If you are looking for a fun way to spend a night, you might want to order dim sum. This type of cuisine is traditional in Chinese culture, and it can be found in many restaurants. You can try a variety of different dishes, including noodle rolls, turnip cakes, and Xiao Long bao.
Steamed chicken feet
Chicken feet are a popular dim sum dish. These steamed talons have a soft, gelatinous texture that makes them a great snack. They are also high in protein and calcium.
These little guys have a surprisingly rich flavour. Their skin is also very tender. You can dip them in a hot vinegar or a sweet sauce. For a spicy variant, you can add crushed dried chilis.
Besides the savory flavor, chicken feet are also a good source of calcium. The collagen in the meat helps keep your bones strong. It is gradually lost as we age.
As a result, it’s important to make sure that your chicken feet are prepared properly. First, remove the nails and any dirt from the talons. To do this, wash the feet thoroughly and use a kitchen scissors.
If you can find a butcher nearby, you should save the chicken feet. Alternatively, you can buy them from the frozen section of Asian stores. This is an easier way to prepare the feet.
Before starting to cook the chicken feet, you should prepare the brine. Most recipes call for rice vinegar. However, you can use lemon juice instead. In addition, you can also use honey and maltose.
Another ingredient you can include is fermented black beans. Known as Dou Chi in Chinese, these beans give the braising liquid a complex taste. Alternatively, you can omit the beans.
The chicken feet themselves should be peeled. Then, you should soak the feet for at least an hour. After this, you should steam them with the marinade for 15 minutes. Afterwards, you can drain them and serve them warm.
One more thing you can do is air fry the chicken feet. This process makes the dish less greasy.
Turnip cakes
Turnip cakes are a traditional dim sum dish. They are also a traditional Chinese New Year food. These can be eaten hot or cold. In addition to the Chinese radish, turnip cake can also contain other ingredients.
A Chinese radish and carrot soup is a common home-cooked Cantonese vegetable soup. To add extra flavor and umami, some people add dried shrimp. Adding a small amount of rice flour can make the cake softer.
When cooked, the turnip cakes are then sliced into thick pieces. They are often served with oyster sauce or siracha sauce. Other options include dipping in chili oil.
Traditionally, turnip cakes are steamed. But they can be baked or pan-fried. For pan-fried, the batter can be made with tapioca starch instead of cornstarch. This allows more control over the filling.
Turnip cakes can be topped with spring onions. They are then fried to give them a crispy surface. The batter should be cooked for about three minutes on each side.
It is important to stir the batter to avoid over-browning. If it is too dry, water can be added. Also, shiitake mushrooms can be soaked before being used.
Some recipes for turnip cakes are vegan. They can be prepared with vegetable broth or with sauteed mix-ins. You can even substitute Chinese sausage for pork belly.
When you make your own turnip cake, you can control the amount of ingredients and cook time. Make sure to use the proper cooking container. Choose a pan that has a removable base. Use a scale for accurate measurements.
Turnip cakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to one month. They can also be frozen for up to one month.
Lo mai gai
Lo Mai Gai is one of the most popular dim sum items in Hong Kong. It is a rice parcel steamed in a lotus leaf. This dish has a soft, sweet taste that is usually accompanied by a savory chili hot sauce.
Traditionally, the dim sum item is steamed in a bamboo steamer. However, you can also cook the dish in a microwave. You can even use parchment paper to replace the lotus leaf.
There are many ingredients involved in making lo mai gai. The traditional ingredient is Chinese sausage. This fatty meat is sweet and smoky. Other ingredients include shiitake mushrooms, lap cheong and scallions.
You will also need some sticky rice. This can be found in the Asian section of the grocery store. To get the most out of this dish, you should soak the rice for a couple of hours.
When cooking, you should divide the sticky rice into six portions. Each portion should be soaked for at least 10 minutes. Once you have soaked the rice, you should steam it for about 30 minutes. Make sure that you check it every ten minutes.
After steaming, it is important to drizzle some water on the rice. You may also want to add some oyster sauce. These ingredients will boost the umami of the dish.
Another dim sum item that you should consider is the turnip cake. The dish is a little bit different than the typical cake. Though it is not made out of turnips, it still satisfies the savoury and sweet cravings.
In addition to the above, you can also try the chicken feet. They are quite jiggly and have tiny bones.
Xiao Long bao
If you want to try something different from the usual, you can go to a Chinese restaurant and order a Xiao Long bao. This type of steamed soup dumpling is a classic dish from Shanghai. It is made with a congealed meat broth. The filling is dipped into a gelatinous jelly and then wrapped into a dough.
There are many varieties to choose from. Some are filled with crab, pork, or other fillings. You can also try the classic with rice wine, ginger, and pork.
Another popular variety is shredded pork, which is grilled and tucked inside a fluffy bao. You can then dip it into a black vinegar and ginger dipping sauce.
Another popular item is the turnip cake. This is not a cake, but a small, soft, and chewy bun stuffed with pork, and can be served as a savory or sweet snack.
While you’re in Chinatown, check out the Deluxe Green Bo, which has been serving customers on Bayard Street since 1982. They have a wide selection of xiao long bao, as well as hot spicy wontons and fried tiny buns filled with pork.
If you’re in the market for a soup, you can’t go wrong with the Dumpling Legends in Fresh Meadows. They have a tasty, meaty, and rich soup. For some reason, the broth at Dumpling Legends isn’t as sour as the ones at other restaurants, but the flavors still shine through.
One of the most famous xiao long bao is the Chaohou Fun Guo, which is made with a mixture of cilantro, peanuts, and pork. It also has some other interesting fillings.
As with any dim sum, etiquette is important. When you’re waiting for your xiao long bao, you can order tea or drink water.
Noodle rolls
If you’re a fan of Chinese dim sum, you’ll want to try rice noodle rolls. These are usually served with a thick sauce, which may be sweetened or seasoned, on top.
The rolls come in a variety of fillings. You can add scallions, ground pork, shrimp, chicken, and vegetables to the insides of the noodles. They are then steamed, making them soft and springy. For a tasty dipping sauce, drizzle the roll with a light soy sauce or hoisin.
There are a number of rice noodle roll carts in Chinatown. Most are run by older Chinese women. Each cart has its own specialties. A typical noodle roll cart charges $1.50 for an order of dried shrimp, but they’re much cheaper than restaurants.
Many of the carts are located near the intersection of Hester and Elizabeth streets. These carts are primarily a source of affordable, simple street food. Some have been recently opened in Chinatown.
One popular rice noodle roll cart is Joe’s Steam Rice Roll. This establishment is located in Flushing, Queens, and is inside a narrow mini-mall. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for a cheung fun, especially if you are a fan of the Cantonese version.
Another popular cart in Chinatown is Wu’s shop. It has four locations around town. In addition to serving traditional noodle rolls, the shop offers chee cheong fun, which is a noodle roll with a savoury and sweet sauce.
Yin Ji Chang Fen also offers dim sum style noodle rolls. However, they are more like a Chinese breakfast restaurant than a street food joint. Their rolls are much larger than those you’ll find in other carts.
