3 Simple Chinese Szechuan Appetizer Recipes! Spicy Wonton 红油抄手 Cucumber Salad Century Egg Tofu 皮蛋豆腐

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: ground turkey

Chicken is leaner while turkey is often less expensive.

dumpling wrappers

🥗Healthier: whole wheat wrappers

💰Cheaper: make from scratch

Whole wheat offers more fiber, while homemade can save money.

chili oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil with chili flakes

💰Cheaper: hot sauce

Olive oil is healthier, and hot sauce can add spice at a lower cost.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium reduces salt intake, while tamari is often cheaper.

Heat 1 cup of oil in a pot over low to medium heat.

Add 1 star anise, 1 piece of ginger (cracked), and 3 smashed garlic cloves to the oil to infuse flavors.

Monitor the temperature until the oil reaches 190-200 degrees Celsius.

Once the oil is hot, turn off the flame and add 2 tablespoons of chili flakes, 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1-2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorn. Let it cool down.

Prepare the sauce by mixing 1/10 cup of hot water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 4 tablespoons of light soy sauce in a bowl.

Add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 2 tablespoons of black vinegar to the sauce mixture and mix well.

Chop cilantro and spring onions for garnish and to add to the sauce.

Prepare 2 pieces of century eggs by cutting them into pieces and place them in a bowl.

Prepare 2 cucumbers by cutting them into three parts and scraping out the seeds to reduce liquid.

Smash the cucumbers in a plastic bag to help them absorb the sauce better.

Marinate the cucumbers with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 4 cloves of chopped garlic, and 2 tablespoons of chili oil. Mix well and let chill in the fridge for at least half an hour.

For the shrimp, mix 200 grams of prawns with 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of chicken stock powder, and 3-4 chopped spring onions.

Wrap the shrimp mixture in wonton skins, sealing the edges with water.

Prepare a spicy sauce by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 4 cloves of chopped garlic, and optional chopped chili in a cup of warm water.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens