How to Make Traditional Chinese Mezes at Home

Creating traditional Chinese mezes at home is a delightful way to experience the rich flavors and textures of Chinese cuisine. These small dishes, often served as appetizers or snacks, are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Below is a guide to help you prepare some classic Chinese mezes.

1. Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼)

Scallion pancakes are a crispy, flaky treat that are easy to make. They are a great starter for any meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, add flour and boiling water. Mix until a dough forms.
  2. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, covered with a damp cloth.
  3. Roll the dough into a thin circle, brush with oil, and sprinkle with salt and scallions.
  4. Roll the dough up into a log, then coil it into a round shape.
  5. Flatten the coil and fry in a skillet with oil until golden brown on both sides.

2. Dumplings (饺子)

Dumplings are a staple in Chinese cuisine, loved for their versatility and flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 250g ground pork or chicken
  • 1 cup finely chopped vegetables (cabbage, carrots, or mushrooms)
  • Soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour and water to form a dough, let it rest for 20 minutes.
  2. In another bowl, combine meat, vegetables, and seasonings.
  3. Roll out the dough and cut into circles, fill with a spoonful of the meat mixture, and fold to seal.
  4. Steam or boil the dumplings for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through.

3. Century Eggs (皮蛋)

Century eggs are a unique traditional delicacy, often enjoyed with pickled ginger and vinegar.

Ingredients:

  • 4 century eggs
  • Pickled ginger
  • Dark soy sauce

Instructions:

  1. Peel the century eggs and cut them into wedges.
  2. Serve with pickled ginger and a drizzle of dark soy sauce.

4. Spring Rolls (春卷)

Spring rolls are a crunchy favorite that can be filled with a variety of ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package spring roll wrappers
  • 1 cup shredded vegetables (cabbage, carrot, and bean sprouts)
  • Protein of your choice (tofu, shrimp, or pork)
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Stir-fry the vegetables with your chosen protein until cooked.
  2. Place a spoonful of the mixture on a spring roll wrapper, fold and roll tightly.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the spring rolls until golden brown.

5. Sesame Balls (芝麻球)

These sweet treats are filled with red bean paste and coated in sesame seeds, making them deliciously nutty and crunchy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup red bean paste
  • Sesame seeds for coating
  • Oil for frying

Instructions: