Rice wine

Recipe from the book by Thibault Villanova "Cooking like in anime. Recipes for real otaku!".

Over the time of the existence of the phenomenon of twice-cooked pork, many legends have accumulated explaining the origin of this dish. The most romantic is about the wife of one of the builders of the Great Wall of China: the woman waited for her lover for so long that the meat had to be cooked a second time. There is also a more pragmatic version: boiled pork in China was left as an offering to the spirits of ancestors, but due to the high price of meat, it was subsequently cooked again with the addition of a large amount of pepper. Twice-cooked pork should be fatty, so it is best to take brisket - you can with the skin. It is good if you can find young leeks: their greens have a beany flavor that goes great with pork. However, it can be replaced with regular leeks or green onions.

Wonton soup is a Chinese variation of the familiar dumpling broth. The difference is in the details: the broth is pork, and the wonton mince contains shrimp, herbs, pork mince and a whole range of seasonings. The result is a very rich, filling and aromatic soup. It is easy to prepare, following our video instructions.

A simple and fairly quick recipe for ramen - usually the broth for it is cooked much longer. Ramen became very popular in Japan after the war: there was a shortage of food, and the Americans supplied cheap wheat noodles in large quantities. Now this dish exists in a huge number of variations: with pieces of meat, and with minced meat, and purely vegetable. Here - with pork belly.

Chicken thighs in ginger marinade are an exquisite dish of Chinese cuisine that combines spiciness, tenderness, and a rich aroma of Eastern spices. Ginger adds a slight heat to the meat while garlic deepens the flavor. Soy sauce, rice wine, and mirin create a rich marinade that penetrates the meat, making it incredibly juicy. Chicken pieces coated in potato starch acquire a crispy crust, creating a perfect contrast with the softness inside. Serving with cilantro and a slice of lemon highlights the freshness of the dish. This treat is perfect for family dinners or themed Chinese cuisine evenings, filling the home with aromas from the Far East and awakening a gastronomic journey.

Shrimp pancakes with sauce are an exquisite dish of Chinese cuisine that embodies a wealth of flavors and textures. Tender shrimp combine with crunchy cabbage, aromatic shiitake mushrooms, and a spicy sauce to create a harmony of sweet, salty, and spicy. The batter made with miso paste gives the dish a rich umami flavor, while frying in hot oil makes the pancakes golden and appetizing. This recipe has roots in traditional Chinese snacks and can be served as a main dish or as part of a festive feast. Served hot and generously drizzled with a thick sauce that combines tomato paste, rice wine, fish and soy sauce with hints of honey and aromatic herbs for a vibrant flavor accent. It pairs perfectly with light green tea or white wine.

Chinese dumplings (jiaozi) are a symbol of home comfort and unity, a traditional dish that has been prepared in Chinese families for centuries. Their history dates back to ancient China when they were considered a symbol of prosperity and served during celebrations, especially during the New Year. The crispy golden crust, tender dough, and juicy meat filling create a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The light sweetness of pork, the richness of soy sauce, and the spicy notes of garlic and green onion make jiaozi an aromatic and hearty dish. They can be served with soy sauce or vinegar, while the broth left after cooking is used as a warming drink. Chinese dumplings are not just food but part of cultural heritage that unites families and brings prosperity.

Korean stew is a rich, aromatic dish that embodies the traditional flavors of Korean cuisine. Its history dates back centuries when Koreans used the stewing method to tenderize meat and enrich broth. In this recipe, juicy pork is infused with a spicy marinade and then stewed with garlic, mushrooms, kimchi, and tofu, creating a savory symphony of flavors. The kimchi cabbage adds spiciness and depth to the dish while rice vinegar refreshes it with a light tang. Served with boiled rice, Korean stew is the perfect balance of richness and spiciness, embodying the warmth of home-cooked Korean food. It is ideal for cozy family dinners or celebrations when you want to warm up and enjoy a wealth of flavors.

Eggplant in garlic sauce is a vibrant dish of Chinese cuisine that combines the tenderness of vegetables with the spiciness of aromatic sauce. Fried to golden softness, eggplants absorb the rich flavors of garlic, ginger, and spicy chili sauce. In China, eggplants are considered a symbol of comfort and homeliness, and this recipe conveys the warmth of traditional family meals. It is perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal, especially when paired with steamed rice. The light tang of rice vinegar highlights the natural sweetness of eggplant while the minced meat adds richness. This dish is a harmony of flavors, balancing softness and spiciness that makes you return to it again and again.

Noodles with spicy sauce and pork is a vibrant dish of Chinese cuisine that combines rich spice aromas and tender meat texture. This dish has roots in Sichuan culinary tradition, known for its love of spicy and flavorful tastes. The sharp note of chili oil, the richness of soy sauce, and the depth of black rice vinegar create a harmonious blend that highlights the elasticity of wheat noodles. This recipe is perfect for cold evenings when you want to warm up with something hearty and aromatic. The noodles are served hot and freshly made, allowing each ingredient to showcase its best qualities. This dish is an excellent choice for lovers of Eastern cuisine and those wanting to try true Chinese gastronomic classics.

Cabbage rolls in asparagus leaves are an unusual and exquisite dish of Pan-Asian cuisine, combining rich aromas and a delicate texture. The recipe's origins trace back to traditional Asian cooking techniques where bamboo leaves are used to retain the meat's juiciness. Pork mince soaked in rice wine and aromatic spices is carefully wrapped in tender asparagus leaves and then in a bamboo leaf that adds light woody notes. The dish is slowly simmered in broth, allowing the ingredients to fully unfold. The cabbage rolls turn out tender, fragrant, and rich, perfectly complementing a festive table or family dinner. They can be served as a standalone dish or paired with fresh vegetables and rice for a balance of flavors. Enjoy your meal!

Rice noodles with chicken is a refined dish of Chinese cuisine that combines the tenderness of chicken fillet with the rich flavors of soy and fish sauce. This recipe has roots in traditional Cantonese dishes where the lightness and balance of ingredients play a key role. The noodles absorb the aromas of sauces and fresh vegetables, creating a harmony of taste with light woody notes from shiitake mushrooms. Quick stir-frying over high heat preserves the freshness and texture of the ingredients, while the omelet adds softness. This dish is perfect for an Eastern-style dinner, highlighted by herbs and the subtle aroma of rice wine. Enjoy its rich flavor while feeling the coziness of Chinese streets with every spoonful.

Pork noodles are a fragrant and rich dish of Chinese cuisine that combines the tender texture of noodles with the intense flavors of spicy sauce and juicy minced meat. It originates from street stalls in China, where simple yet skillfully prepared dishes delight thousands of gourmets. The stir-fried pork mince infused with hints of garlic, ginger, and chili paste gains deep flavor from the combination of light and dark soy sauce with rice wine and chicken broth. The finished noodles, soaked in sesame oil, perfectly complement the rich meat sauce. This dish not only warms but also provides a sense of coziness, making it ideal for both a weekday dinner and an impressive treat for guests.

Japanese burgers with eggplant and fresh cucumber are an original blend of traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern street food approach. A tender beef patty infused with the aroma of rice wine and sake is complemented by roasted eggplant, adding a pleasant sweet depth to the burger. Pickled cucumbers add freshness and a slight tang, balancing the rich flavors. Miso sauce with sriracha creates a spicy harmony, while the soft bun completes the flavor composition. This burger is a great example of how Japanese cuisine carefully transforms traditional recipes into new gastronomic discoveries. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an unusual treat for friends.

Cod stew with pattypan squash and asparagus is an exquisite dish of American cuisine that combines tender fish, crunchy vegetables, and the rich aroma of sesame oil. The cod, marinated in a mixture of protein, starch, and rice wine beforehand, gains softness and a light airiness. It is then carefully sautéed in a wok while the pattypan squash and asparagus enhance the dish's texture with freshness and a hint of sweetness. Chicken broth and garlic create a deep flavor while the thick sauce perfectly envelops the ingredients for harmony. Served with white rice that absorbs the sauce and complements the dish. This dish is a successful combination of fish's tenderness and vegetables' brightness, creating true gastronomic delight.