Top 10 Chinese Seafood Dishes
Chinese cuisine has long been known for its flavorful dishes and unique ingredients. Seafood is an especially popular part of Chinese cuisine, with many traditional dishes showcasing the bounty of China’s seas. From Fish Balls to Mitten Crab to Longjing Shrimp, there’s something for every seafood lover out there!
Whether you prefer your seafood spicy or mild, Chinese seafood dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds. So let’s explore some of these delectable dishes and discover the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine!
1. Drunken Prawn
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, one dish that seafood lovers can’t resist is Drunken Prawn. Let me tell you, I have tried many seafood dishes during my travels in China, but Drunken Prawn has got to be one of my favorites.
The dish is made with succulent prawns that are marinated in Chinese cooking wine (or you can sub your favorite alcohol!) and spices, giving them a flavorful kick. The best part? The prawns are left to marinate overnight, so the alcohol seeps into the flesh, giving it an extra juicy explosion of taste. To top it off, the prawns are cooked with green onions and ginger, adding a refreshing, crisp flavor.
The crispy texture and bold flavors of Drunken Prawn make it a must-try seafood dish when in China.
2. West Lake Vinegar Fish
I recently had the pleasure of indulging in a dish that left a lasting impression — West Lake Vinegar Fish. This Chinese delicacy hails from the beautiful city of Hangzhou in China, where it is considered a local specialty.
The dish features tender and flaky pieces of grass carp simmered in a fragrant broth made from vinegar, cooking wine, sugar, green onions, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and seasonings.
As a seafood lover, I couldn’t get enough of the unique flavor profile of sweet and sour all in one dish that was paired perfectly with a bowl of steaming hot rice and an ice-cold beer.
If you find yourself in China, be sure to savor the flavors of West Lake Vinegar Fish — it’s a dish you won’t forget!
3. Salt-and-Pepper Squid
I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for some good Chinese seafood. One dish that always hits the spot for me is Salt-and-Pepper Squid. This dish has a long history in China, dating back to ancient times when seafood was a staple in coastal areas.
The ingredients for this dish are pretty simple: squid, cornstarch, flour, ginger, garlic, fresh chili, green onions, and salt and pepper seasoning (aka Jiao Yan which is a mixture of Chinese spices and fine salt).
It’s the preparation and cooking methods that make it stand out. The squid is coated in seasoned cornstarch and then fried until it’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s then tossed in a mixture of garlic, ginger, chili, and green onions, giving it a flavorful and spicy kick.
One unique aspect of this dish is that it’s often served with a side of pickled vegetables, which add a sweet and acidic counterbalance to the salty and spicy squid. Trust me, your taste buds won’t be disappointed!
4. Braised Abalone
Have you tried Braised Abalone before? It’s a Chinese seafood delicacy that’s been around for centuries originating from the Guangdong region. Abalone is a type of sea snail that’s much prized in Chinese cuisine and is typically served during special occasions, such as weddings and business banquets.
The dish is made by covering abalone with ginger, coriander, and scallions before braising it in a rich sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and various spices. When cooked properly, the abalone becomes tender and flavorful and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Fun fact: Abalone has long been considered a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture and is often served during Lunar New Year celebrations.
So why not give Braised Abalone a try for your next special occasion (maybe even for your own New Year’s celebrations) and impress your guests with this delicious and unique dish?
5. Chinese Oyster Omelet
Have you ever tasted a Chinese Oyster Omelet? I never thought these slimy mollusks would be a tasty addition to an omelet, but I was pleasantly surprised! This quintessential Chinese street food originated in Taiwan in the 17th century, then spread throughout China and Southeast Asia.
To prepare the Oyster Omelet, the oysters are mixed with starch, chopped green onions, eggs, and seasoning, fried in hot oil until golden brown, and then garnished with cilantro leaves and served with a sweet and spicy tomato sauce. The combination of the savory omelet with the sauce makes it a unique and delicious dish.
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you have to give it a try… at least once. Believe me, it is worth it!
6. Stir-Fry Shrimp
I have always been a big fan of Chinese cuisine, and one of my favorite dishes to order is Stir-Fry Shrimp. This dish has a rich history in China, dating back to the Han dynasty. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular, with the succulent flavors of the shrimp shining through.
The dish is made with only a few simple ingredients — fresh shrimp, garlic, ginger, scallions, and soy sauce. The cooking method is what truly sets it apart though. The ingredients are quickly stir-fried in a wok, ensuring that the shrimp remain tender and juicy, while the spices infuse each and every bite with flavor.
Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish is always a hit!
7. Fish Balls
One dish that really stands out for me is Chinese Fish Balls. Originating from China, these little balls of seafood goodness are served in a savory soup or with noodles. The origin of Chinese Fish Balls is not clear, but some food historians speculate that it has been around for centuries.
The ingredients consist of various types of fish, such as carp, parrotfish, and snapper, which are ground to a paste. The paste is then mixed with tapioca starch, cilantro, scallions, ginger, egg, and spices to form a smooth consistency. Then they are either deep-fried, pan-fried, or boiled.
One of the unique points of these succulent balls is the delicate, bouncy texture, which is obtained from a traditional preparation method, where the fish paste is “bounced” repeatedly against a hard surface (think floor here) — and I mean repeatedly… like 60 or 70 times!
Whether they’re enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal, Chinese Fish Balls are sure to delight you!
8. Chinese Mitten Crab
When I think of Chinese seafood, one of the first dishes that comes to mind is the Chinese Mitten Crab. This delicious crustacean has a long history in China where it was first harvested in the 10th century. It’s named for the furry mittens it has on its claws — that also makes it easy to find in the wet market!
The crab meat is sweet, succulent, and has a slightly nutty flavor. One of the most popular ways to prepare the Chinese Mitten Crab is to steam it with ginger, scallions, and rice wine. The best part is that you can enjoy the entire crab, including its juicy roe and golden yellow fat.
It’s definitely a unique culinary experience that seafood lovers must try at least once in their lifetime.
9. Longjing Shrimp
I had the pleasure of trying Longjing Shrimp when I visited one of my Chinese friends last year, and let me tell you, it was a flavor explosion in my mouth!
This popular Chinese seafood dish dates back to the Qing Dynasty and is made with fresh shrimp that is stir-fried with the Longjing tea leaves, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices until fragrant and crispy. The tea leaves give the dish a unique nutty flavor and a subtle fragrance that pairs perfectly with the succulent shrimp.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or not, I highly recommend giving Longjing Shrimp a try. It’s a dish that truly embodies the rich flavors and history of Chinese cuisine.
10. Sichuan Boiled Fish
I absolutely love trying out new dishes, particularly from Chinese cuisine, and Sichuan Boiled Fish is definitely one of my favorites.
This spicy and flavorful dish originates from the Sichuan province in China and is loved by many for its unique taste. The dish typically includes mouth-watering ingredients like fish slices, dried chili peppers (can you see how many there are in that picture!?), peppercorns, ginger, garlic, and green onions all cooked to create a hot, literally mouth-numbing soup!
Preparation involves boiling the fish slices and then pouring the spicy soup over the top to infuse the flavors. It’s usually served with traditional sides like rice or noodle dishes, which help to balance out the heat of the soup. If you’re ever in China, I highly recommend giving this delicious dish a try!
Wrapping It Up
Chinese seafood dishes provide some of the most unique and flavorful culinary experiences in the world. From savory soups to spicy stir-fries, there is something for everyone’s taste buds.
Whether you’re an adventurous eater looking to explore new flavors and textures or a seafood lover wanting to experience authentic Chinese cuisine, Chinese seafood dishes will certainly tantalize your taste buds!
So why not give some of these delicious dishes a try? You won’t be disappointed! And if you try one of these seafood dishes… go ahead and pair it with one of my top 10 Chinese desserts and sweets for a delicious meal!
Chī hǎo hē hǎo!
吃好喝好
