Sichuan cuisine encompasses more than 20 methods of cooking, yet throughout all the spices used are basically the same; only the main ingredient changes. One method of cooking can, therefore, create a whole range of dishes. Take "fried rice with meat bites" as an example. First crunchy fried rice is placed on a plate, followed by a spicy condiment and only then are thin slices of meat added to make a delectable dish. When shrimps are substituted for meat another dish is created一“fried rice with shrimps." The dish thus changes according to the main ingredient.
