Recently I was reading Meera Sodha’s Fresh India, where she shares “Ten Ways to Raise Your Game in the Kitchen” for Indian cooking. It’s a brilliant guide for anyone starting their journey, and it got me thinking: Chinese food deserves its own version.

Looking at the recipe lists for Chinese food, you might easily be convinced you need a pantry the size of a small restaurant to get started with this cuisine. However, I’ve stripped it right back to the 20 essentials you need for Northern Chinese food.

Explore the powerful role of fire in Northern Chinese meat cookery, from smoking and roasting to braising and stir-frying. Learn how traditional techniques reveal the region’s resourcefulness and flavor philosophy.