Seafood in Chinese cuisine – balance in everything

Chinese cuisine is rich in unique flavor combinations. And special attention is paid to seafood. The peculiarities of the regional location have left their mark on the preparation and preferred products, but one rule remains the same – you can eat everything! And this rule is more relevant than ever in the process of cooking seafood.

Fish and China – the main nuances

Fish itself has an important meaning in Chinese culture and is a symbol of harmony, good luck, and prosperity. To a large extent, this is possible because the word “fish” is even spelled in Chinese almost the same way as the word “luck”. Therefore, when serving a fish-based dish, according to tradition, the guest is wished good luck in their endeavors. If you are offered the first bite, it means that you are a welcome and respected guest in the house. Not surprisingly, seafood dishes are more popular than meat or vegetable dishes.

At the same time, seafood can be both the basis of the dish and considered an “additional product” where rice is the basis. The culinary traditions of China allow you to combine poultry, fruit, seafood, pork, and vegetables in one dish at once – all at the discretion of the chef who is treating you today. Don’t be surprised if, instead of the standard soy sauce, you are offered a little spice or a piece of cane sugar.

Shandong cuisine is the birthplace of most recipes

Most of the seafood recipes we know come from Shandong cuisine. The region is located right on the coast of the Yellow Sea, in the northeast of the country. It abounds in various plants and seafood, fruits and grains. As a result, they are combined into amazing combinations that delight locals and tourists alike.

Shandong cuisine is also known for its unique approach to marinating fish and other seafood and then frying it in a strong approach. Marinades are created according to unique recipes, so in each oriental restaurant, one fish may differ in taste. Unlike animal and poultry meat, which has always been expensive, shrimp and squid are more affordable and actively consumed, but can be mixed with pork and fruit in the process.

Seafood and treatment

The tendency to treat with food is more relevant than ever when eating seafood. Against this background, several rules have become widespread. The most popular is the use of fish-based broth. But, this rule is relevant only when using fresh fish for soup, canned or frozen seafood simply will not work.

Among the foods that will warm and give you strength, Chinese healers and chefs highlight shrimp and shrimp-based dishes. And if you’re planning to refresh yourself or just eat on a hot summer day, pay attention to seaweed, sea cucumbers, or crab meat. Seafood is believed to be good for the bladder and kidneys, so it’s worth including it in your regular diet, if not daily.

In fact, every single type of seafood can be beneficial in its own way:

• If you want to improve bladder function, then eat catfish, crucian carp or carp;
• silver carp, halibut or herring can increase appetite;
• If you want to improve your skin condition, eat more mussels.

See for yourself the special power of seafood by simply trying it cooked according to Chinese recipes.