Baked Beans Recipe Chinese Style: A Tasty Twist on a Classic Dish

Baked beans are a popular dish enjoyed around the world. This dish is versatile and can be prepared in many different ways. One variation of baked beans that you may not be familiar with is Chinese-style baked beans. If you're looking to try something new and exciting, this recipe is definitely worth trying.

Chinese-style baked beans are made with a unique blend of spices and seasonings that give them a distinct flavour. The dish typically includes eggs and mixed vegetables, which add texture and colour to the dish. The recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer milder flavours, this recipe can be adjusted to suit your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese-style baked beans are a unique variation of the popular dish that is worth trying.
• The dish typically includes eggs and mixed vegetables, adding texture and colour to the dish.
• The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences, including the addition of seafood such as shrimp or crab.

Ingredients and Substitutions

When it comes to Chinese-style baked beans, there are a few key ingredients that you'll need to make sure you have on hand. Here are the main ingredients, sauce components, and optional add-ins that you can use to make the perfect batch of baked beans.

Main Ingredients

The main ingredient in baked beans is, of course, the beans themselves. You can use any type of beans you like, but navy beans or haricot beans are the most commonly used. These beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

Other main ingredients include salt, tomato, oil, water, sugar, and protein. These ingredients are used to create the base of the dish and provide flavour and texture.

Sauce Components

The sauce is what really makes Chinese-style baked beans stand out. The sauce is made up of soy sauce, ketchup, chicken or vegetable stock, and a variety of spices. The soy sauce provides a salty, umami flavour, while the ketchup adds sweetness and tanginess. The stock adds depth of flavour, and the spices add a touch of heat and complexity.

If you don't have chicken or vegetable stock on hand, you can use water instead. Just be sure to add a pinch of salt to the water to help bring out the flavour of the beans.

Optional Add-Ins

There are a variety of optional add-ins that you can use to make your baked beans even more delicious. Bacon, eggs, green beans, and spam are all great options. If you want to add a bit of seafood to your dish, you can use shrimp or crab meat. These seafood options will add a unique flavour and texture to your baked beans.

When it comes to the main ingredients, you can substitute navy beans or haricot beans with black beans or pinto beans. If you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and omit the bacon and eggs.

Overall, the key to making delicious Chinese-style baked beans is to use high-quality ingredients and to experiment with different flavours and textures. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a dish that is both healthy and delicious.

Preparation Techniques

Soaking and Boiling Beans

Before cooking, it is essential to soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and ensure they are tender. Soaking also helps to remove any dirt or impurities that may be present. After soaking, rinse the beans and place them in a pot with enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for about an hour or until they are tender.

Sautéing Aromatics

To add flavor to the baked beans, sautéing aromatics such as onions, garlic, and ginger is essential. To do this, heat oil in a pan over high heat, add the minced aromatics and sauté until they are fragrant. Be careful not to burn them as this can ruin the taste of the dish.

Creating the Sauce

To create the sauce for the baked beans, mix together the ingredients such as soy sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, and rice wine vinegar. Add the sautéed aromatics to the sauce and let it cook on high heat until it thickens and becomes a glaze. Add the boiled beans to the sauce and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the beans are coated with the sauce.

Seafood such as prawns or squid can be added to the baked beans recipe to give it a unique twist. To do this, cook the seafood separately and add it to the baked beans after the beans have been coated with the sauce. Prawns and squid are excellent options for seafood to use in this recipe.

Cooking and Baking Steps

Stovetop Cooking

To start, heat up a pan with cooking oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the baked beans and mix vegetables into the pan. Cook the ingredients together until the beans are tender and the vegetables are glazed.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use prawns or shrimps. Simply add them to the pan along with the baked beans and vegetables. Cook until the prawns or shrimps are pink and fully cooked.

Oven Baking Method

Preheat your oven to 425°F. In an ovenproof skillet, brown the ground turkey with the onions, garlic and green pepper until meat is no longer pink and veggies are soft. Drain any grease.

Next, add the baked beans, mix vegetables, and remaining ingredients except for the topping. Stir everything together gently.

Bake the skillet in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the beans are tender and the topping is golden brown.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use salmon or cod. Simply place the fish fillets on top of the baked beans and vegetables before baking. The fish will cook in the oven and infuse the dish with a delicious flavour.

These two cooking methods are both easy and delicious ways to make baked beans with mix vegetables Chinese style. Whether you prefer stovetop cooking or oven baking, you can enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

Baked beans with Chinese-style seasoning make a great side dish for any meal. They pair well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, sandwiches, and salads. For a more substantial meal, you can serve them with white rice or bread.

If you're cooking for kids, consider serving the baked beans with some grilled chicken or fish. The mild sweetness of the beans complements the savoury flavour of the meat, making it a kid-friendly meal option.

For a more sophisticated meal, consider adding some seafood to the baked beans. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to the dish. They add a subtle sweetness and a delicate texture that complements the beans' flavour.

Garnishing Tips

Garnishing the baked beans with the right ingredients can enhance the dish's flavour and presentation. Here are some tips to help you garnish your baked beans like a pro:

• Chopped herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil add a pop of colour and flavour to the dish. Simply chop them finely and sprinkle them over the beans before serving.

• Cheese: Grated cheese can add a creamy texture and a savoury flavour to the beans. Try using cheddar, parmesan, or feta cheese.

• Crispy bacon: Crispy bacon bits can add a smoky flavour and a crunchy texture to the beans. Simply fry some bacon until crispy, chop it into small pieces, and sprinkle it over the beans.

• Bread: Toasted bread slices can be used to scoop up the baked beans. Simply toast some bread slices until crispy and serve them on the side.

• Side dishes: Baked beans can also be served as a side dish for a variety of meals. They pair well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and salads.

Dietary Considerations

When it comes to dietary considerations, there are a few things to keep in mind when making Chinese-style baked beans. Here are some tips to make the recipe more accommodating to different dietary needs.

Making It Gluten-Free

If you're looking to make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and gochujang. These ingredients can often contain wheat, so it's important to read the labels carefully. You can also use gluten-free baked beans if you prefer.

Vegetarian Variations

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground turkey or beef. You can also add some protein by using tofu or tempeh instead. If you're using canned baked beans, be sure to check the label to make sure they're vegetarian-friendly.

If you're looking to add some seafood to the recipe, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops. Simply sauté them separately and add them to the dish at the end. However, it's important to note that this will change the flavour of the dish quite a bit.

To sum up, this recipe is a great option for those who are looking for a fresh and tasty way to enjoy baked beans. With a few simple modifications, it can easily be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a simple Chinese-style baked beans dish?

Making a simple Chinese-style baked beans dish is easy. You can use canned baked beans or cook your own beans. Add some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic to the baked beans and cook them for a few minutes. You can also add some chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and carrots to the dish for added flavour.

What's the best way to add a Chinese twist to baked beans?

To add a Chinese twist to baked beans, you can use Chinese spices like five-spice powder, Sichuan peppercorns, and ginger. You can also add some hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to the baked beans. These ingredients will give the dish a unique Chinese flavour.

Can you suggest an easy method to prepare baked beans with Chinese flavours?

An easy method to prepare baked beans with Chinese flavours is to use canned baked beans and add some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic to the dish. You can also add some chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and carrots to the dish for added flavour. For a spicier version, you can add some chili paste or hot sauce.

What are some tips for pairing baked beans with rice in a Chinese-style recipe?

To pair baked beans with rice in a Chinese-style recipe, you can cook the rice with some chicken or vegetable stock to give it added flavour. You can also add some chopped scallions or cilantro to the rice for added freshness. Serve the baked beans on top of the rice for a delicious and filling meal.

How can I incorporate beef into a Chinese-style baked beans recipe?

To incorporate beef into a Chinese-style baked beans recipe, you can add some ground beef to the dish. Brown the beef in a pan and then add it to the baked beans along with some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. You can also add some chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and carrots to the dish for added flavour.

What's the secret to creating a tasty Chinese-style baked beans and chicken dish?

The secret to creating a tasty Chinese-style baked beans and chicken dish is to marinate the chicken in some soy sauce, rice wine, and ginger before cooking it. Cook the chicken in a pan and then add it to the baked beans along with some chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and carrots. You can also add some chili paste or hot sauce to the dish for added flavour. For seafood lovers, you can add some shrimp or scallops to the dish for added protein and flavour.