29 Foods That Starts with the Letter X
When you want a dependable set of recipes without searching through dozens of pages, this collection brings the ideas together in one place. The recipes are arranged in a new order, and each entry includes ingredients and step-by-step instructions so you can choose what fits your kitchen and schedule.
1. XO Sauce
XO Sauce is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- Dried scallops: 1/3 cup (60 g), soaked and finely chopped
- Dried shrimp: 1/3 cup (50 g), finely chopped
- Shallots: 2 medium, finely minced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Red chilies: 2–3, finely chopped
- Neutral oil: 3 tablespoons
- Shaoxing wine: 1 tablespoon
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- White pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- 1. Soak and finely chop the dried scallops and shrimp.
- 2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and sweat the shallots and garlic until translucent.
- 3. Add chilies and continue cooking until fragrant.
- 4. Stir in the chopped scallops and shrimp; cook until lightly browned.
- 5. Deglaze with Shaoxing wine and mix in oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar; simmer 2–3 minutes to blend.
- 6. Remove from heat, season with white pepper, and let cool slightly before using as a condiment or store refrigerated.
2. Xylitol
Xylitol is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt, plain whole-milk: 2 cups (480 g)
- Xylitol: 3 tablespoons (25 g) or to taste
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and halved: 2 cups
- Granola or chopped nuts (optional): 1/2 cup
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, whisk yogurt with xylitol and vanilla until smooth.
- 2. Layer the yogurt mixture and strawberries into four serving glasses.
- 3. Top with granola or chopped nuts if using.
- 4. Chill for 10 minutes for a firmer texture, if desired.
- 5. Serve immediately.
3. Xinomavro Grapes
Xinomavro Grapes is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- Xinomavro grapes: 4 cups, halved if large
- Cucumber: 1 large, diced
- Feta cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled
- Red onion: 1/4 small, thinly sliced
- Fresh mint leaves: 1/4 cup, torn
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- 1. Rinse grapes and pat dry.
- 2. In a large bowl, combine grapes, cucumber, feta, onion, and mint.
- 3. Whisk olive oil with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- 4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- 5. Let the flavors meld for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- 6. Serve cold or at room temperature.
4. Xanthan Gum
Xanthan Gum is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- Unsweetened almond milk: 2 cups
- Cocoa powder, unsweetened: 1/3 cup
- Xanthan gum: 1/4 teaspoon
- Sugar or sweetener: 3 tablespoons (or to taste)
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: dark chocolate chips: 1–2 tablespoons
Instructions
- 1. Whisk milk and cocoa in a saucepan until smooth.
- 2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- 3. Sprinkle xanthan gum gradually while whisking to prevent lumps.
- 4. Cook until mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency; remove from heat.
- 5. Stir in vanilla, salt, and sweetener.
- 6. Pour into four serving dishes and refrigerate at least 1–2 hours until set.
- 7. Serve chilled.
5. Xia Mi
Xia Mi is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- Xia mi (dried small shrimp): 1/4 cup
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
- Green beans: 1 pound (450 g), trimmed
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Scallions: 2, sliced
- Red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- 1. Soak xia mi in warm water for 10 minutes; drain well.
- 2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet; add garlic and ginger; sauté 30 seconds.
- 3. Add green beans and stir-fry until crisp-tender.
- 4. Add rehydrated xia mi; cook 1–2 minutes more.
- 5. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil; toss to coat.
- 6. Garnish with scallions and serve with steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
6. Xavier Soup
Xavier Soup is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- Carrots: 4 medium, chopped
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Vegetable or chicken broth: 4 cups
- Fresh ginger: 1 inch piece, minced
- Cream (optional): 1/2 cup
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh thyme or parsley (garnish): optional
Instructions
- 1. Heat oil in a pot; sauté onion and carrots until tender.
- 2. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute.
- 3. Pour in broth; simmer 15–20 minutes until vegetables are soft.
- 4. Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- 5. Return soup to pot; stir in cream if using; season with salt and pepper.
- 6. Serve hot, garnished with herbs.
7. Xmas Cookies
Xmas Cookies is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 g)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons (85 g), softened
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Egg: 1
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground ginger: 1/4 teaspoon
- Optional: decorative sugar for topping
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
- 2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 3. Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.
- 4. Whisk together dry ingredients; gradually add to wet ingredients.
- 5. Roll dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut shapes.
- 6. Place cookies on sheet and bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
- 7. Let cool on a rack; store in an airtight container.
8. Xavier Steak
Xavier Steak is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- Beef steaks: 4 (8 oz each)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic powder (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh rosemary: 2 sprigs, chopped
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- 1. Pat steaks dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 2. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat and add olive oil.
- 3. Sear steaks 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare; adjust for desired doneness.
- 4. Add garlic and chopped rosemary; baste with melted butter for 1–2 minutes.
- 5. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes.
- 6. Slice and serve with pan juices.
9. Xigua
Xigua is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- Watermelon (seedless): 6 cups, diced
- Feta cheese: 1 cup, crumbled
- Cucumber: 1 cup, diced
- Red onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
- Fresh mint leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Fresh lime juice: 2 tablespoons
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, red onion, feta, and mint.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- 3. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- 4. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.
10. Xnipec
Xnipec is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 small habanero peppers, seeded and minced
- 1/2 cup fresh sour orange juice (or 1/4 cup lime juice + 1/4 cup orange juice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, combine the onion, habaneros, cilantro, and salt.
- 2. Stir in the sour orange juice and lime juice until well blended.
- 3. Let the mixture rest 10–15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- 4. Taste and adjust heat or acidity, then serve with chips or as a topping.
11. Xocolatl
Xocolatl is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt
- Optional: pinch of chili powder for heat
Instructions
- 1. In a saucepan, whisk cocoa powder and sugar with a splash of water to form a smooth paste.
- 2. Whisk in the rest of the water and milk; heat until steaming.
- 3. Stir in cinnamon, vanilla, and salt; add optional chili powder if desired.
- 4. Simmer 2–3 minutes, whisking until velvety.
- 5. Ladle into four cups and serve hot.
12. Xi Gua Lao
Xi Gua Lao is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh watermelon juice (about 1.5–2 kg watermelon)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup cold water (to bloom gelatin)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Bloom gelatin in 1/2 cup cold water; set aside.
- 2. In a saucepan, warm watermelon juice with sugar and salt until sugar dissolves; do not boil.
- 3. Remove from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- 4. Stir in lime juice; pour into molds or a shallow dish.
- 5. Refrigerate 4 hours or until set; unmold and cut into portions.
- 6. Garnish with mint if desired.
13. Xingren doufu
Xingren doufu is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder (or 1 teaspoon gelatin if not vegan)
- Fresh fruit for serving
Instructions
- 1. In a saucepan, combine almond milk, water, sugar, and vanilla; bring to a gentle simmer.
- 2. Stir in agar-agar and simmer 2–3 minutes until completely dissolved.
- 3. Pour into lightly oiled molds and chill until set, about 1–2 hours.
- 4. Unmold and slice into cubes; serve with fresh fruit.
14. Xoconostle
Xoconostle is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped xoconostle fruit (fresh or thawed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- 1. Combine xoconostle, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan.
- 2. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until thickened to a jam-like consistency, about 15–20 minutes.
- 3. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity.
- 4. Cool, then transfer to a jar and refrigerate.
15. Xiao Long Bao
Xiao Long Bao is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup hot water, pinch of salt
- Filling: 1/2 pound ground pork, 2 teaspoons minced ginger, 2 tablespoons minced scallions, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Broth jelly: 1/2 cup cooled pork broth with 1 teaspoon gelatin dissolved
- Dipping sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce and 2 tablespoons black vinegar
Instructions
- 1. Make dough: combine flour, salt, and gradually mix in hot water; knead until smooth. Cover and rest 15–20 minutes.
- 2. Mix filling: pork, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar; mix well.
- 3. Prepare broth jelly: dissolve gelatin in warm broth and chill until set; cut into tiny cubes and fold into filling.
- 4. Roll dough into small wrappers (about 3 inches in diameter); spoon filling with a bit of broth jelly; pleat to seal.
- 5. Place dumplings on parchment and steam over boiling water 8–10 minutes.
- 6. Serve with dipping sauce (soy sauce and black vinegar).
16. Xoi
Xoi is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice (sticky rice)
- 2 1/4 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 3–4 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds or fried shallots
Instructions
- 1. Rinse the rice and soak for at least 3 hours (or overnight); drain.
- 2. In a pot, combine coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt; bring to a gentle simmer.
- 3. Add the rinsed rice; stir to combine, then cover and cook over low heat until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20–25 minutes.
- 4. Fluff with a fork and serve warm or at room temperature; garnish if desired.
17. Xidoufen
Xidoufen is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried mung beans
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons small tapioca pearls (optional)
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- 1. Rinse mung beans and soak 1–2 hours if possible.
- 2. Drain and simmer beans in 4 cups water until very soft, 25–30 minutes.
- 3. Stir in sugar and salt; simmer until sugar dissolves.
- 4. If using tapioca pearls, add and simmer 8–10 minutes until translucent and soft.
- 5. Serve warm or chilled; drizzle with coconut milk if desired.
18. Xacuti
Xacuti is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 onions, finely sliced
- 2–3 tablespoons Xacuti spice paste (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1. Heat oil in a pan; sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and ginger if using a separate paste.
- 2. Add Xacuti spice paste; cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the flavors.
- 3. Add chicken pieces; brown lightly.
- 4. Stir in tomatoes, coconut milk, tamarind paste, and water; simmer 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked and sauce thickens.
- 5. Season with salt; adjust consistency by adding more water if needed.
19. Ximenia caffra
Ximenia caffra is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ximenia fruit pulp (or preserved fruit)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Combine fruit pulp, water, sugar, vinegar, and ginger in a small saucepan.
- 2. Bring to a gentle simmer; reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until thickened to a jam-like consistency.
- 3. Mash lightly to reach desired texture; adjust sweetness and acidity.
- 4. Let cool and refrigerate in a clean jar; serve as a condiment with meats or cheese.
20. Xylocarp
Xylocarp is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (coconut oil preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
- 2. In a saucepan, combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, oil, and salt; bring to a simmer.
- 3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- 4. Fluff with a fork and stir in half of the toasted coconut; serve with lime wedges.
21. Xampinyons en Salsa Mushrooms
Xampinyons en Salsa Mushrooms is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Clean and slice the mushrooms; pat dry.
- 2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet; sauté mushrooms until they begin to brown and release moisture.
- 3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4. Pour in stock and soy sauce; simmer 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- 5. Lower heat and stir in cream; simmer until sauce coats mushrooms; season to taste and garnish with parsley.
22. Xalapa Punch
Xalapa Punch is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup mango chunks
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda
- Ice, as needed
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and honey; whisk until honey dissolves.
- 2. Stir in mango chunks and chill for 30 minutes.
- 3. Just before serving, add sparkling water and ice; garnish with mint if desired.
23. Xilacayota Squash
Xilacayota Squash is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 medium xilacayota squash (or substitute with butternut squash), peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss squash with olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 25–30 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
- 3. Remove from oven, sprinkle with lemon zest, and serve.
24. Xoài
Xoài is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small red chili, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or light soy sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, crushed (optional)
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, combine mango slices with red onion and chili.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar until dissolved.
- 3. Pour dressing over mango mixture and toss to coat; fold in cilantro and top with crushed peanuts if using.
25. Xiangcaojing
Xiangcaojing is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- 1. Heat milk in a saucepan just until it begins to steam (do not boil).
- 2. Whisk together sugar, yolks, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl.
- 3. Temper yolk mixture by gradually whisking in hot milk, then return to the saucepan.
- 4. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 5. Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla extract, and chill before serving.
26. Xihongshi
Xihongshi is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili paste (or red pepper flakes)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 8 oz (225 g) firm tofu, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Press and cube tofu; pat dry.
- 2. Heat oil in a skillet and sear tofu until golden; remove and set aside.
- 3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and peppers until tender-crisp.
- 4. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
- 5. Return tofu to the pan; stir in soy sauce, chili paste, and broth; simmer 2–3 minutes to combine flavors; season to taste and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
27. Xouba Fish
Xouba Fish is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 lb small Xouba fish (or sardines), cleaned and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Season fish lightly with salt and pepper.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear fish 2–3 minutes per side until just cooked through.
- 3. Add minced garlic in the final minute of cooking; drizzle with lemon juice and scatter lemon zest.
- 4. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
28. Xanthia
Xanthia is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- 1. For crust, blend flour, sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly; add water a little at a time to form a dough.
- 2. Press dough into a 6-inch tart pan; chill 15 minutes.
- 3. Blind-bake crust at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes; remove and cool slightly.
- 4. Whisk yogurt, sugar, egg, lemon juice, and zest; pour into crust.
- 5. Bake 20–25 minutes until filling is set; cool before slicing.
29. Xiang Jiao
Xiang Jiao is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- Chopped toasted nuts (optional)
Instructions
- 1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add banana halves cut-side down.
- 2. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon; cook 2–3 minutes until caramelized.
- 3. Add water and cook another 1–2 minutes to create a glaze.
- 4. Serve bananas warm over vanilla yogurt and garnish with nuts if desired.
Save this collection for the next time you need practical meal inspiration. Start with the recipe that best matches your ingredients, then return to try the others throughout the week.


