How to Make Classic Chinese Mezes That Everyone Will Love

Classic Chinese mezes, or small dishes, are a delightful way to introduce a variety of flavors and textures to your dining experience. Perfect for gatherings or casual meals, these dishes are sure to delight your guests. Below is a guide on how to make classic Chinese mezes that everyone will love.

1. Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings are a staple in Chinese cuisine and can be filled with various ingredients. Here’s a quick recipe to make traditional pork and chive dumplings:

Ingredients: Ground pork, chopped chives, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, dumpling wrappers.
Instructions: In a bowl, mix ground pork, chives, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Place a small spoonful of the filling on a dumpling wrapper, fold and seal the edges. Boil or pan-fry until golden brown. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

2. Spring Rolls

These crispy delights are easy to make and customizable. You can use a mix of vegetables or include meat.

Ingredients: Spring roll wrappers, shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and minced shrimp or chicken (optional).
Instructions: Sauté the vegetables (and meat if using) until tender. Place a spoonful of the mixture onto a wrapper, roll it tightly, and seal with a bit of water. Deep-fry until crispy and golden.

3. Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)

These savory pancakes are a wonderful addition to any Chinese meal.

Ingredients: Flour, boiling water, chopped scallions, salt, and oil.
Instructions: Combine flour with boiling water and knead until smooth. Roll out, sprinkle with scallions and salt, then roll tightly into a log and coil. Flatten and pan-fry until crispy on both sides.

4. Chinese Cold Noodles

Perfect for summer, these cold noodles are refreshing and flavorful.

Ingredients: Noodles, cucumber, shredded carrots, sesame paste, soy sauce, and chili oil.
Instructions: Cook the noodles and rinse them under cold water. Toss with sliced cucumbers, carrots, sesame paste, soy sauce, and a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.

5. Mapo Tofu Bites

This spicy dish transforms into bite-sized portions that are easy for sharing.

Ingredients: Silken tofu, ground pork, doubanjiang (spicy bean paste), and scallions.
Instructions: Stir-fry pork, add doubanjiang and diced tofu. Allow it to simmer. Serve in small bowls garnished with chopped scallions.

6. Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

This rich dish is a favorite, combining sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients: Pork belly, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and star anise.
Instructions: Blanch pork belly, then caramelize sugar in a pot. Add pork, soy sauce, ginger, and star anise. Simmer until tender and serve cut in small cubes.

7. Spicy Edamame

A simple yet satisfying appetizer that is easy to prepare.

Ingredients: Edamame, salt, and chili flakes.
Instructions: Boil edamame until tender, drain, and toss with salt and chili flakes for a spicy kick.

These classic Chinese mezes are not only delicious but also showcase a range of cooking techniques and flavors. They are sure to impress your family and friends at your next gathering. Enjoy the process of making these dishes and the joy they bring to the table!