Culture to Know

Chinese cuisine is known for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and intricate cooking techniques. Lunch in China can range from simple noodle dishes to elaborate stir-fries, each offering a unique taste experience. Here are ten of the best Chinese lunch recipes that you can try at home to bring a taste of China to your table.

1. Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, diced
• Dried red chilies
• Peanuts
• Bell peppers
• Garlic and ginger
• Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch.
2. Stir-fry the chilies, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken and cook until done.
4. Add bell peppers and peanuts, and stir in the sauce.
5. Serve with steamed rice.

2. Beef and Broccoli (西兰花炒牛肉)

Ingredients:

• Beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• Broccoli florets
• Garlic and ginger
• Soy sauce and oyster sauce
• Cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Marinate the beef in soy sauce and cornstarch.
2. Blanch the broccoli and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger, then add the beef.
4. Add the broccoli and sauce mixture.
5. Cook until the sauce thickens and serve with rice.

3. Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)

Ingredients:

• Soft tofu, cubed
• Ground pork
• Doubanjiang (chili bean paste)
• Sichuan peppercorns
• Garlic and ginger
• Soy sauce and chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Stir-fry the ground pork with garlic, ginger, and doubanjiang.
2. Add the tofu and chicken broth, simmer gently.
3. Add soy sauce and Sichuan peppercorns.
4. Cook until the sauce thickens and serve with steamed rice.

4. Sweet and Sour Pork (糖醋里脊)

Ingredients:

• Pork tenderloin, cubed
• Bell peppers and pineapple chunks
• Garlic
• Ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Coat the pork in cornstarch and fry until golden.
2. Stir-fry garlic, bell peppers, and pineapple.
3. Add the sauce mixture and bring to a boil.
4. Toss in the fried pork and cook until coated.
5. Serve with rice.

5. Chow Mein (炒面)

Ingredients:

• Egg noodles
• Chicken, beef, or shrimp
• Cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts
• Soy sauce and oyster sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. Stir-fry the meat and vegetables.
3. Add the noodles and sauce, and toss well.
4. Cook until heated through and serve.

6. Hot and Sour Soup (酸辣汤)

Ingredients:

• Chicken or pork
• Tofu and mushrooms
• Bamboo shoots and wood ear fungus
• Vinegar and white pepper
• Soy sauce and cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Bring the broth to a boil and add meat and vegetables.
2. Add tofu and mushrooms.
3. Stir in vinegar, soy sauce, and white pepper.
4. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions.

7. Dan Dan Noodles (担担面)

Ingredients:

• Wheat noodles
• Ground pork
• Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil
• Sesame paste and soy sauce
• Garlic and ginger

Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. Stir-fry the ground pork with garlic, ginger, and peppercorns.
3. Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl.
4. Toss the noodles in the sauce and top with the pork mixture.
5. Garnish with scallions and crushed peanuts.

8. Fried Rice (炒饭)

Ingredients:

• Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• Eggs
• Mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• Soy sauce and oyster sauce
• Scallions

Instructions:

1. Scramble the eggs and set aside.
2. Stir-fry the vegetables and rice.
3. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
4. Mix in the scrambled eggs and scallions.
5. Cook until heated through and serve.

9. Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions (清蒸鱼)

Ingredients:

• Whole fish or fillets
• Fresh ginger and scallions
• Soy sauce and sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Place the fish on a steaming plate, top with ginger.
2. Steam until the fish is cooked through.
3. Heat soy sauce and sesame oil, pour over the fish.
4. Garnish with fresh scallions.

10. Eggplant with Garlic Sauce (鱼香茄子)

Ingredients:

• Eggplant, cut into strips
• Garlic and ginger
• Soy sauce and vinegar
• Chili paste and sugar

Instructions:

1. Fry the eggplant until golden and set aside.
2. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and chili paste.
3. Add the eggplant and sauce mixture.
4. Cook until the sauce thickens and serve with rice.

Conclusion

These ten Chinese lunch recipes offer a delicious glimpse into the diverse and rich culinary traditions of China. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or savory, these dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and bring a taste of China to your lunchtime. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and discover the wonderful flavors of Chinese cuisine!