China has created revolutionary innovations across multiple aspects of human civilization for millennia. One such area is food; Chinese dishes have an incredible range of sweet-sour, spicy-savory, or complex combinations of these flavors.
Mapo tofu, a classic Sichuan dish that features pockmarked bean curd tossed with chili oil in a spicy, peppery sauce, is perfect for anyone who appreciates spicy flavors.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is an easy and popular Chinese dish at home, featuring tender chicken cubes tossed with an aromatic sauce flavored with peppers and peanuts. This delectable meal makes an excellent lunch option!
The recipe originated from the Sichuan province of China, known for its robust flavors and abundance of dried chili peppers. Since then, this dish has become an indispensable staple of Westernized Chinese cuisine.
This dish provides both protein and fiber. One serving contains 9 grams of protein to strengthen muscles and support metabolism, while 6 grams of carbohydrates provide energy for energy-rich bodies.
To make homemade kung pao at home, dice chicken into 1/2-inch cubes and marinate in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Saute the cubes over medium heat using neutral oil as needed until done.
Chow Mein
Chow Mein is an American classic since the 19th century, popular among noodle enthusiasts as a comfort food, and with good reason: this popular stir-fry features soft yet al dente noodles mixed with lean proteins and low sodium soy sauces, offering an easy addition to a balanced diet.
Chow mein is distinguished by egg noodles, which can be purchased in packages at most grocery stores in their refrigerated noodle section. They often come pre-cooked, so they only require brief boiling before being added to a wok for cooking.
Chow mein is an easy and convenient meal option that contains many different ingredients, but depending on its composition, it could have potential allergens like soy and wheat, which could restrict access for those with specific dietary restrictions and allergies. In addition, this dish could contain extra calories and sodium.
Mapo Tofu
Sichuan cuisine’s version of tofu will win even the hardened critic, featuring soft tofu cubes laced with ground beef and covered in spicy oil. Don’t expect an intense blast of heat; rather it provides a tingly prickling sensation due to an assortment of chili oils, Sichuan peppercorn, and fermented horse bean paste, according to Fuchsia Dunlop.
Mapo tofu can be made using two varieties of soft regular tofu (Nen Dou Fu) available in blocks and typically soaked; alternatively, medium-firm silken tofu is acceptable as an acceptable replacement. Doubanjiang paste, with its distinct fermented flavor of fermented salty-savory-spicy, may also be found in Chinese/Asian markets or online shopping platforms.
Once you’ve combined tofu and doubanjiang, simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spatula before removing the heat and adding chopped scallions.
Hot Pot
Hot pot dinners are an enjoyable way to bring people together for an intimate gathering, featuring a pot of simmering hot broth with various raw ingredients such as meats (such as flank steak, sirloin, or lamb shoulder), seafood such as shrimp or fish balls and vegetables such as daikon radish cabbage potato as well as other treats like dumplings and tofu.
At most hot pot restaurants, diners can customize their dipping sauces at the condiment bars. Popular choices may include soy sauce, black vinegar, Japanese soy sauce (which is milder and lighter than regular soy sauce), white vinegar, sha cha paste, and chile oil, plus chopped scallions, cilantro leaves, grated daikon root or sesame oil as additional options.
Spring Rolls
These delicious vegetable rolls are packed with nutrients and flavor, making a satisfying snack or appetizer when served with sweet and sour sauce. Spring rolls differ from their egg roll counterpart in that their filling usually features cabbage or other diced vegetables such as mushrooms; their wrapper tends to be thinner and either steamed or boiled instead of deep fried.
Fillings for burritos can include anything you desire; popular options are cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and rice vermicelli noodles. You could also have protein and fat sources such as shrimp or chicken to boost nutrients and flavor.
Spring rolls are gluten- and vegan-free, making them a good option for people with allergies or sensitivities. Plus, they contain high amounts of vitamin A, essential for eye and skin health.
Char Siu
Hong Kongers love their char siu! A sweet and savory roast pork dish can be served over rice, in stir-fries, or as the filling in bao buns.
This delicious pork marinade combines soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce into an intoxicating mixture of flavors that is sure to please. Red fermented bean curd adds saltiness while providing that iconic red hue – though if this proves difficult to find, oyster sauce or chicken stock can quickly fill in.
Shaoxing wine (commonly referred to as rice wine) makes all the difference when creating Chinese cuisine at home, and dry sherry works as well as an alternative if this item can’t be found locally. We have added brining pork to this char siu recipe to boost flavor further and keep it extra juicy!