Tiger Lily Buds
Or golden needles are the unopened buds of a variety of Chinese day lily and are prized for their earthly flavor. Buds are available dried at
Asian food shops, and are soaked and their tough stems removed before use.
Tofu or Beancurd
Also known as beancurd, is made of soybeans in a process that is much like making cheese. This protein-rich
product has little flavor on its own, but redaily absorbs flavors of whatever sauces it is cooked in.
Available in soft, medium, firm, extra firm, dried and creamy silky.
Szechuan Pepper-Salt Powder
Made by roasting 2 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns and 1 tsp white peppercorns till fragrant and just beginning to smoke, then grinding the
mixture to a powder in a spice grinder or with a motar and pestle.
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Sesame Oil
Extraced from seame seeds that have been well toasted, producing a dark, dense, aromatic oil with a nutty, smoky flavor. Often used in marinades,
sauces and soups or as a table condiment. The most commmon variety is Chinese sesame oil.
Sichuan or Szechuan Pepper
Also known as flower pepper, is one of the ingredients in five spice powder. Sichuan peppercorns are available in both whole and ground.
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