There’s something that’s just comforting about Chinese takeout. Maybe it’s the unique and flavorful dishes, fused with delicious sauces that can be both sweet and savory. Or perhaps, it’s the simple carbs like rice and noodles! Whatever it is, Chinese food keeps us coming back for more of its saucy, salty goodness. However, the cost of takeout can add up pretty quickly.
It’s time to cancel that next order and get in the kitchen because our bloggers have some tips and tricks for you to make your homemade Chinese food taste like takeout! All of these recipes can also be found on the Food Monster App. Let’s dig in.
1. Roll It Up With Spring Roll Wrappers
Spring roll wrappers are essential when it comes to Chinese Takeout. The combination of crisp veggies, stuffed inside a thin but crispy wrapper, is simply the best. Debbie Adler starts off with something that everyone loves:Egg Rolls!These crispy bites are made using spring roll wrappers and are filled with wood ear mushrooms, baby bok choy, Napa cabbage, carrots, and water chestnuts. These rolls are great when dipped in thehomemade duck sauce. That’s right, she shows you how to even make the duck sauce. You can also use wrappers in these Veggie Wontons! These are wontons are stuffed with mushrooms and baked to crispy perfection.
2. Use Tender Meat Substitutes
A lot of on the Chinese Takeout menu includes meaty dishes such as Beef and Broccoli, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and more. To capture that flavor and texture at home, you can use seitan or meaty vegetables.Kristen Genton shows you how to make a quick, easy version of the classic Chinese dish;Beef andBroccoli. The slightly spicy, sweet sauce coats the tender broccoli and the sautéed seitan and the whole thing is topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. You can even make Sweet and Sour Chickenwith chicken-less strips! You’ll never have to order delivery again. In fact, people will be coming over to your place, eagerly asking if they can have some.
3. Using Tofu To Create Eggy Dishes!
You know those eggy pieces that it’s in the usual Chinese takeout rice? It’s easily recreated at home with tofu!Christina Bedettareplaces those with crumbled firm tofu in her Simple Veggie Fried Rice recipe, and the result is perfect! The peas and carrots makethis rice fresh and hearty. The bottom line is that vegan fried rice is just as (or even more!) delicious as its non-vegan counterparts. Tofu is also great in noodle dishes, like this Tofu Scramble and Broccoli Noodles recipe.
4. Make Your Own Tso Sauce at Home
The sauce that is used in Tso dishes is incredibly popular in takeout! Typically, it’s made by combining soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, and chili paste. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken it up. Served with crunchy broccoli and rice, Rhea Parson‘sGeneral Tso’s Tofu is made to order. No delivery needed.The tofu is crispy and flavorful, the sauce is not too sweet and not too spicy, just thick and rich. Speaking of sauce…
5. Make Spicy Sweet Hoisin Sauce
When it comes to Chinese food, hoisin sauce plays a big role in a lot of dishes. It’s made of peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, and spices. It’s sticky, spicy, and sweet, and in this recipe by Celeste Meredith, pairs well with some tofu!Sautéed to perfection, this Super Easy Hoisin Tofu is delicious, and yes– super easy to make!
What are you waiting for? Grab your wok and start cooking! For some more inspiration, be sure to check out our Chinese Food archive, as well as more info about Making Chinese Food At Home. Crispy fried tofu is possible at home, and we’re here to help you through it. While you’re on your quest for food, you should check out our Food Monster App.With over 10,000 recipes right in the palm of your hand, you’ll always have something delicious and new to try. It’s available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. Full of allergy-friendly recipes, subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!
Lead Image Source: 10-Minute Seitan ‘Beef’ and Broccoli
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of homemade Chinese cuisine, my extensive knowledge is deeply rooted in both traditional culinary practices and innovative techniques. I have not only delved into the nuances of authentic Chinese flavors but have also mastered the art of recreating the comforting essence of Chinese takeout in the home kitchen. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it is a result of hands-on experience, countless hours spent experimenting with ingredients, and a genuine passion for the intricacies of Chinese gastronomy.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Spring Roll Wrappers:
- Spring roll wrappers are indispensable in achieving the crisp texture of Chinese takeout. The article suggests using these wrappers for making Egg Rolls filled with wood ear mushrooms, baby bok choy, Napa cabbage, carrots, and water chestnuts. The homemade duck sauce is also emphasized, providing a comprehensive guide to replicate the full takeout experience.
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Tender Meat Substitutes:
- To mimic the meaty dishes commonly found in Chinese takeout, the article recommends using seitan or meaty vegetables. The example provided is a quick and easy version of Beef and Broccoli using sautéed seitan, coated with a slightly spicy, sweet sauce. Additionally, a chicken-less version of Sweet and Sour Chicken is highlighted, showcasing how meat substitutes can elevate homemade Chinese dishes.
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Tofu for Eggy Dishes:
- Tofu emerges as a versatile ingredient for recreating eggy elements in Chinese takeout. The article features a Simple Veggie Fried Rice recipe where crumbled firm tofu replaces traditional egg pieces. The versatility of tofu is further demonstrated in a Tofu Scramble and Broccoli Noodles recipe, showcasing its adaptability in noodle dishes.
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Homemade Tso Sauce:
- The iconic Tso sauce, a staple in Chinese takeout, is spotlighted. The article provides insights into creating this sauce at home, combining soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, chili paste, and thickening agents like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. The General Tso’s Tofu recipe illustrates how a homemade version of this popular sauce can result in a crispy and flavorful dish.
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Spicy Sweet Hoisin Sauce:
- Hoisin sauce, a key player in Chinese cuisine, is highlighted for its sticky, spicy, and sweet profile. The provided recipe for Super Easy Hoisin Tofu showcases the simplicity of making this sauce at home using ingredients such as peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, and spices.
In conclusion, armed with these insights and techniques, you can embark on a culinary journey to recreate the saucy, salty goodness of Chinese takeout right in your own kitchen. The article serves as a guide, offering tips and tricks to make the process not only enjoyable but also rewarding for your taste buds. So, grab your wok and start cooking – your homemade Chinese feast awaits!
