Our Favorite Chinese Dishes
China has one of the world’s most well-developed and sophisticated cuisines. It is the origin of many of the world’s cooking techniques, and traditional Chinese foods have spread throughout the world where they have been adopted by local populations. Nevertheless, many of us only know the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this nation’s myriad cuisines. From stir-frys to dumplings, and so much more in between, here’s just a sample of what Chinese and Chinese American food can look and taste like.
The chicken and broccoli you find at your favorite Chinese restaurant is usually covered in an intensely flavored brown sauce often based on oyster and soy sauces. This recipe showcases a milder but equally delicious Chinese white sauce that might be familiar to you from dishes like shrimp in lobster sauce. It’s clear and savory, thickened with a cornstarch slurry. This recipe also highlights the traditional Chinese technique of “velveting,” a marinating process that coats proteins to tenderize, lock in the juices and promote browning.
