Ever had salt and pepper squid at a Chinese restaurant? Or the squid tentacle version at yum cha (dim sum)? Have you tried cooking it but just doesn't taste the same? This mixture is probably the missing link.

Ingredients
2 tbsp salt
1 tsp five spice powder
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp msg
a dash of white pepper

You can omit the msg if you have an aversion to it or you don't have any lying around, however I don’t think it tastes the same without it. Mix all the ingredients together and heat a pan on medium heat. Place the mixture into the pan and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

The cooking process is not necessary but it does develop the flavour and helps prevent the mixture from becoming one solid mass (memories of clogged salt shakers anybody?). Also make sure the pan is scrupulously clean, free from any water or oil.

Just toss through dishes like salt and pepper squid and fried chicken for the taste you’ve been looking for!