16 Chinese Vegetarian Loh Hon Chai Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
For those looking for a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish, look no further than Chinese vegetarian loh hon chai. This traditional dish is packed with a variety of vegetables and flavorful ingredients, making it a perfect choice for any vegetarian or health-conscious individual. In this article, we will delve into the origins of this dish, the key ingredients used, and provide you with a step-by-step recipe to create your own mouth-watering Chinese vegetarian loh hon chai.
Chinese fried rice is a classic dish that is beloved all over the world. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. The key to a delicious Chinese fried rice is using day-old rice that has been refrigerated overnight. This allows the rice to dry out slightly, making it easier to fry without getting soggy. You can use a variety of meats and vegetables in your fried rice, making it a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.
2of 20
Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
Egg fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason. It's easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with flavor. The key to a perfect egg fried rice is using cold rice that has been cooked and refrigerated overnight. This allows the rice to dry out, making it easier to fry without getting soggy. The eggs are lightly scrambled and mixed with the rice, creating a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main or side dish.
Chinese egg rolls are a popular appetizer that are crispy on the outside and filled with a delicious mixture of vegetables and meat on the inside. They are often served as a starter at Chinese restaurants, but can also be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. The key to a perfect egg roll is using a combination of cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, along with your choice of protein. The filling is then wrapped in a thin egg roll wrapper and fried until golden brown and crispy.
4of 20
Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Eggplant, Garlic, Red Chile Pepper, Fresh
This Chinese eggplant dish is a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The eggplant is cooked until soft and tender, then tossed in a spicy garlic sauce that is packed with flavor. This dish is best served with steamed rice and can be made with or without meat. The key to a delicious Chinese eggplant with spicy garlic sauce is using fresh garlic and chili peppers to create a bold and flavorful sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.
Chinese garlic green beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with any Chinese meal. The green beans are cooked until tender and then tossed in a garlicky sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet. The key to perfectly cooked green beans is to blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before stir-frying them in a hot pan. This helps to maintain their bright green color and prevents them from becoming too soft.
6of 20
Vegetable Lo Mein – Chinese Vegetable and Tofu Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Lo Mein Noodles, Firm Tofu, Assorted Vegetables, Spring
Vegetable lo mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish that is packed with colorful vegetables and tofu. This dish is both nutritious and delicious, making it a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The key to a flavorful vegetable lo mein is using a variety of vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms, along with your choice of protein. The noodles are then tossed in a savory sauce that brings all the flavors together.
Stir-fries are a staple in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason. They are quick, easy, and can be made with a variety of ingredients. A Chinese vegetable stir-fry is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. The key to a delicious stir-fry is to cook the vegetables quickly over high heat, so they retain their crispness and bright colors. You can add your choice of protein, such as chicken, beef, or tofu, to make it a complete meal.
Chinese hot mustard is a spicy condiment that is often served alongside Chinese dishes, such as egg rolls and dumplings. It's made with a combination of dry mustard powder and water, which creates a potent and fiery sauce. The key to making a flavorful Chinese hot mustard is using a good quality mustard powder and mixing it with water until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a touch of honey or sugar to balance out the spiciness.
9of 20
Hand-Cut Chinese Noodles
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Salt, Water
Hand-cut Chinese noodles, also known as dao xiao mian, are a type of noodle that is made by hand using a knife to cut the dough into thin strips. These noodles are often used in soups or stir-fries and have a chewy texture that is different from other types of noodles. The key to making hand-cut Chinese noodles is to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, then using a sharp knife to cut thin strips of dough, which are then cooked in boiling water.
Chinese steamed buns, also known as baozi, are a type of fluffy and soft bun that is filled with a variety of savory fillings. They are often served as a snack or appetizer and are a popular street food in China. The key to making perfect Chinese steamed buns is to use a combination of yeast and baking powder to create a light and fluffy dough. The filling can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables, making these buns versatile and customizable.
11of 20
How to make Chinese dumpling wrappers
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Water, Salt, Spinach
If you love Chinese dumplings, then learning how to make your own dumpling wrappers is a must. These thin and delicate wrappers are perfect for wrapping your favorite fillings, such as pork and cabbage, or chicken and mushroom. The key to making the perfect dumpling wrapper is to use a combination of flour and water, which is then rolled out into thin circles and cut into smaller pieces. You can also add food coloring to make your dumpling wrappers more visually appealing.
Chinese restaurant-style fried rice is a popular dish that is often served as a side dish or main course. This fried rice is often made with a combination of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and corn, along with your choice of protein. The key to a tasty Chinese restaurant fried rice is to use a wok to stir-fry the rice and vegetables over high heat, which gives it a smoky and slightly charred flavor. You can also add a touch of soy sauce and oyster sauce for extra flavor.
13of 20
Chinese Eggplants with Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplants, Salt, Cooking Oil, Garlic, Green
Chinese eggplants with garlic sauce, also known as hong shao qie zi, is a popular Szechuan dish that is packed with flavor. The eggplants are cooked until soft and then tossed in a spicy and garlicky sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet. The key to a delicious Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce is to cut the eggplants into small pieces, which allows them to absorb more of the sauce, creating a bold and flavorful dish.
14of 20
Easy Chinese Scallion Pancake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Kosher Salt, Hot Water, Cold Water
Scallion pancakes, also known as cong you bing, are a popular Chinese street food that is easy to make at home. The pancakes are made with a simple dough that is rolled out and then filled with chopped scallions. The pancake is then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. The key to making a delicious Chinese scallion pancake is to roll the dough thin enough, so it becomes crispy when fried. You can also add other ingredients, such as eggs or sesame seeds, to create different variations of this savory and satisfying pancake.
Chinese chili oil, also known as la jiao you, is a spicy and flavorful condiment that is often used in Chinese cuisine. It's made with a combination of dried chili peppers, Szechuan peppercorns, and oil, which gives it a fiery and numbing sensation. The key to making a delicious Chinese chili oil is to toast the spices before adding them to the oil, which helps to release their flavors. You can use this chili oil as a dipping sauce, marinade, or drizzle it over your favorite dishes for an extra kick of heat.
16of 20
Chinese Eggplant With Spicy Szechuan Sauce
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Salt, Water, Cornstarch, Peanut Oil
This Chinese eggplant dish is similar to the eggplant with spicy garlic sauce, but with the addition of Szechuan peppercorns, which give it a unique and numbing flavor. The eggplants are cooked until soft and then tossed in a spicy and garlicky sauce that is packed with flavor. The key to a delicious Chinese eggplant with spicy Szechuan sauce is to use a good quality Szechuan peppercorn and toasting it before adding it to the sauce.
Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce, also known as hong shao qie zi, is a popular dish in China that is similar to the eggplant with spicy garlic sauce. The eggplants are cooked until soft and then tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce that is packed with flavor. The key to a delicious Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce is to cut the eggplants into small pieces, which allows them to absorb more of the sauce, creating a bold and flavorful dish.
18of 20
Chinese 4-Ingredient Fried Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Sichuan Peppercorns, Chili Peppers
This Chinese fried cabbage dish is a simple yet flavorful side dish that can be made with just four ingredients. The cabbage is stir-fried until slightly crispy and then tossed in a savory sauce that is both sweet and tangy. The key to making a delicious Chinese 4-ingredient fried cabbage is to cook the cabbage quickly over high heat, so it retains its crunchiness. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to add more color and nutrients to this dish.
19of 20
Chinese Scallion Pancakes
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Water, Cooking Oil, Scallion, Salt
Chinese scallion pancakes are a popular street food in China that is easy to make at home. The pancakes are made with a simple dough that is rolled out and then filled with chopped scallions. The pancake is then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. The key to making a delicious Chinese scallion pancake is to roll the dough thin enough, so it becomes crispy when fried. You can also add other ingredients, such as eggs or sesame seeds, to create different variations of this savory and satisfying pancake.
20of 20
Garlic & Ginger Bok Choy
Main Ingredients: Bok Choy, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Sugar, Salt, Water
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that is often used in stir-fries and soups. This garlic and ginger bok choy dish is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. The bok choy is stir-fried with garlic and ginger until slightly tender and then tossed in a savory sauce that brings all the flavors together. The key to making a tasty garlic and ginger bok choy is to cook the vegetable quickly over high heat, so it retains its crispness and bright green color.
Origins of Loh Hon Chai
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name "loh hon chai" translates to "buddha's delight" in English. This dish is believed to have originated from Chinese Buddhist monasteries, where vegetarianism is a common practice. The dish was created using various vegetables and ingredients that are considered beneficial to one's health and well-being, hence the name "buddha's delight."
A Popular Dish in Chinese Cuisine
Loh hon chai has become a staple in Chinese cuisine, and its popularity has spread to other parts of Asia and even the world. This dish is often served during special occasions, such as Chinese New Year or as part of a vegetarian feast. Its versatility and delicious taste make it a favorite among many, regardless of dietary preferences.
Key Ingredients Used in Loh Hon Chai
Vegetables Galore
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the variety of vegetables used. Some of the most common vegetables include Chinese cabbage, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrots, and snow peas. These vegetables not only provide a range of textures and flavors but also add a generous amount of nutrients to the dish.
Flavorful Seasonings
Apart from vegetables, loh hon chai also includes a combination of flavorful seasonings, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. These ingredients add depth to the dish and enhance the overall taste.
Creating Your Own Chinese Vegetarian Loh Hon Chai
A Simple Recipe
Now that you know the origin and key ingredients of loh hon chai, it's time to try making it yourself. Here is a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for you to try at home:
Ingredients:
1 Chinese cabbage, sliced thinly
1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
1 cup of bamboo shoots, sliced
1 large carrot, sliced
½ cup of snow peas
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
1 cup of vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pan or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
Next, add the Chinese cabbage and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
Add the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrot, and snow peas, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce and stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook for another 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
Your Chinese vegetarian loh hon chai is now ready to be served!
Final Thoughts
Chinese vegetarian loh hon chai is a delicious and healthy dish that can easily be made at home. With its origins rooted in Buddhist tradition and its popularity in Chinese cuisine, this dish is a must-try for any vegetarian or food lover. So why not give it a try and enjoy a taste of "buddha's delight" in your own kitchen?
