Popular Chinese Dishes and Their Recipes

Explore these three popular Chinese dishes with easy-to-follow recipes for a delicious experience.
By Taylor

Discovering Popular Chinese Dishes and Their Recipes

Chinese cuisine is known for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse ingredients. Whether you are looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting meal at home, these examples of popular Chinese dishes and their recipes will guide you through creating authentic dishes that are sure to please. Let’s dive into these delightful recipes!

1. Kung Pao Chicken: A Spicy and Nutty Delight

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender chicken, peanuts, and a mix of vegetables in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. It’s known for its bold flavors and delightful crunch from the peanuts.

To make Kung Pao Chicken, you will need:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 dried red chilies (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the diced chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and stir-fry the garlic, onion, and bell pepper until they are just tender.
  4. Return the chicken to the pan, add the hoisin sauce, sesame oil, peanuts, and dried chilies if using. Stir well to combine and heat through.
  5. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Notes: You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the number of dried chilies according to your spice preference.

2. Mapo Tofu: A Spicy Classic from Sichuan

Mapo Tofu is a beloved dish from the Sichuan province known for its mouth-numbing spiciness and silky tofu texture. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or when you want to spice up your meal rotation.

For Mapo Tofu, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
  • 3 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Cornstarch mixed with water to thicken (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and stir until fragrant.
  2. Add the ground pork (if using) and cook until browned. If not using meat, skip this step.
  3. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and doubanjiang, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the cubed tofu and broth, gently stirring to combine. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  5. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add to the dish. Stir to combine and simmer for another minute.
  6. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions before serving.

Notes: For a vegan version, omit the ground pork or replace it with mushrooms. Adjust the amount of doubanjiang based on your spice tolerance.

3. Fried Rice: A Versatile Comfort Food

Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, perfect for using up leftover rice and ingredients. It’s an easy and satisfying dish that can be served as a main course or a side. This recipe is great for a quick weeknight meal or a lunch that packs well.

Here’s what you’ll need for Fried Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked and cooled rice (day-old rice works best)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs, scrambling them until cooked. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add the remaining oil and toss in the mixed vegetables, stir-frying for about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir well to combine.
  4. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing evenly throughout the rice. Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and stir everything together.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with green onions before serving.

Notes: Feel free to add protein like shrimp or chicken, or substitute the vegetables based on your liking. This dish is very forgiving and can be adapted to whatever you have on hand.

These examples of popular Chinese dishes and their recipes are just a glimpse into the vast world of Chinese cuisine. Each dish tells a story and brings a unique flavor to your table, so gather your ingredients and start cooking today!