- taro sago
One of my absolute favorite desserts from my childhood is taro sago, a dessert soup filled with soft chunks of… Read more: taro sago - winter melon soup 冬瓜汤 (dong gua tong)Winter melon soup, also known as 冬瓜汤 (dong gua tong), is a classic pork bone-based soup my family would keep… Read more: winter melon soup 冬瓜汤 (dong gua tong)
- ABC soup (carrot, tomato, & potato soup)A vegetable and nutrition-packed soup that’s as easy as ABC to make!
- dried bok choy soup 菜干汤 (choi gon tong)Dried bok choy soup, also known as 菜干汤 (choi gon tong), is one of the nourishing pork bone-based soups my… Read more: dried bok choy soup 菜干汤 (choi gon tong)
- easy no-bake dessert: mango coconut biscoff cakeInspired by Filipino mango float, an icebox cake layered with fresh and ripe mangoes, whipped cream, and graham crackers, this… Read more: easy no-bake dessert: mango coconut biscoff cake
- a veggie-packed weeknight dish: sweet chili chicken stir fryThis sweet chili chicken stir fry packs in juicy chicken and crunchy veggies glazed in a sauce that’s sweet and… Read more: a veggie-packed weeknight dish: sweet chili chicken stir fry
- a cantonese classic: steamed whole fishCantonese steamed whole fish, both a must-have during Chinese celebrations and a weekly staple in our dinner rotations. Tender, flaky… Read more: a cantonese classic: steamed whole fish
- my family’s simple Buddha’s Delight (lo han jai)Buddha’s delight, or lo han jai, is THE vegetarian dish that my family enjoys on the first day of Lunar… Read more: my family’s simple Buddha’s Delight (lo han jai)
- my mom’s comfort dish: cantonese minced beef and eggsCantonese minced beef and eggs over rice is a comfort dish my mom used to order on her weekly visit… Read more: my mom’s comfort dish: cantonese minced beef and eggs
- crispy chicken and cabbage dumplingsThese crispy chicken and cabbage dumplings are pan-fried to a perfect crunch, juicy on the inside, and completely satisfying no… Read more: crispy chicken and cabbage dumplings
- leftover rotisserie chicken congeeLeftover rotisserie chicken congee, or Chinese rice porridge, is one of the most comforting meals you can make from the… Read more: leftover rotisserie chicken congee
- pork and century egg congeePork and century egg congee is one of the most classic Chinese comfort foods. It’s a simple rice porridge that’s… Read more: pork and century egg congee
- string bean chickenString bean chicken, a classic Chinese takeout dish, is one of my recent and favorite additions to my weekly rotation.… Read more: string bean chicken
- Chinese cured pork belly rice (rice cooker)Chinese cured pork belly rice, or lap yuk faan, is a hearty yet simple meal that takes minimal preparation! Fluffy… Read more: Chinese cured pork belly rice (rice cooker)
- Toisan yellow eel crispy rice (no claypot)Yellow eel claypot rice is one of Taishan’s most iconic, famous dishes! Taishan is one of Guangdong’s “Four Counties”, and… Read more: Toisan yellow eel crispy rice (no claypot)
- Toisan yellow eel claypot riceYellow eel claypot rice is one of Taishan’s most iconic, famous dishes! Taishan is one of Guangdong’s “Four Counties”, and… Read more: Toisan yellow eel claypot rice
- Chinese stir-fry tomato and eggs with beefFor a filling and extra savory version of the classic Chinese stir-fry tomatoes and eggs, here’s Chinese tomatoes and eggs… Read more: Chinese stir-fry tomato and eggs with beef
- Chinese smashed cucumber saladRefreshing, crunchy cucumbers marinated in a garlicky, savory sauce make the best side dish for summertime or year round!
- shortcut pork floss scallion bunsStore-bought Hawaiian rolls make a lightly sweet and fluffy base for these classic pork floss scallion buns that taste similar to the ones from Chinese bakeries, with just a fraction of the effort!
- Chinese cold sesame noodlesWhen the weather starts to warm up, and I start to get lazy to cook, these Chinese cold sesame noodles… Read more: Chinese cold sesame noodles
- chive and pork potstickersWith crispy skins and a juicy and tender filling, these chive & pork potstickers are a perfect way to use up your garlic chives. Make a big batch and freeze them to enjoy any time!
- crispy chive and shrimp rice paper dumplingsA shortcut (and more delicious) version of the popular translucent chive and shrimp dumplings at dim sum, these crispy dumplings are savory and juicy with a golden brown crust.
- garlic chive scrambled eggsAromatic garlic chives are the perfect pairing for these soft scrambled eggs — done in just 10 minutes, and can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
- Cantonese soy sauce chow meinA classic Cantonese-style noodle, this dry soy sauce chow mein is simple to make, but incredibly satisfying with the crunchy bean sprouts, caramelized aromatics, and fresh scallions.
- cheesy scallion sausage buns (shortcut)A more modern take on the nostalgic Cantonese sausage buns — these are cheesy, garlicky, and incredibly addicting! Best part is, they’re ready in under 45 mins!
- hot & sour soup with dumplingsA hearty, veggie-packed soup that’s a little spicy from white pepper and sour from aromatic Chinese black vinegar. The dumplings are optional but make this an easy and complete one pot meal!
- stir fry salted radish with pork
- braised arrowhead root with porkThis balanced dish consists of crunchy and potato-like arrowhead roots braised in a thick, savory sauce, Chinese pork belly, and refreshing Chinese celery. It’s the only way my family prepares arrowhead roots!
- stir-fry chinese cauliflowerThis stir-fry Chinese cauliflower is a quick, 30 min side dish with a delicious sauce!
- west lake beef soup
- shortcut cantonese cocktail buns (gai mei bao)Using pre-made bread rolls, you can make these shortcut Cantonese cocktail buns in less than an hour, start to finish. They’re sweet, coconut-y, and such a treat!
- Chinese mustard green soup with salted eggA well-balanced, nutrient-packed soup made of hearty, slightly bitter mustard greens, sweet carrots, and salted eggs.
- mushroom longevity noodles (yi mein)Mushroom longevity noodles, also known as braised efu noodles or yi mein (伊面), are a common dish eaten during Chinese holidays or special occasions to symbolize longevity
- Chinese roast pork bellyEnjoy this bubbly and crispy Chinese roast pork belly, a traditional dish my family makes every Lunar New Year!
- classic steamed tapioca cake (brown sugar only)With its beautiful golden hue and many distinct layers, this chewy, fragrant, and lightly-sweet dessert is both stunning to look at and fun to eat!
- steamed tapioca cake (with coconut milk layers)With its beautiful golden hue and many distinct layers, this chewy, fragrant, and lightly-sweet dessert is both stunning to look at and fun to eat!
- Chinese herbal chicken soupA comforting, savory, and earthy soup that’s full of flavor and immune-boosting nutrients from various Chinese herbs.
- steamed egg with enoki mushroomsGarlicky enoki mushrooms top this silky steamed egg for the perfect pairing over some rice.
- Toisan savory tang yuan (glutinous rice ball soup)This comforting, hearty soup we eat every winter solstice is not only a symbol of coming together with family, but is also incredibly delicious!
- pineapple buns with Chinese BBQ pork (shortcut!)These pineapple buns are made even better with a filling of savory, Chinese BBQ pork — a perfect sweet and savory combination that can be made in just an hour!
- snow fungus soup (with pear)This lightly sweet dessert soup is not only delicious, but is incredibly beneficial and nourishing for your lungs, making it a tasty remedy during cough and cold season.
- char siu puff pastry (char siu sou)Store-bought flaky puff pastry and char siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) makes this iconic Cantonese bakery item easy to recreate home!
- chicken and corn egg drop soupIn less than 30 minutes, you can can make this comforting, classic Chicken and Corn Egg Drop Soup. It’s thick and creamy like a chowder, but contains no dairy!
- seaweed egg drop soupThis Chinese seaweed egg drop soup is easy, nutritious, and comes together in just 10 minutes!
- steamed eggs with dried scallopsSo excited to share another variation of our steamed eggs: Chinese steamed eggs with dried scallops! The addition of dried… Read more: steamed eggs with dried scallops
- watercress and pork bone soup
- Hong Kong-style borscht (luo song tong)Hong Kong-style borscht, or luo song tong (罗宋汤), is a comforting soup I grew up eating in HK-style cafes in… Read more: Hong Kong-style borscht (luo song tong)
- lotus root and pork bone soup
- fuzzy melon soup with pork ribsThis fuzzy melon soup is packed with nutrition, is lightly flavored by dried scallops and shrimp, and has tender pork ribs that easily fall off the bone.
- spam musubi with tamagoyakiTake the classic Hawaiian snack up a notch with lightly sweet tamagoyaki — a perfect pairing with the salty, sweet-glazed spam.
- steamed eggs with minced beefSilky, soft steamed eggs topped with a savory and saucy minced beef — a combination that’s perfectly delicious over a warm bed of rice.
- mango sticky riceThis classic Thai mango sticky rice combines ripe mangoes with sweet coconut sticky rice to make the most satisfying dessert!
- Din Tai Fung seaweed & beancurd saladThis refreshing appetizer inspired by Din Tai Fung’s popular seaweed & beancurd salad is full of crisp textures and flavor. Perfect to pair with any savory meal!
- toisan-style joong (cantonese zongzi)How to make my parents’ Toisan-style joong, filled with delicious savory ingredients like pork belly, Chinese sausage, salted egg yolk, mung beans, peanuts, dried shrimp, and dried scallop.
- stir fry sweet potato leaves with garlicStir fry sweet potato leaves with garlic are a classic Chinese restaurant dish that’s easy to replicate at home!
- stir fry glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli)Stir fry glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli) is a comforting dish that’s filled with springy, chewy noodles, slightly crunchy veggies,… Read more: stir fry glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli)
- creamy mango sagoYou only need 5 ingredients to make this easy, creamy mango sago — the best summer dessert!
- Chinese veggie spring rollsThese crispy Chinese veggie spring rolls might be one of the most underrated delicious appetizers that you can easily make… Read more: Chinese veggie spring rolls
- homemade Chinese pineapple buns (shortcut version!)These delicious homemade pineapple buns are made EXTRA easy with a shortcut: using store-bought fluffy sweet rolls as the “bun.” No need to fuss with a dough, and they turn out so good!
- chicken katsu with tomato egg sauceThis luscious tomato egg sauce coats every piece of crispy, juicy chicken katsu — making this an addicting combination that will have you going back for more after each bite!
- tender chicken and broccoliEven though we’re using chicken breast, the marinade will keep this incredibly tender and juicy — perfect to pair with broccoli and this savory sauce.
- crispy pumpkin with salted egg yolkThese crispy pieces of sweet fried pumpkin coated in savory salted egg yolks make a combination that’s incredibly addicting!
- mama smelly’s kohlrabi riceThis unassuming dish is one of my family’s absolute favorite dishes that my mom makes. Packed with savory Chinese cured meats, aromatics, and delightful bites of kohlrabi. A must try!
- Chinese steamed eggs with shrimpOne of the best variations of this dish, this Chinese steamed eggs with shrimp is one of the most delicious pantry recipes you can make!
- Chinese Pantry Essentials: 7 seasonings you need to cook Chinese foodA list of the must-have, Chinese Pantry Essentials you need to cook ~90% of all my recipes (and most Chinese food)!
- Chinese beef and broccoliThis addicting and satisfying classic Chinese beef and broccoli dish features tender pieces of beef and crisp broccoli covered in a savory, delicious sauce!
- Cantonese steamed chicken and mushroomsTender, juicy chicken, umami shiitake mushrooms, and savory Chinese sausages make this a cozy Cantonese dish that’s simple enough for a weekday meal.
- golden egg fried riceThis rich, egg yolk-coated golden egg fried rice is made from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
- shrimp and chive patties (no eggs needed!)Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal, these juicy shrimp and chive patties are easy, customizable, and can be served as an appetizer or main course!
- Chinese steamed pork patty with preserved vegetablesChinese steamed pork patty with preserved vegetables is probably one of the least aesthetic, but most comforting and nostalgic dishes… Read more: Chinese steamed pork patty with preserved vegetables
- Chinese steamed eggs with clamsAn expectedly delicious combination of flavors, I promise this silky Chinese steamed eggs with clams will leave you so pleasantly surprised!
- Cantonese fried fish with cream cornCrispy, fried pieces of white fish smothered in a savory and naturally sweet corn sauce! This Cantonese fried fish with cream corn is a delicious restaurant classic that’s easy to replicate at home.
- Chinese steamed eggsChinese steamed eggs were a staple in our home growing up — we used to eat them 1-2x per week… Read more: Chinese steamed eggs
- Panda Express mushroom chickenPanda Express mushroom chicken is one of the most underrated choices among their entrees! I get it every time I… Read more: Panda Express mushroom chicken
- chirashi bowlRecreating my favorite chirashi bowls inspired by the ones at my local Japanese supermarket, Suruki Supermarket in San Mateo! Chirashi… Read more: chirashi bowl
- kimchi dan dan noodlesKimchi dan dan noodles aren’t a real thing (as far as I know)! However, I was inspired by the Chinese… Read more: kimchi dan dan noodles
- Chinese turnip cakes (lo bak go)Chinese turnip cakes (known to some as radish cakes), or lo bak go, are some of the most popular and… Read more: Chinese turnip cakes (lo bak go)
- stir-fried rice cakes (for Lunar New Year)Stir-fried rice cakes, also known as Shanghai stir-fried rice cakes, is a great dish to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New… Read more: stir-fried rice cakes (for Lunar New Year)
- saucy beef lo meinThis saucy beef lo mein is easily customizable with whatever protein and veggies you have sitting in your fridge! Perfect… Read more: saucy beef lo mein
- honey walnut shrimp (no deep-frying)Honey walnut shrimp has become a Chinese banquet dinner and takeout classic in the US. I know many of you… Read more: honey walnut shrimp (no deep-frying)
- steamed kimchi mandu (Korean kimchi dumplings)Steamed kimchi mandu, or Korean kimchi dumplings, were one of the common street foods I encountered a lot during my… Read more: steamed kimchi mandu (Korean kimchi dumplings)
- Sichuan-style hot & sour shredded potatoesSichuan-style hot & sour shredded potatoes is a classic appetizer that’s slightly crunchy and very addicting! The best part: it… Read more: Sichuan-style hot & sour shredded potatoes
- steamed pork spare ribs with kabocha squashSteamed pork spare ribs are a classic dish at dim sum! It’s also a dish my parents would often make… Read more: steamed pork spare ribs with kabocha squash
- char siu (Chinese BBQ pork)Char siu (cha siu in Cantonese), or Chinese BBQ pork, is a staple you’d find at most Chinese restaurants and butcher shops. It’s savory, lightly sweet, and my favorite ones are slightly fatty to keep the slices tender and juicy.
- crispy chive egg dumplingsAn easier, crispier version of Chinese chive boxes, these crispy chive egg dumplings made with rice paper are so addicting to make and eat!
- kimchi fried riceAn easy weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes and satisfies the craving for comfort food! With the right tips and ingredients, you can make it even better than most restaurants’.
- mooncake filling: white lotus paste from scratchDon’t want to use store-bought mooncake filling or can’t find it at your local Asian supermarket? Here’s how you can make your own lotus paste mooncake filling from scratch!
- Chinese lettuce wraps with hoisin (san choy bow)
- mooncakes with salted egg yolk and lotus pasteCelebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival by making your own salted egg yolk lotus paste mooncakes this year! I share my best… Read more: mooncakes with salted egg yolk and lotus paste
- pan-fried crispy chow mein with shrimp
A bed of light and crispy noodles topped with a savory gravy — a classic Chinese restaurant dish! You’d be surprised at how easy it is to make at home.
- Din Tai Fung garlic green beans
One of my favorites from Din Tai Fung is their perfectly executed green beans! With a few key tips, you can make this easily at home.
- pork and shrimp wonton noodle soupMy family’s wonton noodle soup recipe is one we’ve iterated on over the years — it’s packed with some special ingredients for extra flavor! I share my best tips to get the juiciest and bounciest wontons.
- steamed rice rolls with beef (cheung fun)
The beef version of this classic and must-order at dim sum! Check my earlier post for the popular shrimp version.
- shrimp rice noodle rolls (cheung fun)Shrimp rice noodle rolls are a classic and must-order at dim sum! I share all my learnings and tips here — I promise it’s not as intimidating to make at home as it may seem.
- cantonese soy braised chicken wingsThe juiciest, most tender Cantonese soy braised chicken wings you’ll eat!
- stuffed egg tofu with shrimpSilky, egg tofu paired with juicy and snappy shrimp makes a perfect pairing that’s both nutritious and delicious!
- Chinese mapo tofu
Spicy, savory, and a bit numbing — this dish goes perfectly with a warm bowl of rice!
- Chinese eggplant & minced pork with garlic sauceThis delicious Chinese Eggplant & Minced Pork with Garlic Sauce will have you reaching for a second bowl of rice — make this in 5 easy steps!
- yu choy with garlic sauce
Also know as choy sum, this light and sweet veggie pairs perfectly with a savory, garlicky sauce.
- kung pao chicken (better than Panda Express!)
Move over Panda Express — you can make better kung pao chicken at home!
I grew up being embarrassed by my smelly lunchbox… I wanted nothing more than for my parents to pack me a ham & cheese sandwich or lunchables! Now, my life-long love for food & cooking combined with my desire to reconnect with and celebrate these Chinese & Asian flavors from my heritage bring you this smellylunchbox that I’m excited and proud to share. I hope you enjoy them!