Chinese Cooking Basics
Help with preparing Chinese food, from stir-frying tips to general information on ingredients and sources for purchasing Chinese food online.

Cooking Theory
Cooking Tips
Cooking Equipment
Ingredients

Cooking Theory

A Taste of the Orient
My first article writing as an About Guide looks at the philosophy behind Chinese cooking.

Five Elements Theory in Chinese Cooking
What is the five elements theory and what role does it play in Chinese cuisine?

Yin and Yang in Chinese Cooking
The philosophy of yin and yang permeates Chinese culture, but what role does it play in food?

Cooking Tips

Basic Tips
Twenty handy tips to keep near the stove when you're preparing Chinese food. 

Beginner's Guide
An index of resources to make Chinese cooking easier for the beginner, including cooking methods, tips, FAQ's and choosing a cooking class. 

Chinese Cooking 101 - The Quiz
Test your cooking skills in this fun interactive quiz.

Cooking Tips - Deep-Frying
Tips to make deep-frying easier and lower the fat content. A shortened, one page version of my article Ten Tips for Deep-Frying. 

Cooking Tips - Stir-frying
Twenty tips to help take the mystery out of stir-frying, along with a discussion of cooking temperatures. A handy, shortened version of my article Twenty Tips for Stir-Frying.

Egg Drop Soup
Tips for pouring the beaten egg into Egg Drop Soup, along with recipes for Egg Drop Soup and variations.

Egg Roll Energizers
Tips for making egg rolls that are neither too soggy or too dry, along with a recipe.

How to Cook Rice
Step by step instructions for boiling rice.  You'll find a longer article on cooking rice that includes recipes for Yangzhou (Yangchow) and Sun Ya  Fried Rice here.

Rice Revitalizers
More tips on cooking rice that is fluffy and doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

How to Cook Noodles
A table of instructions and cooking times for different types of noodles used in Asian cooking.

More How To's....
Handy step-by-step instructions on everything from shredding meat to making five-spice powder. 

Photo How To's....
A growing directory of step-by-step instructions complete with photos.  

Quick and Easy 
Tips for preparing Chinese food on those busy weeknights.

Temperature Conversions
Not sure which mark to use on your gas stove, or what temperature is equivalent to "moderate heat?" This handy table will help.

Cooking Equipment

Do I Need a wok?
Do you really need a wok to cook Chinese food? Also, information on purchasing and caring for your wok.

How to Season a Carbon Steel Wok 
Step-by-step instructions on how to season your wok once you get it home from the store.

How to Clean a Carbon Steel Wok 
Step-by-step instructions that will help your wok last longer.

Out of the Frying Pan
If you decide to use a frying pan, here are tips on how to make sure it is "stir-fry friendly."

Why Waste a Wok? 
Don't think a wok has to remain in the cupboard when you're not cooking Chinese food.  

Ingredients

Stocking the Pantry - What Do I Buy First? 
Before you splurge on expensive equipment and exotic ingredients, find out what you really need to begin cooking Chinese meals.

Best Brands
My recommendations on brand names, along with information for purchasing them online where possible.

Culinary Dictionary 
An ever growing resource with descriptions of Asian ingredients (including alternative names) and cooking terms.  

Ingredients
A more in depth look at specific ingredients: two examples are Sweet and Sour Sauce and What Makes Hot Mustard Hot? 

Ingredient Substitutions
Run out of a specific ingredient?  You'll find substitutions here for everything from agar-agar to water chestnuts.   

Photo Gallery
My collection of photos of Chinese dishes, ingredients and cooking equipment.

For more cooking advice, check out my bookstore with cookbooks, reviews and sample recipes.

Return to Chinese Cuisine 101: The Tour
Return to Main Topic Menu Index

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