Chinese cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, aromas, and cultural significance. Beyond satisfying our appetites, Chinese dishes often convey good fortune, prosperity, and longevity. This cultural heritage is reflected in the variety of their dishes, from main courses to desserts and side dishes that are equally alluring. When it comes to meal preparation, appetizers play a crucial role as the precursor to the main event.
Their purpose is to tantalize our taste buds before serving a more substantial meal. In China, appetizers encompass a diverse range of options, including Dim Sum, soups, cold dishes, salads, and other varieties that are designed to whet our appetite without leaving us feeling full. My personal favorites from this list include the Mantou, Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls), and Dànhuātāng (Egg Drop Soup).
What sets #27 apart is the meticulous preparation required, making it a rare sight even in Chinese restaurants. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!
Chinese Spring Rolls
While typically small in size, Chinese Spring Rolls pack a punch with their multitude of fillings. Shredded pork, chopped shrimps, cabbages, mushrooms, and carrots are just some of the ingredients that find themselves wrapped within the flour-based wrapper. When served hot and bite-sized as an appetizer, these spring rolls provide the perfect introduction to the culinary delights that follow, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next course.
Baozi (Chinese Steamed Bun With Fillings)
While many are familiar with the diverse fillings of hot Chinese steamed buns – such as pork and vegetables – few realize that they also serve as an appetizer. In China, this type of steamed bun is locally known as Baozi. Whether served as a prelude to the main course or enjoyed on its own as a street snack, these soft, fluffy treats have the power to delight both children and adults alike.
Mantou (Chinese Steamed Bun)
In Northern China, Mantou is a beloved steamed bun that shares some similarities with Baozi. Unlike its filling-filled counterpart, however, Mantou’s simplicity lies in its lack of fillings – it’s purely a product of the steam room, where typical bread ingredients like wheat flour, egg, water, and leavening agents come together to create a humble yet satisfying treat.
While plain Mantou is a staple, creative variations abound, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Chinese cuisine and its penchant for reinventing flavors and presentation.
Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)
Jiaozi, also known as Chinese Dumplings, are a culinary delight that consists of carefully sealed fillings encased in a thin layer of dough. This traditional dish is typically cooked through steaming or deep-frying, which allows the dumplings to retain their delicate texture and flavor. When served with a dipping sauce such as black vinegar, soy sauce, or sesame oil, these bite-sized morsels are sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate, even before the main course has arrived.
Siu Mai
In the realm of Cantonese cuisine, Siu Mai is a beloved dim sum staple that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. Unlike their larger Chinese dumpling counterparts, Siu Mai are diminutive in size, with a generous helping of meat artfully placed on top rather than nestled within the dough. As an appetizer, this bite-sized delight expertly tantalizes the palate without inducing satiety, allowing you to savor each morsel and eagerly anticipate the main course that follows.
Guōtiē (Chinese Potstickers)
Indulge in the harmonious contrast of textures that defines traditional Chinese Potstickers, affectionately referred to as Guōtiē. The dual cooking method – steaming one side and pan-frying the other – yields a captivating experience with every bite. As you take a moment to savor each piece, the symphony of crispy and soft sensations melds seamlessly with the rich flavors of the succulent pork fillings within.
Crab Rangoon
Crab Rangoon, a beloved appetizer staple in Chinese-American restaurants, owes its origins to the fried wontons of Cantonese cuisine. This delectable dish harmoniously combines the richness of cheese, the savory flavor of crab meat, and the satisfying crunch of the fried wonton wrapper. As an innovative dim sum creation inspired by Chinese culinary traditions, Crab Rangoons are an excellent choice for your next banquet or potluck gathering.
Char Siew-Style Pork Meatballs
Meatballs are often a crowd-pleaser at social gatherings. But what sets these bite-sized Chinese pork meatballs apart is the incorporation of Char Siew’s signature flavors, specifically five-spice powder, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, peppercorns, and cinnamon sticks. This unique blend gives these humble appetizers a distinctly Asian flair, transporting your taste buds to the orient with each savory bite.
Chinese Pearl Balls
While traditional meatballs are delicious, this recipe puts a fascinating twist on the classic by incorporating a distinctive Asian element: glutinous rice. Specifically, we’re talking about Chinese Pearl Balls, which consist of savory fillings made with meat and vegetables wrapped in steamed glutinous rice. The result is a surprisingly sweet and tender treat that will intrigue your taste buds.
Hong Kong Curry Fish Balls
In many Asian countries, including China, fish balls have long been a beloved street food. However, they can also make for excellent appetizers, as evidenced by the delicious Hong Kong Curry Fish Balls. The key to preparing these flavorful bites is having the right ingredients on hand, which include a range of oriental condiments and pastes such as rice wine, shacha sauce, and chu hou sauce.
While some might be intimidated by the thought of cooking from scratch, the truth is that these curry fish balls are surprisingly easy to make and satisfying enough to leave you eagerly anticipating the next course.
Shaoxing Drunken Chicken
When it comes to culinary innovation, few dishes are more intriguing than this chicken-based appetizer, which gets its name from the use of an unconventional ingredient: alcohol. Specifically, this recipe involves marinating deboned chicken legs in a brine mixture infused with Shaoxing cooking wine for 24 hours prior to serving. The key to success lies in meticulous preparation, as the wine’s sharp flavor can easily overpower the dish if not carefully balanced.
Nevertheless, when done correctly, this Shaoxing Drunken Chicken dish proves to be an exceptional and memorable addition to any culinary gathering.
Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Cheung Fun, also known as Rice Noodle Rolls, is a Chinese appetizer dish that’s definitely worth exploring. What sets this dish apart is the unique combination of ingredients used to make the steamed rice noodles. These rolls are crafted from a blend of rice flour, tapioca flour, starch, salt, oil, and water, resulting in a delicate yet satisfying texture.
When it comes to flavor, you have the option to keep things simple with a plain noodle roll or add some excitement with fillings like succulent shrimp or tender barbecued pork.
Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken
In Chinese cuisine, the iconic Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken is often enjoyed as a popular street food. The name ‘Bang Bang’ originates from the technique of pounding shredded chicken into tender shreds using a cleaver knife, which is then combined with crunchy sliced cucumbers and a unique sauce featuring peanut butter as its foundation. This distinctive flavor profile adds a rich, salty-nutty taste to this delightful appetizer dish.
Chinese Wonton Soup
Wonton Soup, a timeless favorite, brings together plump wontons and rich soup in perfect harmony. While no advanced cooking techniques are required, achieving the ideal flavor profile is crucial to elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Dànhuātāng (Egg Drop Soup)
In the culinary world, Chinese Egg Drop Soup is a revered classic that never fails to impress. This iconic appetizer dish boasts delicate egg ‘ribbons’ suspended in a rich chicken broth, reminiscent of the Wonton Soup’s velvety texture. To conjure this delectable treat, simply pour beaten eggs into the simmering broth during its final moments, allowing the mixture to set and create the signature strands.
Serve hot and in small portions to tantalize your guests’ taste buds before a satisfying meal.
Chinese Mushroom Noodle Soup
Savoring the delightful fusion of flavors and textures, the Chinese-style Mushroom Noodle Soup stands out as an exceptional culinary creation. This harmonious blend of earthy mushrooms, springy noodles, rich chicken broth, savory sauces, and fresh vegetables creates a truly satisfying dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Chinese Vegetable Soup With Tofu
In many culinary applications, tofu – or curdled soy milk – serves as a versatile meat substitute. Its mild flavor and spongy texture make it an ideal addition to a wide range of dishes, from crispy fried bites to slow-cooked braises and hearty soups. In the realm of East Asian cuisine, tofu is often at the forefront of a classic appetizer dish that’s both simple and satisfying to prepare.
To craft this plant-based delight, start by boiling an onion-rich broth before introducing the star of the show: tender cubes of tofu, fragrant scallions, and earthy mushrooms. This meatless marvel is particularly well-suited for those adhering to a vegan diet, offering a guilt-free indulgence that’s both flavorful and fulfilling.
Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken Lettuce Wraps comprise of flavorful ground chicken, expertly sautéed with aromatic garlic, onion, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and crunchy scallions. This delectable mixture is then carefully wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves, creating a delightful culinary experience that’s both refreshing and savory.
Whether you prefer to use utensils or simply hold the wrap in your hand, these Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer an effortless way to savor the harmonious balance of sweet and salty flavors inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine.
Pào Cài (Chinese Pickled Cabbage)
Vegan appetizer enthusiasts will delight in Pào Cài, a tangy fusion of fermented cabbage and carrots. The key to this Sichuan specialty is a brine solution that combines salt, garlic, rice vinegar, and the distinctive flavor of Sichuan peppercorns. When served chilled, Pào Cài’s complex taste profile shines, but it’s essential to consume it promptly, as its sourness can quickly become overpowering if left out for too long.
Cold Tofu Salad
The humble tofu takes on a new dimension when combined with the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors in Cold Tofu Salad. The dish begins with sliced tofu as its base, but what truly elevates it is the judicious use of a marinade made from a harmonious blend of soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and other aromatic spices.
Okra And Vinegar Salad
Okra, affectionately referred to as ladies’ fingers, defies the conventional notion of a typical vegetable. Its unconventional nature is further underscored by its limited appearance in everyday dishes. Nevertheless, this enigmatic green delicacy can be transformed into a tantalizing appetizer when paired with a harmonious blend of flavors, including black vinegar, soy sauce, chili, and other aromatic spices.
Chinese Shredded Potato Salad
While potatoes may be most commonly linked to savory snacks like french fries, their versatility extends far beyond the fryer. In fact, they’re also a key component in many Chinese salads, where they’re shredded, sautéed with sauces and spices, and combined to create a harmonious balance of sour and spicy flavors.
Yusheng (Prosperity Salad)
Yusheng, also known as Prosperity Toss or Prosperity Salad, is a beloved appetizer in Chinese culture, typically served at New Year’s gatherings. What sets it apart from other dishes is its unique presentation: a vibrant arrangement of vegetables, fruits, and salmon slices carefully placed side by side to resemble a circle, awaiting the symbolic toss onto guests’ plates.
This colorful display embodies the joy and optimism of the New Year, as well as its significance in wishing good fortune for the future.
Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
While wood ear mushrooms might not be as well-known in all regional cuisines, they’re actually a staple in Chinese cooking. And the best part? They’re completely edible and can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, like the intriguing Wood Ear Mushroom Salad.
At first glance, this salad may seem unconventional, but when you combine the earthy flavor of the mushrooms with tangy and sweet notes from the sauces and spices, it becomes an unforgettable appetizer that’s sure to spark conversations at any potluck gathering.
Chinese Tea Leaf Egg
Innovative twists on classic dishes can elevate the culinary experience. One such example is the Chinese Tea Leaf Egg, a fascinating take on the humble hard-boiled egg. The preparation process is quite intriguing – after boiling eggs in water, they are cracked and then cooked once more in a rich mixture of black tea leaves, five-spice powders, sugar, and soy sauce.
This bold move allows the traditional taste of eggs to be harmoniously balanced by the distinct flavors associated with black tea leaves. The result is an egg appetizer that is both familiar and excitingly new.
Century Egg
In Chinese cuisine, Century Eggs hold a revered place within the rich tapestry of culinary history. What sets them apart is the laborious process of preservation, which can span weeks or even months. Interestingly, modern methods rely on chemical compounds like edible sodium hydroxide and food-grade zinc to replicate the distinctive appearance and flavor that have come to define this intriguing snack.
Century Egg Tofu Salad
While it’s common to enjoy century eggs sliced and paired with spicy condiments like Sichuan sauce, they can also be used as a key ingredient in a unique and flavorful salad. When combined with silken tofu, the creamy texture of the egg and the softness of the tofu create a harmonious balance that is both sour and salty. This unexpected combination adds a delightful twist to traditional salads.
The bottom line
Chinese cuisine is deeply rooted in the country’s rich cultural heritage, which is inextricably linked to the traditions and customs of the Chinese people. While many cultural expressions are evident in main courses and sweet treats, they can also be observed in small, bite-sized, and visually striking appetizers.
These delectable morsels have evolved over time through the preservation of local recipes, carefully crafted by residents who have passed down their culinary expertise to future generations. When visiting a Chinese deli, it’s well worth taking a moment to indulge in these fascinating appetizers. And for those looking to explore further, here are 27 must-try Chinese appetizers that can be easily prepared at home or savored at your local restaurant.
