The Chinese are known for their diverse and fantastic cuisine that has become a favorite worldwide. They are well known around the world for their use of traditional recipes and spices when making food. Many of the foods that are popular in China are also very popular in America too, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to find the right ingredients for your Chinese recipes in near you. If you don't know where to start when it comes to cooking Chinese food, a good place to look is foodsharkmarfa where there is tons of helpful information and resources on the do's and don’ts.
- Jiaogulan
The main staple of Chinese recipes is jiaogulan, a vegetable-like seed that is used in a variety of recipes. Jiaogulan, along with tofu milk, is used to create many kinds of East Asian dishes, including soups, stir-fries, snacks, and appetizers. A number of vegetables and grains like wheat and rice are also included in Chinese meals.
- Mijiu
Mijiu is one of the more popular Chinese cooking ingredients available in America. It is a kind of rice wine, like sake and mirin. It is a product that has been used in traditional Chinese cooking since the ancient times and is still a very popular one in many kitchens these days. Mijiu is commonly used as a component for several staple sauces and in many recipes as a cooking wine.
- Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is made from the bones and skin of the common carp known as perch. Chinese fish sauce is a very important component of Chinese recipes. The complex process of producing fish sauce is a lengthy and complex one that involves the steaming and soaking of fish, then coating the fish in salt and leaving it to ferment, sometimes for years at a time.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
The sweet and sour sauce is a staple ingredient for sweet and sour dishes. There are several variations of the sauce depending on the region it is made in and the preference of the person making it, but general sweet and sour sauce contains sugar, vinegar, and other seasonings like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It is then poured over a piece of meat and then cooked, or used as a dipping sauce for meats and vegetables. A very popular sweet and sour dish in the Western world is sweet and sour chicken.
- Stock
Stock is an important part of the Chinese cooking. Stock is often the base for a variety of soups, stews, and sauces. Stocks are made by boiling components of the primary flavor, e.g. chicken, beef, and vegetables, with a mix of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful liquid. If you want to step into the world of stock making, feel free to experiment with different combinations of proteins and vegetables to find a blend that suits you. If not, stock and broth are basic grocery staples and easily accessible.
- Rice
One of the most important components – perhaps the most important – in Chinese cooking is rice. Rice is a staple in Chinese and other East Asian cuisines as well as many other cuisines around the world. The main use of rice is to add texture and bulk to dishes. You can also use rice to replace meat in many dishes. Rice helps you fill up faster and acts as a side dish to many dishes.
- Eggs
Egg is used in many different ways when it comes to cooking traditional Chinese food. Eggs are used to make rice, bread chicken, Egg drop soup, egg foo young and many others. Egg is also frequently used in stir-fry or as a protein supplement for dishes.
- Garlic
Garlic is a staple aromatic in cuisines across the world, and Chinese cuisine is no exception. Garlic can be found in many recipes and is beloved for its signature scent and flavor. Depending on whether it is used fresh, cooked, or roasted, garlic can range from strong and spicy to mild and sweet.
- Ginger
Ginger is one of the most common ingredients used in Chinese cooking. One of the best ways to use ginger is as ginger paste, which you can add to soups or sauces. It helps to enhance the flavor of dishes and add another layer of spice. It also makes a great ingredient in the preparation of salads.
Conclusion:
These are only some of the many staple ingredients used in Chinese cuisine, and there is a whole wonderful world to explore. Cooking techniques can vary from one recipe to another, which makes it important for a newbie to learn them properly. If you want to learn to cook Chinese cuisine, you may want to take a good course that will help you become familiar with some staple techniques and common dish components that you can use as a base to try out more complicated dishes later.
