15 Chinese Fennel Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
Chinese fennel, also known as Chinese anise or star anise, is a popular spice used in Chinese cuisine. Its distinctive licorice-like flavor and aroma make it a staple in many dishes, from savory stir-fries to sweet desserts. But beyond its delicious taste, Chinese fennel also offers a range of health benefits, making it a valuable ingredient in any kitchen. In this article, we will explore the history and uses of Chinese fennel, as well as provide a mouth-watering recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Lamb Breast, Shaoxing Wine, Cumin Seeds, Chili Powder
If you're looking to spice up your traditional beer can chicken recipe, why not try adding a Chinese twist? Lamb chuanr is a popular street food in China, but it can easily be adapted to make a mouth-watering beer can chicken. The combination of tender, juicy lamb and fragrant Chinese spices makes for a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress your friends and family.
The key to creating an authentic Chinese flavor in your beer can chicken is using a Chinese five-spice blend. This spice mixture typically includes a combination of star anise, Szechuan peppercorns, fennel seeds, cloves, and cinnamon. The blend can be found in most grocery stores, or you can make your own at home by mixing the individual spices together. The addition of this spice blend will give your beer can chicken a bold and complex flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
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Chinese Steamed Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Salt, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Green Onions
If you're not a fan of grilling, or just want to try something different, why not steam your beer can chicken instead? Chinese steamed chicken is a popular dish that is often served at dim sum restaurants. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and Chinese five-spice powder before being steamed to perfection. Serve it with a simple ginger scallion sauce for a truly delicious and healthy meal.
Chinese five spice powder is a staple in Chinese cooking and for good reason. This spice blend adds a unique depth of flavor to any dish, including beer can chicken. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors will take your chicken to the next level. Simply rub the spice blend all over your chicken before grilling for a delicious and aromatic meal.
If you want to add a bit more variety to your beer can chicken, try using a Chinese five spice mix instead of just the powder. This mix typically includes the traditional five spices, but can also include additional ingredients like ginger, orange peel, and black pepper. The added ingredients will give your chicken a more complex and unique flavor that is sure to impress.
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Chinese Hamburgers
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Oil, Sugar, Cinnamon, Cloves, Fennel
Beer can chicken doesn't always have to be served whole. Why not mix things up and turn your chicken into Chinese-style hamburgers? Simply shred the chicken, mix it with a flavorful Chinese sauce, and serve it on a steamed bun with some pickled vegetables. These Chinese hamburgers are a fun and delicious twist on traditional beer can chicken.
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Hot and Sour Dumpling Soup
Main Ingredients: Vinegar, Water, Brown Sugar, Star Anise, Cinnamon
If you're a fan of dumplings, you'll love this hot and sour dumpling soup made with beer can chicken. The chicken adds a hearty and flavorful element to the soup, while the hot and sour broth will warm you up on a cold day. Top it off with some green onions and cilantro for a burst of freshness.
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Szechuan (Sichuan) Roasted Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Szechuan Peppercorns, Vanilla Powder, Salt
Szechuan roasted chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish that is perfect for those who love a bit of heat. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of Szechuan peppercorns, chili paste, and soy sauce before being roasted to perfection. Serve it with some stir-fried vegetables and rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Ginger and Soy Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Ginger, Garlic, Red Chilies, Sweet Soy
If you're short on time, but still want to enjoy a delicious and flavorful beer can chicken, try making it in the Instant Pot. This recipe combines the traditional Chinese flavors of ginger and soy sauce with beer can chicken for a quick and easy meal. The chicken will be tender and juicy, and the sauce will be packed with flavor.
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Chicken Egg Rolls, with Orange Ginger Sauce
Main Ingredients: Egg Roll Wrappers, Peanut Oil, Boneless Chicken Breast
Beer can chicken can also make for a delicious filling in egg rolls. The chicken is mixed with traditional Chinese vegetables and seasonings, then wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper and fried to perfection. Serve them with a tangy orange ginger sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Don't limit yourself to just using Chinese five spice in your beer can chicken. This versatile spice blend can also be used in other Chinese dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and marinades. Its unique flavor profile makes it a great addition to many different recipes.
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Chinese Chinkiang Beef
Main Ingredients: Onion, Ground Cumin, Fennel Seeds, Minced Beef
Beer can chicken isn't the only meat that can benefit from a Chinese twist. Chinese Chinkiang beef is a popular dish that features tender strips of beef cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. The addition of Chinese five spice and soy sauce gives this dish a unique and delicious flavor that you won't be able to resist.
If you're looking for a flavorful and versatile sauce to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than authentic Chinese plum sauce. This sweet and tangy sauce is made from plums, ginger, and spices and is the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for egg rolls or spring rolls.
For a hearty and comforting meal, try making Chinese lamb noodle soup with your beer can chicken. The tender lamb and flavorful broth are a perfect match for the chicken. Add some noodles, bok choy, and green onions for a complete and satisfying dish.
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Spicy Chinese Beef Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Beef Shank, Fresh Ginger, Wine, Oil, Garlic, Onion
If you prefer a bit more heat in your soup, try making a spicy Chinese beef noodle soup with your beer can chicken. The beef and chicken combination adds a delicious depth of flavor to the broth, while the addition of chili paste and Szechuan peppercorns will give your taste buds a kick. This soup is perfect for a cold and rainy day.
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Chinese Five Spice Powder [Homemade]
Main Ingredients: Star Anise, Cinnamon Sticks, Fennel Seeds, Cloves
If you can't find Chinese five spice powder in your local grocery store, don't worry. You can easily make your own at home with just a few simple ingredients. Toast the spices in a pan, grind them up, and store the mixture in an airtight container for future use. Your homemade Chinese five spice powder will add a delicious and authentic flavor to your beer can chicken.
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Vegetarian Ham (Chinese New Year)
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Soy Sauce, Tamari, Water, Sugar, Fennel
For a vegetarian twist on traditional beer can chicken, try making Chinese-style vegetarian ham. This dish is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations and features seitan, a popular meat substitute, marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and Chinese five spice powder. Serve it with some stir-fried vegetables and rice for a delicious and festive meal.
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Char Siu (Chinese Barbecue Pork)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Pitted Medjool Dates, Water
Char siu, or Chinese barbecue pork, is a classic Chinese dish that is often served as a main course or used as a filling for other dishes. The sweet and savory flavors of the marinade make it a perfect match for beer can chicken. Grill the chicken alongside some char siu for a tasty and unique meal.
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How To Make Chinese Marbled Tea Eggs
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Black Tea, Soy Sauce, Canela, Star Anise
Chinese marbled tea eggs are a popular snack in China and are often sold by street vendors. The eggs are cooked in a flavorful mixture of tea, soy sauce, and spices, resulting in a unique and delicious marbled effect. Add some beer can chicken to your tea egg snack for a filling and flavorful meal.
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BEST Authentic Chinese Plum Sauce (Duck Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Plums, Garnet Yam, Yellow Onion, Apple Cider Vinegar
If you're a fan of sweet and tangy sauces, you'll love this authentic Chinese plum sauce. It's the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken and can also be used as a glaze for other meats. The sauce is made from plums, ginger, and spices, and is a must-try for any Chinese-inspired dish.
The History of Chinese Fennel
Origin and Spread
Chinese fennel is native to China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Its use as a culinary spice can be traced back to ancient Chinese dynasties, where it was highly prized for its medicinal properties as well as its flavor. It was traditionally used to treat digestive issues and respiratory problems, and also believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Global Popularity
Over time, Chinese fennel's popularity spread beyond China and it became a staple spice in many Asian countries, including Japan, India, and Thailand. It also gained popularity in Western countries, particularly in Europe and the United States, where it is commonly used in baking and in making liqueurs such as absinthe.
The Uses of Chinese Fennel
Culinary Uses
Chinese fennel is most commonly used in cooking to add a unique flavor and aroma to dishes. It is often used in savory dishes such as soups, stews, and braised meats, as well as in marinades and sauces. It is also a key ingredient in the famous Chinese five-spice powder, which is used to season a variety of dishes. In addition, Chinese fennel can be used in sweet dishes, such as cookies, cakes, and custards, to add a subtle licorice flavor.
Medicinal Uses
Chinese fennel is also known for its medicinal properties. It is rich in antioxidants and contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and digestive issues. It is also believed to aid in improving digestion, boosting the immune system, and relieving menstrual cramps.
Chinese Fennel Recipe: Five-Spice Roasted Chicken
Now that you know all about Chinese fennel, why not try incorporating it into your cooking? This simple yet delicious recipe for five-spice roasted chicken will showcase the unique flavor of Chinese fennel and leave your taste buds wanting more.
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Chinese five-spice powder
1 tablespoon ground Chinese fennel
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the Chinese five-spice powder, ground Chinese fennel, brown sugar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and minced garlic to make a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure they are evenly coated.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
Serve with your choice of side dishes and enjoy the delicious flavor of Chinese fennel.
In conclusion, Chinese fennel is not only a flavorful spice, but also a versatile ingredient with a rich history and many health benefits. Whether used in cooking or for its medicinal properties, Chinese fennel is a must-have in any kitchen. So why not add some ground Chinese fennel to your spice collection and elevate your dishes with its unique and delicious flavor?