Chinese cooking, like most of Asia, focuses first on a starch like rice or noodles, then adds an accompaniment of meat or seafood, rather than meat first, starch and vegetables second, as found in European-influenced cuisines. Recipes in China are as diverse as the language, with its 80,000 characters, and Chinese immigrants have brought this complex culinary heritage to almost every region of the world.
by Martin Yan
This is my version of a favorite banquet dish that's often served on festive occasions as a symbol of longevity. The crisp, chilled lettuce makes a wonderful contrast to the warm filling, and the sweetness of the hoisin sauce marries all the flavors.
Method
1 . Cut chicken into 1/4-inch pieces. Place in a bowl and add oyster flavored sauce; stir to coat. let stand for 10 minutes. Soak mushrooms in warm water to cover until softened, about 15 minutes; drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the soaking liquid. Trim and discard stems. Chop caps.
2. Place a wok over high heat until hot. Add cooking oil, swirling to coat sides. Add ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add chicken and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add carrot, zucchini, and water chestnuts; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add reserved mushroom soaking liquid and cook until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Add wine and sesame oil; cook until heated through. Add walnuts and toss to coat.
4. To eat, spread hoisin sauce on a lettuce cup, spoon in some to chicken mixture, wrap up in lettuce cup, and eat out of hand.
Reprinted by permission from Martin Yan's Culinary Journey Through China by Martin Yan (KQED Books).
Chinese and Lunar New Year Handbook
from Kate's Global Kitchen:
China on Wikipedia
Hong Kong on Global Gourmet's Destinations
More country Destinations
This page modified January 2007
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