18 Chinese Pretzel Recipe Hawaii Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 21, 2024
Chinese pretzels, also known as "Mah-lai-gao" in Cantonese, are a popular street snack in Hawaii. This delicious treat originated in China and has made its way to the island state due to the large Chinese population there. These pretzels are soft, fluffy, and have a slightly sweet flavor, making them a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Chinese pretzels in Hawaii and share a recipe for you to try at home.
If you're a fan of takeout Chinese food, then you'll love this homemade version of Chinese Orange Chicken. Made with juicy chunks of chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
A classic Chinese dish, Beef and Broccoli features tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory sauce. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete and delicious meal.
Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than Chinese Fried Rice. This dish is made with leftover rice, vegetables, and your choice of protein, making it a great way to use up leftovers.
4of 20
Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly and flavorful cut of meat that work perfectly in Chinese dishes. Marinated in a soy-based sauce and baked to perfection, these chicken thighs are a crowd-pleaser.
This classic Chinese dish is a staple in many households. Made with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a mouth-watering garlic sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, Chinese Egg Drop Soup is the perfect dish for a chilly evening. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this soup is easy to make and will warm you up from the inside out.
7of 20
Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and for good reason. This dish is made with fluffy rice, tender pork, and an assortment of vegetables, creating a colorful and tasty meal that is always a hit.
8of 20
Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
Another variation of fried rice, Egg Fried Rice is made with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and your choice of protein. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that can be made in just minutes.
9of 20
Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
Looking for a tasty appetizer or party food? These Fried Chicken Wings are a must-try. Coated in a flavorful sauce and fried to perfection, these wings are sure to be a hit with everyone.
10of 20
Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
If you love beef and broccoli, then you'll love this Chinese version of the dish. Made with tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli florets, this dish is packed with flavor and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Egg rolls are a classic Chinese appetizer that are loved by many. Filled with a delicious mixture of vegetables and protein, these crispy rolls are best dipped in a sweet and sour sauce.
12of 20
Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
Similar to Pork Fried Rice, this Classic Beef Fried Rice is made with tender beef and an assortment of vegetables. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Also known as Char Siu, Chinese BBQ Pork is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. Made with marinated pork and cooked to perfection, this dish is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
14of 20
Salted Caramel Pretzel Crunch Bars
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar
If you have a sweet tooth, then these Salted Caramel Pretzel Crunch Bars are a must-try. Made with a layer of pretzels, caramel, and chocolate, these bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
15of 20
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
Main Ingredients: Creamy Peanut Butter, Unsalted Butter, Confectioners
Another sweet and salty treat, these Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites are a bite-sized version of the classic combination. They're easy to make and are sure to satisfy any craving.
Stir fry is a popular Chinese cooking technique that involves cooking small pieces of meat and vegetables over high heat. This Chinese Chicken Stir Fry is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
17of 20
Holiday Peanut Butter Monster Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Natural Peanut Butter, White Sugar, Brown
These Holiday Peanut Butter Monster Cookies are a festive twist on the classic cookie. Made with peanut butter, oats, and a mix of holiday M&M's and chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. Made with crispy chicken, pineapple, and a tangy sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of sweet and sour.
19of 20
Sake Strawberry-Apple Bars and My Friend Masaki
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Sea Salt
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful dessert, then these Sake Strawberry-Apple Bars are a must-try. Made with sake-infused apples and a crumble topping, these bars are a delicious and unexpected treat.
20of 20
White Chocolate Covered Candy Corn Pretzels
Main Ingredients: White Chocolate Melting Wafers, Pretzel Thins, Yellow
If you're a fan of white chocolate and candy corn, then you'll love these White Chocolate Covered Candy Corn Pretzels. They're a fun and festive treat that is perfect for Halloween or any fall gathering.
The History of Chinese Pretzels in Hawaii
Chinese immigrants first came to Hawaii in the mid-19th century to work on sugar plantations. Along with them, they brought their culinary traditions, including the art of making Chinese pretzels. These pretzels were a popular street food in China, and soon became a hit in Hawaii as well.
In the early days, Chinese pretzels were sold by street vendors, who carried them in baskets on their heads. They would roam the streets, calling out "Mah-lai-gao" to attract customers. These pretzels were a convenient and affordable snack for the working class, and their popularity quickly spread throughout the islands.
The Recipe for Chinese Pretzels
Now, let's take a look at how you can make your own Chinese pretzels at home. Here's what you'll need:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of warm water
1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
1/4 cup of white sugar
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Additional vegetable oil for frying
To make the dough, mix the flour, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, vegetable oil, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, then cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin rope and twist it into a pretzel shape. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan and fry the pretzels until they turn golden brown. Drain on a paper towel and sprinkle with some sugar while they're still warm.
For an extra Hawaiian twist, you can also add some shredded coconut to the dough before shaping the pretzels.
Enjoying Chinese Pretzels in Hawaii
Today, Chinese pretzels can be found in many bakeries and markets throughout Hawaii. They are also a popular snack at local festivals and events. Next time you visit Hawaii, make sure to try some of these delicious treats and experience a taste of Chinese culture in the island state.
In conclusion, Chinese pretzels have a long and rich history in Hawaii, and their popularity continues to grow. With this recipe, you can now recreate this beloved snack in the comfort of your own home. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade Chinese pretzels? Aloha!
/GettyImages-527278540-5817b5d75f9b581c0baf8b1f.jpg)
