Sacramento chef Billy Ngo shares inventive dishes destined to win over dinner guests
For a more surprising lo mein, use brussels sprouts instead of the typical bok choy or cabbage.
This cocktail makes for an instant hit. Skip the rum, and you’ve got a good virgin option.
Recipe: Shanghai Buck Cocktail
Long, slender clamshell mushrooms have a great creamy texture, but if you can’t find them, use small cremini or chanterelles.
Cut the long beans for easy serving, or keep them whole to symbolize longevity.
Recipe: Chinese Long Beans with XO Sauce
Billy deep-fries these, but at home it’s easier to brush them with oil and bake them until they’re crisp.
Recipe: Billy’s Vegan Egg Rolls
Here, instead of deep-frying the shrimp, we’ve added puffed rice (less fat, but still crunchy). Need to feed more people? You can stretch this dish by adding any Asian-style slaw.
Recipe: Chili Shrimp