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China Cuisine

Asia · Eastern Asia

106 recipes

Signature China Dishes

🥗 Ingredient:

China·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes (plus soaking time)

Ba Bao Fan

A festive and visually stunning Chinese dessert, Ba Bao Fan is a sweet sticky rice pudding studded with a colorful assortment of dried fruits and nuts. Traditionally served during Lunar New Year and other celebrations, it symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. The rice is steamed in a decorative mold, creating an eye-catching presentation.

China·Easy·1 hour 15 minutes

Bai Qie Ji

A classic Cantonese dish, Bai Qie Ji, or White Cut Chicken, celebrates the pure, delicate flavor of chicken. The bird is gently poached to tender perfection, then served with a vibrant and aromatic ginger-scallion oil. This recipe focuses on simple techniques to highlight the natural taste of high-quality chicken.

China·Medium·50-55 minutes

Bo Zai Fan

A classic Hong Kong comfort food, Bo Zai Fan features fragrant Jasmine rice cooked in a clay pot until tender, with a prized crispy bottom (fan jiu). It's topped with savory Chinese sausage, tender chicken, and a raw egg that cooks gently in the residual heat, all finished with a drizzle of flavorful soy-sesame sauce and fresh bok choy.

China·Easy·45 minutes

Braised Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms

A classic Chinese vegetarian dish featuring pan-fried firm tofu and earthy shiitake mushrooms braised in a rich, savory sauce. This comforting and flavorful meal is perfect served with steamed rice.

China·Easy·14 hours (including steeping)

Cha Ye Dan

Chinese tea eggs, known as Cha Ye Dan, are a popular and visually striking snack sold on street corners throughout China. Hard-boiled eggs are gently cracked and then simmered in a fragrant broth of black tea, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. This process infuses the eggs with a savory, complex flavor and creates a beautiful, marbled pattern on the whites as the seasoned liquid seeps into the cracks.

China·Medium·30 minutes

Chao Fen

A classic Cantonese stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender beef, fresh rice noodles, crisp bean sprouts, and fragrant Chinese chives, infused with the smoky 'wok hei' (breath of the wok). This recipe aims for authentic flavor and texture.

China·Medium·55 minutes

Chao Shou / Wonton in Chili Oil

Silky pork and shrimp-filled wontons bathed in a spicy, numbing, and aromatic Sichuan chili oil sauce. These Chao Shou are addictively good and surprisingly easy to make.

China·Medium·8 hours 40 minutes (including marinating)

Char Siu

A classic Cantonese BBQ pork, characterized by its glossy, vibrant red lacquer and a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The pork shoulder is marinated in a rich blend of sauces and spices, then roasted to tender, caramelized perfection.

China·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes

Char Siu Bao

Fluffy, slightly sweet steamed buns encasing a savory and tender Cantonese BBQ pork (char siu) filling. A quintessential dim sum classic, these buns are known for their pillowy texture and the characteristic split top.

China·Medium·8 hours 25 minutes (including marinating)

Char Siu Pork Ribs

Tender and succulent Cantonese-style BBQ pork spare ribs, coated in a rich, sweet, and savory char siu glaze. The result is beautifully lacquered ribs with a perfect balance of flavors and a hint of smoky char.

China·Medium·50 minutes

Chen Pi Ji

An authentic Hunan-style Chen Pi Ji, featuring tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, sweet-spicy glaze infused with the distinct aroma of dried tangerine peel. This dish balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes with a delightful textural contrast.

China·Easy·1 hour

Chewy Sticky Rice Cake

Nian Gao, or Chinese sticky rice cake, is a traditional dessert known for its chewy texture and sweet flavor. Made primarily from glutinous rice flour, it's often enjoyed during Lunar New Year but is a delightful treat year-round.

China·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes - 1 hour 10 minutes

Chun Juan

Authentic Chun Juan, or Chinese spring rolls, are a beloved Lunar New Year tradition. These crispy fried rolls are filled with savory pork and a medley of fresh vegetables, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.

China·Medium·40 minutes

Classic Chicken or Pork Chow Mein

A beloved Chinese stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender noodles, crisp-tender vegetables, and your choice of protein, all coated in a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

China·Easy·35 minutes

Classic Chinese Lo Mein

A beloved Chinese takeout classic, this Lo Mein features tender egg noodles stir-fried with your choice of protein and crisp vegetables in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Achieve authentic flavor and texture right in your own kitchen.

China·Easy·45 minutes (including marinating)

Cong Bao Niu Rou

A classic and quick Chinese stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef wok-seared to perfection and tossed with a generous amount of fresh, crisp scallions. This dish is known for its simplicity and bold flavors.

China·Medium·50-60 minutes (including dough resting)

Cong You Bing

Authentic Chinese scallion pancakes (Cong You Bing) are a beloved street food, renowned for their incredibly flaky, layered texture and savory aroma. This recipe guides you through creating perfectly crispy yet tender flatbreads, generously studded with fresh green onions.

China·Easy·17 minutes

Dan Chao Fan

A foundational Chinese dish, this Egg Fried Rice features individual grains of rice coated in golden scrambled egg. It's a quick, satisfying, and versatile base for countless variations.

China·Easy·40 minutes

Dan Dan Mian

Sichuan dan dan noodles - a beloved street food featuring noodles tossed in a rich, spicy, and numbing sauce, topped with savory minced pork and preserved vegetables.

China·Medium·35 minutes

Dan Dan Noodles

Authentic Sichuan street noodles featuring thin wheat noodles tossed in a rich, spicy, and numbing sauce, topped with savory minced pork and preserved vegetables.

China·Easy·15 minutes

Dan Hua Tang

A classic Chinese comfort food, Dan Hua Tang is a simple yet elegant soup featuring delicate ribbons of silken egg suspended in a savory, aromatic chicken broth. It's quick to prepare and perfect for a light meal or starter.

China·Easy·50-55 minutes

Dou Chi Pai Gu

Tender, succulent Cantonese-style steamed spare ribs coated in a savory and aromatic sauce made with fermented black beans, garlic, and a hint of chili. A classic dim sum favorite.

China·Medium·4 hours 30 minutes (including soaking and setting)

Dou Hua

A delicate and comforting Chinese street snack, Dou Hua features incredibly silky smooth tofu served warm in a fragrant ginger-infused brown sugar syrup. Its gentle texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a perfect light dessert or snack.

China·Easy·25 minutes

Fan Qie Chao Dan

A beloved and simple Chinese home-style dish featuring tender, silky scrambled eggs stir-fried with juicy, slightly softened tomatoes. It's a staple in many Chinese households and often one of the first dishes learned by aspiring home cooks due to its ease and deliciousness.

China·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Feng Zhua

A prized dim sum delicacy, these chicken feet are braised in a savory black bean sauce until incredibly tender and gelatinous, offering a unique textural experience.

China·Easy·45 minutes

Fu Rong Dan

Fu Rong Dan, commonly known as Egg Foo Young in Chinese-American cuisine, features fluffy, pan-fried egg patties packed with vegetables and your choice of protein, all generously topped with a savory, glossy gravy. A comforting and satisfying dish.

China·Medium·35-40 minutes

Gan Bian Si Ji Dou

Authentic Sichuan dry-fried green beans, known as Gan Bian Si Ji Dou, featuring blistered green beans wok-tossed with savory ground pork, pungent preserved mustard greens (ya cai), and aromatic spices. This dish is characterized by its intense wok hei (breath of the wok) and complex flavor profile.

China·Medium·30 minutes

Gan Chao Niu He

A classic Hong Kong cha chaan teng dish featuring silky, wide rice noodles stir-fried with tender beef, crisp bean sprouts, and fragrant scallions, infused with the coveted 'wok hei' (breath of the wok).

China·Medium·1 hour

Gan Guo

Hunan Gan Guo, or Dry Pot, is an intensely spiced and flavorful dish where various ingredients are stir-fried without broth, creating a concentrated taste. It's like a dry, more potent version of hot pot.

China·Easy-Medium·45 minutes

Gong Bao Dou Fu

A vegetarian twist on the classic Sichuan Kung Pao dish, featuring crispy pan-fried tofu coated in a savory, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce, studded with crunchy peanuts and aromatic chilies.

China·Easy·30 minutes

Gong Bao Xia Ren

A classic Sichuan stir-fry featuring plump shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and a vibrant sweet, sour, and spicy sauce. This shrimp version is often considered lighter and quicker to prepare than its chicken counterpart.

China·Medium·45 minutes

Gu Lao Rou

A classic Cantonese dish featuring crispy, golden-battered pork pieces coated in a vibrant, tangy, and sweet sauce with chunks of pineapple and fresh bell peppers.

China·Medium·1 hour 55 minutes

Guangdong Braised Duck with Star Anise and Soy Sauce

A classic Cantonese braised duck dish, known for its rich, savory, and aromatic flavor. The duck is slow-cooked in a fragrant broth infused with soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices, resulting in incredibly tender meat and a glossy, flavorful sauce.

China·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Guizhou Sour Fish Soup

A unique and flavorful soup originating from Guizhou province, known for its distinctive sour and spicy taste. This dish features fresh fish, fermented vegetables, and a medley of aromatic spices, creating a complex and invigorating broth that is both comforting and exciting.

China·Hard·1 hour 40 minutes

Ha Gow

Authentic Ha Gow, featuring delicate, translucent wrappers encasing plump, whole shrimp and a savory filling. A quintessential dim sum delicacy that showcases the art of Cantonese dumpling making.

China·Medium·1 hour 40 minutes

Hai Nan Ji Fan

A beloved Singaporean national dish with roots in Hainan, this recipe features tender, poached chicken served alongside fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat and broth. The result is a delicate yet deeply flavorful meal.

China·Medium·50 minutes

Hakka Stuffed Tofu

A Hakka specialty from the Dongjiang region, this dish features firm tofu cubes stuffed with a savory pork and mushroom filling. The stuffed tofu is then pan-fried until golden brown and served with a rich, savory sauce. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the ingenuity of Hakka cuisine.

China·Expert·1 hour 30 minutes

Har Gow

Authentic Har Gow, featuring delicate, translucent wheat starch wrappers encasing a succulent filling of chopped and whole shrimp, tender bamboo shoots, and a hint of pork fat for richness. A true dim sum classic.

China·Medium·50 minutes

He Tao Xia

A popular Chinese-American banquet dish featuring crispy, golden-fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and tangy mayonnaise-based sauce, generously garnished with candied walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

China·Easy·2 hours 15 minutes active cooking + 8 hours soaking

Hong Dou Tang

A comforting and traditional Chinese sweet soup made from slow-cooked adzuki beans, sweetened with rock sugar, and infused with the subtle citrus aroma of dried tangerine peel. This soup can be enjoyed warm as a soothing dessert or chilled for a refreshing treat.

China·Medium·2 hours 35 minutes

Hong Shao Rou

Melt-in-your-mouth pork belly braised in a rich, sweet, and savory soy caramel sauce. A quintessential Shanghai classic that is deeply comforting and flavorful.

China·Medium·50 minutes

Hui Guo Rou

A classic Sichuan dish featuring tender, twice-cooked pork belly stir-fried with aromatic leeks and a rich, savory sauce. The 'twice-cooked' method involves boiling the pork first, then slicing and stir-frying it to render the fat and achieve a slightly crispy texture. This dish is known for its smoky, spicy, and deeply satisfying flavor profile.

China·Easy·25 minutes

Hunan Cabbage Stir-Fry

A vibrant and flavorful stir-fry featuring crisp napa cabbage cooked with a spicy and savory Hunan-style sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and offers a delightful balance of heat, tang, and umami, making it a perfect side dish or a light main course.

China·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Huo Guo

A vibrant and interactive Sichuan hot pot experience, featuring a bubbling cauldron of intensely flavorful, spicy broth, perfect for communal dining. Guests cook a variety of fresh ingredients directly at the table.

China·Easy·50 minutes

Jia Chang Dou Fu

A classic home-style Chinese dish featuring pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a savory sauce with tender pork belly and crisp vegetables. This is a comforting and quick everyday meal.

China·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Jian Dui

Jian Dui, also known as Chinese sesame balls, are delightful, crispy fried glutinous rice balls. They feature a chewy exterior, a sweet filling (traditionally red bean paste), and are generously coated in sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. A classic dim sum sweet treat.

China·Medium·3 hours 30 minutes

Jiangxi Gan Zheng Rou

Gan Zheng Rou is a classic homestyle dish from Jiangxi Province, characterized by its tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly coated in a fragrant, savory mixture of toasted rice flour, fermented black beans, and spices. This comforting dish embodies the bold flavors and preservation techniques common in rural Chinese cuisine, offering a deeply satisfying umami experience.

China·Medium·3 hours 30 minutes

Jiangxi Steamed Pork with Rice Flour

A rustic and flavorful dish from Jiangxi province, Gan Zheng Rou features tender pork belly coated in a fragrant mixture of ground rice flour, fermented black beans, garlic, and spices. It's slow-steamed until meltingly tender, resulting in a rich, savory, and deeply umami dish with a satisfying texture.

China·Easy·40 minutes

Jiao Yan Dou Fu

A popular Chinese appetizer, this Jiao Yan Dou Fu features crispy fried tofu cubes tossed with a fragrant blend of salt, white pepper, garlic, chilies, and scallions. It's a delightful vegan dish that's both savory and satisfying.

China·Medium·35-37 minutes

Jiao Yan You Yu

A classic Hong Kong seafood restaurant favorite, this Jiao Yan You Yu features tender squid rings coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed with a fragrant mix of salt, pepper, garlic, chilies, and scallions.

China·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Jiaozi

Authentic Chinese boiled dumplings (Jiaozi) featuring a savory filling of seasoned pork and napa cabbage encased in delicate, homemade wrappers. A traditional and essential dish for Lunar New Year celebrations.

China·Easy·35 minutes

Jing Jiang Rou Si

A classic Beijing dish featuring tender, julienned pork stir-fried in a savory-sweet sauce made with sweet bean paste (Tian Mian Jiang). This recipe is designed for a fun, interactive dining experience, similar to enjoying Peking Duck, where diners wrap the flavorful pork with fresh scallions and crisp cucumber in warm Mandarin pancakes.

China·Medium·37 minutes

Kung Pao Chicken

A classic Sichuan stir-fry featuring tender wok-fried chicken, fiery dried chilies, tingly Sichuan peppercorns, and crunchy roasted peanuts, all coated in a savory and tangy sauce. This dish is known for its complex flavor profile and satisfying textures.

China·Easy·40-45 minutes

La Chang Fan

A comforting and flavorful Cantonese dish featuring sweet and savory lap cheong (Chinese cured sausage) steamed directly over jasmine rice. The rendered fat from the sausage infuses the rice with its delicious essence, creating a simple yet satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

China·Easy·35 minutes

La Rou Chao

A classic Hunan dish featuring intensely smoky cured pork belly (la rou) stir-fried with pungent garlic stems and fiery dried chilies. This recipe balances the richness of the bacon with fresh aromatics for a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal.

China·Medium-Hard·1 hour 15 minutes (including marinating)

La Zi Ji

A classic Sichuan dish from Chongqing, featuring crispy fried chicken pieces stir-fried with a mountain of dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. The chicken is tender and savory, while the chilies and peppercorns impart a fragrant, numbing heat. The visual presentation is as dramatic as the flavor.

China·Easy·30 minutes

Liang Mian

A refreshing and flavorful Chinese cold noodle dish featuring tender noodles coated in a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy sesame sauce. Perfect for a light meal or appetizer, especially during warmer months.

China·Medium·7 hours (including cooling and chilling)

Lo Bak Go

A savory and subtly sweet steamed cake made from daikon radish, rice flour, dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, and mushrooms. It's traditionally enjoyed during Chinese New Year, often pan-fried until golden and crispy for a delightful textural contrast.

China·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes (plus optional overnight marination)

Lu Ya

A classic Teochew dish featuring a whole duck slow-braised in a rich, aromatic master stock until incredibly tender and infused with deep, savory flavors. The resulting duck is succulent, with silky skin and a complex, umami-rich sauce.

China·Easy·25 minutes

Ma Jiang Mian

A beloved Wuhan breakfast dish featuring springy alkaline noodles tossed in a rich, savory sesame paste sauce, complemented by the crunch of pickled radish and fresh scallions. This recipe provides a quick and authentic taste of Wuhan's culinary soul.

China·Medium·50 minutes

Ma La Xiang Guo

A popular Sichuan dish where a variety of ingredients are stir-fried in a intensely flavorful, numbing, and spicy sauce. It's often described as the 'dry' version of hot pot, allowing you to customize your own mix of proteins, vegetables, and other goodies.

China·Easy·2 hours 45 minutes (including rising)

Mantou

Fluffy, slightly sweet Chinese steamed buns. These plain buns are a versatile staple, perfect for soaking up rich sauces, accompanying stir-fries, or enjoyed simply with a drizzle of condensed milk.

China·Medium·40 minutes

Mapo Doufu

A classic Sichuan dish featuring silken tofu in a fiery, intensely savory, and numbing sauce, traditionally made with minced pork. This recipe aims for an authentic 'ma la' (numbing and spicy) experience.

China·Easy·40 minutes

Mapo Tofu

Sichuan's iconic dish - silky tofu in a fiery, savory sauce with ground pork, fermented chili bean paste (doubanjiang), and mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns. A true taste of Sichuanese home cooking.

China·Easy·45 minutes

Mu Xu Rou

A classic Northern Chinese stir-fry featuring thinly sliced pork, rehydrated wood ear mushrooms, and scrambled eggs, all seasoned and served with delicate Mandarin pancakes and hoisin sauce. The name 'Mu Xu' translates to 'wood flower', referring to the wood ear mushrooms.

China·Medium·40 minutes

Ning Meng Ji

A classic Cantonese dish from Hong Kong, featuring crispy, golden-fried chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, tangy-sweet lemon sauce. The contrast between the crunchy chicken and the bright citrus glaze is irresistible.

China·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes

Niu Rou Juan Bing

Authentic Beijing street food, these Niu Rou Juan Bing feature tender, braised beef and crisp vegetables wrapped in thin, savory scallion pancakes. A delightful and satisfying wrap.

China·Easy·25 minutes (including marinating)

Pai Huang Gua

A classic Chinese cold appetizer, Pai Huang Gua features crisp cucumbers smashed to create a rough texture, perfect for absorbing a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy dressing. It's incredibly refreshing and addictive, making it a popular side dish.

China·Expert·9 hours 30 minutes to 13 hours 45 minutes (including drying)

Peking Duck

Beijing's most celebrated dish - lacquered duck with incredibly crispy skin, traditionally served with thin Mandarin pancakes, sweet hoisin sauce, and crisp scallion and cucumber matchsticks.

China·Easy·15 minutes

Pi Dan Dou Fu

A refreshing and elegant no-cook appetizer featuring cool silken tofu topped with the unique flavor of century eggs, a savory soy-sesame dressing, and fresh herbs. This dish is incredibly simple to prepare and showcases contrasting textures and flavors.

China·Easy·15-17 minutes

Qing Chao Bai Cai

A classic and simple Chinese vegetable dish featuring crisp-tender bok choy quickly stir-fried with fragrant garlic. This method ensures the greens retain their vibrant color and a satisfying bite.

China·Easy·40 minutes (including marinating)

Qing Jiao Niu Rou

A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite, this Qing Jiao Niu Rou features tender strips of beef stir-fried with crisp green peppers and onions in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

China·Medium·30-35 minutes

Qing Zheng Yu

A classic Cantonese dish where a whole fish is delicately steamed to perfection, infused with the aromatic flavors of ginger and scallions, and finished with a dramatic pour of sizzling hot oil.

China·Medium·3 hours

Rou Song

A savory-sweet, incredibly light, and fluffy dried shredded pork, often used as a topping for congee, steamed buns, toast, or even sprinkled over salads. It's a delicious way to preserve pork and add a unique texture and flavor to dishes.

China·Easy·55-60 minutes

Sha Jiang Ji

A classic Cantonese comfort dish featuring tender chicken braised in a clay pot with the uniquely fragrant sand ginger (galangal). This method allows the chicken to cook in its own juices, resulting in a deeply flavorful and aromatic meal.

China·Hard·3 hours 30 minutes

Shaanxi Lamb Noodle Soup

A hearty and iconic noodle soup from Shaanxi province, famous for its rich lamb broth and the unique preparation of breaking flatbread into small pieces to soak up the flavorful soup. It's a deeply satisfying and communal dish.

China·Easy·35 minutes

Shanghai Stir-Fried Noodles with Pork

A comforting and flavorful noodle dish from Shanghai, featuring thick, chewy noodles stir-fried with tender pieces of pork and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce. This dish is a complete meal in itself, showcasing the satisfying texture of Shanghai-style noodles.

China·Medium·1 hour 30 minutes

Shao Bing

A classic Chinese layered and flaky flatbread, generously coated with sesame seeds. Shao Bing is a delightful breakfast staple, often enjoyed with savory accompaniments like youtiao (Chinese fried dough sticks) or served as a side to various Chinese dishes.

China·Medium·2 hours 20 minutes

Shi Zi Tou

Giant, succulent pork meatballs, named for their size resembling a lion's mane, are gently braised with tender Napa cabbage in a savory broth. This Shanghai classic is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and comforting, rich flavor.

China·Medium·50 minutes

Shui Zhu Niu Rou

A quintessential Sichuan dish, Shui Zhu Niu Rou features thinly sliced beef, tenderly poached and served in a vibrant, fiery chili oil broth, topped with an aromatic blend of dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. The dramatic sizzle finish at the table is as much a part of the experience as the explosive flavors.

China·Medium·50 minutes

Shui Zhu Yu

Shui Zhu Yu, or Sichuan Boiled Fish, is a quintessential Sichuan dish where tender slices of fish are gently poached in a fiery, aromatic broth, then dramatically finished with a cascade of sizzling hot oil infused with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Despite its intimidating appearance, the flavor is incredibly complex and satisfying.

China·Medium·Approximately 3 hours (including prep and ongoing cooking)

Sichuan Hot Pot

Sichuan's iconic communal feast, featuring a bubbling cauldron of fiery chili oil and numbing Sichuan peppercorns. Diners cook a variety of thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, tofu, and noodles directly in the broth at the table, then dip them into personalized sauces. It's an interactive and flavorful culinary experience.

China·Medium·55 minutes

Siu Mai

Classic Cantonese dim sum siu mai are open-topped dumplings filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms, steamed to juicy perfection. They are traditionally garnished with a dot of crab roe, but finely grated carrot is a common alternative.

China·Hard·1 hour 10 minutes

Song Shu Yu

A visually stunning and delicious Suzhou specialty, this dish features a whole fish expertly scored to resemble a squirrel, deep-fried to a perfect crisp, and then generously coated in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce. The unique scoring allows the fish to fan out, creating a dramatic presentation.

China·Easy·40 minutes

Suan La Tang

A classic Sichuan hot and sour soup featuring silky tofu and tender vegetables in a deeply flavorful, tangy, and peppery broth, finished with delicate egg ribbons. This soup is both warming and invigorating.

China·Medium·50-55 minutes

Tang Yuan

Chewy, tender glutinous rice dumplings filled with a rich, sweet black sesame paste. Traditionally enjoyed during the Winter Solstice Festival (Dongzhi) and Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Jie), symbolizing family reunion and completeness.

China·Hard·1 hour 40 minutes

Wu Gok

Authentic Cantonese Wu Gok, also known as taro dumplings or taro puffs, are a dim sum delicacy. They feature a delicate, crispy, and lacy fried exterior made from mashed taro, encasing a savory and aromatic filling of seasoned ground pork, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms. A true test of dim sum artistry.

China·Easy·32 minutes

Xiang Gu Ji Ding

A classic and comforting Chinese home-style stir-fry featuring tender diced chicken and earthy shiitake mushrooms coated in a savory sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal.

China·Expert·3 hours (includes aspic preparation and chilling)

Xiao Long Bao

Delicate, pleated wrappers encasing a savory pork filling and a rich, gelatinous broth that transforms into a delicious soup when steamed. These iconic Shanghai soup dumplings are a true culinary delight, bursting with flavor in every bite.

China·Expert·Approximately 15-24 hours (including aspic chilling and dumpling assembly)

Xiaolongbao

Shanghai's iconic soup dumplings, featuring delicate, intricately pleated wrappers encasing a savory pork filling and a rich, gelatinous broth that bursts with flavor when bitten. A true culinary masterpiece requiring patience and precision.

China·Easy·25 minutes

XO Sauce Stir-fry

A quick and intensely flavorful Hong Kong-style stir-fry featuring premium XO sauce. This dish is an umami bomb, perfect for showcasing any protein or even noodles.

China·Medium·3 hours 30 minutes (including drying time)

Yan Ju Ji

A traditional Hakka specialty, this salt-baked chicken is cooked using a unique method where a whole chicken is enveloped and baked in extremely hot coarse sea salt. This process results in incredibly tender, juicy meat with a subtle, aromatic flavor, without being overly salty. The salt acts as a natural oven, ensuring even cooking and moisture retention.

China·Easy·1 hour 40 minutes (including marinating)

Yang Rou Chuan

Authentic Xinjiang-style lamb skewers, featuring tender lamb and rich lamb fat grilled over high heat, generously coated in a fragrant cumin and chili spice blend. A true taste of the bustling night markets.

China·Easy·2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)

Yang Zhi Gan Lu

A beloved Hong Kong dessert soup featuring sweet, ripe mangoes, chewy sago pearls, juicy pomelo, and a creamy coconut-evaporated milk base. This chilled dessert is refreshing and satisfying.

China·Easy·35 minutes

Yangzhou Chao Fan

Yangzhou fried rice is the quintessential Chinese fried rice, celebrated for its balanced medley of ingredients like char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), succulent shrimp, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crisp vegetables, all wok-tossed with fragrant day-old rice. The key to its success lies in using cold, day-old rice, which prevents clumping and ensures each grain is perfectly separated and coated.

China·Easy·2 hours 45 minutes

Yin Er Tang

A nourishing and subtly sweet dessert soup featuring the unique texture of snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis), complemented by the sweetness of rock sugar, dates, goji berries, and lotus seeds. Often referred to as a 'beauty soup' for its purported skin-enhancing benefits.

China·Medium·10-12 hours (including resting and chilling)

You Tiao

Crispy, airy, and golden fried dough sticks, a classic Chinese breakfast staple perfect for dipping into soy milk, congee, or savory sauces. The key is a well-rested dough that fries up light and hollow.

China·Medium·45 minutes

Yu Xiang Qie Zi

A classic Sichuan dish featuring tender, silky Chinese eggplants coated in a vibrant, complex sauce that balances spicy, sour, and sweet flavors. Despite its name, 'fish-fragrant' refers to a traditional flavor profile used in Sichuan cuisine, not the presence of fish.

China·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Yun Tun Tang

A soul-warming Cantonese wonton soup featuring delicate pork and shrimp wontons, tender egg noodles, and fresh bok choy in a clear, flavorful broth infused with dried shrimp. This recipe provides detailed steps for creating authentic wontons and a delicious, comforting soup.

China·Easy·22-25 minutes

Zheng Dan

A silky smooth, savory steamed egg custard. This is the gentlest, most comforting, and easiest dish in Chinese home cooking, perfect for any meal.

China·Easy·1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes

Zhou / Jook

A comforting and versatile Chinese rice porridge, simmered until the rice breaks down into a silky, creamy consistency. This basic recipe serves as a canvas for a variety of delicious toppings and is often enjoyed as a restorative meal.

China·Easy·4 hours 15 minutes (including marinating)

Zhu Pa

Tender, bone-in pork chops baked with sweet, caramelized onions in a savory, aromatic marinade. A classic comfort dish reminiscent of Hong Kong's beloved cha chaan teng diners.

China·Easy·40 minutes (including marinating)

Zi Ran Yang Rou

Aromatic Xinjiang-style cumin lamb, a staple of Northwestern Chinese Muslim cuisine. Tender lamb is stir-fried with a generous amount of cumin and dried chilies for a fragrant and subtly spicy dish.

China·Hard·12-16 hours (including soaking and cooking)

Zongzi

Traditional Chinese sticky rice dumplings filled with savory pork and chestnuts, meticulously wrapped in aromatic bamboo leaves. A beloved delicacy, especially during the Dragon Boat Festival.

China·Easy·24 hours (including marinating and chilling)

Zui Ji

A classic Shanghainese cold appetizer, this dish features tender poached chicken infused with the aromatic essence of Shaoxing wine. The chicken is gently cooked, then marinated in a generous amount of wine, resulting in a deeply flavorful and succulent dish perfect for any occasion.

China·Easy·25 minutes

Zui Xia

Zui Xia, or Drunken Shrimp, is a traditional Jiangsu delicacy where live shrimp are marinated in Shaoxing wine, allowing the alcohol to 'cook' the shrimp. This dish is known for its delicate texture and potent wine aroma. It's important to use exceptionally fresh, live shrimp for this preparation.

Regional Cuisines of China

Explore the diverse culinary traditions across different regions

Sichuan

Famous for its bold, spicy, and numbing flavors from Sichuan peppercorns, creating one of China's most distinctive regional cuisines.

HotpotMapo TofuKung Pao Chicken

Key ingredients: Sichuan peppercorns, Chili bean paste (doubanjiang), Dried chilies, Fermented black beans...

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Guangdong (Cantonese)

Known for dim sum, fresh seafood, and the philosophy that cooking should enhance rather than mask natural flavors.

Dim sumChar siuRoast goose

Key ingredients: Fresh seafood, Oyster sauce, Ginger, Scallions...

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Shanghai & Jiangsu

Sweet, rich cuisine featuring braised dishes, soup dumplings, and the famous 'red cooking' technique with soy sauce and sugar.

XiaolongbaoHairy crabRed-braised pork

Key ingredients: Dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, Rock sugar, Black vinegar...

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Hunan

Known for pure, intense heat from fresh chilies without the numbing effect, creating bold and directly spicy dishes.

Spicy foodSmoked and cured meatsChairman Mao's Red Braised Pork

Key ingredients: Fresh chilies, Smoked meats, Fermented tofu, Garlic...

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