Basic Chinese Food Recipes: Quick and Easy Dishes to Try at Home

With so many different recipes and techniques, Chinese cooking can seem overwhelming. But don't worry - mastering the basics of Chinese cooking is easier than you might think. All you need to do is to continue browsing this article to get started. 

One of the most important things to keep in mind when cooking Chinese food is the importance of fresh ingredients. Many Chinese recipes rely on simple, fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic, and scallions to add flavor. When shopping for ingredients, try to find a good Asian market in your area where you can find fresh produce and other ingredients.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Some of the most popular Chinese recipes include stir-fries, fried rice, and dumplings. These dishes are easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different types of proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Proposing the use of seafood in your recipes is a great way to add some variety and nutrition to your meals. For example, shrimp, scallops, and squid can be used in stir-fries and dumplings, while fish can be steamed or fried and served with a variety of sauces.

Key Takeaways

• Fresh ingredients are essential for Chinese cooking.
• Popular Chinese recipes include stir-fries, fried rice, and dumplings.
• Seafood is a great addition to Chinese recipes for added variety and nutrition.

Essential Ingredients for Chinese Cooking

Chinese cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavours, which are achieved through the use of a variety of ingredients. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, it is important to have a basic understanding of the essential ingredients used in Chinese cooking. Here are some of the key ingredients that you should have in your pantry:

Sauces and Condiments

• Soy Sauce: This is a staple in Chinese cooking and is used to add saltiness and umami flavour to dishes. You can use light or dark soy sauce depending on the dish you are making.

• Oyster Sauce: Made from oysters, this sauce is commonly used to add a rich and savoury flavour to stir-fries and other dishes.

• Hoisin Sauce: This thick, sweet and salty sauce is made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. It is commonly used as a dipping sauce or to flavour meat dishes.

• Rice Wine Vinegar: This vinegar is made from fermented rice and has a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It is commonly used in marinades, dressings, and sauces.

Proteins and Vegetables

• Garlic: This flavourful bulb is used in many Chinese dishes to add a pungent, slightly sweet flavour.

• Ginger: This root adds a spicy and slightly sweet flavour to dishes. It is commonly used in marinades, stir-fries, and soups.

• Green Onions: These are commonly used as a garnish, but also add a mild onion flavour to dishes.

• Cornstarch: This is commonly used as a thickener in Chinese sauces and marinades.

• Salt and Pepper: These are used to season dishes and enhance their flavour.

Spices and Aromatics

• Sesame Oil: This oil is made from sesame seeds and has a nutty flavour. It is commonly used as a finishing oil and to add flavour to marinades and sauces.

• Chili Oil: Made from chili peppers, this oil is used to add heat and flavour to dishes.

When it comes to proteins, chicken, beef, pork, and tofu are commonly used in Chinese cooking. Seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, and fish, can also be used in dishes like stir-fries and soups. If you are using seafood, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality options like prawns, mussels, and squid.

By having these essential ingredients on hand, you can easily create a variety of delicious Chinese dishes at home.

Mastering the Basics

Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavours, unique ingredients, and varied cooking techniques. If you're new to cooking Chinese food, mastering the basics is a great place to start. In this section, we'll cover some of the essential techniques and dishes that every beginner should know.

Rice and Noodle Dishes

Rice and noodles are staples in Chinese cuisine, and there are countless variations of these dishes. One of the easiest and most popular rice dishes is chicken fried rice. To make this dish, simply stir-fry cooked rice with diced chicken, eggs, and vegetables like peas and carrots. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute tofu for the chicken.

Chow mein is another classic Chinese noodle dish that's easy to make at home. This dish typically features stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat, such as beef or chicken. Chinese noodles, which are made from wheat flour, can be used in place of chow mein noodles if you can't find them at your local grocery store.

Stir-Frying Techniques

Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique in Chinese cuisine that involves quickly cooking ingredients in a hot wok. To stir-fry, you'll need a wok or a large frying pan and a high heat source.

Beef chow fun is a delicious stir-fry dish that's perfect for beginners. This dish features wide rice noodles stir-fried with beef, vegetables, and a savoury sauce. You can also add seafood to this dish, such as shrimp or squid, for an extra flavour boost.

Steaming and Boiling

Steaming and boiling are other essential cooking techniques in Chinese cuisine. Steaming is a gentle cooking method that's great for seafood, vegetables, and dumplings. Boiling is used to cook noodles, soups, and stews.

Dumplings are a popular Chinese dish that can be steamed or boiled. These small pockets of dough are typically filled with meat and vegetables and served with a dipping sauce. Shrimp, crab, or pork can be used in the filling for a seafood twist.

Mastering the basics of Chinese cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience. With these essential techniques and dishes, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious Chinese meals at home.

Popular Chinese Recipes

Chinese cuisine offers a wide range of delicious dishes that are quick and easy to make at home. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, there is something for everyone. Here are some popular Chinese recipes that you can try at home.

Chicken and Beef Specialties

If you are a meat lover, then you should definitely try Kung Pao Chicken, Orange Chicken, and Mongolian Beef. Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy dish that is made with chicken, peanuts, and vegetables. Orange Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that is made with chicken, orange juice, and spices. Mongolian Beef is a savoury dish that is made with beef, onions, and soy sauce.

For seafood lovers, you can substitute the chicken or beef with prawns, squid or fish fillets to create a delicious dish.

Vegetarian Delights

If you are a vegetarian, then you should try Mapo Tofu, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Moo Goo Gai Pan. Mapo Tofu is a spicy dish that is made with tofu, minced meat, and Sichuan peppercorns. Sweet and Sour Pork is a tangy dish that is made with pork, pineapple, and vegetables. Moo Goo Gai Pan is a simple dish that is made with chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables.

For seafood lovers, you can substitute the pork or chicken with scallops, prawns or crab meat to create a delicious dish.

Soups and Appetizers

Chinese cuisine is also known for its soups and appetizers. Wonton Soup and Egg Drop Soup are popular soups that are easy to make at home. Wonton Soup is a simple soup that is made with wonton wrappers, pork, and vegetables. Egg Drop Soup is a light soup that is made with eggs, chicken broth, and cornstarch.

Egg Rolls are a popular appetizer that is made with a crispy wrapper filled with vegetables and meat. Vegetable Stir-fry is a healthy and delicious dish that is made with a variety of vegetables and soy sauce.

For seafood lovers, you can add prawns, crab meat or squid to the soup or appetizer to add a seafood flavour to the dish.

That's it for our popular Chinese recipes. Experiment with these dishes and add your own twist to make them your own. Enjoy!

Cooking for Occasions

Chinese food is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a festive feast or a casual take-out dinner. Here are some ideas for both types of occasions.

Festive Feasts

If you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, such as the Lunar New Year, dim sum is a great option. Dim sum is a traditional Chinese brunch that consists of small dishes, such as dumplings, steamed buns, and rice noodle rolls. It's perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Another festive dish is glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice. It's often served wrapped in lotus leaves and filled with meat, mushrooms, and other ingredients. It's a delicious and filling dish that's perfect for special occasions.

If you're looking for something warming and comforting, congee is a great option. It's a rice porridge that's often served for breakfast or as a late-night snack. It can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, pork, or seafood.

Casual Take-Out Favourites

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, Chinese takeout is always a popular option. Sweet and sour chicken and General Tso's chicken are both classic dishes that are sure to satisfy. Chinese dumplings are another great option, whether you're steaming or frying them.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your meal, shrimp or prawns are a great addition to many Chinese dishes. They can be added to stir-fries, fried rice, or noodle dishes. Another popular seafood option is squid, which can be used in stir-fries or deep-fried for a crispy texture.

Chinese cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special event or just looking for a quick and easy dinner, there's sure to be a Chinese dish that you'll love.

Shopping Guide

Finding Ingredients

When it comes to cooking Chinese food, finding the right ingredients is key. While some ingredients may be available at your local supermarket, others may require a trip to an Asian market. If you're lucky enough to have an Asian market nearby, you'll find a much wider selection of ingredients at more affordable prices.

When shopping for ingredients, it's important to read the labels carefully to ensure you're getting the right product. For example, there are many different types of soy sauce, and each has a slightly different flavour. Look for light soy sauce for cooking and dark soy sauce for adding colour and flavour to dishes.

Substitutes and Alternatives

If you can't find a particular ingredient, don't worry! There are often substitutes and alternatives that can be used without sacrificing flavour. For example, if a recipe calls for Chinese rice wine, you can use sherry or dry white wine instead. If you can't find Chinese eggplant, regular eggplant will work just as well.

When it comes to meat and seafood, there are many versatile options that can be used in a variety of dishes. Chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, and tofu are all great options for beginners. If you're feeling adventurous, try using duck, lamb, or squid for a more unique flavour.

If you're looking to add seafood to your dishes, try using shrimp, scallops, or fish. For example, you can add shrimp to a stir-fry or use fish in a steamed dish. Just be sure to choose a type of seafood that is fresh and sustainable.

That's it for the shopping guide. Now that you know where to find ingredients and what substitutes and alternatives to use, you're ready to start cooking some delicious Chinese food!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some simple Chinese dishes you can cook for dinner?

If you're looking for easy Chinese dishes to cook for dinner, you can try making stir-fry dishes. Stir-fry dishes are quick and easy to make, and you can use any meat or vegetable that you like. You can also make fried rice or noodles, which are also simple and delicious.

Could you suggest some traditional Chinese recipes that are beginner-friendly?

Some traditional Chinese recipes that are beginner-friendly include Kung Pao chicken, hot and sour soup, and dumplings. These dishes are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. You can also try making steamed fish or stir-fried vegetables, which are also simple and delicious.

What's a popular Chinese dish that's easy to make at home?

One popular Chinese dish that's easy to make at home is sweet and sour chicken. This dish is made with chicken, vegetables, and a sweet and sour sauce. You can also add pineapple or other fruit to the dish for extra flavour.

Can you list a few Chinese recipes that are suitable for a child's menu?

If you're looking for Chinese recipes that are suitable for a child's menu, you can try making chicken fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, or vegetable stir-fry. You can also make dumplings or steamed buns, which are fun for kids to eat.

What are some vegetarian Chinese meals you can prepare quickly?

If you're looking for vegetarian Chinese meals that you can prepare quickly, you can try making vegetable stir-fry, tofu and vegetable stir-fry, or vegetable fried rice. You can also make vegetable dumplings or steamed buns, which are delicious and easy to make.

Are there any straightforward recipes for Chinese-style chicken?

Yes, there are many straightforward recipes for Chinese-style chicken. You can try making Kung Pao chicken, sweet and sour chicken, or sesame chicken. If you like spicy food, you can also make Szechuan chicken, which is made with chillies and Szechuan peppercorns. You can also add seafood to your chicken dishes, such as shrimp or scallops, for extra flavour.