chinese cooking?

Question

what is the best way to learn how to cook chinese food, books? classes? or any websites?

i absolutley love chinese food, and would love to learn to make it at home on my own.....will i most likely need one of those big "woks"(sp?)....

thanx a bunch
-Calli <3

Answer 1

I learned a lot when I worked in a Chinese restaurant. That may not be an option for you. I don't think books or websites would do the trick. I would suggest classes or watching the food network.

You definitely need a wok. It's very useful, for more than just chinese food!

Answer 2

its kinda hard to cook authentic chiense food at home, u must use a gas stove to get the "wok hai" which is the term used, chinese stir fry must be cooked at around 200 celsius or or 392 degrees F. Best is to look online at large websites which have some dishes which u never heard about. Most classes or websites not in chinese teach u the north american way of cooking and u cant really get it at the chinese restaurants in north america. Most of the better ones are a little more expensive so people to go. Many people refer chinese food to fast food, those are americanized chinese food.

Answer 3

Personally, I think it is best to have someone teach you. But, if you don't have that luxury, I would recommend learning from:

1. www.yancancook.com
Martin Yan not only cooks good food, he makes it fun and easy to learn. He had a show on PBS which was very entertaining and many books. If you can get a copy of those shows, they are the best - he teaches you correct technique and the "why" behind the cooking. I've made stuff from his books and I haven't been disappointed! Yummy!

2. www.ming.com
Ming Tsai was made famous by FoodTV, but after he went to PBS to teach everyone how to cook. You can see him on a variety of TV outlets currently (website tells all). He has published a couple of books and has his own line of kitchen equipment... if you buy into that whole "designer" thing...

You might want to purchase a quality wok, it's really useful in preparation; be sure you season it prior to use. If you cannot afford it, a skillet works fine. Cooking chopsticks (longer than those you eat with) and peanut oil are essentials to getting started. Now you are all set to go! YUM!

Answer 4

you can get a wok if you want, but most wok dishes need very high "fire" also known as "wok hey" among chinese people, which you can only get at a restaurant because of its higher and stronger heat from their stoves. For example, you could try and make spicy green beans in your own "wok" but it wont be as crunchy and tasty as the restaurant's , as yours wil be made with your "home strength stove" which isnt as powerful heat-wise as the restaurants....so yours might come out soggy.

There are many types of chinese dishes that are tasty as well, you might not need a wok to make. There are many "steamed" items, such as shrimp dumplings, tofu with soy sauce, or even pork spare ribs with black bean sauce...my parents always made them in our rice cooker while our rice cooked, and it steamed those dishes.

In a wok, you can fry up some oil, chinese broccoli and some ginger and garlic...they are great for digestion and very tasty too.

The best way to learn is to go to a chinese supermarket, and ask the ppl that work there how to cook a certain dish...they are more than happy and flattered to tell you how! Make some chinese friends and that is, in my opinion the best way to get the true at home style chinese cooking.

good luck.

Answer 5

This is a great website for learning.

:: Chinese Cooking Methods
Stewing, Red-cooking, Clear simmering, Boiling, Roasting, Shallow Frying, Stir Frying, Steaming, Salting, Pickling, Steeping, Drying, Meeting, Splashing, Plunging, Rinsing, Smoking
:: Chinese Cooking Utensils
Wok, Chinese Cleaver, Bamboo steamer, Claypot, Chinese Spatula, the Sizzling Plater, Chinese Wire Strainer, Chopping Block
:: Glossary of Ingredients
:: Glossary of Cooking Terms
:: Cooking Guide and Tips
:: Measurement Conversions
Liquid, Temperature, Weight, Length
:: Food Articles and Fun Stuff
:: Learn to Speak Chinese and Cantonese
:: Recipes from Neighbours - Asian recipes from India, indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand,Japan, Malaysia...
:: Chinese Restaurants Guide
:: Online Shopping - Chinese or Asian groceries, cooking utensils etc.
:: Chinese Beef and Lamb Recipes
:: Chinese Desserts, Snacks and Appetizers Recipes
:: Chinese Dim Sum Recipes
:: Chinese Egg Recipes
:: Chinese Fish Recipes
:: Chinese Noodles Recipes
:: Chinese Pork Recipes
:: Chinese Poultry Recipes
:: Chinese Rice Recipes
:: Chinese Salad Recipes
:: Chinese Sauces and Seasonings Recipes
:: Chinese Seafood Recipes
:: Chinese Soup Recipes
:: Chinese Tofu Recipes
:: Chinese Vegetarian Recipes
http://www.chinesefood-recipes.com/
http://www.chinesefood-recipes.com/sitemap.php

Answer 6

I just use a skillet to make my chinese food. It is easy to do. If you know
what you like it is easy to duplicate. I don't use exotic ingredients, soy sauce,
garlic, ginger, fresh veggies, and some rice. To get a sweet and sour sauce
just mix some sugar and vinegar, add a little fruit juice and let it simmer.
Experiment. It is the best way. Taste as you go and add stuff. You can do
it.

Answer 7

Martin Yan is a chinese chef on T.V.
Yan can Cook is the show .It is usually on the Food Network and PBS.He is informative and makes easy recipes .
He is also very funny .

Answer 8

I am good at cooking chinese food ,I know a lot of various chinese food , because, I am a chinese , if you wanna talk with me ,can on msn: [e-mail]

Answer 9

i think like books or kraft easy foods i have chinese wings recepie
5lb chicken wings
can chicken broth
half bottle soy sauce
2 table spoons of ginger ground and 2 tablespoons minced garlic
salt peppper

mix all ingredients together and soak all together for like a couple hours then put chicken on baking pan and broil keep turning and them over and over

Answer 10

Hey, email me, cause I'm not sure what kind of food you want. I have got a ton of vegan recipes, Chinese recipes, and traditional Ameican and English recipes. Desserts and Drinks, too. Feel free to email me anytime!