American Chinese food is a staple in virtually every household. But sometimes, the takeout just doesn’t cut it. Here are six secrets for cooking American Chinese food that’s not just good, but better than takeout.
Use the Right Ingredients
You’ll want to have soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce on hand. Other ingredients, like chili crisp, MSG, Chinese five spice, and different kinds of soy sauce (like dark) aren’t 100% necessary, but can help elevate your dishes even further. And don’t forget the star of the show: cornstarch! This magical powder is the secret weapon for thickening sauces and giving your meats that delightful crispy texture. And if you make a lot of Chinese food at home, buy these ingredients in bulk to save some money!
Spend Time Marinating Your Protein
The second secret to achieving takeout-level flavor at home lies in the art of marinating. Take your chicken, beef, or tofu, and let it soak in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar for at least 30 minutes (or longer if time allows). This step not only adds flavor but also tenderizes your meat to make it as juicy as can be. Don’t worry: if you’re short on time, even a quick ten minute bath in some potent flavors is better than nothing and still worth doing.
Use a Wok
If you want to cook American Chinese food like a pro, you’ll need a wok. This versatile cooking vessel is designed to handle high heat and stir-frying, making it essential for achieving that authentic taste. A large skillet will do in a pinch, but if you’re serious about having take-out quality food at home, a wok is a worthwhile investment.
Take Your Sauce Game Seriously
American Chinese food is so irresistible for a lot of reasons, but probably the number one would be the incredible sauces. Whether you’re making a sweet and tangy sauce for orange chicken or something more fiery like Kung Pao, do right by the sauce, and the rest of your dish is in good hands. Remember to taste your sauce as it goes, but also remember that intense flavors are often required here; you’ll be adding it to vegetables and proteins that will dilute the flavor slightly, so take that into account when thinking about balance.
Presentation Matters
Presentation matters, even if you’re just dining solo in your pajamas. Use colorful plates, garnish with multi-colored sesame seeds or chopped green onions. It’s all about creating an experience, not just a meal. Takeout doesn’t always pay as much attention to presentation, but that’s why it’s so important if you want to make food that’s even BETTER than what you can get from the American Chinese place down the street.
Order Takeout and Take Notes
What’s your favorite dish from your local Chinese spot? Order it and note what it is about it you love so much. What vegetables and proteins do they use? Is there something special about the sauce you could replicate at home? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and trying to remake one of your favorite carryout orders is not only fun, but it’ll up your cooking game!
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