Chinese food: discover gastronomy and culture!
Chinese food has already become part of the culture and routine of the Brazilian people.
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This is because, especially in large Brazilian cities, it is possible to find a Chinese restaurant very easily.
But anyone who thinks that Chinese cuisine is limited to yakisoba or the beloved gyoza is mistaken, as the country's food culture is extremely rich and full of spectacular dishes.
Today's material was designed precisely to introduce you to this new world of flavors, so that you can discover the delights of Chinese oriental cuisine.
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Therefore, whether just to gain knowledge or to prepare for a trip to the country, the following content is unmissable!
What Chinese foods should you try on your trip?
It's very difficult to find any Brazilian who doesn't know at least a little about Chinese cuisine.
This is because China is a very culturally rich country, which produces many of the world's culinary techniques and dishes.
Furthermore, it is a fact that Brazilian people are passionate about Chinese food.
And, if you doubt that, just go to a shopping mall and count how many Chinese food restaurants there are there.
In some cases, there are more oriental restaurants on a relevant avenue in the country than there are Brazilian ones.
And the reason for this is quite simple: the explosion of flavor and technique that exists in Chinese food.
At first glance you don't see anything much: pasta, vegetables, rice, meat... everything we are used to.
But then the sweet aroma of the perfect caramelization of the vegetables begins to rise.
Then you see the meat, extremely juicy and covered in a sauce that whets your appetite.
Not to mention the fame of Chinese food itself, after all, who dares to say that Yakisoba isn't one of the tastiest dishes in the world?
Or, who has never wanted to enjoy a plate full of warm, soft and tasty gyozas?
But, as we said, these are just some of the main dishes of Chinese cuisine.
That's because we have many other options, which are just as tasty.
Below we will get to know these dishes, so be sure to make a note of them for your next visit to a Chinese restaurant, whether here in Brazil or on a nice trip!
Noodles: a Chinese classic
If you swear that only Italians know how to make good pasta, you need to try a Chinese Noodle.
This is because this name here in Brazil reminds us of the famous instant noodles, but a good Noodle is a dish with a much superior complexity of flavor.
In general, noodles are dishes made up of very thin noodles, surrounded by a very tasty pork or chicken broth.
The most interesting thing about this broth is that it takes advantage of the flavor of the fat, but at no point do you feel oil in your mouth.
In addition to meat, the broth also has vegetables as a base, which helps build flavors.
The presentation is usually: noodles, broth, sprouts, vegetables and a boiled egg.
If you've seen the famous Japanese ramens, you'll have an idea of what Chinese noodles are, but it's worth saying that there is a difference in flavors.
Noodles represent the most traditional Chinese foods well.
Fried rice
Chinese cuisine is based on noodles, rice, pork, chicken and vegetables.
Therefore, many of the dishes feature rice or pasta as the protagonists.
And, in a dish of fried rice, you notice how rice has the potential to be a major player.
This is a very common dish also in Korea, and basically consists of well-seasoned rice, fried together with vegetables and meat.
It is made in a wok, where each vegetable is fried independently.
In the end, the rice unites all the flavors, so that the dish forms a complex set of textures and aromas.
The most interesting thing about this dish is that the texture of the rice changes completely.
This is because it is moist, juicy and some grains gain crunchiness, thanks to the frying that takes place at the bottom of the frying pan.
This is one of the ideal Chinese foods for those looking for comfort.
Peking duck – one of the most traditional Chinese foods
Peking duck or Peking duck is one of the best-known Chinese foods around the world.
This is a very complex recipe, and it takes days to complete.
This is because the duck is prepared whole, and is seasoned and lacquered little by little, layer by layer.
The end result is a very crispy, shiny and tasty skin, combined with soft, very well-roasted meat.
It is worth mentioning that the duck is not served whole, because slices are taken and served inside a thin crust bread, accompanied by vegetables and sauces.
This is the traditional setup, but some more modern restaurants offer the duck in a more “western” presentation.
In any case, what really matters here is the preparation technique, which provides a dish with an unmistakable flavor.
If you want to get to know Chinese cuisine in depth, this is a must-try dish!
Sweet and Sour Pork (Gu Lao Rou)
Sweet and Sour Pork is a Chinese dish well known throughout the world.
This is because the sweet and sour flavor is very present in Chinese foods, and goes perfectly with pork.
This is a dish made with diced meat, lightly fried in a pan and finished with an absurdly tasty sweet and sour sauce.
The base of this sauce is usually some type of vinegar or acidic fruit juice, associated with some sweet ingredient, such as honey, soy sauce or even sugar.
To thicken the sauce, wheat flour is used in small quantities.
What really forms the flavor of the dish is the caramelization of the pork, finished off by the sauce.
In addition, the dish also includes vegetables such as peppers, chives and whatever else your creativity dictates.
The result is always spectacular, as the meat is tasty, tender, and the sauce brings a surprising complexity of flavor.
This is one of the easiest Chinese foods to find in the country, as it is a very popular dish nationally.
Finally, now that you know the main Chinese foods, take the opportunity to try them on a beautiful trip to the country!
Enjoy and also read: Korean food – discover the tradition of local cuisine