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Exploring new cuisines can be an incredible journey, but it can also come with unique challenges. Chinese cuisine for example is renowned for its unique flavours, but that means that recipes often call for a lot of specialised ingredients that can be both expensive and sometimes hard to find. Whether it's due to limited access, high prices or dietary restrictions, there are alternatives readily available that can help you recreate those delicious Chinese dishes without compromising on taste.
Here are 6 alternatives to Chinese cooking staples that are worth trying:
1. Soy Sauce Alternatives
The backbone of most Chinese dishes, soy sauce is known for its savoury, salty, and umami flavour. A solution can be found in Japanese Tamari, a gluten-free substitute for soy with a very similar flavour profile. Another fix you can try is to water down some Worcestershire sauce which has a passable similarity to the umami notes of soy.
2. Oyster Sauce Substitutes
This sauce lends a deep, rich flavour to many Chinese dishes, but it's not always suitable for vegetarians or those with shellfish allergies. A great alternative is mushroom sauce. It offers a similar earthy taste and a thick consistency that works well in stir-fries and braised dishes. You can also make your own mushroom sauce by simmering finely chopped mushrooms in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and a little cornstarch.
3. Hoisin Sauce Replacements
If you’ve ever savoured the magic of Peking Duck, you know that Hoisin sauce is a gamechanger. But it’s not always easy to find if you don’t have any speciality stores available to you. If you need a hoisin sauce substitute, try plum sauce. Plum sauce offers a sweet and tangy flavour that compliments Chinese dishes beautifully. You can use it as a dipping sauce or as an ingredient in your recipes.
4. Five-Spice Powder Variations
Every cuisine has its favourite spice blends and for Chinese food, it’s five spice. Five-spice powder is a quintessential Chinese spice blend that adds depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. If you can't find it or prefer to make your own, mix equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. This homemade blend will capture the essence of five-spice powder and infuse your dishes with its unique taste.
5. Chinese Cooking Wine Alternatives
You’ll find that most traditional Chinese recipes call for this popular rice wine to replicate the authentic Chinese flavours. If you don't have it or prefer not to use alcohol, chicken or vegetable broth is a suitable alternative. The broth will provide moisture and some flavour, though it won't be an exact match for the complexity of Shaoxing wine.If you don’t mind alcohol, then a touch of wine wine can help bring the flavour closer to the original.
6. Bok Choi Replacements
One of the most common Chinese greens you'll find is Bok Choi, a member of the cabbage family which is often used in hotpots and soups for extra flavour and crunch. If you can't find Choi in your regular market, you can always try cabbage instead. It provides a similar texture and bite and will be easily available in most places.
Incorporating these substitutes into your Chinese cooking can help you enjoy the cuisine without compromising on taste or dietary restrictions. While they may not replicate the exact flavour of traditional Chinese ingredients, they offer similar profiles and can be excellent stand-ins.
