Chinese cuisine has a rich history, and different regions throughout China have dishes with distinct aromas. Various seasonings are used to enhance the flavors of dishes to give them more spiciness, sweetness, or savoriness. Here's a closer look at the diverse sauces and flavorings that make this cuisine enticing and enjoyable.

What Ingredients Are Used to Add Flavor in Chinese Cuisine?

1. Sweet and Sour Sauce

Probably one of the most well-known flavors to American lovers of Chinese cuisine, sweet and sour sauce offers a satisfying balance between two distinct tastes. The consistency is thick and jammy, and it pairs well with meats, vegetables, and fried food to reduce greasiness. 

It’s made with vinegar, such as red or rice vinegar, and either sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice, or jelly. A few meals featuring the dressing include sweet and sour chicken or pork, lemon chicken, and orange beef or chicken.      

2. Soy Sauce

This condiment is widely associated with Asian food and is believed to have been discovered in China more than 3,500 years ago. It’s made from fermented soybeans and was initially used to preserve fish. 

Besides seafood, it’s also enjoyed with meat and vegetables, bringing bitter, salty, and umami flavors to dishes. It’s tasty when added to chow mein, fried rice, or sauteed mixed vegetables.

3. Sesame Oil

Not much of this ingredient is needed to improve the aroma of a meal, and it comes either cold-pressed or toasted. Cold-pressed sesame oil is lighter in color and flavor, while the toasted version is more nutty. A few drops can be added to sauces, dressings, and wok dishes. In Chinese cuisine, it’s used in sesame bean curd and sesame chicken. 

4. Five-Spice Seasoning

This powder consists of five ingredients, typically star anise, fennel seed, Szechuan pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. The ratio of each ingredient that a blend contains can vary, but the result is always flavorful. It’s used to enhance the taste of a variety of Chinese dishes, from vegetable chow mein to Peking duck.

When you’re craving authentic Chinese cuisine, head to Hong Wah Restaurant in Penfield, NY. The establishment uses fresh ingredients and seasonings to bring out the flavors in their food. Their menu includes classics such as General Tso’s chicken, lo mein, shrimp fried rice, and more. Call (585) 385-2808 to place an order, or visit them online to view their menu.