A Guide to the Most Flavorful Chinese Mezes You Can Make at Home

Chinese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, intricate techniques, and a beautiful array of textures. Among the many culinary delights, mezes—small dishes served as appetizers—stand out for their diversity and taste. In this guide, we will explore some of the most flavorful Chinese mezes that you can easily make at home, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills.

1. Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼)

Scallion pancakes are a beloved Chinese street food, renowned for their flaky texture and aromatic flavor. To make these, you will need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil

Start by mixing the flour with hot water to form a dough. After letting it rest for 30 minutes, roll out the dough and spread a thin layer of oil, sprinkle salt and scallions, and then roll it up into a log. Coil the log into a spiral, flatten it, and pan-fry until golden brown. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

2. Dumplings (饺子)

Dumplings are a staple in Chinese cuisine, often filled with ground meat or vegetables. Making them from scratch is easier than you might think. Here's a simple recipe:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 lb ground pork or chicken
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp ginger, minced

Create the dough by combining flour and water. Let it rest, then roll into circles. Mix the filling ingredients, spoon a small amount onto each dough circle, fold, and seal. Boil, steam, or pan-fry them, and serve with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

3. Hot and Sour Soup (酸辣汤)

This classic soup combines spiciness and tanginess, making it a delicious starter. Key ingredients include:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
• 1/2 cup tofu, diced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Bring the broth to a boil, add mushrooms and bamboo shoots, then tofu, soy sauce, vinegar, and white pepper. Finally, drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring for a silky texture. Garnish with sliced scallions before serving.

4. Spicy Szechuan Noodles (四川凉面)

These cold noodles are perfect for a spicy kick. You will need:

• 8 oz noodles (wheat or rice)
• 3 tbsp sesame paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• Chopped peanuts for garnish

Cook the noodles according to package instructions and rinse them in cold water. In a bowl, mix together sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil, and garlic. Toss the cold noodles in this sauce and top with cucumber and peanuts for a refreshing dish.

5. Fried Wontons (炸云吞)

These crispy bites are perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 package wonton wrappers
• 1 lb ground pork or shrimp
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 1 tsp salt
• Oil for frying

Combine the ground meat with scallions and salt in a bowl. Place a small spoonful on each wonton wrapper, fold, and seal. Deep-fry until golden brown and serve with sweet and sour sauce.