1 Dish Meal Chinese Recipes: Quick and Easy Options for Busy Days

One-dish meal Chinese recipes are a great way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you are a busy professional or a busy parent, these recipes are perfect for those who want to eat well without the fuss. Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavours, and one-dish meals are no exception.

Essentials of Chinese Cooking include stir-frying, steaming, and braising. Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to cook meat and vegetables, while steaming is a healthy way to cook seafood and vegetables. Braising is a slow-cooking method that is perfect for tougher cuts of meat. Chinese cuisine also relies heavily on sauces and seasonings, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and five-spice powder.

Popular One Dish Meals include fried rice, noodle soup, and meat-veggie stews. These dishes are easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Quick and Easy Recipes are perfect for those who are short on time. These recipes are simple to prepare and require minimal cooking time.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese cuisine offers a variety of cooking techniques and bold flavours that make for delicious one dish meals.
• Seafood is a great addition to Chinese one dish meals, with options such as shrimp, scallops, and squid.
• Building a versatile Chinese pantry with essential sauces and seasonings can make it easy to prepare quick and easy Chinese recipes at home.

Essentials of Chinese Cooking

Chinese cooking can be intimidating for those who are not familiar with it, but it is actually quite simple once you have the right ingredients and tools. In this section, we will cover the essentials of Chinese cooking, including choosing the right ingredients and mastering the wok.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to Chinese cooking, the right ingredients are essential. Here are some of the key ingredients you will need:

• Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking and adds a salty, umami flavour to dishes. Use light soy sauce for seasoning and dark soy sauce for colour.

• Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar is a key ingredient in many Chinese sauces and marinades. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour that is perfect for balancing out salty and spicy flavours.

• Oyster sauce: Oyster sauce is a thick, savoury sauce made from oysters. It adds a rich, umami flavour to dishes and is often used in stir-fries.

• Hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce is a sweet, thick sauce made from soybeans, garlic, and spices. It is often used as a dipping sauce or glaze for meats.

• Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are a common ingredient in Chinese cooking and are often used for garnish. They add a nutty flavour and a crunchy texture to dishes.

• Ginger, garlic, and onion: These three ingredients form the base of many Chinese dishes. They add flavour and aroma to dishes and are often used in stir-fries and marinades.

When it comes to protein, seafood is a great choice for Chinese cooking. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all popular choices and can be used in a variety of dishes. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu or tempeh.

Mastering the Wok

The wok is a versatile and essential tool in Chinese cooking. It is used for stir-frying, deep-frying, and steaming. Here are some tips for mastering the wok:

• Use a carbon steel wok: A carbon steel wok is the traditional choice for Chinese cooking. It heats up quickly and evenly and develops a non-stick surface over time.

• Preheat the wok: Always preheat your wok before adding ingredients. This will ensure that the food cooks evenly and quickly.

• Keep the ingredients moving: When stir-frying, keep the ingredients moving constantly to prevent them from sticking to the wok.

• Use high heat: Chinese cooking is all about high heat. Use the highest heat setting on your stove to get the wok hot enough for stir-frying.

With these tips and ingredients, you will be well on your way to mastering Chinese cooking. Experiment with different flavours and ingredients to create your own unique dishes.

Popular 1-Dish Meals

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner that's also delicious, Chinese one-dish meals are a great option. These meals typically include a combination of rice, noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood, all cooked together in one pot or wok. Here are some popular one-dish meals you can try at home:

Fried Rice Varieties

Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish and comes in many varieties. You can make it with shrimp, beef, chicken thighs, or just vegetables. The key to making good fried rice is to use cold cooked rice, so it doesn't turn mushy when you fry it. You can also add egg, peas, carrots, and soy sauce for added flavour and nutrition. For a seafood twist, try adding prawns or squid to your fried rice.

Nourishing Noodle Dishes

Noodles are another staple of Chinese cuisine and can be used to make a variety of one-dish meals. Beef chow fun is a popular noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, beef, and vegetables. You can also make noodle soups, such as wonton soup or noodle soup with chicken and vegetables. For a seafood option, try making a noodle soup with prawns and vegetables.

Hearty Stews and Soups

Stews and soups are perfect for cold winter nights, and Chinese cuisine has plenty of delicious options. Mongolian chicken is a hearty stew made with chicken, bell peppers, and onions, and flavoured with soy sauce and hoisin sauce. You can also make a vegetable and tofu soup, or a beef and vegetable stew. For a seafood option, try making a fish stew with ginger and scallions.

Whether you prefer rice, noodles, or stews, Chinese one-dish meals are a great way to get a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table quickly. Try some of these recipes and experiment with your own variations to find your favourites.

Quick and Easy Recipes

If you're looking for quick and easy Chinese recipes that can be made in no time, then you've come to the right place. These meals are perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have much time to cook.

30-Minute Chinese Meals

Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique in Chinese cuisine that can help you whip up a delicious meal in no time. All you need is a wok or a large frying pan, some oil, and your favourite ingredients. Green onions, for example, can add a nice touch of flavour to your dish.

For a homemade one-pot Chinese chicken and rice dish, try using boneless chicken thighs or breasts. You can also add some seafood to the recipe, such as shrimp or scallops, to make it even more flavourful.

One-Pot Wonders

One-pot meals are perfect for those who want to save time on prep and clean-up. You can cook everything in one pot, which means less washing up and more time to relax.

For a quick and easy one-pot Chinese dish, try making a seafood fried rice. You can use prawns, squid, or any other seafood you like. Just cook the rice, add the seafood and some vegetables, and you have a delicious meal in no time.

Overall, these quick and easy Chinese recipes are perfect for those who want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Give them a try and see how easy it is to make delicious Chinese food at home.

Speciality Techniques and Ingredients

When it comes to preparing one-dish Chinese meals, there are a few speciality techniques and ingredients that can really take your dish to the next level. In this section, we will go over some of the most important ones.

Marinating for Flavour

Marinating your protein is a great way to infuse it with flavour and make it tender. A simple marinade can consist of soy sauce, rice wine, salt, pepper, and broth. You can also add in some mushrooms or other vegetables to add even more flavour. If you're using seafood, try marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and ginger.

The Art of Dim Sum

Dim sum is a popular type of Chinese cuisine that consists of small, bite-sized portions of food. It's a great way to try a variety of different dishes in one meal. Some popular dim sum dishes include sticky rice, char siu bao, and crab rangoon.

To make your own dim sum at home, you'll need to invest in a bamboo steamer. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores or online. Once you have your steamer, you can start experimenting with different fillings and flavours. For example, you could make sticky rice with mushrooms and chicken, or char siu bao with pork and barbecue sauce.

Seafood Suggestions

If you're looking to add some seafood to your one-dish Chinese meal, there are a few great options to choose from. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all popular choices. You could also try using crab or lobster for a more luxurious dish.

When cooking seafood, it's important to not overcook it. Seafood cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it's cooked through. You can also add some extra flavour by using a seafood broth or seasoning with garlic and ginger.

By incorporating these speciality techniques and ingredients into your one-dish Chinese meals, you can create delicious and flavourful dishes that are sure to impress. Whether you're making dim sum or marinating your protein, these techniques will help take your cooking to the next level.

Building a Versatile Chinese Pantry

When it comes to cooking Chinese cuisine, having a well-stocked pantry is essential. By keeping a few key ingredients on hand, you can easily whip up a variety of delicious one-dish meals that are both healthy and satisfying. Here are some essential items to keep in your Chinese pantry:

Sauces and Condiments

Soy sauce is undoubtedly one of the most important ingredients in Chinese cooking. It's used to season everything from stir-fries to marinades, and it adds a rich, salty flavour to any dish. Oyster sauce is another staple condiment that's used to add depth and umami to stir-fries and noodle dishes. Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet sauce that's used to add a rich, caramelised flavour to meats and vegetables.

Staple Grains and Proteins

Rice is a staple grain in Chinese cooking, and it's used in everything from stir-fries to congee. Noodles are another versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to stir-fries. Tofu is a great source of protein that can be used in vegetarian dishes, while peanuts and cashews add crunch and flavour to stir-fries and salads. Sesame seeds are also commonly used in Chinese cooking, either as a garnish or as a seasoning.

Green onion is a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it's used to add a fresh, oniony flavour to dishes. Eggs are another versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from fried rice to egg drop soup. Beef and pork chops are commonly used in stir-fries and noodle dishes, while flank steak is a great choice for grilling or broiling. Chicken stock is a great base for soups and stews, and it can also be used to add flavour to rice and noodle dishes.

If you're looking to add seafood to your Chinese one-dish meal, consider using shrimp, scallops, or squid. Shrimp can be used in stir-fries and noodle dishes, while scallops are great in soups and stews. Squid is a versatile ingredient that can be grilled, fried, or stir-fried.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some simple Chinese one-dish meals for beginners?

If you're new to Chinese cooking and looking for easy one-dish meals, you can try making Chinese Spaghetti Bolognese, Glass Noodle Stir Fry, or Teochew Style Fish Head Steamboat. These dishes are simple, quick, and delicious.

What's a popular one-dish Chinese recipe that includes beef?

Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a popular Chinese one-dish meal that includes beef. You can also try making Mongolian beef or Kung Pao beef if you're looking for something with a bit more spice.

Can you suggest a healthy Chinese one-pot meal that's also filling?

If you're looking for a healthy and filling Chinese one-pot meal, you can try making Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki or Paleo Sweet and Sour Chicken. You can also add seafood like prawns or fish to your one-pot meal to make it more nutritious.

What are the top-rated Chinese one-dish meals that I can make at home?

Some of the top-rated Chinese one-dish meals that you can make at home include Chicken with Rice Noodle Stir Fry, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Chow Mein. These dishes are easy to make and taste delicious.

What chicken recipes can be made in one dish with a Chinese twist?

If you're looking to add a Chinese twist to your chicken one-dish meal, you can try making General Tso's Chicken, Cashew Chicken, or Orange Chicken. These dishes are flavourful and easy to make.

Could you recommend a one-dish meal that's similar to Singaporean cuisine?

If you're looking for a one-dish meal that's similar to Singaporean cuisine, you can try making Hainanese Chicken Rice or Laksa. These dishes are popular in Singapore and are easy to make at home. You can also add seafood like prawns or fish to your one-dish meal to make it more authentic.