Chinese cuisine is diverse and loved by food lovers worldwide. Some iconic dishes include dumplings, Kung Pao chicken, and Peking duck. Dumplings come in many forms and may be made with pork and chives, folded and boiled until they float. Kung Pao chicken is a spicy stir-fry dish made with chicken, peanuts, chili peppers, and vegetables. Peking duck is a roasted duck dish served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The duck is seasoned and roasted until crispy. These dishes are just the beginning of the culinary journey into Chinese cuisine.

From Dumplings to Peking Duck: A Food Lover’s Guide to Chinese Cuisine

Chinese cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition that has captured the hearts and stomachs of food lovers all over the world. From the spicy dishes of Sichuan to the subtly fragrant flavors of Cantonese cuisine, there is something for everyone in the world of Chinese food.

If you’re a food lover looking to explore the rich and varied world of Chinese cuisine, here is a step-by-step guide to some of the most iconic dishes in the Chinese culinary canon.

Dumplings

Dumplings are a staple of Chinese cuisine, and they come in many different forms. Whether you prefer steamed jiaozi, fried potstickers, or chilled liangpi, there’s a dumpling for everyone.

Here’s a simple recipe for Chinese-style pork and chive dumplings:

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground pork
– 2 cups chopped chives
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1/2 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package round dumpling wrappers

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chives, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

2. Take a dumpling wrapper and use your finger to moisten the edges with a bit of water.

3. Place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper.

4. Fold the wrapper in half and press the edges together to seal the filling inside.

5. Continue filling and folding the remaining dumpling wrappers.

6. To cook the dumplings, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the dumplings and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the filling is cooked through.

7. Serve the dumplings hot with soy sauce, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao chicken is a spicy stir-fry dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China. It’s made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers, and is known for its bold and spicy flavor.

Here’s a recipe for Kung Pao chicken:

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped green onions
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 dried red chili peppers, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and brown sugar. Set aside.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until browned on all sides.

3. Add the garlic and chili peppers and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.

4. Add the bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly softened.

5. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

6. Add the roasted peanuts and green onions, and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.

7. Serve the Kung Pao chicken hot with steamed rice.

Peking Duck

Peking duck is a classic Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a roasted duck dish that is characterized by its crispy skin and tender meat. Peking duck is typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet and savory hoisin sauce.

Here’s a recipe for Peking duck:

Ingredients:

– 1 whole duck, about 5-6 lbs
– Salt and pepper
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 16-20 thin pancakes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

2. Remove the giblets and excess fat from the duck’s cavity. Rinse the duck inside and out, and pat it dry with paper towels.

3. season the duck with salt and pepper, both inside and out.

4. Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast the duck for 3-4 hours, or until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.

5. While the duck is roasting, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl.

6. When the duck is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

7. Cut the skin and meat from the duck in thin slices.

8. To serve, place a slice of duck on a pancake, add a few scallions, and a spoonful of the hoisin sauce mixture. Wrap the pancake around the filling and enjoy!

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned food lover, Chinese cuisine is well worth exploring. From intricate dumplings to spicy Sichuan dishes to succulent Peking duck, there is something for everyone in the world of Chinese food. Use this guide as a starting point, and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things!