Create delicacies with Lao Gan Ma

A bottle of Lao Gan Ma with Tao Huabi's face on its lid. [Photo/VCG]

Lao Gan Ma creator Tao Huabi, whose face appears on each bottle of the chili oil, has recently been in the spotlight again. According to the latest reports, Tao is no longer a shareholder in Lao Gan Ma Food Company that has bases in Guiyang in Guizhou province.

Nearly every Chinese person knows Lao Gan Ma, an extremely popular chili oil that hit the shelves in 1996. Often, a small spoon of Lao Gan Ma can save a terrible dish and turn it into something delicious.

Lao Gan Ma found its way into supermarkets not only in China, but also in foreign countries where it also has many followers. On Amazon.com, Lao Gan Ma is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars. Many foreigners claimed that Lao Gan Ma is the "best chili sauce" they have ever tasted.

Screen shot of reviews of Lao Gan Ma on amazon.com. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

"I've ordered this six pack multiple times, because this stuff is just awesome on everything! I'm ordering another box today…try it on any vegetables or meats to add a salty, spicy…" user AJ Lawrence remarked on amazon.com.

Tao started her business at age 50, basing her recipe on traditional chili oil from Guizhou. Like Gree's president Dong Mingzhu, who also started her business career much later than her peers, Tao is a good example to young people, especially women, struggling to achieve their dreams.

Here are five dishes made with Lao Gan Ma that are delicious and easy to make. Bon appetite!