Buddha’s Delight is a dish that is commonly served during special occasions such as Chinese New Year, weddings, and other important celebrations. It is a symbol of good luck and prosperity and is believed to bring good fortune to those who eat it.

The dish is not only renowned for its delicious taste but also for its nutritional value. It typically consists of a variety of vegetables and sometimes tofu, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce. The vegetables used in this dish can vary, but commonly include things like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, snow peas, bok choy, and carrots.

Buddha’s Delight has become popular among both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and is a staple in many Chinese households. Making this dish at home can be a fun way to explore new ingredients and cooking techniques, and it can also be a way to connect with Chinese culture and cuisine. The dish’s cultural significance and origins make it an important part of China’s culinary heritage and a must-try for anyone interested in experiencing traditional Chinese cuisine.

What is Buddha’s Delight?

This delicious and nutritious dish is often served during special occasions such as Chinese New Year, weddings, and other important celebrations. It is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity and is believed to bring good fortune to those who eat it.

The dish typically consists of a wide variety of vegetables and sometimes tofu, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce. The specific vegetables used can vary depending on the region and personal preference, but common ingredients include shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, snow peas, bok choy, carrots, and more.

What makes Buddha’s Delight truly special is the way all these ingredients come together to create a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The sauce is usually made with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper, giving the dish a rich and savory taste.

One thing to note is that the dish is traditionally prepared in a vegetarian kitchen, meaning no meat or animal products are used in the cooking process. This makes it an excellent option for vegetarians or those looking to reduce their meat consumption.

Overall, Buddha’s Delight is a dish that is steeped in tradition and cultural significance, making it a beloved part of China’s culinary heritage. Its delicious taste and nutritional value make it a favorite among both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and it’s definitely worth trying if you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons.

Why Make Buddha’s Delight?

Buddha’s Delight is more than just a dish – it’s a cultural experience. Making this dish at home is a great way to explore new ingredients and cooking techniques, while also connecting with Chinese culture and cuisine.

But the benefits of making Buddha’s Delight don’t stop there. This vegetarian dish is packed with nutrients and vitamins, making it a healthy option for anyone looking to improve their diet. By incorporating more vegetables and plant-based protein into your meals, you can reap the benefits of a balanced and nutritious diet.

Additionally, Buddha’s Delight is a versatile dish that can be customized to fit your tastes and preferences. You can swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, or adjust the sauce to your liking. This flexibility means that you can make Buddha’s Delight your own, tailoring it to suit your individual taste buds.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to make Buddha’s Delight is the dish’s cultural significance. By preparing and serving this dish, you are participating in a centuries-old tradition that has been passed down through generations. You are honoring the legacy of the Buddhist monks who inspired the dish and paying homage to China’s culinary heritage.

Ingredients You Need

You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make Luo Han Zhai and that’s part of the dish’s charm. With just a handful of components, you can make a healthy yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for most occasions.

Here’s what you need for the veggies:

• 90g Fuzhu (tofu skin)
• A handful of dried black wood ear mushrooms
• 7-10 baby button mushrooms
• 5-8 baby corn
• 10g dried day lily flowers (huang hua cai)
• 1 small carrot
• 50g mange tout (snow peas)
• 2 cloves of large garlic, minced

Then, you’ll need the following for the sauce:

• 2 tbsp Maggi soy sauce
• 3g sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 4 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

These ingredients make up the delicious and nutritious Buddha’s Delight dish. The tofu skin, black wood ear mushrooms, baby button mushrooms, baby corn, day lily flowers, carrot, and mange tout come together to create a medley of flavors and textures. The garlic adds a savory kick, while the Maggi soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper create a rich and complex sauce. The toasted sesame oil adds a nutty flavor and the cornstarch thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency. Altogether, these ingredients make for a delightful and satisfying vegetarian meal.

How to Make Buddha’s Delight

Alright, let’s get cookin’! First things first, we gotta soak the Fuzhu, dried black wood ear, and dried day lily flower in warm water for 10 minutes. Then, we’ll top and tail the mange tout (aka snow peas) and slice up some carrots, button mushrooms, and garlic cloves.

Next, we’re gonna boil a pot of water and cook the dried day lily flowers and baby corn for a minute. Then, we’ll add the mange tout and boil for another 15 seconds. After that, we’ll drain the water and set the veggies aside in a container.

Now, it’s time to cut up the black wood ear mushrooms and Fuzhu into bite-sized pieces. Once that’s done, we’ll warm up a pan and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, we’ll toss in the sliced garlic and fry it up until it’s lightly browned.

Next, we’ll add the sliced mushrooms, black wood ear mushrooms, and Fuzhu to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds to a minute. Then, we’ll throw in the boiled baby corn and day lily flowers and stir-fry for another 30 seconds to a minute.

Finally, we’ll add the sliced carrots to the mix and stir-fry for another 15-30 seconds. In a separate bowl, we’ll mix together 2 tablespoons of Maggi soy sauce, some sugar, white pepper, toasted sesame oil, water, and cornstarch to create the sauce. We’ll pour the sauce into the pan and quickly stir to coat the veggies evenly as the sauce thickens.

And voila! You can garnish it with some chopped spring onions or just serve it as is. This dish goes perfectly with rice. So, grab a plate and dig in!

Authentic Chinese Buddha’s Delight (Luo Han Zhai) Recipe

Recipe by LinCourse: Main, SidesCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

This recipe shows you how to make a healthy and scrumptious authentic Chinese Buddha’s Delight, also known as luo han zhai.

Ingredients

• Vegetables

• 90g Fuzhu (tofu skin)

• A handful of dried black wood ear mushrooms

• 7-10 baby button mushrooms

• 5-8 baby corn

• 10g dried day lily flowers (huang hua cai)

• 1 small carrot

• 50g mange tout (snow peas)

• 2 cloves of large garlic, minced

• Sauce

• 2 tbsp Maggi soy sauce

• 3g sugar

• 1/4 tsp ground white pepper

• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 4 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Directions

• Soak Fuzhu, dried black wood ear, and dried day lily flower in warm water for 10 minutes.
• Top and tail the mange tout (snow peas).
• Slice the carrots, button mushrooms, and garlic cloves.
• Boil a pot of water and cook the dried day lily flowers and baby corn for 1 minute. Then, add the mange tout and boil for an additional 15 seconds. Drain the water and set the vegetables aside in a container.
• Cut the black wood ear mushrooms and Fuzhu into bite-sized pieces.
• Warm up a pan and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and fry until lightly browned.
• Add the sliced mushrooms, black wood ear mushrooms, and Fuzhu. Stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Add the boiled baby corn and day lily flowers and stir-fry for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Add the sliced carrots and stir-fry for an additional 15-30 seconds.
• In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of Maggi soy sauce, 3g of sugar, 1/4 tsp of ground white pepper, 1 tsp of toasted sesame oil, 4 tbsp of water, and 1 tbsp of cornstarch.
• Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and quickly stir to coat the vegetables evenly as the sauce thickens.
• You can garnish the dish with some chopped spring onions or serve it as it is. It pairs perfectly with rice. Enjoy! (In Chinese, you can say “您慢用！” which means “please enjoy your meal slowly” – “nín màn yòng!”)

The post Authentic Chinese Buddha’s Delight (Luo Han Zhai) Recipe appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.

What makes this recipe so great is that it can be ready in under 10 minutes. Just boil it, chill it up in some cold water, then drizzle light soy sauce and you’ve got a side dish that’s both scrumptious and healthy.

Is Okra Salad Healthy?

What’s even better is that okra has tons of health benefits. It’s a nutrient-dense vegetable that’s low on calories and carbs, and high in vitamins C and K. Because it contains protein, a nutrient that many other fruits and vegetables don’t have, this exquisite vegetable is quite special.

Okra is also packed with many antioxidants that benefit our health. If you’re not familiar with antioxidants, just know that they may lower your risk of developing major illnesses, stop inflammation, and improve your general health. The icing on the cake is that okra also contains polyphenols which can support our heart and brain function (2 of our most important organs). Learn more about Okra’s health benefits.

How to Make Okra Not Slimy?

With all the benefits being said, okra’s unique taste and its slimy texture can be somewhat unappealing to some people. If you have tried a few ways of eating okra and it hasn’t been working out for you, yet you still hold on to hope, try our super easy okra salad recipe. If you’re already an okra lover like me, then you definitely should not miss this one!

How Do you Make Okra Salad?

To make this simple okra salad recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fresh okra 175g
• Light soy sauce ½ tbsp
• Olive oil 1 tsp
• Salt 1 tsp

With just these few ingredients, you can make a side dish that works for many occasions and is easy to put together through the following quick steps:

• Carefully wash your okra and begin boiling a pot of water with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
• Put your okra in the boiling water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and let it boil for 4 minutes.
• Prepare a container of cold water (you can add ice to make it even colder) then place the boiled okra until cooled or chilled.
• Cut off the top part, then thinly slice or tear, removing as many seeds as you wish.
• Place okra on a plate then drizzle with light soy sauce before serving.

And there you have it! We hope you enjoy this lovely side dish. It’s refreshing and nutritious, making it perfect for hot days.

More Chinese Salads

Okra may not be for everyone but that doesn’t mean you can’t have options for your diners. We’ve got an amazingly delicious beef and coriander salad recipe that’s reminiscent of classic Chinese street food.

Easy Chinese Okra Salad Recipe

Recipe by LinCourse: SaladsCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Super Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

4

minutes

This recipe shows you how to make an easy and quick Chinese okra salad that’s refreshing for hot days and super healthy.

Ingredients

• Fresh okra 175g

• Light soy sauce ½ tbsp

• Olive oil 1 tsp

• Salt 1 tsp

Directions

• Carefully wash your Okra.
• Boil a pot of water with 1 tsp olive oil in it.
• Put okra in the boiling water, add 1 tsp salt and let it boil for 4 mins.
• Prepare a big enough container of cold water. You can put some ice in the water if you have some ready.
• Take your boiled okra, gently drain them then put them in the cold/ice water.
• Change the water if needed until your okra is completely cooled.
• Cut the top part, thinly slice them or tear them if you wish. I removed most of the seeds, but you’re welcome to keep them if you don’t mind.
• Place them on a plate.
• Drip ½ tbsp of light soy sauce evenly over the boiled okra.
• Ready to serve!

Try It Yourself!

And there you have it! This is how you can make a scrumptious and refreshing Chinese okra salad in under 10 minutes. Try it for yourself and let us know how it turned out by tagging us on Instagram.

The post Falling in Love With Okra? It’s Easy with This Chinese Salad Recipe appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.

Can You Eat Eggs and Tofu Together?

Yes, egg and tofu can be eaten together. In China, there are many dishes that call for combining these two protein powerhouses into delicious dishes. Apart from packing in tons of protein, the combination of egg and tofu packs a nice punch of flavor that doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Is Egg and Tofu Stew Healthy?

In one word, yes. Eating egg and tofu stew is a healthy way to get a bunch of protein in your body. We’re not adding anything significantly unhealthy, apart from a big of sugar, so ultimately you are getting a nice and light stew that’ll fill you up easily.

As with almost all foods, you can’t scarf this dish down endlessly, though. You’ll need to balance it out with some vegetables and fruit.

What Types of Tofu Are There?

There are seven main types of tofu each of which can be used in different dishes depending on how they’re cooked:

• Silken tofu – soft and smooth, works perfectly in stews, soups, and side dishes
• Medium tofu – dry and somewhat firm, can be used to great effect in stir-fries or even on the grill
• Firm tofu – firm, makes for a great meat substitute
• Tofu skins – peelings of the tofu’s outer layer, can be enjoyed in rolls and soups
• Fermented tofu – comes in several varieties with distinct flavors, very versatile
• Aburaage tofu – a Japanese style of tofu that works primarily as a wrap that can be stuffed with meats and other ingredients
• Shredded tofu – a Chinese favorite, these firm little strips can be used in several dishes including salads and stir-fries

For our tofu and egg stew, as you might have guessed, we’re using Silken tofu. Of course, you can experiment with other types. If your main concern is how much protein you’re getting, don’t underestimate this humble, wobbly bean curd product.

It packs 40% of protein in its soft body, making it a great alternative if you’ve had your fill of meat and need something different.

Egg and Tofu Chinese Stew Ingredients

Egg and tofu stew is meant to be a simple dish. Yet, it’s very flavorful and highly nutritious thanks to some key ingredients.

• Silken Tofu: Silken tofu, with its soft and smooth texture, is the ideal choice for this stew. Its delicate consistency allows it to absorb the flavors of the stew while providing a creamy and melt-in-the-mouth experience. Additionally, silken tofu is rich in protein, making it a nutritious addition to the dish.
• Light Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce is preferred for its salty and slightly sweet flavor profile. It adds depth to the dish without overpowering the natural flavors of the other ingredients. Unlike dark soy sauce, which is thicker and has a more intense taste, light soy sauce keeps the dish light and enhances the overall taste.
• Chilli Paste: Chilli paste introduces a kick of spice to the stew, balancing the mildness of the tofu and eggs. It not only adds heat but also imparts a rich, savory depth to the dish. The choice of chili paste can be varied based on personal preference, but it’s essential for that authentic Chinese touch.
• Spring Onions: Spring onions, with their mild and slightly peppery flavor, add a fresh crunch to the stew. The green parts, when used as a garnish, introduce a vibrant color contrast, making the dish visually appealing. Moreover, spring onions infuse the stew with a subtle aromatic essence that complements the other ingredients.

To make the perfect Chinese egg tofu stew, here’s the full list of ingredients:

• Silken tofu 250-300g (I got mine from a local supermarket. If you can’t find any in yours, try a Chinese or Asian shop)
• 2 medium to large eggs
• 1 tbsp of light soy sauce 
• ½ tbsp of Guilin chili paste (You can replace this with Laoganma chili sauce or any chili paste you fancy)
• ¼ tsp of sugar 
• ⅔ cups of water
• 1 Spring onion (the green part)
• Chopped chilies to your taste

We’ve focused on making this recipe as simple as possible. However, you don’t need to stop with the above ingredients. You can also include others you feel might fit your taste. In China, we often make this stew in two additional ways:

• option 1: Add soaked and finely chopped shiitake mushroom
• option 2: Add minced pork

How to Make Egg Tofu Chinese Stew

To make this delicious and nutritious tofu and egg stew, you only need about 10 minutes, including prep.

1. Gently slice up your tofu, then beat your eggs and set aside.
2. Mix your light soy sauce with the chili paste, water, and sugar, then set aside as well.
3. Finely chop the green portion of your spring onion and the chili of your choice.
4. Heat up a pan and add half a tablespoon of vegetable oil but don’t let it heat up completely.
5. Put your tofu in the pan gently and let it fry for 1 minute.
6. Add your beaten eggs and let it all cook for one more minute.
7. Add your mixed sauce and reduce to low heat. Cover your pan with a lid and let it all cook for 6 minutes.
8. Turn off your stove, and garnish your stew with your spring onion slices and chili.
9. Serve with rice and a salad, there you have a perfectly healthy and stress-free meal.

Tofu and Egg Stew Recipe

Recipe by LinCourse: Soups u0026amp; Stews, Under 30 MinCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Super Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

3

minutes

Cooking time

6

minutes

Experience the true essence of Chinese cuisine with our tofu and egg stew recipe. Ready in just 10 minutes, this dish is a fusion of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch!

Ingredients

• Silken tofu 250-300g

• 2 medium to large eggs

• Light soy sauce x 1 tbsp

• Guilin chili paste x ½ tbsp (replace with Laoganma chili sauce or any other chili paste)

• ¼ tsp sugar

• ⅔ cups of water

• Spring onion (green part)

• Chopped chilies to your taste

Directions

• Gently slice up your tofu.
• Beat 2 eggs well and put them aside.
• Mix 1 tbsp light soy sauce, ½ tbsp chili paste, ⅔ cups of water, and ¼ tsp sugar, then set it aside.
• Finely chop the spring onion greens and some chili of your choice.
• Heat up a pan.
• Add ½ tbsp vegetable oil, don’t let the oil completed heat up, or when you put in your tofu the oil is going to have a wild party in your kitchen.
• Gently put your sliced tofu in the pan, you can further cut them with your spatula so they are placed evenly in the pan.
• Let the tofu fry for 1 minute.
• Add your mixed egg, and let it cook for 1 minute.
• Add your mixed sauce, reduce to low heat, cover your pan with a lid and let it cook for 6 mins.
• Turn off your stove, garnish with thinly chopped spring onion greens and chili.
• Serve with rice and a salad, there you have a perfectly healthy and stress-free lunch

Try It Yourself!

And there you have it! This is how you can make simple and quick tofu and egg stew. It’s perfect for lunch but also any other occasion. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out by tagging us on Instagram @linschinesekitchen.

The post Authentic Chinese Tofu and Egg Stew Recipe: A Protein-Packed Delight appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.

We made one of the most iconic soups in northern China a while ago – the tomato egg drop soup. Today, I present to you another egg drop soup that is light, nutritious, and healthy, ridge gourd (turia) egg drop soup. turia, also called ridge gourd is commonly seen in Asian countries. It is high in fibre and also has multiple excellent health benefits. I got mine from Taj Brighton, if you are Chinese, you may find this is a bit different than the ones we normally see in China, but worry not, you only need to peel the outer skin and they taste exactly the same  

To make this soup is super super easy, you only need the ingredients pictured here.

Now, on to the recipe!

Ridge Gourd (Turia) Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Recipe by LinCourse: SoupsCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Super Easy

Servings

3

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

This super easy authentic Chinese recipe shows you how to make a hearty and healthy ridge gourd (turia) egg drop soup.

Ingredients

• Ridge gourd x 1

• Medium-sized egg x 2

• Salt to taste

Directions

• Peel the hard outer skin of the ridge gourd first.
• Cut it in half.
• Slice them into half-moon shapes. You can do so in thin or thick slices, up to you.
• Crack 2 medium-sized eggs in a bowl, mix well and set it aside.
• Warm-up ¼ tsp vegetable oil in a hot cooking pot. Quickly stir fry the sliced ridge gourd (turia) until a bit soft on the edges. (If you don’t want any oil in your soup, feel free to skip this step. The reason I do this is that personally, I feel a bit of oil helps bring out more flavours from the vegetable itself.)
• Add 2 cups of water to the cooking pot and bring it to a boil.
• Hold the bowl with your mixed eggs on top of the boiling soup, and slowly let it (the egg mix, not the bowl ;p) drop.
• Let it boil for another 30 seconds, and your soup is ready to serve.
• Hope this hearty healthy light soup can put a smile on your face in the cold season. Enjoy, 您慢用 (nín màn yòng).

Try It Yourself!

And that’s how you can make an authentic Chinese ridge gourd egg-drop soup! Give it a try and let us know how it goes in the comments below. We’re also around to answer any and all questions about this and other authentic Chinese recipes on our site. Remember to also follow us on Instagram for more mouth-watering Chinese dish photos.

The post Ridge Gourd (Turia) Egg Drop Soup Recipe appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.

Guotie (锅贴 guō tiē) also known as Chinese Pot Stickers are popular dumpling-like street food in northern China. You might have seen them as appetizers or side orders in your local Chinese restaurants.

In this post, we are going to make a quick version of authentic Chinese Guotie with a classic Chinese laver soup together. All the ingredients we use for the Guotie should be quite easy to find in your local grocery store, so go shop if you need to. We will be here ready to start with you when you come back  

Quick Chinese Guotie (Pot Sticker) With Lamb and Carrot Recipe

Recipe by LinCourse: DumplingsCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Super Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

13

minutes

This post shows you how to make a quick and easy authentic Chinese guotie and laver soup recipe that’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• For Guotie

• 500g minced lamb

• 1 x medium-sized leek

• 2 x medium-sized carrots

• Filo pastry

• ½ tsp Shaoxing cooking wine

• 2 tsp dark soy

• ¼ tsp sesame oil

• ¼ tsp white ground pepper

• 1-2 tsp salt (to your taste)

• ½ tsp sugar

• For the soup

• A hand full of dried laver

• 5g dried baby shrimp

Directions

• For this recipe, we are going to use minced lamb, carrots, and leek as stuffing, which for me, is the perfect combination for the cold season. Peel 2 medium-sized carrots and cut them into small chunks.
• Cut 1 medium/large-sized leek into small chunks.
• Put them in a food processor if you have one, or you can also manually finely chop them into tiny pieces.
• Put 500g minced lamb in a big container and put the finely chopped carrots, and leek inside.
• Add ½ tsp Shaoxing cooking wine, 2 tsp dark soy, ¼ tsp sesame oil, ¼ tsp white ground pepper, 1-2 tsp salt (to your taste), and ½ tsp sugar into the mix. Stir for 2 minutes until well mixed.
• Cut filo sheets into roughly 10cmx10cm squares.
• Scoop up the stuffing mix with a spoon and put it in the center of your filo sheet.
• Gently roll them up. You can use a bit of water on the edge to help the filo sheet to stick together.
• Warm up a frying pan (preferably with a lid) and add 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Wait for the oil to heat up with medium-high heat.
• Gently place all of Guotie rolls in the pan and let them fry for 2-3 mins until the bottom-side becomes crusty.
• Add 4 tbsp water (room temperature) to the frying pan, turn to high heat and put the lid on.
• Let your Guotie steam for further 3 mins until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
• Plate and garnish with some thinly sliced spring onion.
• Heat up 2 cups of water in your cooking pot and bring it to a boil.
• Add a handful of dried lavers and 5g dried baby shrimp with a pinch of salt.
• Let them boil for 1-2 mins and serve in a bowl together with Guotie.
• This is an easy version of Guotie, which is perfect if you have a craving for Chinese but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. Hope you enjoy it! 您慢用(nín màn yòng)!

Try It Yourself!

And there you have it! A quick-and-easy authentic Chinese guotie and laver soup combo to fit in any part of your day. Give it a try and let us know how it goes by leaving us a comment. We’re also around to answer any and all questions about this and other authentic Chinese recipes. Remember to also follows us on Instagram for more authentic Chinese food photos.

The post Quick Authentic Chinese Guotie (Pot Stickers) With Lamb and Carrot Recipe appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.

These are called Karela, also known as bitter melon or bitter gourd. They’re commonly seen in Asian countries and despite the odd appearance and of course, the bitter taste, they’re actually quite nutritious and therefore provide several health benefits.

Long story short, bitter melon is one of my mom’s favourite vegetables. She used to cook bitter melon all the time when I was young. At first, it was a bit challenging, but against all the odds, I eventually fell in love with it and bitter melon became one of my favourite vegetables ever since.

One of the most popular ways for us to cook bitter melon in China is to stir fry it with pork belly slices （苦瓜炒肉 kǔ guā chǎo ròu）. The texture and taste of this dish work very well together and it goes perfectly with rice. That being said, my husband Yanni to this day still couldn’t bring himself to eat bitter melon, but I will never quit offering

To the brave, to the curious, to the bitter melon lovers, here is the recipe!

Bitter Melon & Pork Belly Stir Fry Recipe

Recipe by LinCourse: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

3

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

This authentic Chinese recipe will show you how to make a delicious and healthy bitter melon and pork belly stir fry dish.

Ingredients

• Pork belly 250g

• Karela x 2

• Ginger 2g

• Garlic 3 cloves

• Spring onion x 1

• Shaoxing cooking wine 2 tsp

• Light soy 2 tsp

• Dark soy 1 tsp

• Oyster sauce 1 tsp

• Corn starch 1 tbsp

• Sugar 1 tsp

Directions

• Thinly slice 250 pork bellies and put them in a bowl.
• Add 2 tsp of Shaoxing cooking wine, 2 tsp of light soy, 1 tsp dark soy, 1 tsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp corn starch, 1 tsp sugar, mix well and set it aside.
• Cut bitter melons in half.
• Remove seeds.
• Cut into around 3mm thick half-moon slices.
• Finely chop the ginger, garlic and spring onion. Put them on a plate and set them aside.
• Put 3 cups of water into a saucepan and add 1 tsp of olive oil. Bring it to a boil. Put the bitter melon slices in and let them boil for 40 seconds.
• Take the bitter melon slices out and soak in cold water, repeat 3 times. (The above process is called blanching and shocking, which is a very common way to partially cook/prepare vegetables in China. This process is used to preserve the colour and crunch of the vegetables).
• Heat up a cooking pot and add 2 tsp vegetable oil. Put in the finely chopped ginger, garlic and spring onion after the oil is properly heated. Stir fry for 30 seconds.
• Put your marinated pork belly slices in. Keep stir-frying until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
• Add your bitter melon slices in and stir fry for a further 30 seconds.
• Plate and serve with rice. Hope you like it! 请慢用（qǐng màn yòng）

Try It Yourself!

And there you have it! A delicious and healthy bitter melon and pork belly stir fry dish. Give it a try and let us know what you think by leaving a comment below. We’re also happy to answer any and all questions you may have about this dish. Remember to also follow us on Instagram for more photos of authentic Chinese food!

The post Bitter Melon & Pork Belly Stir Fry Recipe appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.

In China, we have lots of sweet and sour recipes, which I will slowly introduce to you over the course of several recipes, including this one. May it be pork, beef, chicken, egg, tofu, fish, or anything you can think of, we most probably have a sweet and sour recipe for it.

In this post, we’re going to cook a super quick adapted version of sweet and sour beef meatballs（糖醋牛肉丸 táng cù niú ròu wán ）together. And don’t be thinking you’ll need store-bought sauce. In this authentic recipe, you’ll be making it from scratch which is orders of magnitude better than what you find at the supermarket. You can literally have this done within 15 mins and… BOOM happy eating!

What You’ll Need to Cook This Dish

One box of beef meat balls from your local supermarket. Mine are dozen 10% fat meatballs roughly 350g. You’ll also need tomato puree, sugar, light soy, Shaoxing cooking wine, and the soul of this dish – Chinese dark rice vinegar.

Naturally, you’ll also need some veggies. For me, I chose one bell pepper and a handful of cherry tomatoes. You could also try pineapple or carrot and let us know if you find other vegetables or fruits that go well with the sweet and sour sauce.

Now let’s get cooking!

Quick Sweet & Sour Beef Meatballs Recipe

Recipe by LinCourse: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Super Easy

Servings

3

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

An authentic Chinese recipe that shows you how to make a homemade sweet and sour sauce with meatballs and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 10% fat beef meatballs 350g

• 1 x bell pepper

• 9 x cherry tomatoes

• Shaoxing cooking wine 1 tbs

• Light soy sauce 2 tbs

• Sugar 2 tbs

• Chinese dark rice vinegar 3.5 tbs

• Water 3.5 tbs

• Corn starch 2.5 tsp

• Tomato puree 1/2 tbs

Directions

• Let’s get the meatballs ready. Mix well with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and cook them thoroughly. I used my air fryer because it makes the process fast and hassle-free. I set my air fryer at 200°C for 12 mins, which I have shaken the meatballs 2 times during the whole cooking process.
• While our meatballs are getting cooked nicely, let’s prepare our veggies. 
  Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and chop the bell pepper into small pieces (similar size as the cherry tomatoes). Place them aside for later use.
• Mix the sweet & sour sauce ingredients well in a bowl and set aside.
• Heat up a cooking pot on high heat, put 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil after the pot is properly heated.
• Wait for the oil to warm up and add your choice of veggies in. Let them cook for 2 mins.
• Add the cooked beef meatballs in. Keep stir fry for 30 secs until well mixed.
• Mix your bowl of sweet & sour sauce well, pour in the pot. Keep stirring on high heat until the sauce thickens.
• Place in a plate, you could choose to garnish with some white sesame seeds, finely chopped spring onions, or just serve as it is with rice. Enjoy! Or as we say in China: “您吃好 nín chī hǎo (Eat well)”.

Try It Yourself!

And there you have it! A quick and easy sweet and sour dish for pretty much any occasion. We’re quite confident that after making our sweet and sour sauce you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Let us know how it goes by leaving a comment below. We’re also around to answer questions if have any. And also remember to follow us on Instagram for more food photos!

The post Quick Sweet & Sour Beef Meatballs Recipe appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.

The ingredients are simple and super easy to find no matter where you are. It is quick to make, and it will give you that heart-warming feeling in the cold seasons. It goes very well with our Xianbing 馅饼 (Chinese Pork Pie) as well as our Beef Pie (牛肉饼) recipe. Try them together and you won’t be disappointed!

Tomato Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Recipe by LinCourse: SoupCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Super Easy

Servings

3

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

An authentic Chinese recipe that shows you how to make a delicious and warm tomato egg-drop soup. Perfect for cold autumn and winter days.

Ingredients

• Medium-sized tomatoes x 3

• Medium/large-sized eggs x 2

• Spring onion x 1

• Sugar 1/2 tsp

• Water 370g

• Salt

Directions

• It is extremely simple to make this soup. All you need is 3 medium-sized tomatoes, 2 medium/large-sized eggs, and a small spring onion.
• Cut your tomatoes into small pieces. Finely chop the spring onion and set them aside for later use.
• Beat the eggs well in a container.
• Warm up a deep pan on high heat and add in ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil.
• Wait for the oil to heat up and add the chopped tomatoes.
• Let it cook for 1 minute, then add salt to your taste. Stir well, put the lid on and let it cook for roughly 3 minutes. Check your tomatoes as they should be soft and the juice should have all come out.
• Add 370g water, then put the lid back on, and let it boil.
• Let the soup boil for 1-2 minutes. Take the well mixed eggs and slowly pour them into the boiling soup. You should be able to see the egg mix kind of “blossom” in the boiling water.
• Add ½ teaspoon sugar in the soup, then mix well and garnish your soup with finely chopped spring onion.

Try It Yourself!

And there you have it! Now you know how to make an authentic Chinese egg-drop tomato soup. I hope this quick-to-make light soup can brighten your day. Let us know how it goes by leaving us a comment below. We’re also monitoring the comment sections for any questions you have so don’t be shy. Also, remember to follow us on Instagram!

The post Only Tomato and Eggs Left? Try This Hearty Chinese Soup appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.

If you are a meat lover, don’t fret! We’ve got a recipe for the original Yuxiang Pork this is based on.

Now, let’s make this super easy yet very tasty dish together.

Variations

Like we mentioned above, this Yuxiang Aubergine recipe is a variation of Yuxiang Pork. If you love meat and want to enjoy some pork with a taste of Sichuan, try out our authentic recipe here.

Try It Yourself

Veggies don’t have to be a chore to eat. Our Yuxiang Aubergine recipe is sure to get even the biggest vegetable hater in your household to enjoy it. Give it a go and let us know how it went in the comments below. Be sure to also ask any questions you may have. We’ll be around to answer! And remember to follow us on Instagram for more yummy authentic Chinese food photos.

The post Yuxiang Aubergine Recipe appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.

It was said, the creator of this dish was this old man Mr. Chen, who lived in a Beijing courtyard with his grandson in the 1930s. Mr. Chen and his grandson loved Peking Duck, but it was too much of a luxury to eat Peking Duck at the time for a normal family like theirs. So instead of duck, they used pork and ate it together with Peking Duck sauce, tofu wraps, and spring onions. Over time, this “poor man’s” version of Peking Duck became one of the most popular dishes in old Beijing. 

This is also one of my family’s favorite dishes. I have to admit, pork and the sweet bean paste-based Peking Duck Sauce are a heavenly combination.

What’s even better is that this dish is very easy to make! Clocking in at under 30 minutes for prep and cooking, this dish will easily become one of your own go-tos when you’re just not feeling like spending too much time in the kitchen.

Jingjiang Pork Recipe

Recipe by LinCourse: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

3

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

An authentic Chinese recipe that shows you how to make delicious Jingjiang pork with leek garnish. Super easy to make yet delicious.

Ingredients

• Pork loin 400g

• Large leeks x 2

• Ginger 1 piece

• Shaoxing Cooking Wine 1 tsp

• Corn starch 1 tsp

• Egg white x 1

• Peking Duck Sauce 3 tbs

Directions

• Julienne 400g of pork loin and add 1 teaspoon of Shaoxing cooking wine, 1 piece of ginger, 1 teaspoon of corn starch, and an egg white. Mix them well, and let marinate for 15 mins.
• Finely slice 2 leeks and set them aside on a plate.
• Warm up the pan with high heat until hot and add 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil is heated, then stir fry the finely sliced leek and place it on a plate.
• Add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil to the hot pan and wait until the oil is heated. Take out the ginger first before adding the marinated pork to the pan. Stir fry until thoroughly cooked.
• Turn the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of Peking Duck Sauce to the pan. Mix well, then let it cook for 2 mins while stirring.
• Plate the cooked pork on top of the leek in the plate and serve!

Try It Yourself!

And this is how you can make one of the easiest authentic Chinese dishes! Give it a go and let us know how you get on in the comments below. If you have any questions, we’re monitoring the comments of all of our recipes so ask away. Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram for more mouth-watering Chinese food photos.

The post Jingjiang Pork Recipe appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.