Andrea AbbondanzaRenowned for its bold flavors, unique ingredients, and extensive range of dishes, Chinese cuisine is a beloved culinary tradition.
Among many popular Chinese foods, Chinese appetizers hold a special place, offering a combination of delicious flavors, satisfying portions, and perfect sharing options.
This article will delve into what are the most popular Chinese appetizers, showcasing a list of the top 5 dishes and providing a detailed exploration of their unique qualities.
Top 5 Chinese Appetizers
Here is our best list of what are the most popular Chinese appetizers!
Crab Rangoon
One of the most popular appetizers in Chinese-American cuisine is crab rangoon, a crispy, deep-fried dumpling filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, crab meat, and green onions.
The combination of the creamy filling and the crunchy shell makes it a highly irresistible dish.
For those who prefer pork over crab meat, Chinese pork dumplings are a great alternative. Alternatively, cream cheese wontons also offer a similar creamy and crispy combination, with a filling of cream cheese and green onions.
Egg Drop Soup
Among the most satisfying and comforting Chinese appetizer recipes is the classic egg drop soup.
By slowly drizzling beaten eggs into hot chicken broth, the soup is transformed with delicate strands of egg, offering a simple yet delicious flavor that is perfect for a chilly day.
Scallion Pancakes
Chinese scallion pancakes are a popular street food in China, and for a good reason.
These savory pancakes have a crispy exterior and a chewy interior, achieved by rolling out a simple dough and filling it with scallions before pan-frying until golden brown.
Typically served with a soy sauce dipping sauce, Chinese scallion pancakes are a must-try appetizer for any lover of Chinese cuisine.
Kung Pao Shrimp
This spicy stir-fry dish is a favorite among seafood lovers. It’s made with plump shrimp that are stir-fried with spicy Sichuan peppers, peanuts, and vegetables.
The combination of heat, sweetness, and umami flavors makes this dish a standout.
Shrimp Toast
Shrimp toast is a delectable Chinese appetizer that is perfect for any meal. Made by spreading a mixture of ground shrimp, scallions, and spices onto slices of bread, this bite-sized appetizer is then fried until golden brown, resulting in a crunchy and savory delight that’s hard to resist.
The combination of the juicy shrimp and the crispy bread creates a satisfying texture and flavor that perfectly complements any Chinese dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chinese appetizer platter called?
If you’re looking to try a selection of Chinese appetizers in one go, you might want to order a Pu Pu Platter.
This platter typically includes a range of Chinese appetizers, such as egg rolls, fried wontons, spare ribs, and chicken wings.
What are some Chinese starters?
Along with the top 5 Chinese appetizers, some other popular starters are worth trying.
Spring rolls are crispy and fried, filled with vegetables and sometimes meat. Chinese dumplings, which are bite-sized pockets of dough filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables, are another popular option.
If you’re in the mood for soup, hot and sour soup is a spicy and tangy delight made with mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots and flavored with sour sauce.
What do Chinese eat for snacks?
Chinese snacks are a diverse and delicious category, spanning from savory to sweet. Some examples of Chinese snacks are baozi, jianbing, and mooncakes.
Conclusion
The next time you visit a Chinese restaurant, make sure to order some of these popular appetizers.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not explore some of the other appetizers on the menu or experiment with some of the best Chinese appetizer recipes at home?
