All Under Heaven Recipes From The 35 Cuisines Of China
China is a land of diverse cultures and cuisines. The country has 35 different regional cuisines, each with its unique flavors and cooking styles. Collectively, these cuisines are referred to as the "All Under Heaven" recipes.
The 8 Major Cuisines
The eight major cuisines of China are Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Anhui. These cuisines are diverse and have different cooking techniques, ingredients, and flavors.
Cantonese cuisine is known for its seafood dishes, dim sum, and barbecue meats. Sichuan cuisine is famous for its spicy and numbing flavors, while Hunan cuisine is known for its smoky and spicy flavors.
Fujian cuisine is a combination of seafood and meat dishes, and it has a unique flavor because of the use of red yeast rice. Jiangsu cuisine is known for its soups and stews, while Zhejiang cuisine has a focus on fresh seafood and vegetables.
Shandong cuisine is known for its use of vinegar and seafood, while Anhui cuisine has a focus on wild herbs and game meats.
The 10 Lesser-Known Cuisines
Aside from the eight major cuisines, China also has ten lesser-known cuisines that are equally delicious and unique. These cuisines include Xinjiang, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Liaoning, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Tibet, and Qinghai.
Xinjiang cuisine is known for its lamb dishes and use of spices, while Yunnan cuisine has a focus on fresh ingredients and sour flavors. Guangxi cuisine is a combination of Cantonese and Vietnamese cuisines, and it features a lot of rice noodle dishes.
Guizhou cuisine is known for its sour and spicy flavors, and Hainan cuisine features a lot of seafood dishes. Liaoning cuisine is a combination of Shandong and Korean cuisines, while Shaanxi cuisine is known for its noodles and breads.
Shanxi cuisine features a lot of vinegar-based dishes, while Tibetan cuisine has a focus on yak meat and dairy products. Qinghai cuisine features a lot of lamb and beef dishes.
Common Ingredients in Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine features a lot of ingredients that are unique to the country. These ingredients include soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Chinese cuisine also features a lot of spices, including Sichuan peppercorn, star anise, and cinnamon.
Vegetables commonly used in Chinese cuisine include bok choy, Chinese broccoli, and Chinese cabbage. Chinese cuisine also features a lot of seafood, including shrimp, crab, and fish.
Meat commonly used in Chinese cuisine includes pork, chicken, beef, and lamb. Tofu and bean sprouts are also commonly used in Chinese cuisine.
Popular Chinese Dishes
Chinese cuisine features a lot of popular dishes that are enjoyed worldwide. These dishes include:
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Ma Po Tofu
- Beijing Duck
- Mapo Doufu
- Chow Mein
- Wonton Soup
- Spring Rolls
- Dumplings
- General Tso's Chicken
Conclusion
China's diverse cuisines offer a unique culinary experience that is not found anywhere else in the world. From the spicy flavors of Sichuan to the seafood dishes of Cantonese cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you are a fan of meat dishes, seafood, or vegetarian cuisine, Chinese cuisine has something to offer. Try some of these All Under Heaven recipes and experience the unique flavors of China.