15 Chinese Food With Msg Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
MSG, also known as monosodium glutamate, is a controversial ingredient commonly used in Chinese cuisine. Some people claim that it enhances the flavor of the food, while others argue that it can cause adverse health effects. However, the truth is that MSG is a naturally occurring substance found in many foods, and when used in moderation, it can elevate the taste of Chinese dishes to a whole new level. In this article, we will explore the use of MSG in Chinese cooking and share with you a delicious recipe that showcases its flavor-enhancing abilities.
Egg rolls are a staple in Chinese cuisine and this recipe will give you an authentic taste of China. These crispy and savory rolls are filled with a delicious mix of vegetables and meat, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
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Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
If you're craving some Chinese takeout, this classic beef fried rice recipe is a must-try. It's a simple dish that is full of flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes. The key to this dish is using day-old rice which gives it the perfect texture and prevents it from becoming mushy. Add in some diced beef, vegetables, and soy sauce for a delicious and filling meal.
Broccoli is a healthy and versatile vegetable that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. This stir-fry recipe uses Chinese broccoli, also known as gai lan, which has a slightly bitter taste and is packed with nutrients. Stir-fry it with some garlic, oyster sauce, and chili flakes for a quick and flavorful side dish.
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Chinese Vegetarian Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Oil, Garlic, Msg, Spring Onions
For all the vegetarians out there, this Chinese vegetarian fried rice is a delicious and satisfying option. It's loaded with tofu, mushrooms, and a variety of vegetables, making it a healthy and flavorful meal. Don't be afraid to add some soy sauce or hoisin sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
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All-Purpose Chinese White Sauce
Main Ingredients: Meat, Mixed Vegetables, Firm Tofu, Vegetable Oil
This all-purpose Chinese white sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking and can be used as a base for many dishes. It's a simple and versatile sauce made with chicken broth, cornstarch, and garlic, giving it a rich and savory flavor. Use it in stir-fries, as a dipping sauce, or as a marinade for meats.
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Chinese Imperial Palace Sweet and Sour Sauce
Main Ingredients: White Vinegar, Water, Sugar, Salt, Msg, Tabasco
Sweet and sour sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine and this recipe will give you a restaurant-quality version. Made with pineapple juice, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, this sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Drizzle it over your favorite Chinese dishes or use it as a dipping sauce for egg rolls or wontons.
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Kong Bak Pao (Chinese Braised Pork Sliders)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Caramel, Oil, Shallot, Chinese Five Spice
Kong bak pao, also known as Chinese braised pork sliders, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. This recipe features tender and flavorful pork belly that is braised in a soy sauce and five-spice powder mixture. Serve it on steamed buns with some pickled vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Chinese Seaweed Soup with Pork Balls and Tofu
Main Ingredients: Seaweed, Msg, Water, Minced Pork, Silken Tofu
This Chinese seaweed soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold day. It's made with a flavorful broth that is filled with pork balls, tofu, and seaweed. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your meal plan.
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A Rock Springs Dish With Chinese and Mexican Roots
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Tomatoes
This unique dish has roots in both Chinese and Mexican cuisine, making it a fusion of flavors and cultures. It features tender beef and potatoes cooked in a tangy and spicy soy sauce and tomato mixture. Serve it with rice and some avocado for a truly flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Fried Brown Rice
Main Ingredients: Cooked Brown Rice, Beef, Water, Dark Mushroom Soy
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried rice, this fried brown rice recipe is the way to go. It's packed with vegetables and tofu, making it a nutritious and filling dish. The brown rice adds a nutty and hearty flavor, while the soy sauce and ginger give it that classic Chinese taste.
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Chinese Lion's Head Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Egg, Cornstarch, Sesame Oil, Fresh Ginger
Chinese lion's head soup is a popular dish in China that is often served during special occasions. It features large pork meatballs that are simmered in a flavorful broth with cabbage and mushrooms. This dish is not only delicious but also has a symbolic meaning, as the meatballs are meant to resemble a lion's head, representing strength and courage.
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Chicken and Bean Sprouts Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Water, Vegetable Oil, Soy Sauce
This chicken and bean sprouts stir fry is a simple and delicious dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. The chicken is marinated in a soy sauce and garlic mixture, giving it a rich and savory flavor. Add in some bean sprouts and carrots for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
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Steak Stir Fry (Chow Steak Kow)
Main Ingredients: Ribeye Steak, Vegetable Oil, Baking Soda, Cornstarch
If you're a fan of steak, this steak stir fry recipe is a must-try. It features tender strips of beef cooked in a flavorful sauce made with oyster sauce, rice wine, and ginger. Add in some vegetables of your choice for a complete and delicious meal.
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Steamed Pork Dumplings with Bamboo Shoots...
Main Ingredients: Flour, Egg Whites, Pork, Cooked Meat, Vegetable Oil
Steamed pork dumplings, also known as siu mai, are a popular dish in Chinese dim sum. This recipe features a tasty and juicy filling made with ground pork, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms. These dumplings are then steamed to perfection, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Kangkung Belacan (Water Spinach with Shrimp Paste)
Main Ingredients: Sauce, Water Spinach, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Shaoxing
Kangkung belacan is a delicious and spicy dish that is popular in Southeast Asian countries, including China. It features water spinach stir-fried with a flavorful mixture of shrimp paste, garlic, and chili. This dish is best served with steamed rice and is perfect for those who love bold and spicy flavors.
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Hong Kong Cantonese Style
Main Ingredients: Egg Noodles, Mung Bean Sprouts, Hot Water, Sugar, Soy
Hong Kong Cantonese style cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes, and this recipe is no exception. It features tender and juicy beef cooked in a rich and savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and star anise. Serve it with some steamed vegetables and rice for a complete and delicious meal.
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Crispy Pork Belly (siu yuk 烧肉)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Ginger Powder, Five Spice Powder, White
Crispy pork belly, also known as siu yuk, is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. This recipe features tender and flavorful pork belly that is roasted to perfection, resulting in a crispy and delicious outer layer. Serve it with some steamed buns and hoisin sauce for a mouth-watering meal.
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Chicken and Bean Sprouts Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Water, Vegetable Oil, Soy Sauce
Kung Pao chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that is known for its bold and spicy flavors. This recipe features tender chicken cooked in a savory and spicy sauce made with chili paste, soy sauce, and peanuts. Serve it over rice for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Kung Pao Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Shaoxing Wine, Soy
Mushroom fried rice is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The earthy and savory flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the soy sauce and garlic in this recipe. Add in some scrambled eggs for a protein boost and serve it with your favorite Chinese dishes.
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Mushroom Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Hot Water, Light Soy Sauce
Mapo tofu is a popular Chinese dish that is known for its spicy and flavorful sauce. This vegan version replaces the traditional pork with tofu, making it a healthier and cruelty-free option. The soy sauce, chili bean paste, and black bean sauce give this dish its signature flavor, while the sichuan peppercorns add a numbing and tingling sensation to the dish.
The History of MSG in Chinese Cuisine
MSG first gained popularity in Chinese cuisine during the 20th century, when it was discovered by a Japanese chemist, Kikunae Ikeda. He found that the unique umami taste, often described as savory or meaty, was due to the presence of glutamate in certain foods. Glutamate is an amino acid that is naturally present in many foods, including tomatoes, mushrooms, and seaweed. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamate, and its use in Chinese cooking quickly spread to other parts of the world.
The Debate Surrounding MSG
Despite its widespread use, MSG has been the subject of much controversy. Many people associate it with the term "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," a term coined in the 1960s to describe a group of symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and chest pain that some people experienced after consuming Chinese food. However, numerous studies have failed to find a direct link between MSG and these symptoms. The general consensus among experts is that MSG is safe for consumption in moderation.
The Benefits of Using MSG in Chinese Cooking
When used in small amounts, MSG can enhance the flavor of Chinese dishes by adding a depth of savory taste. It can also help balance out other flavors, such as sweetness and spiciness, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish. MSG is especially useful in vegetarian or vegan dishes, as it can provide a more complex flavor profile that is often missing without the presence of meat.
A Delicious Recipe with MSG
Now that we've talked about the history and benefits of MSG, let's put it into practice with a simple and delicious recipe: Stir-Fried Chicken with Vegetables. This recipe serves four people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp MSG
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together MSG, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add onion, red bell pepper, broccoli, and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute.
Return chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve over rice and enjoy your flavorful and MSG-enhanced Chinese dish!
In conclusion, MSG is a natural and safe ingredient that has been used in Chinese cuisine for decades. Its presence can elevate the flavor of dishes and create a more well-rounded taste profile. As with any seasoning, moderation is key, and incorporating it into your cooking can add a new dimension to your Chinese dishes. So go ahead and give it a try in your next recipe!