In this guide, I will share with you why most professional chefs always blanch the vegetables first. Blanching vegetables is an important cooking technique I learned while working in a restaurant. Blanching is a simple yet essential cooking technique that helps preserve fresh vegetables’ vibrant colors, texture, and freshness. The blanching process ensures your vegetables …
Braised pork knuckle with dried oysters is a deeply symbolic and savory centerpiece for Chinese New Year — called 橫財就手 in Cantonese, which loosely means a windfall of good fortune. This festive dish brings together rich umami from dried oysters, earthy depth from shiitake mushrooms, and silky strands of fat choy, all slow-braised with aromatic …
On the first day of Chinese New Year, many Chinese families observe a vegetarian tradition. For us, that meal has always been Buddha’s Delight, also known as Loh Han Jai (罗汉斋). This dish has been prepared in our family for decades by my mother-in-law, a traditional Chinese cook who has never missed making it for …
Dong Po Rou (东坡肉) is a timeless Chinese braised pork belly dish that symbolizes richness, prosperity, and celebration — making it perfect for your Chinese New Year feast. Originating from Hangzhou and named after the famous Song Dynasty scholar Su Dong Po, this dish is prized for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich savory-sweet flavor. This …
Drunken Chicken (醉鸡) is a traditional Cantonese cold dish often served during Chinese New Year and festive banquets. Despite its name, the dish is not overly alcoholic. Instead, it carries a gentle aroma of Shaoxing wine that slowly permeates tender, steamed chicken after an overnight soak. This dish is prized for its clean flavor, silky …
Fried beef hor fun 干炒牛河 is a popular dish in Asian cafés and casual restaurants. It involves simple yet distinctive ingredients and is quick and easy to prepare. While it may appear straightforward, proper cooking is essential for achieving the desired wok aroma and ensuring the beef slices are smooth and tender. There are limitations …
Chinese New Year is a time for family, tradition, and delicious food that brings luck, prosperity, and joy to the new year. From savory mains to festive snacks and sweet treats, every dish has a story and a symbolic meaning. Whether you are hosting a reunion dinner or preparing snacks for family and friends, these …
Have you ever wondered how to tenderize a tough cut of beef? Let me present a scenario. Suppose you want to prepare a stir-fried dish but don’t have high-quality beef in your refrigerator. Instead, you find a tough cut of beef shank left over from making your curry. Is there a way to transform it …
Have you ever tried Hong Kong-style Borscht soup? If so, you likely had it at a Hong Kong-style café! This soup is made with beef and various vegetables in a tomato-based broth. Hong Kong-style Borscht is the fusion of Russian/European influences with traditional Cantonese cooking methods. It retains the elements that appeal to Cantonese tastes …
Craving Indian food isn’t something every non-Indian experiences, but I may be one of those exceptions. Of many choices, Chicken 65 is a dish I would love to make again and again. It simultaneously hits all my taste buds and senses, delivering a concentrated, intense, and authentic South Indian flavor that lingers even after eating. …