The 10 Most Representative Recipes of Chinese Cuisine

The gastronomy of China is one of the richest and most varied in the world, incorporating all kinds of flavors, textures, ingredients, and culinary techniques. Currently, it is considered that the Asian country has 8 regional cuisines: Shandong, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan, and Huizhou. It is worth mentioning that the first four regional cuisines are older. Here we tell you everything you need to know about the cuisine of this Asian country.Basic ingredients for Chinese foodAlthough Chinese food varies from region to region, there are ingredients that are basic in all the pantries of that country, here are the essentials.Light soy sauce: Remember that there are two types of soy sauce: light and dark. In the case of the former, it tends to be more watery and saltier.Dark soy sauce: This type of sauce has a thicker consistency because it is fermented for a longer time, resulting in a sweeter flavor.Sesame oil: If you want to give a unique flavor to your Chinese dishes, sesame oil must be in your pantry.Rice vinegar: Like soy sauce, this vinegar is basic within Chinese gastronomy.Oyster sauce: Another essential when preparing Chinese food is oyster sauce, which is made from oyster essence, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.Sichuan pepper: These small pepper grains are essential for Chinese gastronomy, as they give a unique flavor and aroma to the dishes.Jasmine rice: This side dish is essential to accompany all kinds of dishes, from stir-fries to dishes with vegetables and fish.Five-spice mix: To give an authentic touch to your Chinese dishes, this blend of star anise, clove, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds is a must.Dried mushrooms: You will also need dried mushrooms to prepare delicious Chinese food, as they add great flavor to broths.You can also read: 6 easy Chinese food recipes10 Chinese food recipes you can't missThese 10 typical Chinese food recipes are some of the most popular and delicious from that country; you can't miss them. Sweet and Sour Pork This Chinese dish is one of the most popular, as its rich flavor and crunchy texture fascinate everyone. For the fresh marinade, vinegar and sugar are needed. Order it on your next visit to a Chinese restaurant! Chow Mein This dish originating from northern China has won over the world thanks to its incredible flavor. This famous dish is prepared with noodles, meat, egg, and a wide variety of vegetables. Wontons Wontons are small pieces of very thin dough, which are filled and then fried, steamed, or cooked in broth. The filling can include pork, meat, shrimp, or vegetables. Kung Pao Chicken If you want to know the true gastronomy of China, then you have to try Kung Pao chicken, which has a touch of chili, peanut, and cucumber. Spring Rolls These crunchy dishes are typical of southern China, but today they are very popular worldwide. The rolls are usually filled with meat and vegetables, and then fried in oil.You can also read: Bring China to your table with these Chinese food recipesDim Sum If you want to try a true feast of Chinese food, you can't miss dim sum, a dish made with a dough filled with different savory or sweet ingredients. This type of Chinese food is accompanied by tea. Peking Duck This exquisite dish is one of the gems of Chinese food, as it was prepared for royalty. In this Chinese food recipe, the duck is cooked over low heat for several hours, so that it has a crispy layer. Xiaolongbao Xiaolongbao is a typical dish of the gastronomy of China that originated in the 19th century. It is a small dumpling filled with soup, which is steamed. In addition to soup, these buns are also filled with pork, shrimp, or crab. Dumplings Another basic dish in the gastronomy of China is dumplings, which have been enjoyed in that country for around 2,000 years. Dumplings are filled with meat, vegetables, or fruits. Besides being a very popular dish in everyday life, dumplings are also consumed during special occasions, such as the spring festival or the winter solstice. Mapo Tofu If you want to try the true gastronomy of China, you have to try this dish known as mapo tofu, which is prepared with a spicy sauce, tofu, and meat.You can also read: Fried rice, spring rolls, and other oriental food recipes