Chinese food, a first trip to Eastern gastronomy

Welcome and welcome to a new edition of this super interesting blog where we talk about meals around the world . Today we will be investigating the most important and interesting data on Chinese food . Isn't it fun? Get out of our homes and travel virtually different places with new recipes and traditional meals of Chinese and world gastronomy.

Obviously, the most exciting part of everything is when we summarize the theory in some tremendous dishes that we can do with ingredients that we are not used to but have a lot to offer. 

In the end and as a gift we propose some sweet cookies in the best oriental style. Without more blah blah ...

About Chinese food and its traditional recipes

In China, food is not only a means of subsistence, but it is also culture, tradition and community. From the sumptuous banquet dishes to the humble street snacks, Chinese cuisine is characterized by a delicious variety of flavors and textures.

One of the most distinctive features of Chinese cuisine is the use of fresh ingredients. Therefore, China houses such an incredible variety of fruits and vegetables, many of which are used in traditional recipes. Another key element of Chinese gastronomy is the use of spices and herbs to create complex flavor profiles. From the burning Sichuan pepper grain to the fragrant ginger, these spices add depth and dimension to dishes that would otherwise be tasteless.

China's eight gastronomic customs

Let's start here to enter this international adventure. The Popular Republic of China is immense and that is why people usually divide their gastronomy into 8 different ways of living it depending on the area where you are. Either to the south, in Hunan, or to the east in Sichuan or Anhui and Zhejiang. We will also find other reference points in Fujian , Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shandong.

Reasons why there is so much distinction between one place and the other

• The first point to consider are the most common and logical differences as in local and characteristic products of certain areas along with the customs that they determine.
  • For example, in southern China we find the influence of closeness with the sea and its products, this is how we can highlight that people in these places like to eat fish and bird meat.
  • In northern China there are more cow meat and sheep in abundance, these being the ones that are mostly used in the kitchen.
  • Of course, in the cities of the coast of China, seafood is rage.
• Without putting aside the climatic reasons that also influence people's tastes.
  • In general terms, northern China is cold and people opt for mainly salty dishes.
  • On the other hand, to the east of China we find a more temperate climate, accompanied by rather sweet dishes.
• Finally, the different cooking methods are important to determine their most typical dishes.
  • Shandong and Beijing's kitchen is distinguished by its fried, roasted and fermented, among others. 
  • In Anhui and Jiangsu, steam foods stand out, etc.
  • Sichuan's kitchen is good in its roasts and sauteed, etc.

Thus ... each with their unique characteristics, different cooking techniques and particular local ingredients. Let's see how distinguishable they are and listen a bit to those who say that they are not only 8 traditions but many more. In the end we will see what these typical dishes of each Chinese region are.

General Panorama of the 8 Kitchens and Chinese Gastronomic Culture

Sichuan and Hunan

Two provinces that are south-southwest of the country. Their kitchens are mainly characterized by the intense use of spicy condiments and flavors , with really unique dressings. They manage to get a mixture of fresh but strong flavors as picantes of cooking over low heat as stewed or sauteed and smoked.

As representative dishes we find the chicken Gong Bao or Kung Pao , a macerated chicken for hours that has a unique flavor. Another remarkable dish of this area is the typical pork stew , this being a stew in the best oriental style.

Fujian and Anhui

Representing the east and southeast of the coast. Indeed, the vast majority of these dishes in this area are characterized by having among their ingredients a rich variety of shellfish , this is one of the reasons why very healthy dishes stand out. Its flavors are fresh and aromatic and include a lot of wild foods in their mountains . A rumor runs that this part of gastronomy is the best in the area of the seasoning, soups and bittersweet dishes.

In Anhui, east of China, do we find true tea lovers? allowed at any time of the day.

What do we choose to eat? Considering that we are on the Chinese Costa, any dish with fish or seafood would be the best option, of course. But not if we talk about Eastern gastronomy, it will never be “any dish”… there is a very traditional dish known as “ Buddha jumping on a wall ”, I would love to tell them the story behind this but we should make a complete and specific article for him, would they be interested in knowing a little more?

Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu

Provinces where we find the most typical of Cantonese cuisine . What does this mean? Cantonese cuisine is the most famous among kitchens, if talking about Chinese cuisine, it is, from the province of Canton. It is very common to cross with dishes from this region as typical and representatives.

The flavors of the north and south of the country are merged. These dishes are characterized by the abundant use of meats , the influence of the sea is complemented together with chicken, ham and fungi . All a diversity, these dishes use northern cooking methods along with southern ingredients.

The condiments and the sauces used in the canton cuisine are well known for having a distinguishable and unique character. bittersweet pig recipe is a key example.

Chop Suey

The Chop Suey is a dish that often goes unnoticed for lovers of Chinese cuisine. It is a shame, since the Chop Suey is a delicious and versatile dish that can enjoy many different ways. To begin with, the chop dream can be served with rice or noodles. It can also be enjoyed alone or as part of a broader meal. In addition, Chop Suey is a great way to take advantage of meat and vegetables. So the next time you feel like Chinese food, don't forget to try the chop dream

Chinese tea

Finally, no debate on Chinese cuisine would be complete without mentioning tea. Tea plays an important role in both daily life and on the special occasions, and there are infinite varieties to choose from. Whether you prefer tea sweetened with milk and natural, there is a Chinese tea that surely satisfies your palate.

So the next time you feel like a comforting meal to the old one, remember that Chinese cuisine has much more to offer than to wear food boxes full of fried rice.

A banner recipe for Chinese food, its traditional cookies

We fail to choose a meal between all the varied and rich kitchens. So, as a dessert strawberry we leave the recipe for these cookies called Toosu, very typical in China, to enjoy this cold afternoon.

Traditional Chinese cookies are small snacks that usually serve on special occasions. Although their appearance is discreet, these little cookies have a great flavor. They are often elaborated with a sugary mass aromatized with spices such as ginger and cinnamon. The dough is wrapped in balls and fry until golden. These cookies usually serve with a sweet sauce to wet, which makes them an irresistible snack for any occasion. So the next time you feel like something sweet, keep trying a traditional Chinese cookie.

Then we leave you a simple version (and a little more western, safe) of the traditional Chinese cookies:

Ingredients

• 3 egg yolks.
• 120 gr. of butter.
• 70 gr. of impalpable sugar.
• 200 gr. of flour 0000.
• 2 gr. of sodium bicarbonate.
• 3 gr. of baking powder.
• Salt.

How to prepare traditional Taosu cookies of Chinese food

1. In a container place 2 egg yolks at room temperature along with sifted sugar. Mix until you join completely.
2. On the other hand, grab the ointment butter and beat for a few minutes to form a cream. Add this to the yolk mixture.
3. Integrate all ingredients with the help of a spatula by making enveloping movements.
4. In another bowl mix the flour with the baking powder, baking soda and salt. 
5. Sormize half of the flour on the mixture and incorporate everything little by little, a dry mass must be left. Form a cylinder with this without kneading. 

At this time preheat the oven in 180 °

6. Cut the dough into 25 grams uniform parts and form small balls with each. Place them on an oven source lined with baking paper, well separated from each other.
7. With the finger sink all the balls in the center and place sesame. Then bake for 20 minutes until slightly brown above.

Top 7 most famous Chinese food dishes

There is no doubt that Chinese cuisine has fame worldwide. But what are the most famous dishes that have made a hole in the international scene? Here is 5 of the most emblematic Chinese meals:

1. Pato Beijing: This specialty of Beijing is perfectly roasted, with crispy skin and a juicy meat that simply gets rid of the mouth. Do not forget to wrap the duck in a delicate tortita with onion and sweet beans sauce: it is the only way to eat it!
2. DIM Sum: These little snacks are perfect to share. They range from steamed meatballs to fried prawns, and can be found in restaurants throughout China.
3. Chow Mein : This sauteed noodle dish is a popular option to take or cook at home. It is usually served with vegetables and proteins, such as chicken or prawns.
4. Egg rolls: These fried snacks are filled with col, pork and other ingredients, and rolled in a spring roll wrap. They are a delicious way to start any food.
5. Fortune cookies: These crispy cookies usually serve at the end of a Chinese meal. Inside each one there is a role with a saying or prediction.
6. Szechuan hot pot : this burning dish is originally from the province of Sichuan, and it is not for the weak hearts. The broth is full of peppers and other spices, and any amount of meats and vegetables can be added to the pot. Be sure to have a hand rice bowl to help cool your palate
7. Chicken Gong Bao : also known as "Chicken Kung Pao", this dish is another favorite in the province of Sichuan. The chicken is skipped with peanuts, chillies and other spices, which results in an appetizing dish that will leave you wanting more.