Chinese food has become extremely popular in the United States in recent years, and with good reason. Chinese cuisine offers an incredible variety of foods, ranging from healthy, low-calorie options to decadent dishes that taste so good you won’t be able to stop eating them. Plus, Chinese restaurants are easy to find in most cities, which makes them the perfect go-to option if you’re not sure what to eat or don’t feel like cooking. Take this list of the five most popular Chinese foods as an opportunity to try something new or add more variety to your diet!
1) Dim Sum
Dim sum is a Cantonese cuisine that is typically served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. It includes a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes, such as dumplings, buns, rolls, and noodles. Dim sum is usually eaten for breakfast or lunch, and it is a popular choice for family gatherings and special occasions. If you're looking to try something new, dim sum is a great place to start.
2) Hot Pot
Have you ever tried hot pot? It's a delicious and popular Chinese dish that's perfect for winter. Hot pot is made by simmering meat, vegetables, and noodles in a broth. You can customize your hot pot by choosing your favorite ingredients. Some people like to add mushrooms, bean curd sheets, or any other type of protein they enjoy. Once you've chosen your ingredients and soup base (vegetable or pork bone), you're ready to start cooking! Place all the items into the pot to cook them. If you want the meal to be extra spicy, add some chilies!
3) Fried Rice
A classic staple of Chinese cuisine, fried rice is a dish that can be made with a variety of different ingredients. It's typically made with rice that's been cooked in advance, so it has a firm texture that can stand up to stir-frying. The rice is then mixed with other ingredients like vegetables, meat, and eggs. Fried rice is typically seasoned with soy sauce, which gives it a salty flavor. It's often served as a side dish, but it can also be a meal in itself.
4) Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao chicken is a popular Sichuan dish made with diced chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers. The dish is typically stir-fried and served with rice. Kung Pao chicken is believed to have originated in the Qing Dynasty and gets its name from a 19th century governor of Sichuan Province. Kung Pao chicken is spicy, flavorful, and relatively easy to make at home. If you're looking to try a new Chinese dish, kung pao chicken is a great place to start!
5) Fried Rice
Fried rice is a popular dish in China that can be made with various ingredients, such as chicken, shrimp, or beef. It is typically served with vegetables and a light sauce. Fried rice is a great option if you're looking for a hearty meal that is also easy to make. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover rice.