Chinese Food Baking Tutorials Using the Oven52

IntroductionChinese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its vibrant flavors, diverse ingredients, and unique cooking techniques. While many Chinese dishes traditionally involve steaming, stir-frying, or deep-frying, baking in the oven offers an alternative method to create delicious and authentic Chinese meals. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for several popular Chinese baking recipes, complete with video tutorials to enhance clarity.

1. Cantonese-Style Baked Char Siu (Honey BBQ Pork)

Marinade Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder (cut into thin slices)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the pork slices and mix well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the marinated pork slices on the prepared sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and slightly browned.

Video Tutorial: /watch?v=Hc1iKq7CeYk

2. Peking-Style Sesame Seed Buns (Mantou)

Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- White sesame seeds for topping
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water.
- Add the sugar and salt, then stir in the flour.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for an hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dip the top of each bun into water and roll it in sesame seeds.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the buns are golden brown.

Video Tutorial: /watch?v=9e6t7dI0GNo

3. Shanghai-Style Steamed Buns (Sheng Jian Mantou)

Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water.
- Add the sugar, salt, and flour and knead until a soft dough forms.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for an hour or until double in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining all the filling ingredients in a bowl.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll out each piece into a thin circle.
- Place a heaping spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the sides of the dough over the filling and pleat them together at the top.
- Place the buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper.
- Steam for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Pan-fry the buns in a nonstick skillet until golden brown on the bottom.

Video Tutorial: /watch?v=lJoi_TzE45o

4. Cantonese-Style Egg Tarts

Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp ice water
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- To make the crust, combine the flour and butter in a bowl.
- Use your fingers to work the ingredients together until a coarse crumble forms.
- Add the egg yolk and ice water and mix until a dough ball forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a muffin pan.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles.
- Line the muffin cups with the dough circles.
- To make the filling, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Strain the filling through a fine-mesh sieve and fill the prepared tart shells.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

Video Tutorial: /watch?v=r07J5BlpC6s

ConclusionBaking opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for exploring Chinese cuisine. With the right techniques and ingredients, anyone can create authentic and flavorful dishes in their home ovens. These video tutorials simplify the cooking process, making it easier than ever to enjoy the delights of Chinese baking.

2024-11-09

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