Simple Chinese Lunch Menu: A Delectable Spread of Authentic Flavours
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| Discover the Delights of a simple Chinese Style Lunch Menu |
Welcome to a delightful journey through a simple yet authentic Chinese lunch menu! In this post, let me guide you through a mouthwatering spread of traditional dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for Chinese cuisine. From fried rice to succulent sweet & sour chicken, each dish is bursting with flavour and easy to prepare. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
I have a passion for cooking, particularly in the local Malaysian, Thai, and Chinese styles, all of which have been heavily influenced by my 16 years of living in Malaysia – a true Food Haven. What fascinates me most is the simplicity of these dishes, especially when it comes to cooking Chinese food at home. Not only is it relatively easy, but we can also incorporate these recipes into our cooking routine in no time.
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| Discover the Delights of a simple Chinese Style Lunch Menu |
This simple lunch menu can be whipped up in no time. As someone who frequently cooks Chinese cuisine at home, I love the ease and versatility of these dishes. Each menu is unique, featuring a variety of fried rice or noodles or a simple plain fragrant rice paired with side dishes like vegetable or chicken stir-fries, tofu, or even steamed fish. It's all about delicious simplicity!
So, let me take you all to a delightful journey through a simple yet authentic Chinese lunch menu! In this post, let me guide you through a mouthwatering spread of traditional dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for Chinese cuisine. From fragrant fried rice to succulent sweet & sour chicken, each dish is bursting with flavour and easy to prepare. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
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| Discover the Delights of a simple Chinese Style Lunch Menu |
Simple Chinese Lunch Menu:
- Fried Rice
- Plain Fragrant Rice
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Carrots with Sweet Soy Sauce and Garlic
- Sweet & Sour Chicken
- Chinese Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce
- Chinese Tea
Now let's look into the Menu,
Fried Rice
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| Discover the Delights of a simple Chinese Style Lunch Menu |
So, let's first look into the main stream dish in this Chinese Lunch Menu - Fried Rice.
Fried rice, a beloved dish with roots tracing back to China, has evolved and adapted over time as it journeyed with Chinese immigrants to Southeast Asia. This versatile dish has taken on numerous variations to cater to the diverse palates of locals. In Malaysia, it's commonly known as Nasi Goreng, often served with accompaniments like fried eggs, sliced cucumbers, or crispy fryums known as Keropok. Additional garnishes such as fried shallots and scallions add depth to its flavour profile.
What makes fried rice truly versatile is its ability to incorporate a wide range of add-ons and sauces, allowing for endless flavour possibilities. From succulent meats like chicken, beef, or seafood to an array of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs and sometimes pineapple or the stinky bean, the options are limitless. Popular sauces like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chilli paste can be used to season the rice, each imparting its unique taste and aroma.
Moreover, side accompaniments such as Chili Jeruk or simple dips made with ingredients like Bird's Eye Chillies or Garlic in Light Soy Sauce are commonly served alongside Nasi Goreng, adding an extra kick of spice and flavour.
Whether enjoyed as a simple weeknight meal or served as part of a festive spread, fried rice continues to captivate taste buds with its irresistible blend of textures and flavours, making it a staple in Asian cuisine.
For a Variety of Fried Rice Recipes, Click here...
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Plain Fragrant Rice
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| Fragrant Rice/Jasmine Rice |
Jasmine Rice, renowned for its floral scent and nutty flavour, stands as a testament to Thailand's rich agricultural heritage dating back 5000 years. Also known as 'Thai Hom Mali Rice' or 'Thai Fragrant Rice,' it holds a special place in Thai cuisine. Whether served as a side or transformed into delectable fried rice recipes, Jasmine Rice remains a staple on only to Thai dining tables, but throughout South East Asian countries.
Traditionally, Jasmine Rice accompanies a wide array of side dishes, from stir-fries to curries and soups. Its fluffy texture and delicate aroma perfectly complement grilled, fried, or braised dishes. However, when using Jasmine Rice for fried rice recipes, it's essential to cook it with less water or along with a drizzle of oil to prevent it from becoming overly soft or mushy. For optimal results, it's recommended to use cooled or day-old rice, ensuring a satisfying texture and flavour in every bite. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a savoury dish, perfectly cooked Jasmine Rice is a culinary delight in itself.
Serve Fragrant Rice along with Fried Rice/Noodles or if you are in a mood for a simple fragrant rice, serve steam cooked plain jasmine rice in the menu.
For a detailed cooking tutorial on Fragrant Rice, simply click here...
Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Carrots with Sweet Soy Sauce and Garlic
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| Bok Choy & Carrot Stir Fry |
When it comes to stir-fries, I'm a fan of the Chinese technique, which employs a fast-cooking method with subtle seasoning to enhance the overall taste and preserve the natural texture of the vegetables. Utilizing a wok, high heat, quick cooking, and mild seasoning epitomize the simplicity of Chinese-style stir-fries.
One classic example is Bok Choy & Carrot Stir Fry with Garlic and Oyster Sauce, a dish frequently found on the menus of Chinese restaurants. Asian markets offer a variety of greens, including Bok Choy, Choy Sum, Hong Kong Kailan, and Baby Kailan, among others. This versatile recipe can be adapted with different Chinese greens like Cai Xin, Nai Bai (Milk Cabbage), Xiao Bai Cai (Chinese Cabbage), as well as vegetables such as broccoli, Chinese kale, mushrooms, and mixed greens. Some variations even incorporate chicken or tofu or sausages for added protein.
In this simple yet delicious stir-fry, Bok Choy & Carrot slices are quickly cooked with garlic and oyster sauce. I've added a touch of Bird's-eye Chilli for a hint of spice, but you can omit it if desired. The result is a flavourful and nutritious dish that's both easy and quick to prepare. I prefer to cook the Bok Choy over high heat for a few minutes, ensuring it remains crunchy yet tender.
For a Variety of Chinese Style Stir- Fries, Click here...
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Sweet & Sour Chicken
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| Discover the Delights of a simple Chinese Style Lunch Menu |
This chicken dish offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavours, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Among the various Chinese cooking techniques, the Sweet & Sour method stands out as a beloved variation enjoyed worldwide. Whether prepared with chicken, fish, pork, or firm tofu, this method involves cooking the protein with a delectable Sweet & Sour sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.
For a detailed recipe on How to make Sweet & Sour Chicken, Click here...
This recipe is wonderfully uncomplicated, yet the key lies in achieving the perfect consistency of both the sauce and the chicken marinade. The chicken pieces should boast a slight crunch upon biting into them, while remaining tender, smooth, and succulent. The Sweet & Sour sauce should be light, evenly coating each chicken piece without becoming soggy. Some variations of this dish may include the addition of pineapples or cucumbers alongside chicken, onions, and bell peppers, further enhancing its flavour profile.
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Additionally, variations like Honey Cashew Chicken, Orange Chicken, Lemon Chicken, and Kung Pao Chicken all complement a Chinese lunch menu perfectly, adding diversity and excitement to the dining experience.
Chinese Chilli Soy Dipping Sauce
Spicy Bird's Eye Chilli and Soy Dipping Sauce
Chinese Chili Soy Dipping Sauce is a flavour-packed condiment bursting with umami and spicy notes that elevates your Asian culinary experience. Commonly served alongside dishes like Nasi Goreng in Malaysian eateries, this versatile sauce complements a wide range of Asian recipes, including dumplings, tofu, and seafood. Its sweet and savory profile can be tailored to suit your spice preference, making it a must-have for any spicy Asian sauce enthusiast.
Crafted to pair seamlessly with various dishes, especially dumplings, tofu, and seafood, this sauce allows you to customize its heat level to suit your preferences. In just 5 minutes, you can whip up this versatile condiment, bringing the authentic taste of Chinese dining to your home.
Commonly found in Malaysian Chinese restaurants and eateries, this dipping sauce tradition involves presenting separate ramekins of finely chopped green chillies, garlic, big red chillies, and soy sauce. Diners have the creative freedom to mix and match, adding a spicy kick to their rice or noodle dishes.
For a pre-prepared condiment akin to Chili Jeruk, blanched green chillies are combined with vinegar, seasoned with salt and sugar, and left to marinate overnight, ready to be served the next day. When preparing the homemade chilli soy dipping sauce, a touch of lemon juice, salt, and sugar can be added for an enhanced and balanced flavour profile. Some variations may include thinly sliced onions or spring onions, offering a delightful twist to the condiment. These accompaniments seamlessly complement the dishes featured on any menu, enhancing the overall dining experience with an explosion of flavours.
For a variety of Dipping Sauces, to compliment with South East Asian Menu, click here...
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Chinese Tea
Chinese Tea
Chinese tea, deeply rooted in tradition, holds a special place in Chinese culture and cuisine. Renowned for its health benefits and aromatic flavors, Chinese tea is enjoyed in various forms across the globe. Common varieties include jasmine tea, with its delicate floral aroma, and rose tea, prized for its fragrant petals.
In Chinese restaurants worldwide, tea is often served as a complimentary gesture to guests upon arrival, symbolizing hospitality and respect. The tea-drinking tradition is steeped in rituals, from the careful selection of tea leaves to the precise brewing process. Each sip offers a moment of tranquility and connection to centuries-old customs.
Jasmine Tea, infused with jasmine blossoms, delights the senses with its soothing fragrance, while Rose Tea captivates with its romantic aroma and subtle sweetness.These are my favourites when it comes to tea. Other popular Chinese teas include green tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea, each offering unique flavors and health benefits.
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Whether enjoyed as a refreshing beverage or as a part of a traditional tea ceremony, Chinese tea embodies a rich cultural heritage and a timeless appreciation for nature's bounty.
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| Discover the Delights of a simple Chinese Style Lunch Menu |
This simple Chinese-style lunch menu offers a delightful array of flavors and textures, from fragrant jasmine rice to succulent sweet and sour chicken. With the addition of vibrant stir-fried vegetables, flavourful Chicken dish and spicy chili soy dipping sauce, every bite is a culinary adventure. Whether enjoyed at home or shared with loved ones, this menu is sure to satisfy cravings and create memorable dining experiences. Embrace the essence of Chinese cuisine with this satisfying and versatile lunch selection.
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