Starting your day off right with a delicious and authentic Chinese breakfast is easier than you think! While Western-style breakfasts may dominate our morning routines, Chinese cuisine has a wealth of tasty options to kickstart your day. From savory pancakes to comforting congee, and from crispy pastries to hearty porridges, there’s something for everyone in this diverse and vibrant culinary tradition.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering Chinese breakfast recipes that are sure to satisfy your morning cravings. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to spice up your breakfast routine, these authentic dishes will transport you straight to the bustling streets of China.
Scallion Pancakes
These crispy and savory pancakes are a popular Chinese street food, often served as an appetizer or snack. With the combination of sweet onions and fragrant scallions, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 large scallion, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add in warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
4. Roll out each ball into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Brush with vegetable oil and sprinkle scallion slices evenly over the surface.
6. Fold the dough in half to form a triangle, pressing edges to seal.
7. Pan-fry at medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Serve hot with soy sauce and sesame oil for dipping.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Congee with Century Egg and Pork
This hearty congee recipe combines the creamy richness of century eggs with the savory flavor of braised pork, making for a satisfying and comforting breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of rice
– 4 cups of water
– 1 century egg, sliced
– 1/4 pound of pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the rice again, then combine with 4 cups of fresh water in a medium saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the congee is creamy and thick.
4. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a small pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the sliced century egg to the pork and stir-fry for another minute.
6. Combine the cooked pork and century egg mixture with the congee, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (congee) + 10 minutes (pork)
Soy Milk with You Tiao
A classic Chinese comfort drink, Soy Milk with You Tiao is a simple yet satisfying treat. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and creamy soy milk paired with crispy fried dough sticks.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup soybeans
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon sea salt
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon calcium sulfate (optional)
– You Tiao (fried dough sticks)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the soybeans and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and blend the soybeans with 2 cups of fresh water until smooth and creamy.
3. Add sea salt, sugar, and calcium sulfate (if using) to the soy milk mixture. Blend well.
4. Heat the soy milk over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a simmering temperature.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Cut the You Tiao into bite-sized pieces and serve with the warm soy milk.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Steamed Pork Buns
These soft and fluffy buns filled with tender pork are a perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create these delicious buns that are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup pork filling (see below)
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Pork Filling:
– 1 pound ground pork
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, warm water, egg, sugar, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat steamer basket over boiling water.
5. Divide the dough into 6-8 pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
6. Flatten each ball into a disk and place about 2 tablespoons of pork filling in the center.
7. Fold the edges over the filling to form a bun and steam for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Tips: Use leftover roast pork or cook ground pork with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), garlic, salt, and pepper before assembling the buns. Enjoy!
Jianbing (Chinese Crepes)
This classic Chinese street food is a savory delight that combines crispy crepe-like wrappers with a flavorful filling of scallions, eggs, and fermented soybeans. With this simple recipe, you can recreate the authentic taste of Jianbing in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for brushing
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup fermented soybeans (dòuchī)
+ 1/2 cup chopped scallions
+ 2 eggs, beaten
– Optional: sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and chili flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix flour and water to form a smooth batter. Add salt and stir well.
2. Heat a small non-stick pan or Jianbing griddle over medium heat. Brush with vegetable oil.
3. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter into the pan and tilt to evenly coat the surface.
4. Cook for 30-45 seconds, until the edges start to curl. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Add a spoonful of the filling in the center of the crepe. Fold the crepe in half to enclose the filling.
6. Serve immediately and garnish with optional toppings.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes per batch, depending on the number of crepes you make.
Sticky Rice Rolls
A popular snack in many Asian cultures, sticky rice rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on-the-go or as a quick dessert. This simple recipe yields soft and chewy rolls filled with fragrant glutinous rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of glutinous rice
– 2 cups of water
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– Vegetable oil for brushing
– Optional fillings (e.g., coconut, sesame seeds, or red bean paste)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the rice again. Cook the rice with sugar and salt in a medium saucepan over low heat until the mixture thickens and forms sticky clumps.
3. Knead the cooked rice until it’s smooth and pliable.
4. Divide the rice into small portions and shape each portion into a ball.
5. Flatten each ball into a disk shape, about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Brush the edges with a little water, then roll up the rice tightly to form a cylindrical shape.
7. Serve the sticky rice rolls warm or at room temperature, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including soaking time)
Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)
Turnip cake, also known as Lo Bak Go, is a traditional Cantonese dish made from shredded turnips and rice flour. This savory pancake-like treat is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized turnip
– 2 cups of rice flour
– 1/4 cup of chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup of grated dried pork or preserved pork (optional)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Grate the turnip using a box grater or food processor.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated turnip, rice flour, chopped scallions, and grated pork (if using).
3. Add the beaten eggs, salt, and water to the mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Heat a non-stick pan or wok over medium heat. Brush with a small amount of oil.
5. Using a ladle, pour about 1/2 cup of the mixture into the pan.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cake is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the size of the cakes)
Egg Fried Rice
A classic Chinese dish, Egg Fried Rice is a simple and satisfying meal that can be made with leftover rice, eggs, and your choice of vegetables.
Red Bean Soup with Tangyuan
This hearty and comforting soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine during the winter months, made with red kidney beans, tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), and savory pork bones. The combination of flavors and textures creates a warming and nourishing bowl that’s perfect for cold weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 pound pork bones, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 cup tangyuan (glutinous rice balls)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine soaked red kidney beans, water, pork bones, vegetable oil, onion, garlic, and ginger.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
3. Add tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) to the soup and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Tea Eggs
A classic Chinese dish, Tea Eggs are a savory delight infused with the subtle flavors of tea and spices. This simple recipe yields a batch of perfectly cooked eggs with an aromatic twist.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 hard-boiled eggs
– 1 cup strong brewed tea (black or green)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the boiled eggs gently and remove the shells.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brewed tea, soy sauce, sugar, and grated ginger until well combined.
3. Pour the tea mixture over the eggs in a shallow dish or pan.
4. Drizzle with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with sliced scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: None (refrigeration time: 24-48 hours)
Pan-Fried Dumplings
Experience the warm comfort of homemade pan-fried dumplings, filled with a savory mixture of pork and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Filling ingredients (see below)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Filling:
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 1/2 cup grated carrots
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, warm water, and salt. Mix until dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
3. Roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle.
4. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
6. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
7. Pan-fry dumplings until they’re golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total, including preparation and cooking time.
Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)
These crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside Sesame Balls are a classic Chinese dessert perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these addictive treats at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and vegetable oil to form a dough.
2. Gradually add in sesame seeds, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and pliable.
4. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Coat each ball with water and then roll in additional sesame seeds to coat.
6. Fry the Sesame Balls in hot oil (about 350°F) for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheung Fun)
Rice noodle rolls, also known as cheung fun, are a popular Cantonese dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This recipe will guide you through making these tender and flavorful rolls from scratch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rice flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Filling ingredients (e.g., shredded pork, chopped vegetables, and soy sauce)
– Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add in water to form a dough. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a thin sheet.
4. Place your desired filling in the center of each sheet, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a roll. Press the edges together to seal the roll.
6. Brush the rolls with vegetable oil and cook them in a steamer basket for 8-10 minutes or until they are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Egg Custard
This simple and comforting Steamed Egg Custard recipe is a classic Chinese dessert made with just a few ingredients. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family with its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
2. Add the milk, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl and whisk until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into small individual cups or ramekins.
4. Place the cups in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper.
5. Steam the custards over boiling water for 12-15 minutes, or until set.
6. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sweet Potato Porridge
Sweet Potato Porridge: A Warm and Comforting Start to the Day
This sweet potato porridge recipe is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that’s perfect for chilly mornings. With its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 4 cups water or milk (or a combination of both)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced.
3. Scoop out the flesh of the sweet potatoes and place it in a blender or food processor with the water or milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
4. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more liquid as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Pork and Shrimp Shumai
A delicious fusion of pork and shrimp, wrapped in a delicate wonton wrapper, this Pork and Shrimp Shumai is a treat for the senses. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1/2 cup chopped cooked shrimp
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 package wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped shrimp, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pork-shrimp mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
4. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Cook shumai in boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or steam for 15-18 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-18 minutes
Eight Treasure Porridge
This comforting porridge is a staple in many Chinese households, particularly during the winter months when a warm and nourishing bowl of goodness is just what’s needed. With its medley of eight treasures – or ingredients – this porridge is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of glutinous rice
– 2 cups of water
– 1/4 cup of red dates, pitted
– 1/4 cup of dried longan, rehydrated
– 1/4 cup of dried lotus seeds
– 1/4 cup of goji berries
– 1/4 cup of chopped almonds
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the rice, then combine with 2 cups of fresh water in a medium saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.
4. Add the red dates, longan, lotus seeds, goji berries, almonds, honey, and salt. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
6. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted almonds if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Green Onion Oil Noodles
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the sweetness of green onions with the richness of oil, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Green onion oil noodles are a popular Chinese dish that can be easily adapted to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced green onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they start to caramelize.
4. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss with the green onion mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Taro Cake
Taro Cake Recipe
Taro cake is a moist and delicious dessert that combines the natural sweetness of taro with the richness of butter and eggs. This simple recipe yields a beautiful, golden-hued cake perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup taro puree
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together taro puree, eggs, butter, and milk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Fermented Rice Dumplings
These chewy dumplings are made with fermented rice, perfect for a healthy and tasty snack or side dish. With a tangy flavor from the fermentation process, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked fermented rice
– 1/4 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fermented rice, glutinous rice flour, and salt. Mix well until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a small egg.
4. Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape.
5. Fry the dumplings in hot oil (350°F/175°C) for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and let cool on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get a taste of China’s morning rituals with these 20 delectable breakfast recipes. From savory to sweet, and classic to modern, this collection features a wide range of authentic Chinese dishes to start your day off right. Discover mouthwatering options like scallion pancakes, congee with century egg and pork, steamed pork buns, and more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy morning meal or a hearty breakfast to fuel your day, this article has got you covered with its variety of Chinese breakfast recipes.
