dry white wine

¼ cup water plus cooking water

1 tsp cornstarch

1 lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (shells reserved) 

1 tbsp peanut (or other preferred) oil

2 cups broccoli florets

1 medium carrot, sliced diagonally

1 celery stalk, sliced diagonally

1 cup green beans, washed and trimmed

1 cup snow peas, washed and trimmed

4 cloves garlic, crushed and minced

1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated

1 bunch green onions, greens reserved for garnish

¼ cup fish stock

Rice for serving

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, sherry, ¼ cup water, and cornstarch, whisk until blended and free of clumps.

2. Add the shrimp to the bowl. Then, toss to coat.

3. Cover, then marinate for an hour in the refrigerator.

4. Next, place the shrimp shells in a small saucepan, and add just enough water to cover them. Simmer over low heat while the shrimp is marinating in the refrigerator.

5. The liquid in the pan will reduce, producing a flavorful broth. Drain, discard the shells, and set it aside.

6. Heat a wok over medium-high heat.

7. Add enough oil to coat the pan. Add the broccoli, carrots, celery, green beans, and snow peas.

8. Cook, tossing gently, until the vegetables are crisp and bright in color, approximately 4-5 minutes.

9. Stir the garlic, ginger, and green onions into the vegetables, and stir-fry one minute longer. 

10. Remove the shrimp from the refrigerator. Then, add it to the wok. Toss to incorporate and cook 1 minute. Add the remaining marinade, fish sauce, and the shell stock.

11. Next, mix thoroughly and bring it to a boil. Stir until the sauce thickens. The shrimp should be cooked through and have changed color.

12. Remove it from the heat. Then, serve immediately over rice.

13. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

Crab Egg Foo Young

Serves: 5

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Sauce

1 cup Basic Chinese Chicken Stock

1 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp cornstarch

½ tsp sesame oil

The Marinade

4 eggs

1 tsp soy sauce

½ tsp salt

Pinch ground white pepper

For the Egg Foo Young

4 tbsp peanut oil, divided

½ small yellow onion, diced

2 cups fresh bean sprouts

1 tbsp water

1 cup cooked crabmeat

½ cup chopped scallion

Directions:

1. First, in a small bowl, prepare the sauce by combining the chicken stock, cornstarch, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Set it aside.

2. Second, in a separate bowl, season the eggs with the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Beat lightly until well combined.

3. Next, in a wok over medium heat, heat one tablespoon of peanut oil

4. Add the onion. Then, stir-fry until translucent.

5. Add the fresh bean sprouts and water to the wok. Then, stir-fry approximately for about 20 seconds.

6. Next, when all the water has evaporated, and the bean sprouts have softened a little, add the crabmeat and scallions. Turn off the heat and transfer the crab mixture to a large bowl. Pour the eggs over the crab mixture and stir to combine.

7. Place the wok over medium-high heat. Then, add the remaining 3 tbsp of peanut oil.

8. Pour about ⅓ cup of the egg-crab mixture into the wok. Cook until golden brown, or for about 2 minutes on each side. Set it aside. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture, ⅓ cup at a time.

9. Stir the sauce well. Then, pour it into the wok.

10. Lastly, simmer until the sauce thickens, then spoon the sauce over the egg foo young patties. Enjoy.

Chinese Steamed Fish Fillet

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 7 minutes

Ingredients:

For the sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp water

2 tsp Shaoxing wine

1 tsp sesame oil

½ tsp sugar

Pinch ground white pepper

For the steamed fish

1 tsp sesame oil

1½ lbs. white fish fillet (such as cod or red snapper)

½ tsp salt

2 pinches ground white pepper

2-inch piece ginger, peeled, half sliced and half julienned

1 tbsp peanut oil

2 scallions, julienned

¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves

Directions:

1. First, make the sauce by combining soy sauce, water, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, and pepper in a small bowl. Set it aside. 

2. Set up a metal steaming rack in a wok and pour water into the wok halfway up to the steaming plate's bottom. Turn the heat to medium-high.

3. Rub the sesame oil over the fish fillet's entire surface and season both sides with salt and pepper.

4. Place the fish fillet on a heatproof dish and arrange the sliced ginger on top of the fish.

5. Next, cover and steam for 5 minutes or until the fish is cooked (it should flake easily with a fork).

6. Transfer the fish to a serving plate, discarding the ginger slices.

7. Discard the water from the wok, return it to the burner, and dry over medium heat.

8. Once the wok has completely dried, add the peanut oil to the wok followed by the julienned ginger. When the ginger does start to turn golden brown, add the sauce.

9. Allow the sauce to boil for just a few seconds, then use a wok spatula or ladle to spoon the sauce over the fish.

10. Garnish with the scallions (Place the julienned scallions into a small bowl of ice-cold water to make them curl up. This makes them a beautiful garnish) and cilantro leaves and serve immediately.

Ginger and Scallion Crab

Serves: 5

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Sauce

4 tbsp water

1½ tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp soy sauce

½ tsp sesame oil

½ tsp sugar

½ tsp cornstarch

Pinch ground white pepper

For the Stir-Fry

1 tbsp peanut oil

2-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced

4 whole Dungeness or blue crabs (about 2 lbs. each), cooked, cleaned, and cut

2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions:

1. Make the sauce by mixing the water, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and pepper in a small bowl.

2. Pour the peanut oil into the wok along with the ginger slices. Turn the heat to medium-high. Stir-fry the ginger until it is aromatic.

3. Add the crab and the sauce to the wok. Toss to coat the crab in the sauce.

4. Next, once the sauce thickens, turn off the heat and add the scallions—Stir-fry for a few seconds.

5. Lastly, transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.

Crispy Honey Shrimp

Serves: 2

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

½ lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup cornstarch

¼ tsp baking powder

1 egg

1 cup ice water

Shrimp marinade

1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

1½ tbsp cornstarch

Pinch salt

Pinch black pepper

1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Honey sauce

½ cup rice wine

⅓ cup honey

⅓ cup rice vinegar 

3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp garlic, minced

¼ cup corn starch 

¼ cup water 

Garnish

Green onions, chopped

Directions:

1. Clean the shrimp, pat them dry, and add them to a bowl.

2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then mix in the cornstarch and stir to ensure all of the shrimp are evenly covered.

3. Stir in the soy sauce. Then, cover and refrigerate for about 10 minutes.

4. Make the batter, mix the flour, baking powder, egg, iced water, and cornstarch in a large bowl. Stir with a fork to ensure it is well combined.

5. Put the batter in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Then, in a heavy saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F.

6. Dip the shrimp in the batter one at a time, shaking them slightly to remove the extra batter. Drop the battered shrimp into hot oil and cook until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the shrimp from the oil to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Then, in a small bowl or cup, stir cornstarch into the water to make a slurry. In a saucepan, whisk together the wine, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low. Then, whisk in the cornstarch slurry a little at a time until the sauce thickens to the desired honey-like consistency.

7. Add the shrimp to a serving bowl and pour the sauce over the top.

8. Stir carefully to combine.

9. Garnish with green onions and serve.

Beef & Pork

Shanghai Pork Chops

Serves: 4

Prep time: 2 hours5 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pork chops

For marinade

½ cup light brown sugar

½ cup soy sauce

¼ cup ketchup

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated

1 tsp garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Combine the ingredients for the marinade. Place it in a resealable bag, or shallow container with a lid.

2. Put the pork chops in the marinade and turn to coat.

3. Next, seal the container and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours.

4. Grill the pork chops for 8-10 minutes on each side, on a preheated grill over medium-high heat.

Sichuan Twice-Cooked Pork

Serves: 4

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Sauce

1 tbsp black bean paste

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp chili bean paste

½ tsp sugar Pinch salt

For the Stir-Fry

1 tbsp peanut oil

1 green bell pepper, nicely cut into bite-size pieces

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 leek, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions:

1. First, fill a medium pot with enough water to cover the pork shoulder. Then, bring the water to boil over high heat and lower the pork into the pot.

2. Next, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Remove the pork from the water. Then, let it cool. Keep it in refrigerator until you are ready to cook the dish.

4. In a small bowl, prepare your sauce by mixing the black bean paste, soy sauce, chili bean paste, sugar, and salt.

5. When the meat has cooled, and you are ready to prepare the dish, slice it into the thinnest pieces possible with a very sharp knife.

6. Next, in a wok over medium-high heat, heat the peanut oil.

7. Add the pork and stir-fry the slices until they turn slightly brown around the edges. Remove the pork from the wok and set it aside.

8. Add more oil to the wok if needed, add the garlic, and stir-fry for about 20 seconds, until aromatic.

9. Add the leek and bell pepper, stir-fry for about 1 minute, and return the pork to the wok.

10. Add the black bean sauce, stir well, and transfer the dish to a serving plate.

Pork in Hoisin Sauce

Serves: 4

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:

4 Chinese dried mushrooms, (rinsed and soaked in warm water for 30 minutes)

1 lb. boneless pork cut thinly and into bite-size pieces 

2 tbsp oil

1 tsp garlic, minced

2 scallions (green parts only), sliced diagonally

½ tsp sesame oil

For the Marinade:

¼ cup hoisin sauce

2 tbsp dark soy sauce

2 tbsp light soy sauce

2 tsp rice vinegar

2 tbsp water Chili sauce, to taste

Directions:

1. Mix marinade ingredients. Reserve half of the mixture. Let the pork marinate in the remaining half for about 15 minutes.

2. After soaking the mushrooms in warm water, squeeze to remove excess moisture. Remove any stems and slice. Set aside. Heat oil in a wok. Add garlic and let cook briefly to release the fragrance.

3. Add pork and stir-fry until no longer pink. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until tender (about 2 minutes).

4. Push pork and veggies to the side and pour in reserved marinade.

5. Bring sauce to a boil and mix well with pork and veggies. Turn off heat and immediately stir in sesame oil and scallions. Serve with rice or noodles of choice.

Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple

Serves: 8

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 (20-oz.) can unsweetened pineapple tidbits, drained, juice reserved

3 tbsp canola oil, divided

1 small onion, sliced

1 small carrot, peeled and julienned

1 little sweet red pepper, julienned

1 small sweet green pepper, julienned

1½ lbs. boneless pork loin chops, cut into thin strips

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp Splenda brown sugar blend

¼ cup of soy sauce

2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

1 tsp ground ginger

2 garlic cloves, minced

Pineapple juice (reserved from pineapple tidbits)

Directions:

1. Set aside drained tidbits. In a bowl, mix reserved pineapple juice with sauce ingredients. Set aside.

2. Heat oil in wok, skillet, or frying pan over medium-high heat

3. Stir-fry onion, carrot, and bell peppers until tender (about 5 minutes).

4. Transfer vegetables to a plate, leaving as much of the oil as possible in the wok.

5. Next, stir-fry the pork until no longer pink (about 4 minutes).

6. Add the sauce and bring to a boil. Cook until thickened (about 3 minutes).

7. Add pineapple and return veggies to the wok. Cook until heated through.

8. Serve over rice.

Pork with Ginger and Soy Sauce

Serves: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

9 oz. pork tenderloin, cut into chunks

Black pepper, to taste

1 tsp cornstarch

2 tbsp cold water

2 tbsp dark soy sauce

2 tbsp cooking oil

5½ oz. button mushrooms, sliced

1 medium red bell pepper, nicely deseeded and sliced

2½ oz. snow peas, trimmed

¼ cup fresh ginger, peeled and julienned

1 clove garlic, thinly sliced

4 spring onions, sliced

Directions:

1. Season pork with black pepper

2. Next, in a small bowl, combine cornstarch with water and soy sauce. Set aside.

3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok, skillet, or frying pan

4. Cook the pork until browned on the surface. Transfer pork to a plate.

5. Add remaining oil to the still-hot wok—Stir-fry onion and pepper for 2 minutes.

6. Add the snow peas, then stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the ginger, garlic, and spring onion. Stir-fry briefly until fragrant.

7. Pour in soy mixture with the pork.

8. Lastly, cook until pork is done, and sauce is thickened.

Pork Tenderloin and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Serves: 4

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. pork tenderloin, thinly sliced

1 ½ cups cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 carrot, diced

1 head bok choy, thinly sliced

1 onion, diced

2 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tbsp tamari sauce

2 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp dry basil

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

2 tbsp grapeseed oil

Cooked rice noodles for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Warm the oil in the wok on medium-high heat.

2. When the oil is hot, stir-fry the diced onion and white parts of the bok choy until tender.

3. Next, add the pork and cook for 2 minutes or until brown.

4. Stir in the mushrooms, carrot and remaining bok choy leaves, cook for 2 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium.

5. Add the oyster sauce, tamari, hoisin sauce, and spices and cook until everything is warm, and the sauce has thickened about 3-4 minutes.

6. Serve on the rice noodles, if desired.

Kung Pao Beef

Serves: 5

Prep time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. flank or flat iron steak

1 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp dry sherry

6 cloves garlic, minced (divided)

2 tbsp peanut oil

4 dried red chilies, split

½ tbsp grated ginger

1 tsp Szechwan peppercorns, crushed

2 green onions, nicely sliced white and green parts in ½ -inch pieces

1 red bell pepper, trimmed and cubed

Rice for serving

For sauce:

2 tbsp soy sauce

3 tbsp dry sherry

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp sugar

1 cup vegetable broth

1 tbsp cornstarch

½ cup roasted peanuts

Directions:

1. First, in a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, dry sherry, and two minced garlic cloves. Add the steak and turn to coat. Marinate for at least one hour.

2. Second, in a bowl, make the sauce by mixing the sauce ingredients. Whisk and set it aside.

3. Next, heat a large pan or wok on high and add the peanut oil.

4. Heat the oil for 30 seconds, then add the red chilies, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns—Stir-fry for 1 minute.

5. Add the remaining garlic, green onions, and bell pepper.

6. Next, stir fry for 3 minutes and add the steak. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.

7. Then, whisk the sauce and add it to the wok. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

8. Add the peanuts and stir. Serve with rice.

Szechuan Beef

Serves: 2

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

8 oz. beef tenderloin, cut into strips

Marinade

1 tsp cornstarch

½ tsp rice wine

1 tsp dark soy sauce

½ tbsp oyster sauce

½ tbsp chili garlic sauce

1 ½ tsp soy sauce

2 tsp sugar

2 tbsp water

½ tsp chili oil

½ tsp sesame oil

Other ingredients

2 tbsp oil, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ small green bell pepper, julienned

¼ small red bell pepper, julienned

1 small carrot, julienned

½ tsp chili oil or according to taste

2 stalks green onion, cut into strips

Directions:

1. Combine the ingredients for the marinade. Stir in the beef and marinate for 15-30 minutes.

2. In a bowl, mix the sauce ingredients, and set aside. Heat a wok over high heat. Add 1 tbsp of oil, then sear the beef until partly browned. Transfer it to a paper-lined plate.

3. Scrape off any brown bits from the wok and add the remaining oil. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.

4. Stir in the peppers and carrot. Then, cook for about 30 seconds, and add the beef back to the wok.

5. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well. Add the green onion and chili oil.

6. Then, stir for 30 seconds, or until the sauce is of the desired thickness.

7. Serve.

Beef Chop Suey

Serves: 2

Prep time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For marinade

1 tbsp rice wine

2 tsp oyster sauce

1 tsp cornstarch

White pepper, to taste

Slurry/Thickener

¾ cups chicken stock

1 tsp cornstarch

3 tbsp peanut oil, as needed

½ lb. skirt steak, cut into strips

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ stalk celery, diced

½ onion, minced ½ carrot, shredded

3 button mushrooms, sliced

½ cup broccoli florets

10 snow peas, trimmed,

1 ½ tsp sesame oil

Rice or noodles for serving

Directions:

1. Combine the ingredients for the marinade. Marinate the beef for 1 hour.

2. Mix the ingredients for the thickener in a small bowl and set aside.

3. Heat a wok over high heat. Add the peanut or vegetable oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

4. Add the meat and fry until tender and no longer pink in color. Transfer it to a plate, then set it aside.

5. Stir-fry the garlic, celery, onion, carrot, and mushrooms until tender-crisp. Add the cabbage, snow peas, and beef.

6. Stir the thickener and add it to the wok.

7. Stir, and bring it to a simmer, until the sauce has thickened—season with sesame oil.

8. Serve with rice or noodles.

Chinese Pepper Steak

Serves: 4

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. sirloin steak

5 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp grated ginger

3 minced garlic cloves

¼ cup vegetable oil, divided if cooking in batches

1 chopped green bell pepper

1 roughly chopped onion

1 cup sliced mushrooms

Directions:

1. Slice the sirloin into ½-inch slices across the grain.

2. Combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, ginger and garlic in a bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. Add the sirloin slices to the marinade. Let sit for 15 minutes.

4. Heat 2 tbsp. vegetable oil in a skillet. Then, brown the steak for 3 minutes. This can be done in batches. Set aside.

5. When all the beef is browned, transfer back into the skillet and stir in the marinade sauce.

6. Add the pepper, onion and mushrooms.

7. Cook for 5 minutes.

8. Enjoy.

Rice & Noodle Recipes

Fried Rice

Serves: 3

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ginger, minced

½ tsp sugar (optional)

⅓ cup boneless chicken, diced

⅓ cup Chinese sausage or ham, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup frozen peas

½ cup carrot, cut into small cubes

Water, if needed

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp soy sauce

¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced

2 cups cooked day-old rice

1 egg, fried (optional)

Garlic chili sauce

Directions:

1. First, heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.

2. Second, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir for a minute or until fragrant.

3. Add the chicken, then cook until it is no longer pink, stir in Chinese sausage or ham, and season with salt and pepper.

4. Add the carrot and cook until tender. Do add 1 tbsp of water at a time if more moisture is needed to cook the carrots.

5. Add the sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar, if using.

6. Add the rice and mix well. Then, scrape the bottom of the wok with a spatula and lift the rice upwards to mix thoroughly.

7. Add the frozen peas. Cook for about 10 minutes, mixing frequently. Add the green onion and mix well.

8. Adjust the flavor with seasonings, as desired.

9. Lastly, serve topped with a fried egg (optional) and with garlic chili sauce on the side.

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Serves: 4

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 large eggs, scrambled (cooked)

3 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil

1 medium onion, minced

½ cup ham, cut into cubes

½ cup Chinese roast pork

5 cups cooked or day-old rice lumps broken

¾ cup frozen peas, thawed

4 oz. fresh shrimp, shelled and deveined

1 ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp sugar

1 tsp rice wine

2 green onions, finely chopped

2 cups lettuce, finely chopped

⅛ tsp freshly ground white pepper

Directions:

1. First, break the scrambled eggs into small pieces and set them aside. In a saucepan, boil some water to blanch the shrimp.

2. Immerse the shrimp momentarily, until the color changes to orange. Remove them from the pot. Then, drain them, and set aside.

3. Heat a wok over high heat. Add the oil, then stir in the onion. Cook until it is translucent. Add the ham and pork and cook for 30 seconds to heat through.

4. Add the rice and mix for 2 minutes to heat it through. Use the spatula to remove any remaining lumps, sprinkling water over any stubborn ones to soften them.

5. Add the shrimp and peas and cook, constantly stirring, for 2 minutes more. Stir in the salt and sugar and drizzle the wine around the rim of the wok.

6. Continue mixing, scraping the bottom of the wok with the spatula, and lifting the rice upwards. Sprinkle with water to moisten or add a little more oil, if needed.

7. Add the scrambled eggs, green onion, lettuce, and pepper, and mix until the lettuce is wilted.

Singapore Noodles

Serves: 2

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 eggs, beaten

1 14-oz. pack rice stick noodles

12 shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 Chinese sausage, chopped

3 cups napa cabbage, shredded

½ red onion, sliced thinly

3 dried red chili peppers

1 carrot, julienned

1 ½ tbsp curry powder

2 tsp salt

1 tbsp rice wine

½ tsp sesame oil

½ tbsp soy sauce

Pinch white pepper

1 green onion, chopped

Directions:

1. Cook the eggs into an omelet. Cut them into strips, then set aside. Soak egg noodles in cold water for 20 minutes.

2. Drain them when you are just about to cook. Dry the shrimp with paper towels and make slits lengthwise, or “butterfly” them.

3. Next, heat the oil in the wok over high heat. Stir-fry the shrimp and sausage until the shrimp turn orange, about 10 seconds.

4. Add the cabbage, onion, chilies, and carrot. Continue stir-frying for about 30 seconds. Add the curry powder and stir.

5. Maintain the heat at high. Tear the drained noodles into about 8-inch long strands while adding them to the wok.

6. Add the salt and wine. Mix continuously, and scrape to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the wok.

7. When the noodles have turned yellowish from the curry, add the sesame oil, soy sauce, and white pepper. Mix 2 minutes longer

8. Top with the omelet strips and sprinkle with green onion.

9. Serve while hot.

Pork Chow Mein

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For marinade

1 tsp rice wine

1 tsp soy sauce

Dash of salt

For noodles

4 oz. lean pork, cut into thin strips

7 oz. Hong Kong noodles (chow mein noodles)

1 tsp vegetable oil, for noodles, divided

1 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil

Dash ground chili

½ small onion, minced

1 tsp ginger, chopped

1 tbsp green onion, chopped

½ cup cabbage, shredded

1 small carrot, julienned

½ cup green beans, sliced

2 small red bell peppers, nicely sliced into strips

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp chicken stock

2 tbsp tomato ketchup

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients for the marinade together. Stir in the pork, and let it stand for 5-10 minutes.

2. To cook the noodles: Prepare the steamer by filling it with water up to ¼ full and bringing it to a gentle boil. Coat the bottom of the steamer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Steam the noodles for 2-3 minutes.

3. Next, transfer the noodles to a bowl, and stir in ½ a tsp of oil with chopsticks. Put the noodles back into the steaming basket and steam for another 2-3 minutes. Then, transfer them to a bowl, and set aside.

4. To cook the chow mein: Heat a wok over high heat.

5. Add the peanut or vegetable oil and stir-fry the pork until it is no longer pink in color.

6. Add the ground chili, onion, ginger, and green onion. Stir-fry until fragrant.

7. Add the cabbage, carrot, green beans, and bell pepper, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

8. Add the salt and chicken stock and cook until the stock dries up. Add the ketchup and noodles. Mix until well blended and heated through.

Chicken, Pork, And Shrimp Lo Mein

Serves: 4

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups chicken broth, divided

¼ cup rice wine

¼ cup soy sauce

4 tsp cornstarch

4 oz. lean pork, very finely sliced

4 oz. boneless skinless chicken breasts, nicely cut into thin slices

2 tsp sesame oil

4 shrimp, cleaned, shelled and deveined

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp ground ginger

4 green onions, chopped, more for garnish

½ small can water chestnuts, chopped

2 cups cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup celery, thinly sliced

1 cup frozen green peas, nicely thawed and drained

1 carrot, peeled and shredded

8 oz. thin or angel hair spaghetti, cooked and drained

Directions:

1. Pour ½ cup of broth into a skillet.

2. In a separate bowl, add the wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch to the remaining broth. Stir well and set aside.

3. Bring the broth in the skillet to a boil. Add the pork and boil it for 2 minutes.

4. Add the chicken and cook until both are no longer pink in the center.

5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pork and chicken to a plate and set it aside.

6. Discard any liquid left in the skillet. Heat the sesame oil in the skillet, then keep the heat at medium-high.

7. Cook the shrimp, garlic, and ginger until they are fragrant, and the shrimp has become orange in color.

8. Add the green onion, water chestnuts, cabbage, celery, peas, and carrots, and cook for 3 minutes or until tender-crisp.

9. Add the meat and pre-cooked pasta and toss for about 2 minutes. Stir the cornstarch mixture and pour it over the pasta.

10. Cook, while stirring, until thickened, and remove it from the heat.

11. Garnish with chopped green onion, if desired.

Soups and Stews

Egg Drop Soup

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 Minutes

Cooking time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients:

For thickener

2 tbsp cornstarch

3 tbsp water

For soup

1 14-oz. can chicken broth

1 cup water

¼ tsp white pepper

½ tsp salt

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 stalk spring onion, chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare the thickener by combining the water and cornstarch.

2. Stir it into a slurry and set it aside.

3. Next, in a saucepan, bring the broth and water to a boil.

4. Add the pepper, salt, and thickener. Stir until the soup begins to thicken. Then remove it from the heat.

5. Pour in the beaten egg and stir it a couple of times with a pair of chopsticks to form egg "ribbons." Cover, and cook 2 minutes longer.

6. Sprinkle with spring onion and serve immediately.

Egg Drop Seaweed Soup

Serves: 4

Prep time: 8 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

4 cups stock or broth, chicken

1 torn sheet dried seaweed (Nori)

1 slice finely chopped ginger, fresh

2 lightly beaten eggs, large

1 finely chopped spring onion

Salt and white Pepper, to taste:,

Sesame oil, Optional

Directions:

1. Add stock or broth to pan, with ginger and seaweed then bring to boil.

2. Pour in eggs gently.

3. Stir in clockwise direction till they form thin, long ribbons and bring back up to boil.

4. Season soup using salt and pepper

5. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with spring onions.

6. Serve.

Lotus Root with Pork Ribs Soup

Serves: 7

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 4 hours

Ingredients:

1 lb. pork ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 lb. lotus root, peeled and cut into ¼-inch-thick rounds

½ tsp peppercorns

½ cup dried red dates (optional)

12 cups water

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp salt

¼ cup dried goji berries

Directions:

1. Place the pork ribs, lotus root, peppercorns, red dates (if using), and water in a wok.

2. Next, simmer over low heat for at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours.

3. Turn off the heat and add the soy sauce, salt, and goji berries.

4. Lastly, allow the soup to sit for about 15 minutes for the goji berries to reconstitute, then serve.

Watercress and Pork Soup

Serves: 7

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 4 hours

Ingredients:

12 cups water, divided

½ lb. pork ribs or pork shoulder, nicely cut into 1-inch pieces

8 dried red dates

¼ cup dried goji berries

1 lb. watercress

1 tbsp salt

3 pinches ground white pepper

Directions:

1. First, in a wok, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Blanch the pork for about 5 minutes. Rinse the pork and the wok and set the pork aside.

2. In the wok, bring the remaining 10 cups of water to a boil.

3. Return the pork to the wok. Reduce the heat to low, then simmer, partially covered, for 3½ hours.

4. Add the red dates, goji berries, watercress, salt, and pepper.

5. Simmer for ten more minutes and serve.

Sweet Peanut Soup

Serves: 5

Prep time: 24 hours 5 minutes

Cooking time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

½ lb. raw peanuts shelled and skinned 

1 tbsp baking soda

8 cups water, plus more for soaking

4 tbsp sugar

Directions:

1. Soak the peanuts in a bowl of water overnight.

2. Rinse the peanuts, sprinkle them with the baking soda, then cover in fresh water to soak for 1 to 2 more hours.

3. Thoroughly rinse the peanuts.

4. Next, in a wok over high heat, bring the water to a boil.

5. Add the peanuts to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to low. Then, simmer, partially covered, for 2 hours.

6. Add the sugar in increments until the soup reaches your desired sweetness.

7. Serve the soup at room temperature, hot, or cold, with an almond or butter cookie.

Corn and Pork Ribs Soup

Serves: 7

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1¾ lbs. pork spareribs, chopped into 1½-inch cubes

3 ears corn, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces

1 carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup chicken stock

1 tbsp soy sauce

2 tsp sea salt

1 scallion, green part, finely chopped

6 cups water

Directions:

1. First, in a large pot over high heat, bring the water to boil.

2. Parboil the pork spareribs for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse. Then, return the ribs to the pot and add 6 cups of water.

3. Next, over high heat, bring to a boil, add corn, carrot, stock, soy sauce, and salt.

4. Then, reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 1 hour.

5. Garnish with the scallion and serve.

Jade Soup

Serves: 7

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:

5 oz. winter amaranth, or spinach

3 cups chicken stock, divided

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp soybean paste, or miso paste

¼ tsp potato starch

1 tbsp heavy cream

Directions:

1. Using a food processor or blender, purée the amaranth with ½ cup of stock.

2. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the puréed amaranth, the remaining 2½ cups of stock, and the salt, and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the soybean paste, and simmer for 2 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, add ¾ cup of cold water and the potato starch, stir to dissolve, and add to the simmering soup. Simmer for 2 minutes.

5. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual small bowls, and garnish with a few drops of cream.

Desserts

Chinese Doughnuts

Serves: 12

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

⅓ cup butter, cubed

¾ cup milk

Oil for frying

Granulated sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. First, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and. Use your hands, add butter to the flour mixture, and incorporate it until the mixture is crumbly but with no large clumps.

2. Next, add the milk and mix until a firm dough forms. Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured working surface. Then, knead just enough to form an elastic ball.

3. Do not over-knead the dough in this stage. In a wok or pan large enough for frying, heat 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat.

4. Shape the dough pieces into golf ball-sized balls. Flatten slightly, not applying too much pressure.

5. Fry the doughnuts in small batches, not overcrowding the pan.

6. Slowly lower them into the oil and fry until golden brown, about 4 minutes, turning once.

7. Remove the doughnuts from the oil and dust with sugar.

8. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

8-Treasure Rice

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

Ingredients:

1 3/8 cups boiling water

2 egg whites

1 can or 5 oz. Evaporated milk

1 cup White sugar

2 tbsp Unflavored gelatin

1 tsp Coconut extract

Directions:

1. Lightly grease a 1 quart mold.

2. Boil water in a large pot. Then, dissolve gelatin in it.

3. Put in coconut extract, sugar and evaporated milk and set aside to cool.

4. Take an ice bath and place the gelatin pot in it after cooling.

5. Whisk the egg whites, and then add to the gelatin bowl and mix.

6. Spread the mixture in mold and chill until ready to serve.

Banana Wontons

Serves: 12

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 3 minutes

Ingredients:

3 diced bananas

2 tbsp walnuts, chopped

1 tbsp brown sugar

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

Pinch salt

12 wonton wrappers

Frying oil

Honey or chocolate sauce for drizzle

Sesame seed for garnish

Ice cream for serving

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the bananas, nuts, spices, and salt.

2. Separate the wonton wrappers and place about a tbsp of the mixture onto the center of each. Don't overfill, because you need to seal the wrappers tightly.

3. Use your finger or a pastry brush to spread a bit of water around the edges of the wrappers. Fold them into triangles, pinching the edges to seal.

4. Next, pour enough oil into a large skillet so that the wrappers will float and not touch the bottom.

5. Cook in batches until golden brown, about 1½ minutes on each side. Drizzle with honey or chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

6. Serve with ice cream if desired.

Rice Cake

Serves: 20

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

15 oz. canned red beans

½ cup sugar

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cups rice flour

1 cup vegetable oil

2 ¼ cups milk

1 ½ cups white sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking powder

3 beaten eggs

Directions:

1. Puree the kidney beans in a food processor.

2. Add ½ cup sugar and combine.

3. Heat the oil and fry for 5 minutes, until you have a paste.

4. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

5. Next, coat a 9 x 13 baking pan with non-stick spray.

6. Combine the rice flour, oil, milk, vanilla extract, baking powder and eggs in a bowl.

7. Spread the mixture onto the baking pan.

8. Use a teaspoon to drop bits of bean paste on the flour mixture.

9. Bake for 55 minutes.

10. Let cool and serve. 

Egg Tarts

Serves: 12

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 18 minutes

Ingredients:

12 frozen tart shells

2/3 cup white sugar

6 egg yolks

1 dash vanilla extract

¾ cup milk

¼ cup half and half

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Next, combine the sugar with 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.

3. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the sugar is dissolved – 3 minutes.

4. Stir in the egg yolks and let the mixture cool.

5. Add the vanilla extract, milk and half and half.

6. Pour the filling into the tart shells.

7. Bake for 15 minutes (They burn easily, so check on the tarts before they are done). 

Conclusion

If you actually want a quick, healthy, and delicious meal in a jiffy, this Chinese cookbook is your answer. Since you've tried the recipes, you can take a bolder stride and make your own. Don't be afraid to use more of a specific something or less of something different. Don't hesitate to put your imprint on the dish you're preparing. Soon, you'll have your very own crowd-pleasing recipes and ones you'd like to relish in private. The number of delectable meals you can make is countless.  

Enjoy the adventure!

Author's Afterthoughts

Thanks ever so much to each of my cherished readers for investing the time to read this book!

I know you could have picked from many other books but you chose this one. So a big thanks for buying this book and reading all the way to the end.

If you enjoyed this book or received value from it, I'd like to ask you for a favor. Please take a few minutes to post an honest and heartfelt review on Amazon.com. Your support does make a difference and helps to benefit other people.

Thanks!

April Blomgren

About the Author

April Blomgren

Hello everyone!  Are you ready to grill tonight?  My name is April and I love to cook and entertain friends and family almost every weekend.  If you share my passion for great food, easy preparation time but mouthwatering results, you and I are going to get along just fine!

I think a successful meal among loved ones is based on a few key factors: fresh ingredients and appropriate cooking method.  Some meats for example, can truly benefit from being marinated overnight, and will be at their best prepared on the grill.  Another aspect of cooking I must insist on, no matter what your cooking style is: rely on the use of herbs and spices.  Please favor fresh herbs each time you can.  However, I understand that it may be difficult during certain periods of the year, so simply keep a well-stocked pantry of dried basic herbs and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, basil, oregano, thyme or any other favorites.

Finally, once you embark that exciting culinary journey with me, you will realize that simplicity is also one of my allied.  Don’t overthink when cooking.  Inspire yourself of recipes, have fun doing it and taste as you go.  Sure, you might once in a while burn a few pork chops or use too much salt in your sauce, you are just human.  Cooking is not about succeeding every time, it is about the opportunity to learn and get better.  Don’t be afraid to taste your dishes along the way, adjust the seasonings and serve accordingly.