Are you tired of ordering takeout every time you crave Chinese cuisine? Well, it’s time to bring the flavors of China into your own kitchen. But before you start whipping up your favorite Chinese dishes, it’s essential to know the cooking utensils in Chinese that will make your culinary adventures a breeze.
Well, you’re in luck because we’ve compiled a list of 10+ cooking utensils in Chinese that you absolutely need to know. From chopsticks to steamers, we’ve got you covered. So put on your apron, grab a pot and your wok, and let’s get cooking and learn Chinese at the same time!
When it comes to Chinese cooking equipment, there’s one utensil that stands above the rest: the wok. Known in Chinese as “炒锅” (chǎoguō), this versatile and iconic cooking vessel is an essential tool in any Chinese kitchen.
A wok is a round-bottomed pan made from carbon steel, cast iron, or other heat-resistant materials. Its unique bowl shape, with high, sloping sides and a flat bottom, allows for even heating and easy tossing and stirring of ingredients. It’s even used for deep-frying.
One of the key advantages of using a wok is its ability to sear and cook food quickly over high heat. This is especially important in Chinese cuisine, where dishes are often cooked in a matter of minutes, and speedy preparation is essential.
When it comes to cooking utensils, the Chinese cleaver, or “切菜刀” (qiēcài dāo) in Chinese words, is a true champion. This versatile tool can be used for everything from chopping vegetables to slicing meat, and it’s a staple in many Chinese kitchens.
At first glance, the Chinese cleaver knife may appear intimidating, with its large, rectangular blade and sharp edge. But don’t be fooled by its appearance – this knife is incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks in the kitchen. From slicing meat and fish to chopping vegetables and herbs, the cleaver is a true jack-of-all-trades.
The cutting board reigns supreme when it comes to cooking utensils in Chinese cuisine. In fact, it’s the unsung hero of every kitchen, quietly taking on the toughest jobs without complaint. Whether you’re slicing up veggies for a stir-fry or carving meats for a succulent roast, this board is there for you, ready to take on whatever challenge you throw its way.
Moreover, the Chinese have taken this kitchen staple to new heights with unique variations and techniques. From the classic wooden board to the eco-friendly bamboo board and the elegant marble board, there’s a cutting board for every style and need.
The ladle is a true workhorse of Chinese cooking utensils. This simple yet essential tool is used for everything, from stirring soups and stews to serving up steaming bowls of noodles. And while it may not be the most glamorous or high-tech utensil in the kitchen, it’s certainly one of the most important.
In Chinese cooking, the ladle is more than just a tool, it’s a symbol of hospitality and generosity. It’s the instrument that allows hosts to serve up heaping portions of delicious food to their guests, inviting them to share in the bounty and warmth of the meal.
In Chinese cuisine, chopsticks are an essential tool for eating and enjoying a meal. But have you ever heard of long chopsticks? These extra-long utensils are a unique feature of Chinese cooking, and they serve a variety of important functions in the kitchen.
First and foremost, long chopsticks are a tool of precision. They allow cooks to reach into deep pots and pans with ease, stirring and flipping ingredients with accuracy and control. And when it comes to serving food, long chopsticks are the perfect tool for grabbing individual items like dumplings or pieces of meat, allowing for easy portioning and presentation.
Rice is a staple food enjoyed at virtually every meal in every Chinese household. And when it comes to cooking rice, one tool stands out above the rest: the rice cooker.
Rice cookers, or 电饭锅 (diànfànguō) in Chinese, are a marvel of modern technology. It takes the guesswork out of cooking rice, ensuring that each grain is perfectly cooked and fluffy every time. And while it may seem like a simple appliance, it’s actually a must-have tool for any serious Chinese cook.
Steaming baskets are traditional Chinese cooking utensils that have existed for thousands of years. They’re used to steam food, so they’re also called steamers or steam pots.
But what makes a steaming basket so special? Well, for starters, they are perfect for making dumplings, steaming fish and vegetables, and even desserts! But the real magic of steaming baskets lies in their ability to cook food in a healthy and nutritious way. Steaming allows you to cook your food without adding any extra oil or fat, which is great news for anyone who is health-conscious.
And the best part? Steaming baskets retain more nutrients than other cooking methods. So you can enjoy all the goodness of your food without sacrificing flavor.
Let’s talk about the unsung hero of Chinese cooking utensils – the Chinese Scoop Strainer, or 漏勺 (lòusháo) as it’s known in Chinese. This simple yet effective utensil is a must-have in any Chinese kitchen, and it’s not hard to see why.
The scoop strainer is essentially a slotted spoon with a long handle, but don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you. It’s a powerhouse when it comes to cooking. Its slotted design allows you to scoop up food from boiling water or oil while leaving behind any excess liquid or oil. This makes it perfect for cooking dishes like noodles, dumplings, and fried foods.
The frying pan is a staple in Chinese cooking. Known in Chinese as jiān guō, the frying pan is a true classic that has been used for cooking delicious meals for centuries. This versatile utensil is a workhorse that can handle everything from stir-frying to pan-searing to deep-frying.
But what makes a Chinese frying pan so special? For starters, it’s all about the heat. Chinese cooking is all about high heat and quick cooking, and a good frying pan can handle the heat without warping or scorching. This allows for that perfect sear on meats and vegetables and creates that signature crispy texture on dishes like fried rice and noodles.
When it comes to Chinese cooking utensils, this humble spoon, or 木勺 (mù sháo), is often overlooked. But this unassuming utensil is actually an essential tool in any Chinese kitchen.
A wooden spoon is gentle on your cookware. Unlike metal spoons, which can scratch and damage non-stick surfaces, a wooden spoon won’t leave any marks or scrapes. Plus, it’s heat-resistant, so you can use it to stir simmering sauces and soups without worrying about it melting or warping.
Here’s a list of other Chinese cooking utensils to have on hand in your kitchen:
EnglishChinesePinyinSoundBowl碗WǎnChopsticks 筷子Kuài ZiCup/Glass 杯子Bēi ZiFork 叉子Chā ZiGrater 擦菜板Cā Cài BǎnKnife 刀子Dāo ZiMasher 捣泥器Dǎo Ní QìMixing Bowl 搅拌碗Jiǎo Bàn WǎnPeeler 削皮器Xiāo Pí QìPlate盘子Pán ZiPot锅GuōRolling Pin 擀面杖Gǎn Miàn ZhàngSilverware 银器Yín QìSpoon 勺子Sháo ZiTableware 餐具Cān JùWhisk 打蛋器Dǎ Dàn QìWine Glass 酒杯Jiǔ BēiLearning about these cooking utensils in Chinese is not only essential for your culinary journey but also a great way to improve your language skills. By immersing yourself in Chinese culture and vocabulary, you’ll not only become a better cook but also gain a deeper appreciation for the language.
So, whether you’re learning Chinese or just a foodie at heart, don’t be afraid to try out these essential utensils and expand your vocabulary. Who knows, you might just impress your friends with your newfound knowledge at your next dinner party.
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Whenever we make Chinese food at home, it never tastes quite as great as it does when we’re eating at our favourite Chinese restaurant or gourging on takeaway from the shop at our local shopping centre.
Maybe it’s the ingredients, or even the lack of MSG. But sometimes it’s because we don’t have the right equipment to recreate that signature taste when we eat Chinese food in a restaurant.
We’re running you through the five utensils you need in your kitchen to cook up all your favourite Chinese dishes and achieve that classic Chinese taste you know and love.