Hunan Cooking Techniques

Master the essential methods that define Hunan cuisine. From the elusive wok hei to the art of fermentation.

The "breath of the wok" — smoky, caramelized flavor from high-heat cooking.

Master fresh, dried, and fermented chili preparation techniques.

Creating duojiao, suan cai, and douchi — the sour-spicy foundation.

Concentrated flavors served sizzling in heated clay pots.

The revered Hunan technique of steaming fish with duojiao.

Creating larou — Hunan's signature cured smoked pork.