19 Chinese Pork Mooncake Recipe Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Mooncakes are a quintessential part of Chinese culture, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These delicious pastries are often filled with various sweet or savory fillings, but one of the most popular and traditional fillings is pork. Chinese pork mooncakes are not only a tasty treat, but they also hold a special significance for the Chinese people. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history and origins of this beloved mooncake recipe and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make them at home.
If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, you've probably tried the classic dish of sweet and sour pork. But did you know that you can make it at home and it's even better than the restaurant version? This recipe for Chinese sweet and sour pork is easy to follow and bursting with flavor. The dish features tender chunks of pork, crispy vegetables, and a tangy sauce that will have you coming back for more.
Egg rolls are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are loved by many for their crispy exterior and savory filling. While you can find egg rolls in most Chinese restaurants, nothing beats the taste of homemade ones. This recipe for authentic Chinese egg rolls will show you how to make them from scratch, including how to make the perfect wrapper and filling. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish with rice.
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Snowskin Mooncake 冰皮月饼 (2011)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Icing Sugar, Shortening, Water, Essence
Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese dessert, typically eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. While the classic mooncake features a baked crust, this recipe for snowskin mooncake offers a unique twist with a soft and chewy exterior made from glutinous rice flour. The filling can be customized to your liking, but the traditional lotus seed paste with salted egg yolks is a must-try. These snowskin mooncakes are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is a great way to use up leftover rice. This recipe for Chinese fried rice is simple yet flavorful, featuring a mix of rice, vegetables, and protein of your choice. What sets this fried rice apart is the use of Chinese sausage and oyster sauce, giving it an authentic taste that will transport you to the streets of China. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein for a complete meal.
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Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Chow Mein, Pork, Shrimp, Garlic Cloves, Shredded
Chow mein is a popular Chinese stir-fry dish made with noodles, vegetables, and protein. This recipe for chow mein features thick and chewy noodles, crispy vegetables, and tender strips of beef. The key to a great chow mein is the sauce, and this recipe uses a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce for a well-balanced flavor. It's a quick and easy dish to make for a weeknight dinner.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
Fried rice is one of the most popular dishes in Chinese takeout, and for a good reason. This classic pork fried rice recipe is a crowd-pleaser, featuring marinated pork, eggs, and a mix of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. The key to perfect fried rice is using day-old rice, which allows the grains to dry out and absorb the flavors better. Don't be surprised if this dish becomes a regular in your takeout rotation.
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Chinese Shredded Pork with Peppers
Main Ingredients: Pork, Vegetable Oil, Ginger, Peppers, Salt, Soy Sauce
This Chinese shredded pork with peppers dish is a delicious and colorful stir-fry that is easy to make at home. It features thinly sliced pork, red and green peppers, and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili paste. The dish comes together quickly, making it a great option for a busy weeknight. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Chinese BBQ pork, also known as char siu, is a popular dish typically served as a side dish or in noodle dishes. This recipe for Chinese BBQ pork features a flavorful marinade that gives the meat its iconic red color and sweet and savory taste. The marinade includes honey, five-spice powder, and hoisin sauce for a well-balanced flavor. Serve it on its own or incorporate it into your favorite Chinese dishes.
This Chinese daikon soup is a simple yet hearty dish that is perfect for cooler weather. The soup is made with pork ribs, daikon radish, and a variety of Chinese herbs for a nourishing and comforting meal. The daikon radish becomes tender and flavorful when cooked in the soup, making it a great addition to the broth. Serve it with rice for a complete meal or enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy lunch.
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Chinese Cabbage Potstickers
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Wrappers, Pork, Chinese Cabbage, Salt, Oil
Potstickers, also known as dumplings, are a popular Chinese dish that can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish. This recipe for Chinese cabbage potstickers features a flavorful filling made with cabbage, mushrooms, and ground pork. The key to great potstickers is to pan-fry them until they are crispy on the bottom and then steam them to cook the filling. Serve them with a dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
This recipe for Chinese pork balls is a simple and flavorful dish that is great for a quick weeknight dinner. The pork balls are made with ground pork, green onions, and soy sauce, and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as steamed, pan-fried, or added to soups. They can also be served as an appetizer or as part of a larger Chinese meal. Experiment with different sauces and toppings to make them your own.
Rice cake soup, also known as niangao, is a traditional Chinese dish served during the Chinese New Year. This recipe for Chinese rice cake soup features a flavorful broth made with chicken broth and Chinese sausage, and soft and chewy rice cakes for a comforting and satisfying meal. The dish is usually served as part of a larger spread of dishes and is a must-try for celebrating the Lunar New Year.
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Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Chicken, Ginger, Garlic, Rice Wine, Caster
This sticky Chinese pork belly dish is a crowd-pleaser, featuring tender and flavorful pork belly coated in a sweet and savory glaze. The key to perfect pork belly is to cook it low and slow until it becomes tender and falls apart. The glaze is made with a combination of honey, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce, giving the pork a rich and delicious flavor. Serve it with rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
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Chinese Red Cooked Bear
Main Ingredients: Pork, Peanut Oil, Sugar, Chinese Cooking Wine, Ginger
This Chinese red cooked bear dish may sound unusual, but it is a traditional Chinese dish that is believed to have medicinal properties. The bear meat is cooked in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, star anise, and rock sugar, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. This dish is not for everyone, but if you're feeling adventurous, it's worth trying.
Eggplant lovers, this one's for you. This recipe for Chinese spicy eggplant features tender and flavorful eggplant cooked in a spicy and savory sauce made with chili paste, garlic, and soy sauce. The dish comes together quickly and is perfect for a meatless meal. Serve it with rice for a satisfying and flavorful dish that will have you licking your plate clean.
Hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese dish that is known for its spicy and tangy flavor. This recipe for Chinese hot and sour soup features a flavorful broth made with chicken broth, vinegar, and chili paste, and is filled with tender pork, mushrooms, and tofu. It's a comforting and satisfying soup that is perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather.
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Chinese Lightly Fried Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Wrappers, Pork, Dumplings, Oil, Water
Dumplings are a beloved Chinese dish and are a must-try for any Chinese food lover. This recipe for Chinese lightly fried dumplings features a flavorful filling made with ground pork, cabbage, and green onions, wrapped in a thin dumpling wrapper. The dumplings are lightly fried until crispy on the bottom and then steamed to cook the filling. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Easy Chinese Pasta Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork, Pasta, Cornflour, Light Soy Sauce, Sugar, Chinese
Pasta may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Chinese cuisine, but this easy Chinese pasta soup is a delicious and comforting dish to try. The soup is made with chicken broth, vegetables, and noodles, and can be customized with your choice of protein. It's a quick and easy meal that is perfect for when you're craving something warm and satisfying.
Stir-fries are a quick and easy way to get a delicious and healthy meal on the table. This easy Chinese stir fry recipe features a mix of vegetables and protein, all cooked in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. The key to a great stir fry is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Serve it with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Chinese-Style Pork Ribs
Main Ingredients: Pork Ribs, Chinese 5 Spice, Chilli Powder, Honey, Dark
These Chinese-style pork ribs are a must-try for any rib lover. The ribs are marinated in a flavorful sauce made with hoisin sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, and then roasted until they are tender and falling off the bone. The result is a sweet and savory dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Serve it with rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
The History of Pork Mooncakes
The Origins
The history of pork mooncakes can be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), where they were first created as a way to pay tribute to the moon goddess, Chang'e. The round shape of the mooncakes symbolizes the full moon, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The savory pork filling represents the earth, making the mooncake a symbol of the unity between heaven and earth.
Symbolism in Modern Times
In modern times, pork mooncakes continue to hold a special significance. They are often given as gifts to loved ones during the Mid-Autumn Festival, representing reunion and togetherness. The flaky golden crust of the mooncake is said to represent the bright harvest moon, while the savory pork filling represents the bounty of the earth.
The Recipe
Ingredients
To make Chinese pork mooncakes, you will need:
For the crust: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, ½ cup vegetable oil, ⅓ cup water, 1 egg yolk
Start by making the crust. In a bowl, mix together the flour and sugar. Slowly add in the vegetable oil and mix until well combined.
Add in the water and continue to mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the ground pork, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.
Take the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a circle with your hands.
Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges of the dough up to seal the filling inside, pinching the edges together to make sure they are tightly sealed.
Place the mooncakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the egg yolk.
Bake the mooncakes at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Let the mooncakes cool before serving and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Chinese pork mooncakes are not only a delicious treat but also a symbol of Chinese culture and tradition. By making them at home, you can not only enjoy a tasty treat but also appreciate the history and symbolism behind this beloved recipe. So why not give this recipe a try and share these special mooncakes with your loved ones during the next Mid-Autumn Festival?
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