Easy Chinese Food Recipes offer a delightful gateway to exploring the rich and diverse culinary landscape of China right in your own kitchen. At larosafoods.com, we’re passionate about providing accessible and authentic recipes that cater to both novice and experienced home cooks, focusing on simplicity without compromising flavor, utilizing readily available ingredients. Discover simplified techniques, healthier cooking methods, and ingredient substitutions for dietary needs.
1. What Makes Chinese Food So Appealing?
Chinese cuisine’s appeal stems from its balance of flavors, textures, and aromas, achieving harmony through the careful selection and preparation of ingredients. This culinary tradition emphasizes fresh, seasonal produce, a variety of cooking techniques, and the artful combination of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami tastes.
The Foundation of Flavor: Key Ingredients
The foundation of Chinese cooking rests on a few key ingredients that define its unique flavor profiles:
- Soy Sauce: This fermented bean sauce is the cornerstone of many dishes, adding depth and umami. According to food historians, soy sauce has been used in East Asian cuisine for over 2,000 years, evolving from fermented meat and fish sauces to the soybean-based condiment we know today.
- Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics are fundamental, imparting warmth and pungency to stir-fries, soups, and marinades. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition highlights the health benefits of ginger and garlic, noting their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and rich flavor, enhancing both savory and sweet dishes.
- Rice Wine (Shaoxing Wine): Used for both marinating meats and flavoring sauces, rice wine contributes a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Chili Peppers and Bean Paste: For those who enjoy a kick, chili peppers and fermented bean pastes add heat and complexity.
The Art of Balancing Flavors
The hallmark of Chinese cuisine is its masterful balance of five fundamental flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. This balance is achieved through the strategic use of ingredients and cooking techniques:
- Sweet: Honey, sugar, and sweet bean sauce contribute sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
- Sour: Vinegar, particularly rice vinegar, provides a tangy counterpoint, cutting through richness.
- Salty: Soy sauce, salt, and fermented ingredients provide the necessary savory base.
- Bitter: Certain vegetables, like bitter melon, and spices add a subtle bitterness, enhancing the overall complexity.
- Umami: This savory, meaty flavor is derived from ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, and seafood, adding depth and satisfaction.
According to Fuchsia Dunlop, a renowned expert on Chinese cuisine, the art of balancing these flavors is what makes Chinese food so compelling.
Cooking Techniques That Define Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine employs a range of cooking techniques, each designed to maximize flavor and texture:
- Stir-Frying (Chao): This quick cooking method, done in a wok over high heat, preserves the freshness and crispness of vegetables while imparting a smoky flavor. A study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health emphasizes the importance of stir-frying as a healthy cooking method, as it retains nutrients and minimizes the use of oil.
- Steaming (Zheng): Steaming is a gentle cooking method that retains the natural flavors and nutrients of ingredients, ideal for fish, vegetables, and dumplings.
- Braising (Dun): This slow cooking technique tenderizes meats and allows flavors to meld deeply, resulting in rich and complex dishes.
- Deep-Frying (Zha): While often associated with less healthy options, deep-frying, when done correctly, can create crispy textures and delicious flavors, as seen in dishes like crispy duck and sesame chicken.
- Roasting (Kao): Roasting is used to create flavorful and succulent meats, such as Peking duck and char siu pork.
2. What Are Some Easy Chinese Appetizer Recipes?
Easy Chinese appetizer recipes can kickstart any meal with a burst of flavor, offering a delightful introduction to the cuisine’s diverse tastes and textures. From crispy dumplings to flavorful spring rolls, these appetizers are designed to be simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Potstickers (Chinese Dumplings): A Crispy Delight
Potstickers, also known as Chinese dumplings, are a beloved appetizer that combines a savory filling with a crispy, pan-fried exterior. Traditionally made with pork, variations can include shrimp, beef, or vegetarian options.
Recipe:
- Filling: Combine ground meat (such as pork, shrimp, or beef) with chopped vegetables (like cabbage, scallions, and ginger), soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings.
- Wrapping: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of a dumpling wrapper, moisten the edges with water, and fold to create a half-moon shape.
- Cooking: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Arrange the dumplings in the skillet and cook until the bottoms are golden brown. Add water to the skillet, cover, and steam until the dumplings are cooked through. Remove the lid and allow the remaining water to evaporate, crisping the bottoms.
Tip: Serve with soy sauce or an easy Asian dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/692888-57af0bf2f1274b8ca4c1465f82b51ccc.jpg)
Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls: A Timeless Classic
Egg rolls are a quintessential Chinese appetizer, featuring a crispy, deep-fried wrapper filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and meat.
Recipe:
- Filling: Sauté shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and your choice of meat (such as pork or chicken) with soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings.
- Wrapping: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of an egg roll wrapper, fold in the sides, and roll tightly to create a cylindrical shape.
- Frying: Deep-fry the egg rolls in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve a crispy exterior without making the egg rolls greasy.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/image-1-2000-69a4de5bd5fc47e597cd4837aa605421.jpg)
Crab Rangoon: Creamy and Crunchy
Crab Rangoon is a popular appetizer known for its creamy filling and crispy, deep-fried exterior, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Recipe:
- Filling: Combine cream cheese, imitation crab meat (or real crab meat), scallions, and seasonings.
- Wrapping: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper, moisten the edges with water, and fold to create a triangular or star shape.
- Frying or Baking: Deep-fry the crab Rangoon in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, or bake in the oven until golden and the filling is heated through.
Tip: Baking the crab Rangoon is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, reducing the fat content while still achieving a crispy texture.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6396633-2000-9f8f218055474e25814f66b234cefcd1.jpg)
Chinese Chicken Wings: Flavorful and Addictive
Chinese chicken wings are a flavorful and addictive appetizer, marinated in a savory sauce and baked or fried to perfection.
Recipe:
- Marinade: Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinating: Marinate the chicken wings in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Cooking: Bake the chicken wings in the oven until cooked through and the skin is crispy, or deep-fry until golden brown and crispy.
Tip: Grilling the chicken wings adds a smoky flavor that complements the savory marinade.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/image-3d11602beb6d406a9a674dec9fb45030.jpg)
3. What Are The Best Easy Chinese Soup Recipes?
Easy Chinese soup recipes offer a comforting and flavorful way to start a meal, showcasing the delicate balance of ingredients and the nourishing qualities of Chinese cuisine. These soups are simple to prepare and packed with healthful ingredients.
Egg Drop Soup: A Classic Comfort
Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese soup known for its silky texture and comforting flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with various additions.
Recipe:
- Broth: Bring chicken broth to a simmer in a pot.
- Thickening: Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the broth, stirring until the soup thickens slightly.
- Egg Stream: Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the simmering broth, stirring gently to create delicate egg ribbons.
- Seasoning: Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper.
Tip: Adding a handful of frozen corn or peas can enhance the texture and nutritional value of the soup. Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EggDropSoupBetterthanRestaurantQuality-337e79a1d6534df894c69581d53a5ed8.jpeg)
Wonton Soup: A Delightful Noodle Soup
Wonton soup is a comforting and flavorful soup featuring delicate wontons filled with savory meat or shrimp, served in a clear broth.
Recipe:
- Wontons: Prepare wontons by filling wonton wrappers with a mixture of ground pork or shrimp, scallions, ginger, and seasonings.
- Broth: Bring chicken broth to a simmer in a pot.
- Cooking Wontons: Cook the wontons in boiling water separately until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
- Serving: Serve the wontons in the simmering broth, garnished with scallions or other desired toppings.
Tip: MichelleM, a recipe reviewer of Chinese descent, emphasizes that the wontons must be cooked separately in boiling water to maintain their texture and flavor.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/713208-fe2b96416c3a40ddb7b6a376954aca3e.jpg)
Chinese Spicy Hot and Sour Soup: A Tangy Kick
Chinese hot and sour soup is a flavorful and invigorating soup known for its balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors, perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Recipe:
- Broth: Bring chicken broth to a simmer in a pot.
- Ingredients: Add sliced mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and other desired vegetables to the broth.
- Seasoning: Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili flakes to achieve the signature hot and sour flavor.
- Thickening: Thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry.
- Egg Stream: Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the simmering broth, stirring gently to create delicate egg ribbons.
Tip: If you can’t find tiger lily buds or wood ear mushrooms, dried shiitake and oyster mushrooms make excellent substitutes.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3423584-2179f3202b624ed6b729e2c3d5bab0d7.jpg)
Chinese Lion’s Head Soup: Comfort in a Bowl
Chinese lion’s head soup is a comforting and hearty soup featuring large pork meatballs (the “lion’s head”) simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables.
Recipe:
- Meatballs: Combine ground pork with chopped vegetables (like water chestnuts and scallions), soy sauce, ginger, and seasonings. Form large meatballs.
- Broth: Bring chicken broth to a simmer in a pot.
- Simmering: Gently place the meatballs in the simmering broth and cook until they are cooked through.
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like cabbage or bok choy to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
Tip: Lei Lei Wyatt recommends serving this soup with white sticky rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/image-2-bdb7852ef2f94557bfe7575b967948d2.jpg)
4. What Are The Most Popular Easy Chinese Main Course Recipes?
Easy Chinese main course recipes bring the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine to your dinner table with dishes that are both delicious and straightforward to prepare.
General Tsao’s Chicken: A Sweet and Spicy Favorite
General Tsao’s chicken is a popular dish known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
Recipe:
- Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, marinate in soy sauce and cornstarch, and fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Sauce: Combine soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes to create the sauce.
- Combining: Stir-fry the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
Tip: For extra crispy chicken, fry it twice. If you’re short on time, stir-frying the chicken works as well.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1082481-26d301307ff84d2db0b778b9934d17be.jpg)
Honey Sesame Chicken: A Sweet and Zesty Delight
Honey sesame chicken is an easy, Asian-inspired dish featuring deep-fried chicken smothered in a sweet and zesty honey sesame sauce.
Recipe:
- Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, batter with flour and cornstarch, and deep-fry until golden brown.
- Sauce: Combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar to create the sauce.
- Combining: Toss the fried chicken in the honey sesame sauce until well coated.
Tip: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/image-1-1-76adc48842d944adb74706e062f17502.jpg)
Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Classic Combination
Sweet and sour chicken is a classic Chinese dish featuring crispy chicken pieces served with a tangy and sweet sauce, often accompanied by pineapple and bell peppers.
Recipe:
- Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, batter with flour and cornstarch, and deep-fry until golden brown.
- Sauce: Combine pineapple juice, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce to create the sweet and sour sauce.
- Vegetables: Stir-fry pineapple chunks and bell peppers until slightly softened.
- Combining: Add the fried chicken and sweet and sour sauce to the vegetables, tossing until well coated.
Tip: KALLESTA, a recipe reviewer, notes that this dish is so delicious that even leftover-averse family members will ask for seconds.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1660326-0fa8a6a40b1948a79e6c1e09ce194d54.jpg)
Kung Pao Chicken: Spicy and Savory
Kung Pao chicken is a spicy and savory dish featuring stir-fried chicken with peanuts, vegetables, and a flavorful chili-garlic sauce.
Recipe:
- Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, marinate in soy sauce and cornstarch, and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Vegetables: Stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots until slightly softened.
- Sauce: Combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil to create the sauce.
- Combining: Add the stir-fried chicken, vegetables, peanuts, and sauce to a wok, tossing until well coated.
Tip: Curtislee, a recipe reviewer, attests that this dish is as good or better than most Chinese restaurants, making it a must-try recipe for home cooks.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/460248-6ab3356b695c482e87a473c20986f87c.jpg)
Sesame Beef: Quick and Flavorful
Sesame beef is a quick and easy dish featuring tender beef slices coated in a flavorful sesame sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Recipe:
- Beef: Slice beef thinly and marinate in soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Sauce: Combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
- Cooking: Stir-fry the marinated beef until cooked through, then add the sauce and cook until thickened.
Tip: Marinating the beef for several hours or overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3124480-3ac9ce9170164148be1f9cf74ac1873f.jpg)
Restaurant Style Beef and Broccoli: A Classic Favorite
Restaurant-style beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese dish featuring tender beef slices and crisp broccoli florets in a savory sauce.
Recipe:
- Beef: Slice beef thinly and marinate in soy sauce, cornstarch, and ginger.
- Broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli florets until tender-crisp.
- Sauce: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
- Cooking: Stir-fry the marinated beef until cooked through, then add the broccoli and sauce, cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
Tip: Napes34102 notes that preparing this dish exactly as written results in perfect, restaurant-quality beef and broccoli.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Restaurant-Style-Beef-and-Broccoli-d732fd6ffc784c04a8e6dc31a6d03897.jpg)
Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions: Flavorful and Aromatic
Mongolian beef and spring onions is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender beef slices and crisp spring onions in a savory-sweet sauce.
Recipe:
- Beef: Slice beef thinly and marinate in soy sauce, cornstarch, and ginger.
- Sauce: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to create the sauce.
- Cooking: Stir-fry the marinated beef until cooked through, then add the spring onions and sauce, cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and spring onions.
Tip: Jadedgurl recommends reducing the amount of sugar for a more balanced flavor and suggests adding Chinese hot pepper for some spice.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/7289334-2000-b712955ae4cb4f949513f8d95352e979.jpg)
Honey Walnut Shrimp: A Hong Kong Delight
Honey walnut shrimp is a Hong Kong-style recipe popular at dim sum restaurants, featuring crispy shrimp coated in a creamy honey-walnut sauce.
Recipe:
- Shrimp: Batter shrimp with flour or cornstarch and deep-fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk to create the honey-walnut sauce.
- Walnuts: Toast walnuts in the oven or on the stovetop until lightly browned.
- Combining: Toss the fried shrimp in the honey-walnut sauce, then sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
Tip: Substituting cornstarch for wheat flour makes this recipe gluten-free, and many reviewers prefer this variation.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/270515-3b542cfd267940e5bdb8d34fbe03be78.jpg)
Shrimp with Broccoli in Garlic Sauce: Quick and Easy
Shrimp with broccoli in garlic sauce is a quick and easy dish featuring tender shrimp and crisp broccoli florets in a savory garlic sauce.
Recipe:
- Shrimp: Sauté shrimp with garlic until cooked through.
- Broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli florets until tender-crisp.
- Sauce: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
- Combining: Add the shrimp, broccoli, and sauce to a wok, cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and broccoli.
Tip: J&J_MAMA notes that this dish is so good that their husband thought it was takeout, showcasing its authentic flavor.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/967414-dcf7fefefe6646adb5a74140054bf9d0.jpg)
5. How Can I Make Easy Chinese Vegetarian Recipes?
Easy Chinese vegetarian recipes offer a delicious and healthful way to enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine, highlighting fresh vegetables, tofu, and flavorful sauces.
Ma Po Tofu: A Spicy Tofu Dish
Ma Po Tofu is a spicy and savory dish featuring soft tofu in a flavorful chili-bean sauce, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Recipe:
- Tofu: Cut soft tofu into cubes and blanch in boiling water to remove excess moisture.
- Sauce: Combine chili-bean paste, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings to create the sauce.
- Cooking: Stir-fry the sauce ingredients, then add the tofu and simmer until the tofu is heated through and the flavors have melded.
Tip: Zernike, who has traveled extensively in Asia, raves that this recipe is the best Ma Po Tofu they have ever eaten.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/8897367-15c8d5d2912c41a89596df3a3652175e.jpg)
Eggplant with Garlic Sauce: A Flavorful Vegetable Dish
Eggplant with garlic sauce is a flavorful and savory dish featuring tender eggplant pieces in a rich garlic sauce, perfect as a side or main course.
Recipe:
- Eggplant: Cut eggplant into pieces and stir-fry until tender.
- Sauce: Combine soy sauce, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
- Cooking: Stir-fry the sauce ingredients, then add the eggplant and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the eggplant.
Tip: Shar E. recommends using fresh pressed garlic and chicken broth for an enhanced flavor, noting that the dish turns out better than a restaurant version.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/416924-e197552e5d134688967d165e71d29c8e.jpg)
Tofu Peanut Stir-Fry: A Quick and Easy Meal
Tofu peanut stir-fry is a quick and easy dish featuring crispy tofu and stir-fried vegetables in a flavorful peanut sauce.
Recipe:
- Tofu: Cut tofu into cubes, press to remove excess moisture, and stir-fry until crispy.
- Vegetables: Stir-fry vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers until slightly softened.
- Sauce: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to create the peanut sauce.
- Combining: Add the tofu, vegetables, and sauce to a wok, tossing until well coated.
Tip: Ani notes that this recipe is the best way to eat tofu, especially for first-timers, and can be served with Asian noodles or steamed rice.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TofuPeanutStir-Fry-1f762cffe67443608d67160317fd8056.jpeg)
6. What Are The Essential Easy Chinese Noodle and Rice Dishes?
Essential easy Chinese noodle and rice dishes offer a satisfying and versatile way to complete any meal, showcasing the diverse flavors and textures of Chinese cuisine.
Lo Mein Noodles: A Versatile Noodle Dish
Lo mein noodles are a versatile dish featuring stir-fried noodles with vegetables and a savory sauce, perfect as a side or main course.
Recipe:
- Noodles: Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
- Vegetables: Stir-fry vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms until slightly softened.
- Sauce: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to create the sauce.
- Combining: Add the cooked noodles, vegetables, and sauce to a wok, tossing until well coated.
Tip: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or vegetables in the fridge.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1053038-02dcab70d3e44f868dcfa1c833c4c5ce.jpg)
Fried Rice: A Restaurant Classic
Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish featuring stir-fried rice with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of protein, offering a customizable and satisfying meal.
Recipe:
- Rice: Cook rice a day in advance and refrigerate to dry out slightly.
- Eggs: Scramble eggs in a wok and set aside.
- Vegetables: Stir-fry vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions until slightly softened.
- Combining: Add the cooked rice, scrambled eggs, vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the wok, stirring until well combined and heated through.
Tip: Tonia Dillard Rhodes recommends stirring the rice in a pot over high heat for about five minutes before cooking to help the grains stay separate and less sticky.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3770230-91193030c5324c4e9150042a68558c4c.jpg)
Chow Mein: Crispy Noodles with Vegetables
Chow mein is a Chinese dish featuring crispy stir-fried noodles with vegetables and your choice of protein, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Recipe:
- Noodles: Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions and stir-fry until slightly crispy.
- Vegetables: Stir-fry vegetables like cabbage, celery, and bell peppers until slightly softened.
- Sauce: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
- Combining: Add the cooked noodles, vegetables, and sauce to a wok, tossing until well coated.
Tip: Cookin’gal notes that chow mein is a mild dish with subtle flavors, perfect for those who prefer less spicy options.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6994475-532a6a45128b412ab67ddfb596c545bf.jpg)
7. What Are Some Easy Chinese Dessert Recipes?
Easy Chinese dessert recipes offer a sweet and satisfying way to end a meal, showcasing the delicate flavors and unique textures of Chinese sweets.
Hong Kong Style Egg Tarts: A Custardy Treat
Hong Kong-style egg tarts are a delightful dessert featuring a flaky crust filled with a smooth, custardy filling.
Recipe:
- Crust: Prepare a flaky pastry crust.
- Filling: Combine eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the custard filling.
- Baking: Pour the custard filling into the pastry crusts and bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Tip: Leftover egg tarts can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/869790-482146a0b7a14ea8a9900c28a1a9aa72.jpg)
Almond Cookies: A Dim Sum Favorite
Almond cookies are a classic Chinese dessert often found in dim sum restaurants, known for their crumbly texture and almond flavor.
Recipe:
- Dough: Combine flour, sugar, almond extract, and oil to create the dough.
- Shaping: Form the dough into small cookies and top with an almond.
- Baking: Bake the cookies until golden brown.
Tip: Wishme notes that these almond cookies are a favorite in their family and are reminiscent of those found in dim sum restaurants in Hawaii.
![Almond cookies with a crumbly texture](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/5p_mShqBkXyh0RGy6n