NYC is home to some of the best Chinese food from fiery Szechuan dishes at tiny Chinatown restaurants to traditional Shanghai dishes served in a dark dining room with unique Chinese art. Whether you are craving savory map tofu or sweet glazed orange chicken, you can find the perfect dish for you.
Dim sum
Like most fried foods, dim sum can be high in fat, calories, and sodium. But if you choose wisely, you can get your Chinese food fixed without blowing your diet. To start, opt for steamed dishes over deep-fried ones. Then, order lean meats over organ meats. Organ meats are rich in cholesterol and can increase the risk of heart disease.
If you’re unsure what to order, try flagging down a waiter as he or she drives by with carts filled with stacked dumpling steamers and rice noodle rolls. Some restaurants still use this old-school method, while others rely on check-list-like menu cards. End your meal with a sweet treat, such as bo loh bao or dan tats. These pastry-like treats, whose names are Cantonese for pineapple bun or egg tart, feature a flaky crust or Macanese/Portuguese style custard topped with a speckled brown surface of scorched sugar.
Chow mein
There is no single way to make chow mein, similar to fried rice in that it’s a hodgepodge of ingredients stir-fried with noodles. It can be savory with a thick oyster and soy sauce concoction or sweet with a light sauce. The noodles can be crunchy or soft, and the toppings are usually a mixture of vegetables and meat.
Using a julienned vegetable like carrots or bok choy adds crunch to the dish. Mushrooms are another good addition and water chestnuts are a nice touch. Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Chow Mein is a light, healthy meal with lots of veggies and clean protein. The noodles, meat, and veggies are all stir-fried in a light sauce to give each bite a lot of flavor. This makes chow mein the perfect takeout choice for your health-conscious diet. You can even order chow mein from your favorite Chinese restaurant. You’ll be glad you did!
Hot and sour soup
Hot and sour soup is an easy, delicious Chinese dish that can be made at home. Its tangy, glossy broth is packed with shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, tofu, and more. The recipe calls for chicken stock, but vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version. You can also add lily buds and dried black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar or Zhenjiang vinegar) to the soup for an additional depth of flavor.
To make the soup, heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in sliced ginger and green onions. Then add shiitake and bamboo shoots and simmer for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. When the broth is boiling, stir in cornstarch and let it thicken. Beat eggs and pour them into the soup in a slow stream, stirring to create egg ribbons. Season with black pepper, to taste. Drizzle in sesame oil, if desired, and serve warm. This is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Scallion pancakes
Scallion pancakes are a popular Chinese street food and breakfast dish. These crispy and aromatic pancakes are available all over China. They are also known as Cong You Bing and scallion oil pancakes. They are perfect for a quick lunch break or a weeknight dinner with your loved one.
For the best flavor, use high-quality flour. Add water in parts and knead well until the dough is soft and springy. You can also add a teaspoon of oil to the dough, which makes it easier to work with. Roll a piece of dough into a rectangle and sprinkle with scallions and Chinese five-spice powder (optional). Fold from the center to the edges to create a cylinder and suck in the ends to resemble a snail. Repeat to make four scallion pancakes. To serve, fry each scallion pancake for about 4-5 minutes until it is golden brown and crisp. Serve while warm with soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or chili oil.
