15 Chinese Moon Pies Recipe Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
In recent years, Chinese moon pies have gained popularity worldwide for their unique flavor and traditional significance. These sweet treats, also known as "mooncakes," are an essential part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a holiday celebrated by many Asian cultures. While mooncakes are widely available in stores and bakeries, making them at home can be a rewarding and delicious experience. In this article, we will delve into the history of Chinese moon pies, the necessary ingredients and tools, and a step-by-step guide to creating these delectable pastries in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Egg Yolks, Salted Butter, All Purpose Flour
If you're looking to add a unique twist to your beer can chicken, why not try making Chinese moon cakes? These savory pastries are traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, but make for a delicious accompaniment to your beer can chicken any time of year. You can easily find pre-made moon cake dough at most Asian grocery stores, or make your own using flour, water, and lard. Simply wrap the dough around your beer can chicken and bake as usual for a tasty and unexpected flavor combination.
Skip the takeout and make your own Chinese orange chicken at home. This popular dish consists of crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy orange sauce. To make it even easier, you can use pre-made orange sauce from the store or make your own using fresh oranges and a few simple ingredients. Serve your orange chicken alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
For a hearty and flavorful side dish to your beer can chicken, try making Chinese beef and broccoli. This dish features tender slices of beef stir-fried with fresh broccoli and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. It's a delicious way to add some extra protein and vegetables to your meal.
Leftover rice from your beer can chicken dinner? Turn it into Chinese fried rice by stir-frying it with eggs, chopped vegetables, and your choice of protein such as shrimp, chicken, or beef. The key to making the perfect fried rice is to use cold rice and stir-fry it in a hot wok or skillet. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and delicious meal.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
If you prefer using chicken thighs for your beer can chicken, you can also use them to make Chinese-style chicken thighs. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic before grilling or roasting. This will give your chicken a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with traditional Chinese side dishes like steamed vegetables and rice.
For a quick and easy side dish, try making Chinese chicken and broccoli. Simply stir-fry chicken breast with broccoli florets and a sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. This dish is a great way to add some extra protein and vegetables to your beer can chicken dinner.
Nothing warms the soul quite like a hot bowl of Chinese egg drop soup. This simple yet flavorful dish is made with chicken broth, cornstarch, and eggs. You can also add in some tofu, green onions, or mushrooms for some extra texture and flavor. Serve it as a starter to your beer can chicken dinner for a complete and comforting meal.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, you've probably enjoyed a plate of classic pork fried rice at some point. This dish is made with pork, rice, eggs, and vegetables and is stir-fried in a hot wok or skillet. You can easily make this dish at home to serve alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
Another delicious and simple dish to make alongside your beer can chicken is egg fried rice. This dish is made with scrambled eggs, rice, and vegetables and is flavored with soy sauce and sesame oil. It's a great way to use up any leftover rice and add some extra protein to your meal.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
If you're craving some crispy and flavorful chicken wings to go with your beer can chicken, try making Chinese-style fried chicken wings. These wings are coated in a flour and cornstarch mixture and then deep-fried until crispy. Toss them in a sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and garlic for a sweet and savory flavor that will have you reaching for more.
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Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
If you're looking to add some extra greens to your beer can chicken dinner, try making Chinese broccoli beef. This dish features tender slices of beef stir-fried with Chinese broccoli and a savory sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's a great way to add some flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Egg rolls are a classic Chinese appetizer that make for a delicious side dish to your beer can chicken. These crispy and savory rolls are typically filled with vegetables and meat and then fried until golden brown. Serve them with a side of soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
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Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
Another Chinese takeout favorite, classic beef fried rice is a great side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. This dish is made with beef, rice, vegetables, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.
If you're looking to add some extra flavor to your beer can chicken, try making Chinese BBQ pork. This dish is made by marinating pork in a mixture of honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice wine before roasting it in the oven. The result is tender and flavorful pork that pairs well with any Chinese side dish.
A quick and easy side dish to make alongside your beer can chicken is Chinese chicken stir fry. Simply stir-fry chicken breast with your choice of vegetables and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Serve it over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Sweet and sour chicken is a popular Chinese takeout dish that pairs well with your beer can chicken. This dish features crispy chicken coated in a tangy and sweet sauce made with pineapple juice, ketchup, and brown sugar. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
If you're a seafood lover, try making Chinese honey prawns to go with your beer can chicken. These shrimp are coated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic before being baked or grilled to perfection. Serve them with a side of rice and vegetables for a complete and tasty meal.
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Homemade Chinese Fried Noodles
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Chinese Chives, Medium Carrot, Shredded
No Chinese meal is complete without a side of noodles, and homemade Chinese fried noodles are a delicious and easy option. Simply stir-fry noodles with vegetables and your choice of protein such as chicken, beef, or shrimp. You can also add in some soy sauce or sesame oil for extra flavor.
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Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Eggplant, Garlic, Red Chile Pepper, Fresh
If you're looking for a vegetarian option to serve with your beer can chicken, try making Chinese eggplant with spicy garlic sauce. This dish features tender eggplant stir-fried with a savory and spicy sauce made with garlic, chili paste, and soy sauce. It's a delicious and flavorful way to add some variety to your meal.
For a simple and healthy side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making Chinese garlic green beans. These green beans are stir-fried with garlic and a savory sauce made with soy sauce and oyster sauce. They're a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal.
The History of Chinese Moon Pies
The Origins and Significance
First introduced during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Chinese moon pies have a long history rooted in tradition and legend. According to one story, mooncakes were used as a secret means of communication during a rebellion against the Mongol rule in the 14th century. Hidden inside the mooncakes were messages urging the Chinese to rise up against their oppressors. Today, these pastries are enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The round shape of the mooncake symbolizes family reunion and completeness, while the sweet filling represents the sweetness of life.
The Evolution of Mooncakes
Over the centuries, Chinese moon pies have evolved and adapted to different regions and tastes. The traditional mooncake consists of a thin crust filled with lotus seed paste and a salted duck egg yolk in the center. However, modern variations have emerged, including flavors such as red bean, taro, and green tea. Some mooncakes even have a snow skin made with glutinous rice flour, giving them a soft and chewy texture. Whether traditional or modern, mooncakes continue to be a beloved delicacy among Chinese and other Asian cultures.
The Ingredients and Tools You Will Need
The Key Ingredients
To make Chinese moon pies, you will need flour, sugar, oil, and water for the crust, and a filling of your choice. Traditional fillings can be bought pre-made, while others may require additional ingredients such as lotus seeds or red beans. It is also common to use a salted duck egg yolk in the center, although this can be omitted for a vegetarian option.
The Essential Tools
While you can make mooncakes with basic kitchen tools, there are a few specialized tools that can make the process easier and more efficient. These include a mooncake mold, a pastry brush, and a rolling pin. A mooncake mold is used to shape and imprint designs onto the mooncakes, while a pastry brush is used to glaze the mooncakes with egg wash before baking. A rolling pin is essential for rolling out the dough to the right thickness.
How to Make Chinese Moon Pies
The Step-by-Step Process
1. Begin by preparing the dough. Combine flour, sugar, oil, and water in a bowl and knead until a smooth dough forms.
2. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling of your choice. If using pre-made filling, you can skip this step.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
5. Use a mooncake mold to cut out round shapes from the dough.
6. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each round dough and wrap the dough around the filling, sealing the edges.
7. Place the filled mooncakes into the mooncake mold and press down firmly to imprint designs.
8. Transfer the mooncakes onto a baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
9. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Let the mooncakes cool before serving and enjoy the taste of homemade Chinese moon pies.
In conclusion, making Chinese moon pies at home is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and honor a longstanding tradition. With a little bit of effort and the right ingredients and tools, you can create your own mouth-watering mooncakes that will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try and experience the joy of making these delectable treats yourself?
