17 Chinese Restaurant Cornstarch Batter Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Chinese food is loved and enjoyed by people all over the world. Among the various dishes, one of the most popular and versatile is the cornstarch-battered recipe. This simple yet delicious batter can be used for a variety of dishes, from crispy fried chicken to sweet and sour pork. If you've ever wondered how to recreate this classic Chinese restaurant dish at home, look no further. In this article, we will provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to the Chinese restaurant cornstarch batter recipe. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade Chinese cuisine!
One of the most popular dishes in Chinese cuisine, orange chicken is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy chicken. The tangy and sweet orange sauce perfectly complements the tender and crispy chicken pieces, making this dish a hit with both kids and adults. And the best part? You can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients!
This classic Chinese dish is a staple in many Chinese takeout menus, and for good reason. The tender beef and crisp broccoli are coated in a flavorful sauce, making it a perfect pairing with rice or noodles. And with this easy recipe, you can recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
A simple and comforting soup, Chinese egg drop soup is a popular appetizer in Chinese restaurants. The silky and flavorful broth is made by slowly pouring beaten eggs into hot chicken or vegetable broth. This soup is not only delicious, but also a great way to warm up on a chilly day.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
Who doesn't love a plate of crispy and flavorful chicken wings? This recipe takes inspiration from Chinese takeout food, using a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey to create a delicious glaze for the wings. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish with rice.
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Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
This dish is a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants, but you can easily make it at home with this recipe. Tender beef and broccoli are stir-fried in a savory brown sauce, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve it with rice for a complete and hearty dinner.
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Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
Fried rice is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason. It's a great way to use up leftovers and can be customized with your favorite proteins and vegetables. This recipe uses beef as the main protein, but feel free to use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead.
Also known as char siu, Chinese BBQ pork is a tasty and versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be served as a main dish with rice, used as a filling for steamed buns, or added to stir-fries. The key to achieving the signature red color and caramelized crust is using a combination of soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five spice powder.
A stir-fry is a quick and easy way to get a flavorful and nutritious meal on the table. This recipe uses chicken as the main protein, but you can also use beef, shrimp, or tofu. The key to a successful stir-fry is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
Sweet and sour chicken is another popular Chinese takeout dish that you can easily make at home. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a crispy batter and then tossed in a tangy and sweet sauce. This dish is best served with rice and makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Chinese Salt and Pepper Tofu Restaurant Style
Main Ingredients: Oil, Leeks, Celery Rib, Green Pepper, Minced Garlic
If you're looking for a tasty vegetarian option, this salt and pepper tofu recipe is a must-try. Crispy cubes of tofu are seasoned with a blend of spices and then stir-fried until golden brown. This dish is best served hot and makes for a great appetizer or side dish.
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Chinese Restaurant-Style Chicken Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Ginger, Green Onion
This dish is a staple in many Chinese takeout menus, and for good reason. Lo mein noodles are tossed with vegetables and chicken in a savory sauce, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to make at home and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender prawns coated in a honey and soy sauce glaze. It's a great way to enjoy seafood and can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. This recipe is also easy to make at home, so you can enjoy this restaurant favorite without having to order takeout.
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Kung Pao Chicken - Chinese Restaurant Quality
Main Ingredients: Oil, Peanuts, Chicken Breast, Cornstarch, Shaoxing
Kung Pao chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China. The key to a good Kung Pao is the combination of spicy and numbing flavors from the use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. This recipe is a great way to recreate this beloved dish at home.
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Szechuan Shrimp, A Classic Chinese Restaurant Dish
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Vegetable Oil, Cornstarch, Minced Ginger
This dish is a favorite in Chinese-American restaurants, and for good reason. The juicy and succulent shrimp are coated in a spicy and flavorful sauce, making it a perfect pairing with rice. This recipe is easy to make at home and is a great way to enjoy seafood in a different way.
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Daddy Wu’s Chinese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Dry Sherry, Oyster
This recipe is a twist on the classic General Tso's chicken, using a combination of hoisin and soy sauce to create a rich and flavorful sauce. The chicken is coated in a crispy batter and then tossed in the sauce, resulting in a dish that is both sweet and savory. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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Vegetable Lo Mein – Chinese Vegetable and Tofu Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Lo Mein Noodles, Firm Tofu, Assorted Vegetables, Spring
Vegetable lo mein is a great way to get a variety of vegetables in one dish. This recipe uses a mix of colorful vegetables and tofu, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The key to a good lo mein is to not overcook the vegetables, so they retain their crunch.
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Chinese Pineapple Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Pepper, Egg
Pineapple chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is known for its tangy and sweet flavors. The combination of chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks creates a delicious and vibrant dish. This recipe is easy to make at home and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals. Tender chicken is stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and a spicy sauce, resulting in a dish that is bursting with flavor. This recipe is easy to make at home and can be customized with your preferred level of spiciness.
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Chinese Restaurant-Style Hot and Sour Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Cooked Shredded Chicken, Bean Curd
This classic Chinese soup is a great way to warm up on a chilly day. The combination of tangy and spicy flavors from the vinegar and chili sauce make for a delicious and comforting soup. This recipe is easy to make at home and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and protein.
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Stir-Fried Bok Choy (Chinese Restaurant Style)
Main Ingredients: Bok Choy, Garlic, Ginger, Cooking Oil, Water
Bok choy is a leafy green vegetable commonly used in Chinese cuisine. This recipe uses a simple stir-fry technique to create a flavorful and nutritious dish. Bok choy is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to any meal.
Why Use Cornstarch Batter?
The Secret Ingredient
Cornstarch is a finely ground powder made from the starch of the corn kernel. It is a staple ingredient in Chinese cooking, known for its ability to thicken sauces and give a crispy texture to fried foods. Unlike wheat flour, cornstarch contains no gluten, making it a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities. It also has a neutral flavor, allowing the true taste of the dish to shine through. These factors make cornstarch the perfect choice for creating a light, crispy batter for Chinese restaurant dishes.
The Perfect Batter Recipe
Simple and Versatile
Making a cornstarch batter is easy and requires only a few basic ingredients. In a bowl, combine cornstarch, water, and your choice of seasoning, such as salt, pepper, or garlic powder. You can also add a beaten egg for extra flavor and texture. Mix all the ingredients together until you have a smooth, thick batter. This versatile batter can be used to coat a variety of ingredients, from chicken and pork to vegetables and seafood.
Key Tips for a Perfect Batter
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your dish, here are some key tips to keep in mind when using a cornstarch batter:
- Make sure the batter is thick enough to coat the ingredients properly. If it is too thin, the coating may become soggy.
- For a crispier texture, let the batter sit for 10-15 minutes before using it. This allows the ingredients to absorb the batter and creates a thicker coating.
- Fry the coated ingredients in hot oil. This will ensure a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. This will lower the temperature of the oil and result in a greasy, less crispy coating.
Final Thoughts
A Versatile Recipe for All Your Chinese Dishes
Whether you're craving some General Tso's chicken or sweet and sour shrimp, the Chinese restaurant cornstarch batter recipe is a must-know for any home cook. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is a versatile recipe that can be used for a variety of dishes. So next time you're planning a Chinese dinner at home, remember to whip up a batch of this delicious cornstarch batter and impress your guests with your homemade Chinese cuisine!
