Hunan

🍳Cooking Style

Fresh chili-forward cuisine without Sichuan peppercorns. Smoking, curing, and heavy use of garlic. More straightforward heat than Sichuan.

📜Historical Context

Hunan's agricultural abundance and Mao Zedong's famous love of the region's spicy food brought national attention to this fiery cuisine.

🍽️More from Hunan

China·Easy·45 minutes

Braised Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms

A classic Chinese vegetarian dish featuring pan-fried firm tofu and earthy shiitake mushrooms braised in a rich, savory sauce. This comforting and flavorful meal is perfect served with steamed rice.

China·Medium·30 minutes

Chao Fen

A classic Cantonese stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender beef, fresh rice noodles, crisp bean sprouts, and fragrant Chinese chives, infused with the smoky 'wok hei' (breath of the wok). This recipe aims for authentic flavor and texture.

China·Medium·55 minutes

Chao Shou / Wonton in Chili Oil

Silky pork and shrimp-filled wontons bathed in a spicy, numbing, and aromatic Sichuan chili oil sauce. These Chao Shou are addictively good and surprisingly easy to make.

China·Medium·8 hours 40 minutes (including marinating)

Char Siu

A classic Cantonese BBQ pork, characterized by its glossy, vibrant red lacquer and a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The pork shoulder is marinated in a rich blend of sauces and spices, then roasted to tender, caramelized perfection.

China·Medium·8 hours 25 minutes (including marinating)

Char Siu Pork Ribs

Tender and succulent Cantonese-style BBQ pork spare ribs, coated in a rich, sweet, and savory char siu glaze. The result is beautifully lacquered ribs with a perfect balance of flavors and a hint of smoky char.

China·Medium·50 minutes

Chen Pi Ji

An authentic Hunan-style Chen Pi Ji, featuring tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, sweet-spicy glaze infused with the distinct aroma of dried tangerine peel. This dish balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes with a delightful textural contrast.