China, a country known for its diverse food culture, offers a plethora of dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Let’s dive into some of the best Chinese dinner recipes that you can prepare at home.
Beef with Broccoli: A Stir-Fry Classic
Beef with Broccoli is a stir-fry dish that combines tender slices of beef with fresh broccoli florets in a savory garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
- 500g beef, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Marinate the beef in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
- Add the beef and stir-fry until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pan, add the oyster sauce, and stir until everything is well coated. Serve hot with rice.
Kung Pao Chicken: A Szechuan Delight
Kung Pao Chicken, also known as Gong Bao Ji Ding, is a classic Szechuan dish that features a mouth-watering combination of chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
- 6 dried red chili peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
- Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chili peppers and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through.
- Add the peanuts, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir until everything is well mixed and heated through. Serve with rice.
Peking Duck: A Symbol of Chinese Cuisine
Peking Duck is one of the most prestigious dishes in Chinese cuisine. It’s famed for its crispy skin and tender meat, often served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole duck, about 2kg
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pancakes, cucumber, and spring onions for serving
- Hoisin sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Clean the duck thoroughly and pat it dry.
- Rub the entire duck with salt and Chinese five-spice powder.
- Mix the honey and soy sauce, then brush this mixture over the duck.
- Allow the duck to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. Roast the duck for about 1.5 hours, until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Once done, carve the duck and serve with pancakes, cucumber, spring onions, and hoisin sauce.
Chinese Egg Fried Rice: A Versatile Staple
Chinese egg fried rice is a straightforward dish that can be customized with various ingredients. It is typically a side dish but can also serve as a quick, fulfilling main course.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup peas and carrots, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions:
- Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
- Add the peas, carrots, and green onions, stir-frying until they’re softened.
- Push the veggies to the side of the wok, pour the eggs in the middle, and scramble.
- Add the rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps.
- Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together until well mixed.
The versatility of Chinese cuisine allows for endless culinary exploration. These dinner recipes, from classic stir-fries to prestigious Peking Duck, offer a taste of China’s rich culinary heritage. So, embrace the flavors of Chinese cooking and create restaurant-quality meals at home. Happy cooking!
