Spicy

Chinese American-style bang bang bang chicken

It bears nothing in common with its Chinese ancestor except for the spicy chili-based sauce, but this dish of fried chicken fillets tossed in sweet chili mayo is just as satisfying.

Cook time: 6

Servings: 4 people

Sichuan-style bang bang chicken

Unlike its Chinese-American incarnation, there is no frying involved in making this dish. Poached chicken is cut into strips, doused with Sichuan chili oil and topped with sliced scallions.

Cook time: 5

Servings: 4 people

Sichuan chili oil

Fiery in the mouth and fiery in appearance, this infused oil is flavored by Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, garlic, bay leaves, onion, star anise, cumin and Chinese five-spice powder. Use it for dipping, drizzling, or as the base for chili sauces.

Cook time: 20

Servings: 1 cup

Sichuan-style potato stir fry

Inspired by a dish we enjoyed at a restaurant in Osaka (yes, in Osaka!), this Sichuan stir fried potatoes has a bit of heat, plenty of crunch and a ton of flavors. A great side dish!

Cook time: 10

Servings: 4 people

Thai basil chicken (pad kaphrao gai)

A spicy, salty and subtly sweet chicken stir fry with garlic, chilies, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, palm sugar, Thai holy basil and a little lime juice.

Cook time: 10

Servings: 3 people

Son-in-law eggs (kai loog keuy)

Hard-boiled eggs are deep fried until the surface is blistered, cut into halves, drizzled with sweet-sour tamarind sauce and garnished with crispy fried shallots and garlic. Thai son-in-law eggs make a lovely snack.

Cook time: 12

Servings: 4 people