Best Chinese Breakfast Recipes: Delicious and Easy Morning Meals

Are you looking for something to switch up your breakfast routine, why not try some delicious Chinese breakfast recipes? Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavours and diverse range of dishes, and breakfast is no exception. From savoury crepes and pancakes to dim sum delights and sweet pastries, there's something for everyone.

The staples of Chinese breakfast include congee, a rice porridge dish that can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings, and baozi, steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables. However, there are many other dishes to explore, such as jianbing, a popular street food that resembles a savoury crepe filled with eggs, scallions, and crispy wonton crackers.

Seafood can also be incorporated into Chinese breakfast dishes, such as in the form of shrimp or fish dumplings or in a savoury congee topped with seafood. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and ingredients to find your new favourite breakfast dish.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese breakfast offers a diverse range of dishes, from savoury crepes and pancakes to sweet pastries.
• Seafood can be incorporated into Chinese breakfast dishes for added flavour and nutrition.
• Don't be afraid to try something new and experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect Chinese breakfast.

The Staples of Chinese Breakfast

When it comes to breakfast in China, there are several staple dishes that are commonly enjoyed. These dishes are filling, satisfying, and often very nutritious, making them a great way to start your day. Here are some of the most popular staples of Chinese breakfast:

Congee and Its Variations

Congee, also known as rice porridge, is a popular breakfast dish in China. It is made by boiling rice in water until it becomes a thick, creamy porridge. Congee can be flavoured with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, chicken, beef, fish, and vegetables. It is often served with a side of pickles, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Congee is a great option for those who prefer a warm, comforting breakfast.

Youtiao and Soy Milk

Youtiao, also known as Chinese doughnut sticks, are a popular breakfast food in China. They are deep-fried, leavened dough that has a slightly salty, alkaline flavour and an airy, fluffy texture. Youtiao is often served with soy milk, which is a creamy, plant-based milk made from soybeans. Soy milk is a great source of protein and is low in fat, making it a healthy addition to your breakfast.

Bao Buns and Their Fillings

Bao buns are steamed buns that are filled with a variety of ingredients. They can be filled with pork, chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetables. Bao buns are a great option for those who prefer a savoury breakfast. They are often served with a side of pickles and soy sauce.

If you're looking for a healthier option, you can fill your bao buns with seafood such as shrimp or crab. Seafood is a great source of protein and is low in fat, making it a nutritious addition to your breakfast.

Chinese breakfast is a great way to start your day. Whether you prefer a warm bowl of congee, a savoury bao bun, or a sweet youtiao with soy milk, there's a dish for everyone. So why not try something new and add some variety to your breakfast routine?

Savoury Crepes and Pancakes

If you're looking for a savoury breakfast option, Chinese crepes and pancakes are perfect. They're easy to make and can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste.

Jian Bing and Ji Dan Bing

Jian Bing and Ji Dan Bing are two popular Chinese breakfast crepes that are easy to make at home. Jian Bing is a wheat-based crepe that is filled with eggs, deep-fried crackers, savoury sauces, chopped scallions, and coriander. Ji Dan Bing, on the other hand, is a simple crepe made with eggs and scallions.

To make Jian Bing, mix wheat flour, eggs, and water to make a thin batter. Cook the batter on a hot pan and add your desired fillings. Roll the crepe and serve hot. For Ji Dan Bing, mix eggs, scallions, and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture on a hot pan until the eggs are set. Fold the crepe in half and serve with chilli sauce.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can add seafood to your crepes. Shrimp or crab meat can be used to add a unique flavour to your Jian Bing or Ji Dan Bing.

Scallion Pancakes

Scallion pancakes are a popular Chinese breakfast food that is easy to make at home. To make scallion pancakes, mix flour, water, and chopped scallions to make a dough. Roll the dough into a thin pancake and cook on a hot pan until crispy.

Scallion pancakes can be served plain or with a savoury dipping sauce. They can also be filled with eggs, vegetables, or meat to make a more substantial breakfast dish.

Chinese crepes and pancakes are a delicious and easy breakfast option that can be customised to suit your taste. Whether you prefer savoury or sweet, there's a crepe or pancake recipe out there for you.

Dim Sum Delights

Looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast that will keep you going all day? Look no further than dim sum! These small, bite-sized dishes are the perfect way to start your day, and with a variety of fillings and flavours to choose from, there's something for everyone.

Har Gao and Siu Mai

Har gao and siu mai are two of the most popular dim sum dishes, and for good reason. Har gao, or steamed shrimp dumplings, are delicate and flavourful, with juicy shrimp wrapped in a translucent wrapper. Siu mai, or pork and shrimp dumplings, are equally delicious, with a savoury filling of ground pork and shrimp wrapped in a yellow wrapper.

To make har gao, simply mix together chopped shrimp, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil. Spoon the mixture into a wrapper and steam for 5-6 minutes until cooked through. Siu mai are made similarly, with ground pork, chopped shrimp, and seasonings mixed together and spooned into a wrapper.

Steamed and Fried Dumplings

In addition to har gao and siu mai, there are a variety of other steamed and fried dumplings that make delicious breakfast options. Steamed pork buns, or char siu bao, are soft and fluffy buns filled with savoury barbecued pork. Steamed eggs with soy sauce and vinegar are another popular option, with the eggs cooked in a steamer and then drizzled with a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar.

For a heartier breakfast, try fried dumplings such as pan-fried pork and chive dumplings or shrimp and chive dumplings. These dumplings are crispy on the outside and filled with juicy pork or shrimp and fragrant chives.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some seafood to your dim sum dishes. Shrimp, scallops, and crab all make delicious additions to steamed and fried dumplings. Just be sure to use fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavour and texture.

So next time you're looking for a tasty and satisfying breakfast, give dim sum a try. With so many delicious options to choose from, you're sure to find a new favourite dish!

Sweet Treats and Pastries

If you have a sweet tooth, then you will love the selection of sweet treats and pastries that are available for breakfast in China. Here are two of the most popular sweet breakfast items that you should definitely try.

Egg Tarts and Sweet Buns

Egg tarts are a delicious pastry that combines a flaky crust with a sweet, creamy egg custard filling. They are a popular breakfast item in Hong Kong and Macau, but are also enjoyed throughout China. You can find them at most Chinese bakeries, and they are often served with a cup of tea.

Sweet buns are another popular breakfast item that come in a variety of flavours, including red bean, lotus seed, and custard. They are made from a sweet, fluffy dough that is filled with a sweet filling and then steamed until cooked through. They are perfect for those who prefer a sweeter breakfast.

If you want to add a seafood twist to your egg tart or sweet bun recipe, you can try adding some shrimp or crab meat to the filling. The sweetness of the pastry will complement the savoury flavour of the seafood, creating a unique and delicious breakfast option.

Red Bean and Sesame Pastries

Red bean and sesame pastries are a popular sweet breakfast item in China. They are made from a sweet, flaky pastry that is filled with a sweet red bean paste and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The combination of the sweet filling and nutty sesame seeds creates a unique and delicious flavour.

If you want to make your red bean and sesame pastries even more delicious, you can try adding some shrimp or crab meat to the filling. The sweetness of the red bean paste will complement the savoury flavour of the seafood, creating a unique and delicious breakfast option.

When making these pastries, make sure to use all-purpose flour and sugar to get the best results. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores and Asian markets.

Condiments and Toppings

When it comes to Chinese breakfast, condiments and toppings are essential to enhancing the flavour of your dish. Here are some popular options to consider:

Soy and Chili Sauces

Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it is commonly used as a dipping sauce for dumplings and other breakfast dishes. You can also add a few drops of chili oil to your soy sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Pickled and Preserved Vegetables

Pickled and preserved vegetables are a great way to add some tangy flavour to your breakfast. Popular options include pickled mustard greens, pickled radish, and preserved tofu. These can be served as a side dish or used as a topping for your congee or rice porridge.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding some seafood to your breakfast. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all great options that can be used to add some protein and flavour to your dishes. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to your meal.

Remember to experiment with different toppings and condiments until you find the perfect combination for your taste. With a little creativity, you can turn a simple Chinese breakfast into a flavourful and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dishes make up a typical breakfast in China?

A typical Chinese breakfast consists of savoury dishes, such as congee, steamed buns, dumplings, and pancakes. However, sweet dishes like soy milk and fried dough sticks are also popular. You can find a wide variety of breakfast foods in different regions of China.

Can you suggest some Chinese breakfast recipes that include eggs?

Eggs are a popular ingredient in Chinese breakfast recipes. Some popular egg dishes include egg fried rice, egg drop soup, and egg custard tarts. You can also try making Chinese-style omelettes with ingredients like shrimp, mushrooms, and scallions.

What are some healthy options for a Chinese-style breakfast?

If you're looking for a healthy Chinese breakfast option, you can try making steamed buns filled with vegetables or lean meats like chicken or pork. You can also make a simple vegetable stir-fry with ingredients like bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots. Seafood like shrimp and fish can also be used to make a healthy and delicious breakfast.

Which traditional breakfast dishes are most popular in Cantonese cuisine?

Cantonese cuisine is known for its dim sum, which includes a variety of small dishes served in bamboo steamers. Some popular Cantonese breakfast dishes include congee with pork and preserved egg, shrimp dumplings, and barbecue pork buns.

How do you make a Chinese breakfast pancake?

To make a Chinese breakfast pancake, mix together flour, water, and salt to make a dough. Roll out the dough into thin circles and cook them on a hot griddle until they are crispy and golden brown. You can fill the pancakes with ingredients like scrambled eggs, green onions, and seafood.

Could you recommend some easy-to-prepare Chinese breakfast recipes?

If you're looking for easy-to-prepare Chinese breakfast recipes, you can try making egg fried rice, congee with chicken and ginger, or steamed buns filled with barbecued pork. You can also make a simple stir-fry with vegetables and shrimp or tofu.