About.com Chinese Food

Fun Chinese and Asian-Inspired Recipes for July 4th

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:19:28 +0000

Want to add something different to your Independence Day celebrations? Here are a number of Chinese and Asian-inspired recipes that are perfect for July 4th or any summer outdoor gathering, from grilled chicken to potato salad, and a refreshing dessert made with lychees!

Independence Day Recipes:

And a bit More About Chinese Salads

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:20:49 +0000

What makes up a typical Chinese salad? What role does salad typically play in a Chinese meal? Learn more about Chinese salads and try several recipes, including a simple Asparagus Salad (pictured in the photo), Spicy Cucumber Salad and a Chinese Chicken Salad with shredded chicken and preserved ginger.
_{Asparagus Salad photo, Copyright � by Rhonda Parkinson, licensed to About.com, Inc}

Red, White and Blue Tofu

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:25:58 +0000

A blend of red and blue berries and soft almond flavored tofu combine to make a quick and easy dessert that is perfect for Independence Day. Feel free to garnish the tofu with chocolate sprinkles, coconut flakes, toasted sesame seeds or your own favorite topping. If almond flavored soft tofu is unavailable, use regular soft tofu and stir in one teaspoon almond extract.

Spicy Szechuan Chicken Salad � Bang Bang Chicken

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:38:21 +0000

Bang Bang Chicken (Bang Bang Ji) originated in the province of Szechuan: the name comes from the light pounding process used to make the chicken meat more tender. It is also known as �Strange Flavor Chicken,� reflecting the unusual flavor combination that comes from a sesame dressing spiced with hot chili oil. Authentic Bang Bang Chicken is served on green bean sheets (made from mung beans) that have been soaked and cut into strips. Cucumber slices (used in this recipe) are the traditional alternative, but feel free to use lettuce or cabbage instead if desired. A reader gives this recipe 5 out of 5 stars, writing: �I loved it. Have already made it three times!�

Hawaiian Luau Barbecued Beef Ribs

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:48:42 +0000

Beef short ribs are marinated in a spicy mixture made with five-spice powder, brown sugar and soy sauce before grilling. This recipe for Hawaiian Luau Barbecued Beef Ribs includes directions for making easy rice molds to go with the ribs. For a fancier looking dish, feel free to surround the ribs with orange or pineapple slices.

Beef Ball Recipe

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:49:20 +0000

Steaming the beef helps it retain more flavor in this popular dim sum dish. This Beef Ball Recipe (Ngao Yuk) comes from Evelyn Chau, who writes: "This is one of the very few beef dishes in Dim Sum, no doubt because pork is more plentiful than beef in China." The steaming dish is lined with fresh watercress, which soaks up the beef flavor during cooking.

Five-spice Chicken

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:47:04 +0000

Here is another great recipe for the grill - chicken thighs are marinated in a soy sauce-based marinade with five-spice powder, fresh ginger and other seasonings. Leftovers would make a great sandwich, served between slices of crusty bread, or you can use them to make chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Indispensable in Chinese cooking, five-spice powder is a unique blend of sweet, salty, bitter, pungent and spicy flavors. It can be found in the spice section of most supermarkets.

Lobster Cantonese

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:43:55 +0000

Feel like trying out a new recipe this weekend? Lobster tails are used in this version of the popular Cantonese dish, which pairs the lobster with ground pork and an aromatic mixture of Chinese black beans and garlic. The final touch comes at the end, when beaten egg is slowly streamed in. Yvette gives this recipe for Lobster Cantonese 5 out of 5 stars and says, "It was outstanding."

Potsticker Dipping Sauce

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:12:21 +0000

The key ingredient in this flavorful dipping sauce is Chinese red rice vinegar, with its intriguing combination of sweet and tart flavors. (Be sure not to confuse it with red wine vinegar, which would make the dip taste too sour). This simple potsticker dipping sauce goes nicely with regular or vegetarian potstickers.

Grilled Ginger Chicken

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:49:04 +0000

Chinese rice vinegar and fresh ginger liven up the marinade for this ginger chicken that tastes fantastic whether grilled or broiled. This recipe is designed to make more marinade than needed � which can then be used as a dressing for a green salad to serve with the chicken, or simply saved to use for another time. (Note: the extra marinade does not come into contact with the chicken) . Ginger chicken tastes delicious when thinly sliced and served with peanut sauce for dipping.
_{Ginger Chicken Photo, Copyright � 2008 by Rhonda Parkinson, licensed to About.com, Inc}