Chinese food is known for its blend of sweet and sour, and sweet and salty as well as other complex flavor combinations. This gives the impression that it’s complicated to make and that you need to learn a lot of complex techniques. However, that isn’t really the case. Chinese cuisine is deceptive in its simplicity. You’ll need some special ingredients and even some tools, but once you have these basics taken care of, it isn’t difficult to cook. From everybody’s favorite sweet and sour chicken, to dim sum you can make this delicious food yourself. In this article, we will go over some of the tools you have to have to create delicious Chinese food at home.
A wok
The wok is a key tool in making delicious Chinese food, famous for its deep, rounded shape. Developed in ancient China, the wok was made to cook food quickly over a fire. Its deep, curved sides allow for even heat distribution, which is great for cooking fast at high temperatures. A wok is not just for stir-frying, although it’s perfect for this fast cooking method that uses little oil and keeps foods crispy and nutritious. You can also use a wok for steaming, deep-frying, and boiling, making it very versatile in the kitchen.
When choosing a wok, think about the material and size. Most traditional woks are made from carbon steel, which heats up and cools down quickly, giving you a lot of control when cooking. A good size for most people is a 14-inch wok—it’s big enough to cook various dishes but still easy to handle.
Bamboo steamer
A bamboo steamer is a classic tool in Chinese cooking, perfect for those who prefer healthy meals. Made entirely from bamboo, these steamers have a unique design where multiple layers stack up, allowing steam to move freely and cook food gently. Steaming helps preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of the food, making it a healthier choice than frying or boiling.
Bamboo steamers are great for a variety of dishes and with proper care, will be a go-to for making tasty, healthy delicious Chinese food. They’re commonly used for dumplings, buns, and vegetables, but you can also steam fish, chicken, and even desserts like rice cakes. The gentle steaming keeps the food’s texture and taste intact, which is particularly important for delicate items like dim sum.
Rice cooker
Rice is a fundamental part of Chinese meals, essential for both everyday dining and special occasions. A rice cooker is a handy tool that makes cooking rice much simpler and more consistent than using a traditional pot. One of the biggest benefits of using a rice cooker is that it takes care of everything for you. You don’t have to guess how much water to add or how long to cook the rice. Plus, it keeps the rice warm after it’s cooked, which is perfect for meals that take longer to cook than expected and can stretch over a longer period.
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