Delicious Ways to Cook Homegrown Chinese Chives

How to Make Delicious Homemade Chinese Chives

Chinese chives, also known as garlic chives or Chinese leeks, are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine. They have a unique flavor that is both garlicky and oniony, and can be used in a variety of dishes. In this article, we will explore different ways to cook Chinese chives to make them delicious and satisfying.

1. Stir-Fried Chinese Chives with Shrimp

Stir-fried Chinese chives with shrimp is a classic Chinese dish that is both tasty and simple to make. To prepare this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

- 300 grams of fresh Chinese chives

- 200 grams of shrimp

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Cooking oil

First, clean and chop the Chinese chives into 5cm long pieces. Set aside. Heat some cooking oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Next, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through. Add the Chinese chives and stir-fry for another minute. Season with soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the chives are wilted but still crisp. Serve hot!

2. Chinese Chive Pancakes

Chinese chive pancakes are a popular street food in China and are loved for their crispy yet chewy texture. To make Chinese chive pancakes, you will need the following ingredients:

- 300 grams of Chinese chives

- 2 cups of all-purpose flour

- 1 cup of warm water

- 1 teaspoon of salt

- Cooking oil for frying

To start, clean and chop the Chinese chives into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, warm water, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin circles. Spread a thin layer of cooking oil on the surface of each circle and sprinkle a generous amount of chopped Chinese chives. Roll the circle into a long cylinder and then coil it into a spiral shape. Flatten the spiral shape with a rolling pin to form a pancake.

Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the pancake until both sides turn golden brown and crispy. Serve hot and enjoy!

3. Chinese Chives Dumplings

Chinese chives dumplings, also known as Jiu Cai He Zi or Jiu Cai Jiao Zi in Mandarin, are a popular Chinese dish that is usually served during breakfast or as a snack. Here's how you can make Chinese chives dumplings at home:

For the dumpling filling, you will need:

- 300 grams of Chinese chives

- 200 grams of ground pork

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Dumpling wrappers

First, clean and chop the Chinese chives into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chives, ground pork, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.

Place a spoonful of the filling onto each dumpling wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half, sealing the edges tightly. Repeat the process until all the filling is used.

To cook the dumplings, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface. Continue boiling for another 2-3 minutes to ensure that the filling is cooked through. Serve the dumplings with soy sauce or dipping sauce of your choice.

4. Chinese Chives Omelette

Chinese chives can also be used to make a delicious and nutritious omelette. To make a Chinese chives omelette, you will need:

- 300 grams of Chinese chives

- 4 eggs

- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Cooking oil

Clean and chop the Chinese chives into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Heat some cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped Chinese chives on top of the egg mixture.

Cook the omelette until the bottom is set and lightly browned. Flip the omelette and cook the other side until it is set and lightly browned as well. Transfer the omelette to a serving plate and cut it into slices. Serve hot as a main dish or with steamed rice.

5. Steamed Chinese Chives Buns

Last but not least, steamed Chinese chives buns are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. To make steamed Chinese chives buns, you will need:

- 300 grams of Chinese chives

- 200 grams of ground pork

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Bun dough (store-bought or homemade)

First, clean and chop the Chinese chives into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chives, ground pork, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.

Divide the bun dough into small pieces and roll them into thin circles. Place a spoonful of the filling onto each circle of dough. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the bun, forming a pleated pattern.

Arrange the buns on a steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Steam the buns for about 15-20 minutes or until the dough is fully cooked.

Serve the steamed Chinese chives buns hot with soy sauce or dipping sauce of your choice. They make a perfect appetizer or snack!

In conclusion, Chinese chives can be cooked in various ways to create delicious and satisfying dishes. Whether it's stir-fried with shrimp, made into pancakes or dumplings, used in omelettes, or steamed in buns, Chinese chives add a unique flavor and aroma to your meals. So why not try these recipes and enjoy the wonderful taste of homemade Chinese chives dishes?