Yunnan cheese, or ‘nai lao’, is a unique and flavorful ingredient used in many traditional Chinese dishes. It’s salty yet creamy flavor makes it the perfect addition to any dish, adding a subtle umami taste that will make your tastebuds dance. Here are five dishes that star Yunnan cheese as the main ingredient:
1. Spicy Fried Noodle with Yunnan Cheese: This dish is a classic Chinese stir-fry made with egg noodles, Yunnan cheese, and a variety of vegetables. The mild heat from Sichuan peppers and the creaminess of the cheese make this dish a real crowd-pleaser.
2. Fried Rice with Yunnan Cheese: This flavorful dish pairs savory fried rice with generous chunks of Yunnan cheese, adding a salty and creamy flavor to each bite. The combination of mushrooms, bell peppers, and garlic gives the dish an extra kick of flavor.
3. Spicy Eggplant with Yunnan Cheese: This dish is a delicious combination of roasted eggplant, garlic, and chili peppers all cooked in a savory sauce of Yunnan cheese and soy sauce. The soft texture of the eggplant combined with the salty yet creamy flavors make this dish irresistible.
4. Hot and Sour Soup with Yunnan Cheese: This comforting soup is prepared with a base of chicken broth, tofu, mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers. The soup is finished off with a generous amount of Yunnan cheese that adds an extra layer of flavor to the slightly spicy broth.
5. Sweet Potato Noodles with Yunnan Cheese: This dish is a unique twist on the classic Chinese stir-fry. Sweet potato noodles are cooked in a savory sauce of Yunnan cheese, garlic, and scallions for a sweet yet subtly spicy dish. Serve over steamed rice for an extra hearty meal.