About Chinese Food

Easy No Cook Szechuan-style Noodles

2009-07-13T15:30:01Z

This is a great recipe for days when you want to spend a minimum amount of time in the kitchen. Egg noodles are boiled and topped with a spicy dressing made with balsamic vinegar and hot chili oil (available at Asian markets). Serve Easy Szechuan-style Noodles hot or cold, and feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds and chopped green onion if desired.

Salt and Pepper Shrimp

2009-07-11T17:11:04Z

Spicy salt and pepper shrimp makes an excellent appetizer or main meal. The deep-fried shrimp shells turn a wonderful orange color, and have a crunchy texture, while the spicy seasoning adds extra flavor. Leaving the shells on protects the shrimp meat inside, so that it tastes very tender. But don�t worry � eating the shells is strictly optional!
More Stir-fried Salt and Pepper Shrimp � a quick and easy stir-fry version

_{Salt and Pepper Shrimp Photo © copyright 2005 by Rhonda Parkinson, licensed to About.com, Inc}

Fruit Smoothie Recipes

2009-07-10T11:15:57Z

Can anything beat a smoothie when the weather gets warm? Fruit smoothie recipes are a great way to take the edge off summer�s heat, whether you want a quick breakfast or a cool, refreshing afternoon snack. Made with silken tofu, Blueberry Tofu Smoothie combines the tart flavor of blueberries with sweet banana and honey. This Mango Smoothie recipe pairs mango and banana with lime juice and honey. And bubble tea fans will love this Bubble Tea Smoothie made with hot black tea and an assortment of fresh fruit.
_{Blueberry Tofu Smoothie photo © copyright by Rhonda Parkinson, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Sweet Red Bean Soup

2009-07-09T12:10:43Z

Even though this light dessert soup is considered to be a yang or warming food, it's perfect for warm summer days. Sweet Red Bean Soup uses red azuki (adzuki) beans and dried tangerine peel, sold in plastic bags in Chinese/Asian markets. Glutinous rice, also sold in Asian markets, adds texture.

_{Sweet Red Bean Soup photo © copyright by Rhonda Parkinson, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

How to Cook Beef Ribs � Spicy Beef Short Ribs

2009-07-08T13:00:09Z

Looking for a quick and easy way to cook beef ribs that doesn�t involve getting out the grill? In this recipe beef shortribs are stir-fried with onion and frozen vegetables. A simple sauce made by combining beef broth with Worcestershire sauce and sugar adds the finishing touches. A fun fusion recipe that shows how stir-frying can be used to create quick and tasty meals even when you're not using Chinese ingredients. Perfect for summer, Spicy Beef Short Ribs serves 4 to 6.

Szechuan Cuisine - Some Like it Hot

2009-07-07T10:21:00Z

What makes Szechuan cuisine so special? Many people believe the secret ingredient is Szechuan peppercorn: the reddish-brown berry is famous for the numbing sensation it causes around the mouth. But that�s not the whole story. It�s the marriage of Szechuan peppercorn with hot chili peppers that gives Szechuan cuisine its fiery appeal.
Why? It all comes down to the relationship between cuisine and climate. Hot, humid climates like Szechuan province call for food that is both hot and highly spiced. The combination of chiles and Szechuan peppercorn fits the bill perfectly. The heat in the chili peppers stimulates the palate, making it more receptive to other tastes. Meanwhile, Szechuan peppercorn�s numbing sensation reduces the impact of chili pepper heat, leaving diners free to appreciate the capsicum�s intense, fruity flavor. Together, the two spices produce the �numbing fire� found in classic Szechuan fare such as Chicken with Orange Peel and Bang Bang Chicken.

_{Dried Chiles Photo © copyright 2006 by Rhonda Parkinson, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Say it With Sprouts

2009-07-06T17:42:47Z

The crunchy texture and sweet flavor of mung bean sprouts lends flavor to many Chinese dishes, from stir-fries to salads. Learn more about the popular sprout and try several recipes, including No Cook Salad Rolls, Singapore Noodles With Shrimp and a simple recipe for Stir-fry Bean Sprouts.

Do You Use a Wok to Cook Chinese Food?

2009-07-05T12:28:39Z

The versatile wok has many uses even when you're not preparing a Chinese recipe - its unique shape makes it perfect for everything from tossing salad to steaming lobster. But, do you really need a wok to cook Chinese food? Share Your Opinions!
_{Woks at The Wok Shop, San Francisco photo © copyright by Rhonda Parkinson, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Chicken Stir-fry With Bell Peppers

2009-07-05T12:25:39Z

Two types of soy sauce add flavor to this easy chicken stir-fry with onion and sweet bell peppers.

More Chicken Stir-fry Recipes:

Stir-fry Beef With Onions

2009-07-05T12:00:17Z

Sure, onions are available year-round, but local onions harvested in summer often have more flavor. This recipe pairs beef and onions with a flavorful sauce made with dark soy sauce and sugar. It has been reader-rated at 5 out of 5 stars.