5 Easy Chinese Dish Recipes for Home Cooks

Exploring Chinese Cuisine: A Journey for Home Cooks

Chinese cuisine is not just a feast for the palate but also a cultural odyssey that brings the vibrant flavors of China right into your home kitchen. Renowned for its diversity, complexity, and robust flavors, Chinese food offers a delightful exploration of taste, from the fiery spices of Sichuan to the subtle elegance of Cantonese dishes. Let’s embark on this gastronomic adventure with five easy Chinese recipes, crafted especially for beginners.

1. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken, with its bold mix of spice and crunch, is a favorite for many. Here’s how to make it at home:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • 3 scallions, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 6-8 dried chilies (optional for less heat)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, ground (optional)
• Preparation:
  1. Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch for at least 20 minutes.
  2. In a wok, heat oil, add chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns (if using) until aromatic.
  3. Add the marinated chicken, cooking until nearly done.
  4. Add bell pepper, stir-fry, then add peanuts and scallions.
  5. Add a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch slurry for thickness, cooking until the sauce thickens.

🔍 Note: If Sichuan peppercorns are not available, you can skip them, but the dish will have a different flavor profile.

2. Beef and Broccoli

This classic dish is known for its tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. Here’s your recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb flank steak, sliced
  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Preparation:
  1. Marinate the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and water.
  2. Blanch the broccoli, then drain.
  3. Heat oil in a wok or skillet, add garlic and ginger, and sauté.
  4. Add the marinated beef, cook until browned.
  5. Add broccoli and the sauce mixture, stir-frying until everything is well-coated.

3. Mapo Tofu

A dish that marries the heat of chilies with the silky texture of tofu:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 block soft tofu, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 3 tbsp chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
  • 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3 scallions, chopped
• Preparation:
  1. In a wok or skillet, cook the ground pork with garlic and ginger.
  2. Add chili bean paste, stirring well to incorporate.
  3. Add the tofu and gently mix, trying not to break the cubes.
  4. Add broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
  5. Finish with scallions and Sichuan peppercorn powder.

4. Dan Dan Noodles

This iconic noodle dish from Sichuan offers a spicy, numbing experience:

• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz Chinese egg noodles or spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp chili oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp black vinegar
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  • 1/4 cup chopped preserved vegetables (optional)
• Preparation:
  1. Cook noodles, then cool.
  2. Make a sauce with chili oil, soy sauce, and vinegar.
  3. In a skillet, cook the pork with garlic and ginger until browned.
  4. Add preserved vegetables if using, then mix with the sauce.
  5. Pour the meat and sauce over the noodles, top with scallions and Sichuan peppercorns.

🔍 Note: For a nuttier flavor, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce mixture.

5. Yangzhou Fried Rice

End your culinary exploration with this savory and colorful fried rice:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup diced ham
  • 1/4 cup shrimp, peeled
  • 1/4 cup peas and carrots
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• Preparation:
  1. Heat oil in a wok or large pan, then pour in beaten eggs to make a thin omelet. Remove and slice into ribbons.
  2. In the same wok, stir-fry ham and shrimp.
  3. Add rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry until heated through.
  4. Mix in peas, carrots, and seasonings, followed by scallions and egg ribbons.
  5. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil.

Incorporating these dishes into your home cooking not only introduces you to the vast culinary landscape of Chinese cuisine but also equips you with the skills to experiment further. From the fiery chillies of Sichuan to the subtle balance of Cantonese cooking, each recipe reflects China’s rich food culture. As you master these dishes, remember that the key to authentic Chinese flavors lies in the balance of ingredients and the art of stir-frying. Keep exploring, keep tasting, and let the richness of Chinese cuisine inspire your kitchen adventures.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Chinese dishes?

+

Adjust spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, or chili paste used in the recipe. You can also use milder versions of these ingredients or add them gradually, tasting as you go.

Can these dishes be made vegetarian or vegan?

+

Yes, you can substitute meat with tofu, mushrooms, or other plant-based proteins. Also, be mindful of replacing oyster sauce with vegan alternatives and using vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.

What’s the best way to store and reheat these dishes?

+

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a pan or microwave, adding a small amount of water or broth if the dish has dried out, to maintain its moisture and flavor.