Chinese Food

Chinese Food

Fact - More than one third of the world's population eat Chinese food daily.


Even if eaten regularly by some people only, Chinese cooking is probably one of the greatest and original cuisines of the world. We in the West are now really beginning to appreciate Chinese food for what it is. You can see for yourself the number of 'new' Chinese restaurants that open their doors and I think that is primarily due to the variety and quality of Chinese food served.

Certainly, the appeal of Chinese cuisine has taken the Western culture by storm. Some of us who have experimented by eating Chinese food in restaurants, have tried cooking these dishes in our kitchens.  Chinese food is good for you, it's economical and can be eaten on a regular basis rather than only on special occassions.

Cooking Chinese food isn't that difficult - anyone can do it.  You don't need to be a chef or a great cook. These days, all the ingredients used in Chinese cuisine, (bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, etc.) are readily avialable in most supermarkets, some local stores and even on the Internet!

Chinese food appeals to the eye as it is colourful, aromatic, has flavour and most importantly it's very nutritious, as none of the goodness is lost in cooking the food. It appeals to the majority of people as the variety of flavours are cleverly contained in each dish. So there is nothing wrong when meat and poultry are served within the same course. You should view the cooking and eating of Chinese food as a great culinary experience, always to be enjoyed.

These days anyone can cook the most popular dishes such as Sweet and Sour Pork, Chow Mein or Fried Rice themselves, without having to go to a Chinese restaurant. Below is a simple recipe for 'Egg Noodles with Oriental Seasoning' - a quick dish to make, yet enjoyable.

Happy cooking!


This Egg Noodles with Oriental Seasoning recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:

4 oz. Medium or Wide Egg Noodles, uncooked
1/4 c. water
2 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. cornstarch
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 scallions (spring/green onions), trimmed and thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. dried ginger
1/4 lb. snow peas (mange-tout), trimmed

Method:

Prepare the egg noodles according to instructions on the packet. Whilst the egg noodles are cooking, mix the water, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and cornstarch together in a small bowl until the sugar and cornstarch have completely dissolved.
Put to one side.
When the noodles are cooked, drain them well.
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add the scallions, garlic and ginger and stir the garlic and ginger for about 15 seconds.
Add the snow peas and toss just until they begin to change color, about 10 seconds.
Add the noodles and toss in the seasoned oil. Stir in the soy sauce mixture and pour it all into the wok.
Stir well until the sauce thickens and the noodles are evenly distributed, then transfer immediately to a serving dish.

Serve hot.



For more Chinese recipes, click here.