20 Chinese Black Vinegar Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Chinese black vinegar, also known as Chinkiang vinegar, is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine. This dark, flavorful vinegar is made from fermented rice and has a complex, slightly sweet taste that adds depth and tang to any dish it is used in. While it is commonly used in stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces, Chinese black vinegar can also be used in a variety of other dishes, making it a versatile and essential ingredient in any pantry. In this article, we will explore the history of Chinese black vinegar and provide a simple and authentic recipe for you to make at home. So, put on your apron and get ready to satisfy your taste buds with this delicious condiment.
No Chinese meal is complete without a side of sweet and sour sauce. This tangy and flavorful sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any dish, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home. Simply combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch in a saucepan and heat until thickened. Serve with your favorite stir-fry or dumplings for a delicious taste of China.
2of 20
Chinese Style Cabbage Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Garlic Cloves, Root Ginger, Chili Pepper
If you're looking for a quick and easy vegetable dish, try this Chinese-style cabbage stir fry. Thinly slice cabbage and carrots, and stir fry with garlic and ginger for a few minutes. Add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for a savory and slightly sweet flavor. This dish is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meals.
3of 20
Chinese Beef Stir-Fry with YouTiao (Chinese Fried...
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Cornstarch, Baking Soda, Vegetable Oil
If you're in the mood for a heartier dish, try this Chinese beef stir-fry with YouTiao, also known as Chinese fried dough. Thinly slice beef and stir fry with onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add in chopped YouTiao for a crispy and satisfying addition to the dish. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper for a delicious and flavorful meal.
4of 20
Chinese Jiaozi / Leeks and Pork Dumplings (韭菜饺子)
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Chinese Chives, Salt, Shaoxing Wine, White
Dumplings are a staple in Chinese cuisine, and this recipe for leeks and pork dumplings is sure to please. Combine ground pork, chopped leeks, ginger, and garlic for the filling. Wrap the filling in dumpling wrappers and steam or pan-fry until cooked through. Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil for a delicious and satisfying meal.
If you're tired of the same old potato salad, give this Chinese version a try. Boil potatoes until tender, then toss with a dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Add in some sliced cucumbers and green onions for a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic dish. This Chinese potato salad is great for picnics and potlucks.
For a light and refreshing side dish, try this Chinese smashed cucumber salad. Thinly slice cucumbers and smash them lightly with a rolling pin to release their juices. Toss with a dressing made from garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Top with chopped peanuts for a crunchy and flavorful salad.
This Chinese-style noodle soup is perfect for a chilly day. Start by boiling lamb bones to make a flavorful broth. Add in noodles, carrots, and your choice of vegetables such as bok choy or spinach. Season with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a hearty and delicious soup that will warm you up from the inside out.
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that is often used in Chinese cuisine. This eggplant salad is a great side dish or appetizer. Roast eggplant slices until tender, then toss with a dressing made from garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Top with green onions and sesame seeds for a flavorful and healthy dish.
While it may sound unusual, pig ear salad is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. Thinly slice pig ears and boil until tender. Toss with a dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and chili oil. Add in cilantro and green onions for a fresh and flavorful salad that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
10of 20
Easy Stir Fry Chicken and Broccoli
Main Ingredients: Marinade, Chicken, Rice Wine, Soy Sauce, Egg White
When you're short on time but still want a delicious and healthy meal, try this easy stir fry chicken and broccoli. Stir fry chicken breast with garlic and ginger, then add in broccoli and a splash of soy sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick and tasty meal that the whole family will love.
11of 20
Peking Pork Chops (京都排骨)
Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Oil, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Egg
For a taste of Beijing, try this recipe for Peking pork chops. Marinate pork chops in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and rice wine for at least an hour. Grill or pan-fry until cooked through. Serve with scallions and sesame seeds for a delicious and flavorful meal.
This Chinese cucumber salad is a great side dish or appetizer. Thinly slice cucumbers and toss with a dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Top with chopped peanuts and green onions for a crunchy and flavorful salad that is perfect for summer.
Char Sui, or Chinese BBQ pork, is a classic dish that is often served as a main course or used as a filling for baozi (steamed buns). Marinate pork tenderloin in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five spice powder for at least an hour. Roast in the oven until cooked through and slightly charred. Serve with steamed buns for a delicious and flavorful meal.
This Chinese hot and sour soup is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day. Start with a base of chicken broth and add in tofu, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms. Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and sugar. Add in a beaten egg for a silky texture. Top with green onions and cilantro for a flavorful and comforting soup.
15of 20
Chinese Sautéed Green Peppers-Tiger Skin Pepper
Main Ingredients: Green Peppers, Garlic Cloves, Root Ginger, Spring
This dish, also known as Tiger Skin Pepper, is a spicy and flavorful stir fry that is sure to wake up your taste buds. Thinly slice green peppers and stir fry with garlic and ginger. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili oil for a delicious and spicy meal. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying dish.
16of 20
Liangfen-Chinese Jelly Noodles
Main Ingredients: Starch, Water, Chili Oil, Black Vinegar, Sesame Oil
Liangfen, or Chinese jelly noodles, are a popular street food in China. These noodles are made from mung bean flour and have a chewy and slightly slippery texture. They are typically served cold with a dressing made from garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Add in some cucumbers and green onions for a refreshing and tasty snack.
17of 20
Braised Tofu with Chinese Mushroom
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Dried Shiitake Mushroom, Garlic Cloves
This dish is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to incorporate more tofu into their diet. Braise tofu in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and Chinese five spice powder. Add in Chinese mushrooms for a meaty and satisfying dish. Serve over rice for a complete and delicious meal.
18of 20
General Tso's Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Soya, Sesame Oil, White Pepper, Light
General Tso's chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that is loved for its sweet and spicy flavor. Stir fry chicken breast with garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Add in a sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and rice wine vinegar. Serve over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
This eggplant dish is a staple in Sichuan cuisine and is known for its spicy and savory flavor. Thinly slice eggplant and stir fry with garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Add in a sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black bean paste. Serve over rice for a tasty and flavorful meal.
20of 20
Chinese Coriander Salad
Main Ingredients: Fresh Coriander, Red Onion, Oil, Garlic Clove, Sesame
This fresh and flavorful salad is the perfect way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Toss chopped coriander with a dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Top with crushed peanuts and green onions for a crunchy and delicious salad that is great as a side dish or a light lunch.
Chinese black vinegar, also known as Chinkiang vinegar, is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine. This dark, flavorful vinegar is made from fermented rice and has a complex, slightly sweet taste that adds depth and tang to any dish it is used in. While it is commonly used in stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces, Chinese black vinegar can also be used in a variety of other dishes, making it a versatile and essential ingredient in any pantry. In this article, we will explore the history of Chinese black vinegar and provide a simple and authentic recipe for you to make at home. So, put on your apron and get ready to satisfy your taste buds with this delicious condiment.
The History of Chinese Black Vinegar
The Origins
Chinese black vinegar has a long and rich history, dating back to the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE). It was originally made using a method similar to that of making rice wine, where rice is fermented and then distilled into alcohol. However, instead of being distilled, the rice was left to further ferment, resulting in a dark, acidic liquid – Chinese black vinegar.
The Evolution
Over time, different regions in China began to develop their own unique variations of black vinegar. The most famous of these is Chinkiang vinegar, named after the city of Zhenjiang in Jiangsu province. This type of black vinegar is made using a blend of different grains, including rice, wheat, barley, and peas, and is aged for at least three years in large clay jars.
The Cultural Significance
In Chinese culture, black vinegar is not just a cooking ingredient but also has cultural significance. It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for its health benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting blood circulation. It is also used in ceremonies and festivals, such as the annual Dragon Boat Festival, where it is used to make a traditional dish called zongzi.
The Recipe for Homemade Chinese Black Vinegar
Now that you know a bit about the history and cultural significance of Chinese black vinegar, let's dive into making it at home. While it may seem intimidating, making your own Chinese black vinegar is actually quite simple and requires only a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients:
4 cups of uncooked rice
1 cup of wheat
¼ cup of barley
¼ cup of peas
4 cups of water
1 cup of brown sugar
Instructions:
Start by washing and draining the rice, wheat, barley, and peas separately.
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and add the rice, wheat, barley, and peas.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves.
Transfer the mixture to a large glass jar or container and cover with a cheesecloth or paper towel.
Store in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months, stirring occasionally.
After 3 months, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve.
Bottle the liquid and store in a cool, dark place for an additional 3 months before using.
Usage:
Chinese black vinegar can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, marinades, dressings, and dipping sauces. Its unique flavor adds depth and tang to any dish, making it a versatile and essential ingredient in Chinese cuisine.
In conclusion, Chinese black vinegar is not just a cooking ingredient but also a significant part of Chinese culture and history. By making it at home, you not only get to enjoy its delicious flavor but also connect with this ancient condiment in a more meaningful way. So, why not give this recipe a try and elevate your dishes with the rich and complex taste of homemade Chinese black vinegar.