Simple Chinese Recipes for Home Cooking: Quick and Simple Dishes

If you're eager to explore new flavours in your home kitchen, Chinese cooking is a fantastic option. By using basic ingredients and uncomplicated methods, you can whip up tasty dishes that will wow your taste buds. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned chef, there are numerous quick and easy recipes available to suit your appetite for Chinese food.

To get started with Chinese cooking, it's important to have a few essentials on hand. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar are just a few of the staples you'll need to create authentic Chinese flavours. You'll also want to have a good quality wok or frying pan, and a selection of fresh vegetables and proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu. With these basics in your pantry, you'll be ready to start exploring the world of Chinese cuisine.

When it comes to quick and easy Chinese recipes, there are plenty of options to choose from. Stir-fries, fried rice, and chow mein are all classic dishes that can be made in just a few minutes. For meat lovers, there are plenty of options like Kung Pao chicken, beef and broccoli, and sweet and sour pork. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy dishes like mapo tofu, vegetable dumplings, and stir-fried greens. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try making your own dim sum at home?

Key Takeaways

• Chinese cooking can be easy and delicious with a few essential ingredients and some simple techniques.
• Quick and easy recipes like stir-fries, fried rice, and chow mein are perfect for beginners.
• Meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans can all enjoy a variety of Chinese dishes, and seafood can be a great addition to many recipes.

Essentials of Chinese Cooking

Key Ingredients

If you're new to Chinese cooking, there are a few key ingredients that you'll want to have on hand. Soy sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking and is used in almost every recipe. It adds a salty, umami flavour to dishes. Garlic and ginger are also essential ingredients, adding depth and complexity to many Chinese dishes. Oyster sauce is another important ingredient that adds a sweet, salty, and slightly nutty flavour to dishes.

Sesame oil is a fragrant oil that is often used as a finishing oil in Chinese dishes. It has a nutty, toasted flavour that adds depth to dishes. Cornstarch is also commonly used in Chinese cooking as a thickener for sauces and marinades.

Chinese cooking wine, also known as Shaoxing wine, is a type of rice wine that is used in many Chinese recipes. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour to dishes. Vegetable oil is the most commonly used oil in Chinese cooking, as it has a neutral flavour that won't overpower other ingredients.

Basic Techniques

Velveting is a technique commonly used in Chinese cooking to tenderize meat and seafood. It involves marinating the protein in a mixture of cornstarch, egg whites, and rice wine before cooking. This technique ensures that the meat or seafood stays tender and juicy during cooking.

Stir-frying is another common technique used in Chinese cooking. It involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok or frying pan. This technique ensures that the ingredients cook quickly and evenly, while retaining their texture and flavour.

When cooking seafood, it's important to choose the right type of seafood for your recipe. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all popular choices in Chinese cooking. When choosing shrimp, look for fresh or frozen shrimp that are still in their shells. This will ensure that the shrimp stays fresh and retains its flavour during cooking. Scallops should be fresh and firm, and squid should be cleaned and sliced before cooking.

Overall, Chinese cooking can seem intimidating at first, but with a few key ingredients and techniques, you can create delicious and authentic Chinese dishes at home.

Quick and Easy Recipes

If you're in a hurry and want to make a quick and easy Chinese dish, then you've come to the right place. Here are two popular categories of Chinese cuisine that are quick and easy to make: stir-fries and fried rice dishes.

Stir-Fries

Stir-fries are a quick and easy way to make a delicious and healthy Chinese meal. Simply chop up some vegetables and meat, stir-fry them in a wok with some oil, and you're done. You can use any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, carrots, peppers, and onions. For meat, you can use chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. If you're a seafood lover, you can use prawns or scallops to add some extra flavour to your stir-fry.

To make a stir-fry, start by heating up your wok or frying pan over high heat. Add some oil and wait until it's hot. Then, add your meat and stir-fry until it's cooked through. Next, add your vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they're tender. Finally, add your sauce and stir-fry for a minute or two until everything is well coated. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Fried Rice Dishes

Fried rice dishes are another quick and easy Chinese meal that you can make in no time. All you need is some cooked rice, vegetables, meat, and eggs. You can use any vegetables you like, such as peas, carrots, and onions. For meat, you can use chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. If you're a seafood lover, you can use prawns or crab meat to add some extra flavour to your fried rice.

To make a fried rice dish, start by heating up some oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat. Add your vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they're tender. Then, add your meat and stir-fry until it's cooked through. Next, add your cooked rice and stir-fry for a few minutes until it's heated through. Finally, add your beaten eggs and stir-fry for a minute or two until they're cooked. Serve hot.

That's it! These quick and easy Chinese recipes are perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have much time to cook. Try them out and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal in no time.

Meat and Poultry Favourites

Chinese cuisine is known for its variety of meat and poultry dishes, and it's no wonder why. With a rich history of using meat in their cooking, Chinese chefs have perfected the art of creating delicious meat dishes that are easy to make at home.

Chicken Delights

Chicken is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and there are many simple and delicious recipes that you can make at home. Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and packed with flavour. The dish is made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce that is sure to please your taste buds. Another popular chicken dish is Orange Chicken, which is made with crispy fried chicken and a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

If you're looking for something a little more traditional, Char Siu is a popular Chinese dish that is made with BBQ pork. However, you can also use chicken to make this dish, which is marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce and then grilled to perfection.

Beef Specialties

Beef is another popular meat in Chinese cuisine, and there are many simple and delicious recipes that you can make at home. Sesame Beef is a popular Chinese dish that is made with tender strips of beef, vegetables, and a sweet and savoury sauce. The dish is topped with sesame seeds for added flavour and texture.

Another popular beef dish is Beef and Broccoli, which is made with tender strips of beef and fresh broccoli. The dish is flavoured with a savoury sauce that is made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Pork Classics

Pork is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and there are many simple and delicious recipes that you can make at home. Char Siu is a popular Chinese dish that is made with BBQ pork. The dish is marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce and then grilled to perfection.

Another popular pork dish is Sweet and Sour Pork, which is made with crispy fried pork and a sweet and tangy sauce. The dish is often served with vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, for added flavour and texture.

Proposed use of seafood: If you're looking to switch things up, you can also use seafood in your Chinese cooking. Shrimp is a popular choice, and can be used in dishes such as Kung Pao Shrimp or Shrimp Fried Rice. You can also use fish, such as cod or tilapia, in dishes such as Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions.

Vegetarian and Tofu Options

If you're looking for some delicious and healthy vegetarian options for your Chinese cooking, you're in luck! Chinese cuisine has plenty of vegetarian and tofu dishes that are packed with flavour and nutrients.

Tofu Dishes

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of Chinese dishes. One classic tofu dish is Ma Po Tofu, which is a spicy Sichuan dish made with tofu and minced meat. However, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Another great tofu dish is Chinese Garlic Tofu Stir Fry, which is loaded with authentic flavours and tastes better than take-out. You can also try Chinese Braised Tofu, which is cooked in a savoury sauce made with garlic, minced ginger, and soy sauce.

If you're looking for a dish that combines tofu with vegetables, you can try Tofu Stir Fry. This dish is very flexible, and you can use any vegetables you have on hand. Simply add some garlic, soy sauce, and your favourite Asian greens, and you have a delicious and healthy meal.

Vegetable Stir-Fries

Vegetable stir-fries are a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and are easy to make. One classic vegetable stir-fry is Bok Choy Stir Fry, which is made with bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and garlic.

You can also try a simple stir-fry of your favourite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and peppers. Simply add some garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of vegetable broth, and you have a healthy and delicious meal.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your stir-fry, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops. These seafood options go well with most vegetable stir-fries and add a delicious flavour to the dish.

Dim Sum and More

If you're looking for simple Chinese cooking recipes, Dim Sum is a great place to start. This Chinese meal of small dishes is typically shared with hot tea, usually around brunch time. Dim Sum is versatile, fresh, insanely delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends.

Small Bites

Small bites are a staple of Dim Sum and are perfect for snacking on. One of the most popular small bites is dumplings, which come in a variety of flavours and can be steamed, fried or boiled. You can make dumplings with pork, beef, or chicken, but if you want to add seafood, prawns or scallops are great options.

Another popular small bite is steamed pork buns, also known as Char Siu Bao. These buns are filled with a mixture of sweet and savoury barbecued pork and are steamed until fluffy. If you want to add seafood, you can use crab or lobster meat instead of pork.

Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are also a popular part of Chinese cuisine and are perfect for warming you up on a cold day. Wonton soup is a classic Chinese soup that is easy to make at home. It consists of wontons filled with pork and shrimp, served in a clear broth with leafy greens.

If you're looking for something heartier, try a Chinese stew. One popular option is the Cantonese-style beef stew, which is slow-cooked with star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. You can also add daikon radish, carrots and potatoes for extra flavour. If you want to add seafood, you can use prawns or squid instead of beef.

Overall, Dim Sum and other Chinese dishes are a great way to add some variety to your cooking routine. Whether you're making small bites or hearty stews, there are plenty of options to choose from. So why not try making some of these dishes at home and impress your friends and family with your Chinese cooking skills?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick and easy Chinese dishes I can make for dinner?

If you're looking for quick and easy Chinese dishes to cook for dinner, you can try making stir-fry dishes. Some popular stir-fry dishes include Kung Pao chicken, beef and broccoli, and shrimp and vegetable stir-fry. These dishes are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. You can also try making fried rice or noodle dishes like chow mein or lo mein.

Can you suggest some Chinese recipes that are suitable for children?

If you're cooking for children, you can try making sweet and sour chicken, sesame chicken, or orange chicken. These dishes are usually mild and sweet, making them popular with kids. You can also make fried rice with vegetables or noodles with a simple soy sauce and sesame oil dressing.

What are the essential ingredients I need to start cooking Chinese food at home?

Some essential ingredients you need to start cooking Chinese food at home include soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. You'll also need fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions. For protein, you can use chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms are also commonly used in Chinese cooking.

Could you recommend some vegetarian options for a Chinese meal?

For vegetarian options, you can try making vegetable stir-fry with tofu or fried rice with vegetables. You can also make vegetable dumplings or spring rolls. If you want to include seafood, you can try making a stir-fry with shrimp or scallops.

What are some popular Chinese takeout dishes I can recreate in my kitchen?

Some popular Chinese takeout dishes you can recreate at home include General Tso's chicken, sweet and sour chicken, and beef and broccoli. You can also make fried rice or chow mein with your favourite vegetables and protein.

How can I make a simple Chinese chicken dish at home?

To make a simple Chinese chicken dish at home, you can try making stir-fry dishes like Kung Pao chicken or sesame chicken. You can also make sweet and sour chicken or orange chicken. For a healthier option, you can make steamed chicken with vegetables and rice. If you want to include seafood, you can try making a stir-fry with shrimp or scallops.