Chinese starters consist of food items that are served before the Chinese main course meal. A variety of starters are offered by Chinese cuisine. Dumplings, spring rolls and many Chinese soups are popular all over the world for their globally appealing taste.
Commonly Used Ingredients for Preparing Chinese Starters
Chinese foods are usually colorful as they include a wide range of vegetables like bamboo shoots, chilies, leeks, mushroom, onions, garlic and ginger.
Minced chicken, salmon, prawns, oysters and eggs are also used commonly as ingredients in Chinese starters.
Besides, a variety of sauces are used for flavoring the dishes in Chinese cuisine. Soy sauce, red pepper sauce and mustard sauce are the common sauces used.
List of Popular Chinese Starters
Dim sum- Also known as Chinese Dumplings, dim sums belong to Cantonese cuisine. These starters were traditionally served in China with tea and the tradition was popularly known as yum cha. These dumplings are usually steamed or fried and have a minced chicken or vegetable filling. There are many variations to this Chinese starter recipe and they are relished in all parts of world.
Spring rolls- Spring rolls are yet other popular Chinese starters which are often relished with hot or cold beverages. The wrappers are prepared with the dough and filled with assorted steamed vegetable or chicken. Spicy dips are served with these crunchy starters.
Chicken soy sauce wings – It is a classic Chinese appetizer which tastes spicy. Soy sauce, ginger root, red pepper, leeks, five spice powder and vinegar are combined in a pan and the wings are cooked in the mixture. Once flavored, the wings are taken out with a slotted spoon and are served warm.
Chinese fried prawns – Chinese fried prawns are one of the delicious starters that are usually served prior to a main course meal. Prawns are dipped in corn flour mixture and fried. Once golden, they are cooked with garlic and bell peppers and are served warm with drinks.
Cha siu bao – It is a Chinese starter which consists of a bun filled with barbequed pork. Like dim sums,Cha siu Bao is usually served as during the yum cha tradition.
