How to Make Tasty Chinese Spring Onion Dishes at Home
Spring onions are an essential ingredient in Chinese cuisine, imparting a unique flavour to many recipes. If you are interested in using this ingredient in your cooking, there are several mouth-watering Chinese spring onion recipes to choose from. Explore the following article for some popular recipes and tips on sourcing and preparing the freshest ingredients.
When selecting spring onions for your recipe, look for ones with long, white bulbs and dark green leaves. The bulbs should be firm, and the leaves should be crisp and bright green. To prepare the onions, trim off the roots and any wilted leaves, and slice the bulbs and green parts thinly.
There are many preparation techniques for spring onions, including stir-frying, pan-frying, and grilling. No matter which method you choose, be sure to cook the onions until they are tender and fragrant. You can also add seafood to your spring onion recipe for a delicious twist. Shrimp and scallops are great options that pair well with the flavour of spring onions.
Key Takeaways
- Spring onions are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine that add a unique flavour to many dishes.
- When selecting and preparing spring onions, look for long, white bulbs and crisp, bright green leaves.
- You can add seafood to your spring onion recipe for a delicious twist, such as shrimp or scallops.
Selecting Ingredients
When it comes to making an authentic Chinese spring onion recipe, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose the best ingredients for your dish.
Choosing the Best Spring Onions
Spring onions, also known as scallions, are a staple in Chinese cuisine. When selecting spring onions, look for ones that are firm and have bright green leaves. Avoid ones that are wilted or have yellowing leaves. Spring onions that are thin and tender are best for raw dishes, while thicker ones are better for cooking.
Essential Chinese Condiments
To make an authentic Chinese spring onion recipe, you will need some essential condiments. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce are the most commonly used condiments in Chinese cooking. Light soy sauce is used for seasoning, while dark soy sauce is used for colouring. Sesame oil is added for flavour, and oyster sauce is used to add depth and richness to the dish.
In addition to these condiments, you may also want to use garlic, ginger, and peanut oil in your recipe. Garlic and ginger are used to add flavour, while peanut oil is used for frying.
If you are looking to add some seafood to your spring onion recipe, you can use prawns, scallops, or squid. These seafood options work well with the flavours of the dish and can be easily incorporated into the recipe.
Overall, selecting the right ingredients is key to making an authentic Chinese spring onion recipe. By choosing the best spring onions and using essential Chinese condiments, you can create a delicious and flavourful dish that will impress your guests.
Preparation Techniques
Washing and Cutting
Before starting your Chinese spring onion recipe, you need to wash and cut the spring onions properly. Firstly, wash the spring onions under running water and pat them dry with a clean cloth. Then, cut off the root ends and discard any discoloured or wilted leaves.
Next, cut the spring onions into small pieces of about 1-2 inches long. You can use both the white and green parts of the spring onions, but make sure to separate them as they require different cooking times. The white part is firmer and takes longer to cook, while the green part is more tender and cooks faster.
Marinating Proteins
If you are using proteins like chicken or seafood in your Chinese spring onion recipe, marinating them beforehand can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. To marinate your proteins, start by mixing cornflour or starch with a pinch of salt and water to form a smooth paste.
Then, add the proteins to the mixture and let them sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This will help to tenderize the proteins and make them more flavorful. When you are ready to cook, remove the proteins from the marinade and discard any excess liquid.
If you are looking to add seafood to your Chinese spring onion recipe, you can use prawns or scallops. To prepare the seafood, make sure to clean them properly and remove any shells or veins. Then, marinate them using the same method as the proteins.
Overall, properly washing and cutting the spring onions and marinating the proteins beforehand are essential techniques to ensure that your Chinese spring onion recipe turns out delicious and flavourful.
Cooking Methods
Mastering the Stir Fry
Stir-frying is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine that is perfect for cooking spring onions. To begin with, you should have a wok, which is a versatile pan that is perfect for stir-frying. You should also have vegetable oil or any other cooking oil that can withstand high heat.
To stir-fry spring onions, heat up the wok until it is smoking hot. Then, add a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat the sides. Once the oil is hot, add the spring onions and stir-fry them for about a minute or until they are fragrant and slightly wilted.
If you want to add seafood to your stir-fry, you can use shrimp or squid. Simply stir-fry them together with the spring onions until they are cooked through.
Steaming and Boiling
Steaming and boiling are also great cooking methods for spring onions. To steam spring onions, you can place them in a steamer basket and steam them for about 5-7 minutes or until they are tender.
To boil spring onions, simply add them to a pot of boiling water and cook them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are tender. You can also blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two before transferring them to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.
If you want to add seafood to your steamed or boiled spring onions, you can use fish fillets or prawns. Simply place the seafood on top of the spring onions and steam or boil them together until they are cooked through.
Overall, there are various cooking methods that you can use to cook spring onions, depending on your preference. Whether you choose to stir-fry, steam, or boil them, spring onions are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Popular Spring Onion Recipes
If you're looking for a delicious and easy Chinese recipe that uses spring onions, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are two popular recipes that you can try out at home:
Spring Onion Pancakes
Spring onion pancakes are a popular Chinese snack that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. They are made by combining flour, water, and spring onions, and then frying the mixture in a pan until it is golden brown.
To make spring onion pancakes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 300g plain flour
- 170ml boiled water
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup finely chopped spring onions
- Sesame oil for brushing
- Vegetable oil for cooking
To prepare the pancakes, mix the flour, water, and salt together in a bowl until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic, and then let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Once the dough has rested, roll it out into a thin sheet and sprinkle the chopped spring onions on top. Roll the dough up tightly, like a Swiss roll, and then cut it into small pieces.
Flatten each piece with your hands and brush it with sesame oil. Heat some vegetable oil in a pan and fry the pancakes until they are golden brown on both sides.
Chicken with Ginger and Spring Onion
Chicken with ginger and spring onion is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and packed with flavour. To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
- 4 spring onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces and marinate it in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornflour for at least 30 minutes.
Heat some vegetable oil in a pan and fry the grated ginger and sliced spring onions for a few minutes until fragrant. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry until it is cooked through.
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and serve it with steamed rice or noodles.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding some seafood to these recipes. For example, you could add some shrimp or squid to the chicken and ginger dish, or serve the spring onion pancakes with a side of crispy fried fish.
Serving and Storage
Garnishing and Presentation
When serving your Chinese spring onion dish, consider adding a garnish such as chopped coriander or sesame seeds to add a pop of colour and flavour. You can also drizzle scallion oil on top of the dish to enhance the aroma and taste.
To create scallion oil, heat vegetable oil in a pan and add chopped spring onions. Cook until the onions are crispy and fragrant. Strain the oil and discard the onions. Use the oil as a condiment for your dish.
If you want to add seafood to your dish, consider using prawns or scallops. These seafood options pair well with the spring onion flavour and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as stir-frying or steaming.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the dish in a pan or microwave before serving.
Alternatively, you can freeze the dish for up to three months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pan or microwave.
When reheating the dish, be mindful of the seafood if you added it to the recipe. Seafood can become tough and rubbery if overcooked, so be sure to reheat it properly to avoid this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a simple way to cook spring onions in a Chinese style?
One of the easiest ways to cook spring onions in a Chinese style is to stir-fry them with garlic and ginger. Heat some oil in a wok or frying pan, add minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant. Then add chopped spring onions and continue to stir-fry for a few more minutes until they are tender but still slightly crispy. Season with salt, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar to taste. You can also add some diced chicken or prawns for extra flavour and protein.
Can you suggest a good chicken and spring onion recipe with a Chinese twist?
One delicious chicken and spring onion recipe with a Chinese twist is to make a stir-fry with oyster sauce. Cut some boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and marinate them with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Heat some oil in a wok or frying pan, add minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant. Then add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Add sliced spring onions and stir-fry for a minute or two until slightly softened. Finally, add oyster sauce and a little water to create a thick sauce. Serve hot with steamed rice.
How do I make a ginger and spring onion sauce for a Chinese dish?
To make a ginger and spring onion sauce for a Chinese dish, finely chop some fresh ginger and spring onions and mix them together in a bowl. Heat some oil in a pan until hot, then pour it over the ginger and spring onion mixture. Add some salt and sugar to taste, then stir well. You can use this sauce as a condiment for steamed fish, boiled chicken, or stir-fried vegetables.
What's the best method to prepare spring onion fish like in Chinese cuisine?
One of the best methods to prepare spring onion fish like in Chinese cuisine is to steam it. Clean and scale a whole fish, then stuff it with sliced ginger and spring onions. Place the fish on a heatproof dish and steam it over high heat for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. Meanwhile, heat some oil in a pan until hot, then add finely chopped garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Pour the hot oil over the steamed fish, then garnish with more sliced spring onions and coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice.
In Chinese cooking, how long should spring onions be cooked for?
In Chinese cooking, spring onions are usually cooked for a short time to preserve their freshness and crunchiness. Depending on the dish, they can be stir-fried for 1-2 minutes, boiled for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or added to soups and stews towards the end of cooking. Overcooking spring onions can make them lose their flavour and texture, so it's important to keep an eye on them while cooking.
What are some creative uses for spring onions in Chinese recipes?
Aside from being a popular ingredient in stir-fries, soups, and dumplings, spring onions can also be used creatively in Chinese recipes. For example, you can make a spring onion pancake by mixing flour, water, and chopped spring onions into a dough, then rolling it out and pan-frying until crispy. You can also make a spring onion and egg drop soup by whisking eggs with chicken broth and pouring the mixture over sautéed spring onions. Another idea is to make a spring onion and tofu salad by tossing sliced spring onions, cubed tofu, and sesame seeds with a dressing made of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.