Chinese cuisine

Dan Dan Noodles with Braised Pork

Dan Dan Noodles with Braised Pork
Silky noodles swimming in spiced sesame broth, topped with tender braised pork and fresh scallions.

Prep Time: 20 minutes  |  Cook Time: 90 minutes  |  Total Time: 110 minutes
Servings: 2 servings  |  Difficulty: Medium  |  Cuisine: Chinese (Sichuan)

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pork shoulder or belly
  • 8 oz fresh or dried noodles
  • 3 tbsp sesame paste
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili oil
  • 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, ground
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or pork broth
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • Green onions for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Braise pork shoulder in simmering broth with soy sauce, ginger, and aromatics for 60-90 minutes until tender.
  2. Cook noodles in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse.
  3. Whisk together sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, ground Sichuan peppercorns, and minced garlic.
  4. Heat broth and combine with the sesame paste mixture.
  5. Place cooked noodles in serving bowls and pour the hot broth over them.
  6. Top with sliced braised pork and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips & Notes

  • Sichuan peppercorns add a distinctive numbing sensation—adjust quantity to taste preference
  • Braise pork a day ahead for deeper flavor development
  • Use good quality sesame paste for authentic taste
  • Keep broth hot when serving for best flavor delivery

Nutrition Notes

Rich in protein from pork and sesame, moderate carbohydrates from noodles. High in sodium due to soy sauce and sesame paste.

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Roasted Pekin Duck

Roasted Pekin Duck
Crispy-skinned Pekin duck with succulent meat, a classic Chinese delicacy prepared with expert technique.

Prep Time: 30 minutes  |  Cook Time: 90 minutes  |  Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings  |  Difficulty: Intermediate  |  Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Pekin duck (4-5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Clean and pat dry the whole Pekin duck thoroughly.
  2. Season inside and outside with salt, pepper, and five-spice powder.
  3. Prepare glaze by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.
  4. Brush glaze over the entire duck surface.
  5. Roast in preheated 375°F oven for 90 minutes, basting every 20 minutes.
  6. Rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  7. Cut duck into serving pieces using sharp knife and poultry shears.

Tips & Notes

  • Prick the skin all over before roasting to help render fat and achieve crispness
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F
  • Let the duck rest before cutting to retain juices
  • Save the fat drippings for cooking vegetables

Nutrition Notes

Pekin duck is rich in protein and B vitamins but higher in fat; remove skin to reduce fat content.

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Egg Fried Rice with Corn and Green Onions

Egg Fried Rice with Corn and Green Onions
Fluffy, golden fried rice studded with scrambled eggs, sweet corn, and fresh green onions—a classic Asian breakfast dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes  |  Cook Time: 15 minutes  |  Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings  |  Difficulty: Easy  |  Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked rice (day-old, chilled)
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
  2. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add remaining oil, then stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add chilled rice, breaking up clumps, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add corn kernels and stir-fry for 2 minutes until heated through.
  6. Return eggs to the wok, add soy sauce and sesame oil.
  7. Toss in most of the green onions and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining green onions.

Tips & Notes

  • Use day-old rice for the best texture—fresh rice tends to clump
  • Keep all ingredients prepped before you start cooking, as the cooking goes quickly
  • High heat is key to achieving the characteristic slightly crispy texture
  • Don’t overmix; gently fold ingredients together to keep rice grains separate

Nutrition Notes

Balanced breakfast with protein from eggs, carbohydrates from rice, and vitamins from corn and green onions. Approximately 280-320 calories per serving.

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