7 Creative Chinese Recipes to Expand Your Palate

Although Chinese food is one of the most popular cuisines in the United States, most people don't venture beyond orange chicken, broccoli beef or lo mein.

Your local restaurant might not offer much more than those classic dishes. However, there is a world of meals you should try that are equally tasty. With the help of these seven recipes, you can taste a slice of China in your home.

Pork Chop Suey by Omnivore's Cookbook

Okay, okay—chop suey isn't that niche—but many people won't order it over the more common picks. It's quite tasty and simple to make at home. Omnivore's Cookbook breaks it down into the basics: lean pork, sauce (oyster sauce and sesame oil) and an assortment of vegetables (onions, carrots, bean sprouts and more). It's ready to serve in less than half an hour.

(via Omnivore's Cookbook)

 

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Lion's Head Meatballs by I Heart Umami

Most people haven't heard oflion's head meatballs. Because their large size, they are compared to a lion's head. Once you make your sizable meatball, you will season it with chicken stock, coconut aminos, ginger, scallions and more. To add even more flavor, I Heart Umami suggests adding shiitake mushrooms and baby bok choy.

(via I Heart Umami)

 

Egg Foo Young by Small Town Woman

You can start your day with a Chinese breakfast, thanks to Small Town Woman's omelet recipe. Inside this guide to making egg foo young, you will find ingredients of diced chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, green onions and more. Then, you will create the classic brown gravy starting with soy sauce, rice vinegar and brown sugar.

(via Small Town Woman)

 

Chinese Chicken Curry by Kitchen Sanctuary

You will often find curry in other cuisines, but did you know Chinese food also features it? Kitchen Sanctuary invites you to try it with their foolproof recipe. This spicy and savory dish combines juicy chicken breasts and rice with curry powder, garlic cloves, turmeric, peas and more.

(via Kitchen Sanctuary)

 

Chongqing Chicken by The Woks of Life

Turn up the heat with Chongqing chicken. It features some of the spiciest ingredients, including red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Meanwhile, it finds its flavor in ginger, garlic and even sugar. It's also as colorful as it is delicious with gorgeous, vibrant hues of red and orange.

(via The Woks of Life)

 

Also read about: 5 Delicious Recipes From Ethiopian Cuisine to Expand Your Palate

 

Basic Congee by Pickled Plum

If you like more subtle flavors, you will enjoy congee. It's a Chinese rice porridge with a smooth and creamy texture. It's rounded out by ginger, garlic, onions and tofu, but you can also add other exciting toppings, like kimchi and pickled plum.

(via Pickled Plum)

 

Chinese Mango Pudding by China Sichuan Food

We couldn't forget dessert. For your sweet treat, we'd like to present Chinese mango pudding. It's exactly how it sounds. It has a fruity, tangy flavor from fresh mangos, made into a pudding with jelly texture. Put it into a cup, and you're ready to serve.

(via China Sichuan Food)

 

Searching for even more diverse cuisines to try? Click HERE to discover seven of our favorite dishes from Japan.