Chinese cuisine is known for its variety of flavors and textures. From savory to sweet, there are countless snacks that are perfect for any time of the day. Whether you're in the mood for something crunchy or chewy, there's something for everyone. In this article, we'll be sharing some of our favorite Chinese snack recipes to satisfy your cravings.
Steamed Pork Buns
If you're looking for a savory snack, steamed pork buns are a great option. These fluffy buns are filled with a savory pork filling and are perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Here's what you'll need: Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup warm water - 1/4 cup sugar - 1 tablespoon active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1/2 pound ground pork - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger - 1 green onion, sliced Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Mix until a dough forms. 2. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. 3. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes. 4. In a separate bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and green onion. Mix well. 5. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. 6. Flatten each ball into a disc and place a spoonful of pork filling in the center. 7. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside. 8. Place the buns on a steamer basket and steam for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Nutrition: - Calories: 190 - Fat: 7g - Carbohydrates: 22g - Protein: 9g
Steamed Shrimp Dumplings
Another popular Chinese snack is steamed shrimp dumplings. These delicate dumplings are filled with a mixture of shrimp and seasonings and are perfect for a light snack or appetizer. Here's what you'll need: Ingredients: - 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 12 wonton wrappers Instructions: 1. In a food processor, combine the shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, and green onions. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. 2. Add the cornstarch to the shrimp mixture and mix well. 3. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface and place a spoonful of shrimp filling in the center. 4. Brush the edges of the wrapper with water and fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle. 5. Pinch the edges of the wrapper together to seal the filling inside. 6. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. 7. Place the dumplings on a steamer basket and steam for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Nutrition: - Calories: 60 - Fat: 1g - Carbohydrates: 9g - Protein: 4g
Egg Tarts
If you have a sweet tooth, egg tarts are a must-try Chinese snack. These buttery tarts are filled with a creamy custard and are perfect for dessert or a midday treat. Here's what you'll need: Ingredients: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 egg yolk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 3/4 cup milk - 1/4 cup sugar - 3 egg yolks - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. 2. Add the egg yolk and mix well. 3. Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms. 4. Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter to cut out circles. 5. Press the circles into a muffin tin to form the tart shells. 6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. 7. Pour the custard mixture into the tart shells. 8. Bake the tarts at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the custard is set. Nutrition: - Calories: 160 - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 16g - Protein: 2g
Conclusion
These Chinese snack recipes are just a few examples of the many delicious snacks that Chinese cuisine has to offer. Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, there's a snack for every craving. Try out these recipes and see which ones become your new favorites. Happy snacking!