Hongshao Oupian is a simple but elegant braise of crisp-tender lotus root simmered in soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and star anise until glossy and deeply aromatic. The finished dish is savory, lightly sweet, faintly tangy, and full of the lotus root's refreshing crunch.

Tenderly seared beef and crisp green bell peppers are coated in a glossy garlic-and-ginger sauce. Served with fragrant rice, this makes a quick, spicy and aromatic stir-fry.