When most people think of Chinese food, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Kung Pao chicken. While this dish is certainly popular, it’s far from the only one that Chinese cuisine has to offer. In fact, there are dozens of different dishes that can be considered “Chinese classics”.
In this article, we will take a look at 13 of the most popular Chinese dishes and discuss what makes them so special. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Chinese food or you’re just getting started, we hope you’ll find this guide helpful!
Peking Roasted Duck
Think Beijing and what comes to mind? The Forbidden City, Chairman Mao, Tiananmen Square perhaps? But Beijing is also home to some of the most delicious food in China. And no dish is more famous – or more controversial – than Peking Roasted Duck.
The dish is said to date back to the Ming Dynasty, when it was created by a court official named Yan Si-qi. It quickly became popular at imperial banquets and soon spread to the general population. These days, Peking Roasted Duck is served at many high-end restaurants in Beijing – but you can also find it at street stalls and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
If you’re lucky enough to try Peking Roasted Duck, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. The duck is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and spices. It’s then roasted in an oven until the skin is crisp and golden brown. The meat is incredibly tender, and the fat melts in your mouth. The dish is usually served with thin pancakes, cucumber strips, spring onions, and a sweet bean sauce.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung pao chicken is a favorite Chinese dish that can be found in restaurants all over the world. It’s a spicy, savory dish that is typically served with steamed rice. While there are many variations of kung pao chicken, the basic ingredients include chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers. This dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed at any time of day. Here’s how to make Kung Pao chicken:
First, start by heating oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Next, add the peanuts to the pan and cook until lightly toasted, then remove from the heat.
In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
Now, add the sauce to the pan and cook until bubbling. Add the chicken back to the pan and cook until heated through. Serve with steamed rice and enjoy!
Sweet and Sour Pork
This dish is a classic and always a favorite. The mix of sweet and sour flavors is delicious and perfect for any occasion. Pork is cooked in a savory sauce until it is perfectly juicy and then served over steamed rice. But what is the real recipe for this dish? And how can you make it at home? Follow our simple instructions and enjoy this dish any time you want!
First, start by cooking the pork in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside. To the same pan, add pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly. Add the pork back into the pan and toss with the sauce. Serve over steamed rice and enjoy this one of most popular Chinese dishes!
Hot Pot
Chinese hot pot is a delicious and fun meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s perfect for those cold winter days when you want something warming and hearty. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone together around the dinner table. Here are some tips on how to make your own hot pot at home.
First, you’ll need a hot pot. These can be found at most Asian supermarkets or online. Once you have your hot pot, fill it with water and bring it to a boil. Then, add your favorite meats and vegetables. Some of our favorites include chicken, beef, shrimp, mushrooms, and bok choy. Cook the meats and vegetables until they are tender.
Then, it’s time to add the soup base. This is what will give your hot pot its flavor. There are many different types of soup bases you can choose from, so feel free to experiment. We like to use a spicy miso soup base, but you can also use chicken or beef broth.
Once the soup base is added, let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, it’s time to eat! Dip your meats and vegetables into the soup and enjoy.
Dumplings
The word “dumpling” brings up images of comfort food for many people. There’s something about the soft, doughy pillows that just feels so warm and satisfying. I could never get sick of dumplings. There’s just something about the way the dough wraps around the filling that makes me so happy.
Dumplings can be filled with all sorts of delicious fillings, from ground meat to vegetables to fish. And they can be cooked in a variety of ways, from steaming to frying to boiling. Whether you’re new to dumplings or consider yourself a seasoned pro, this roundup is sure to have a recipe that’ll make your taste buds happy! As one of most popular Chinese dishes, it definitely won’t let you down.
Dim Sum
Chinese food is known for its variety and flavor, and there are countless delicious dishes to choose from. But if you’re looking for a taste of China that’s popular all over the country, you should try dim sum. This type of cuisine is typically served as small plates or snacks, and it’s perfect for mixing and matching different flavors and textures.
Some of the most popular dim sum dishes include shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and egg tarts. But there are endless possibilities when it comes to dim sum, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
Ma Po Tofu
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect comfort food. For some, it might be a hearty bowl of chili or mac and cheese. For me, it’s a big plate of Ma Po Tofu. This spicy Sichuan dish is packed with flavor and always hits the spot when I’m in need of a pick-me-up.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it’s quick and easy to prepare. Want to learn how? Keep reading for the instructions.
To begin, drain the tofu and cut it into small cubes. Next, heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the tofu and cook for about three minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown.
Now it’s time to add the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sugar. Pour this mixture into the pan and cook for one minute, until everything is well combined.
Finally, add the green onions and cook for one minute more. Serve with rice and enjoy!
Char Siu
If you’ve ever had Chinese food, then you’ve probably had Char Siu. Char Siu is a type of barbecued pork that is common in Cantonese cuisine. It’s usually made from pork belly or pork loin, and it’s marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and five spice powder.
Char Siu can be served as part of a dish, like salt and pepper spare ribs, or it can be eaten by itself as a snack. I love char siu because it’s so flavorful and tender. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also really easy to make at home. Here are some simple instructions that show you how to make your own Char Siu.
- Marinate the pork. Combine the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and five spice powder in a large resealable bag.
- Add the pork to the bag and massage it until coated in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Preheat your oven. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Roast the pork. Place the pork on a rack over a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until slightly charred around the edges.
- Let it rest. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for at least five minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Fried Rice
Almost everyone has heard of fried rice but few know just how popular this dish is in China. In fact, it is so popular that it often appears on the menus of Chinese restaurants all over the world. While there are many variations, the most common ingredients in fried rice include rice, onions, eggs, and meats or seafood.
This dish can be made with nearly any combination of ingredients and flavors, making it a versatile option for any meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your own taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something more elaborate for a special occasion, fried rice is sure to please!
Chow Mein
If there’s one food that I could eat every day for the rest of my life, it would be chow mein. I love the combination of noodles and vegetables in a savory sauce. Plus, it’s so easy to customize chow mein to your own taste by adding different meats or vegetables. Now let me show you how to make this delicious dish at home!
- First, cook the noodles according to their package instructions. While the noodles are cooking, chop up the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Next, heat up a pan on the stove and add some oil. Once the pan is hot, add the meat of your choice and cook until it is browned.
- Then, add the vegetables to the pan and cook for a few more minutes until they are slightly softened.
- Finally, add the cooked noodles and sauce to the pan and mix everything together. Serve hot and enjoy!
Twice-Cooked Pork Slices
There’s a reason why Twice-Cooked Pork Slices is one of the most popular Chinese dishes. It’s simply delicious! This dish is easy to make, and you can use either pork loin or pork belly as the main ingredient.
To make Twice-Cooked Pork Slices, first cut the pork into thin slices. Then, heat a pan on the stove and add some oil. Once the pan is hot, add the pork slices and cook until they are browned.
Next, add the vegetables to the pan and cook for a few more minutes until they are slightly softened. Finally, add a little bit of water or chicken stock to the pan and mix everything together. Serve hot and enjoy!
Xiaolongbao
Xiaolongbao is a type of steamed bun from Shanghai. It is usually filled with pork, shrimp, or crab meat, and other ingredients such as black vinegar and ginger. The name Xiaolongbao means “little dragon ball” in Chinese, referring to the shape of the bun. Xiaolongbao are often eaten as a street food. They are also popular in China’s Jiangnan region.
In Shanghai restaurants, Xiaolongbao are usually served in groups of eight, accompanied by a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar and chili oil. Restaurants typically provide bamboo steamers for this dish. Diners will take one Dumǎnzi (a small spoon) and use it to dip their Xiaolongbao into the sauce before eating it.
Xiaolongbao are often considered a specialty of Shanghai, but they are also popular in other parts of China, including Beijing, Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. In these other cities, Xiaolongbao are often called “little steamed buns”.
Sichuan Pork
Most Americans think of Chinese food as being either sweet and/or heavily sauced. However, Sichuan cuisine is a regional variation of Chinese food that is known for its use of chilies and numbing spices. This makes for a much more complex and flavorful cuisine than what most are used to.
Sichuan cuisine is one of the Eight Culinary Traditions of Chinese cuisine and is known for its bold flavors, particularly the use of chili peppers. Pork is a popular ingredient in Sichuan dishes, and one of the most well-known Sichuan pork dishes is Ma La Huo Guo, or “pork with numbing and hot pepper.” This dish features pork cooked in a spicy sauce made with chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and other flavorful ingredients. With its spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, this one of most popular Chinese dishes is the one you will definitely want to add to your list of favorites.
Conclusion
So there you have it – thirteen of the most popular Chinese dishes. If you’re looking to delve into some truly authentic cuisine, look no further than this list! With so many delicious options to choose from, we can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with your meal. Have you tried any of these dishes before? What was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
