Chinese Rose Wine Recipe: How to Make It at Home
Chinese rose wine, also known as Mei Gui Lu Jiu, is a traditional Chinese liquor that is infused with fresh rose flowers and sugar. The result is a fragrant and sweet floral vodka that is a popular ingredient in many Cantonese dishes. The alcohol content of Chinese rose wine can vary, but it is generally around 18-20% ABV.
Making your own Chinese rose wine at home is a simple process that involves infusing sorghum liquor with fresh rose petals and sugar. Once the mixture has been allowed to steep for several weeks, the resulting liquor can be used in a variety of recipes, including soy sauce chicken and fragrant rose wine chicken.
If you're looking to add a unique twist to your next seafood dish, consider incorporating Chinese rose wine into the recipe. The natural fragrance of the wine pairs well with many types of seafood, including prawns, scallops, and fish. Just be sure to use the wine sparingly, as its flavour can be quite strong.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese rose wine is a fragrant and sweet floral vodka that is a popular ingredient in many Cantonese dishes.
- Making your own Chinese rose wine at home is a simple process that involves infusing sorghum liquor with fresh rose petals and sugar.
- Chinese rose wine pairs well with many types of seafood, including prawns, scallops, and fish.
The Basics of Chinese Rose Wine
Understanding Rose Wine
Chinese Rose Wine, also known as Mei Gui Lu Jiu, is a rose-flavored sorghum liquor. The liquor is infused with fresh rose flowers and sugar, which results in a fragrant liquor that some say tastes like a sweet, floral vodka. The alcohol content of this wine is about 46%, which is quite strong.
Varieties of Chinese Rose Wine
There are several varieties of Chinese Rose Wine available in the market. Some are made with glutinous rice and some with sorghum liquor. The wine made with glutinous rice is sweeter and has a lower alcohol content than the sorghum liquor variety.
If you are looking to use Chinese Rose Wine in your cooking, it is important to note that the flavour of the wine can vary depending on the brand and type. Therefore, it is recommended that you experiment with different brands to find the one that best suits your taste.
When it comes to cooking with Chinese Rose Wine, it is often used to marinate meats such as BBQ pork or char siu. However, it can also be used in seafood dishes to add a unique flavour. For example, you can use it to marinate prawns or scallops before grilling or frying them.
Overall, Chinese Rose Wine is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add a unique flavour.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutions
Core Ingredients for Rose Wine Recipe
The core ingredients for Chinese rose wine recipe include fermented rice, rose petals, and rock sugar. Fermented rice is a key ingredient that gives the wine its unique flavour, while rose petals add a floral aroma and a touch of sweetness. Rock sugar is used to sweeten the wine and balance its flavours.
Other ingredients that are commonly added to the recipe include ginger, spring onion, and garlic. These ingredients add depth of flavour to the wine and complement its floral notes.
Substitutes for Traditional Ingredients
If you cannot find Chinese rose wine, you can substitute it with Shaoxing rice wine. However, the flavour of the wine will be different, and the dish may not have the complex flavour that rose wine imparts.
Dry sherry is also a good substitute for Shaoxing rice wine. If you use Mirin, a Japanese sweet cooking wine, you should omit or reduce sugar called for in the recipe because Mirin is much sweeter than Chinese Cooking Wine.
If you cannot find rock sugar, you can use regular sugar instead. However, it is important to note that rock sugar dissolves more easily than regular sugar and adds a unique flavour to the wine.
Seafood, such as prawns or scallops, can also be added to the recipe to give it an extra depth of flavour. However, it is important to ensure that the seafood is fresh and cooked properly to avoid any food safety issues.
Cooking Techniques and Preparation
Chinese rose wine is a popular ingredient in Cantonese cuisine and is used in various cooking methods such as marinating, braising, and boiling. Here are some techniques and tips to help you get the most out of your Chinese rose wine recipe.
Marinating with Rose Wine
Marinating meat, poultry, or seafood with Chinese rose wine is a great way to infuse the dish with a complex and rich flavour. You can use Chinese rose wine in combination with other ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and garlic to create a marinade that will tenderize and flavour the meat.
When marinating with Chinese rose wine, it's important to use a superior grade wine that is low in alcohol, such as the kind made from rice. This will give your dish a more delicate and nuanced flavour. You can marinate your protein for a few hours or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavour.
If you're using seafood, you can marinate prawns, scallops, or fish fillets with Chinese rose wine and some soy sauce for a delicious and aromatic seafood dish.
Braising and Boiling Methods
Chinese rose wine is also commonly used in braising and boiling methods. When braising meat or poultry, you can add Chinese rose wine to the braising liquid along with other aromatics like ginger, garlic, and green onions. This will create a rich and flavourful sauce that will coat the meat.
When boiling meat or seafood, you can add Chinese rose wine to the boiling liquid along with other ingredients like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to create a fragrant and flavourful broth. You can then add your protein to the broth and cook until done.
If you're looking to experiment with seafood, you can try boiling prawns, mussels, or clams in a Chinese rose wine broth for a delicious and aromatic seafood dish.
Overall, Chinese rose wine is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of cooking methods. Whether you're marinating, braising, or boiling, Chinese rose wine can add a unique and complex flavour to your dishes.
Rose Wine Chicken Recipes
If you are looking for a unique and flavourful chicken dish, then you should try cooking with Chinese rose wine. The wine adds a sweet and floral taste to the dish, making it different from your usual chicken recipe.
Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken
One of the popular recipes that use Chinese rose wine is the Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken. This dish is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. Here is a recipe you can try:
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup of Chinese rose wine
- 1 cup of soy sauce
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
- 2 stalks of spring onion, sliced
- 1 tsp of sesame oil
- 1 tsp of black pepper
Instructions
- In a pot, combine the rose wine, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and spring onion. Bring to a boil.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Flip the chicken pieces and let it simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the chicken soak in the sauce for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and drizzle with sesame oil and black pepper.
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck party. You can also add seafood like squid or shrimp to the recipe to give it a twist.
Cantonese Rose Wine Chicken Wings
If you prefer chicken wings over chicken pieces, then you should try the Cantonese Rose Wine Chicken Wings. This recipe is perfect for a snack or an appetizer. Here is a recipe you can try:
Ingredients
- 1 lb of chicken wings
- 1/2 cup of Chinese rose wine
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tbsp of sesame oil
- 1 tbsp of cornstarch
- 1 tsp of black pepper
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix the rose wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl and mix well.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken wings on the sheet.
- Bake the chicken wings for 30 minutes or until cooked.
- Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.
This recipe is perfect for a game night or a movie night with friends. You can also add seafood like prawns or scallops to the recipe to give it a seafood twist.
Serving and Pairing
Accompaniments and Side Dishes
When serving Chinese Rose Wine, it is best to pair it with Cantonese roast meats, cured sausages, and braised dishes. These dishes are perfect for family dinners and can be accompanied by seafood such as prawns, crabs or lobsters. The seafood can be cooked in a variety of ways including steaming, stir-frying or deep-frying to complement the wine.
Serving Temperature and Glassware
Chinese Rose Wine is best served chilled, at a temperature between 8-10°C. It is recommended to use a white wine glass to serve the wine. This will enhance the aroma and flavour of the wine, providing you with a better drinking experience.
If you are concerned about the calorie and fat content of the dish, you can opt for healthier alternatives such as grilled chicken or fish. These dishes are low in calories and fat, making them perfect for those who are watching their weight.
In conclusion, Chinese Rose Wine is a great addition to any family dinner. It is best served chilled and paired with Cantonese roast meats, cured sausages, and braised dishes. Adding seafood to the dish can enhance the flavour and provide a healthy alternative to meat. So, next time you are planning a family dinner, consider serving Chinese Rose Wine and enjoy the delicious pairing with your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a simple method for creating rose wine at home?
To make rose wine at home, you'll need sorghum liquor, rock sugar, and rose petals. Combine the sorghum liquor and rock sugar in a container, then add in the rose petals. Let the mixture sit for at least a week, stirring occasionally. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, and you'll have homemade rose wine!
Which recipe is considered the best for authentic rose wine?
There are many recipes for rose wine, but the best one for authentic flavour is to use sorghum liquor, rock sugar, and fresh rose petals. This traditional recipe has been used for centuries in Chinese cuisine and is the most authentic way to make rose wine.
Where's a good place to purchase rose wine?
You can purchase rose wine at most Asian supermarkets or liquor stores. Look for brands such as Mei Gui Lu Jiu or other authentic Chinese brands. If you can't find it in stores, you can also order it online.
Can I use a different wine if I don't have rose wine for my dish?
If you don't have rose wine, you can use Shaoxing wine as a substitute. While the flavour may be slightly different, it will still work well in most recipes. However, if you want the authentic flavour of Chinese cuisine, it's best to use rose wine.
How does rose wine compare to Shaoxing wine in flavour and usage?
Rose wine has a floral flavour that is unique to Chinese cuisine, while Shaoxing wine has a nutty and slightly sweet flavour. They can be used interchangeably in most recipes, but the flavour will be slightly different. It's best to use rose wine for authentic Chinese dishes and Shaoxing wine for other Asian cuisines.
Is rose wine a suitable pairing for traditional Chinese cuisine?
Yes, rose wine is a great pairing for traditional Chinese cuisine, especially dishes that use pork or seafood. For seafood dishes, try pairing it with prawns or scallops for a delicious and aromatic flavour.