Discover the delightful flavors of authentic Chinese breakfast recipes that will kick-start your day with a burst of energy. From the comforting warmth of congee to the mouth-watering goodness of steamed buns, these traditional dishes offer a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious culinary explorer, these recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and transport you to the bustling streets of China. So, grab your apron and get ready to embark on a flavorful morning adventure that will tantalize your senses!
Congee
Congee, also known as rice porridge, is a popular breakfast dish in China. It is a comforting and nourishing meal made by boiling rice in a large amount of water or broth until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency. Congee can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings and flavors.
Plain Congee
Plain Congee, also known as “白粥” (bái zhōu) in Chinese, is the most basic and traditional version of congee. It is made with nothing more than rice and water, creating a simple and mild base that can be customized with different ingredients. Plain congee is often topped with shredded chicken, chopped scallions, and a drizzle of soy sauce for added flavor.
Century Egg Congee
Century Egg Congee, or “皮蛋瘦肉粥” (pí dàn shòu ròu zhōu) in Chinese, is a classic variation of congee that features century eggs. Century eggs are preserved duck eggs with a unique and distinct flavor. To make this congee, the century eggs are finely chopped and added to the boiling rice. The congee is then garnished with thinly sliced lean pork, chopped scallions, and a sprinkle of white pepper.
Pork and Mushroom Congee
Pork and Mushroom Congee, or “肉松鲜菇粥” (ròu sōng xiān gū zhōu) in Chinese, is a heartier version of congee. It is made by simmering rice with tender strips of marinated pork and a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms. The congee is infused with savory flavors from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. This filling and satisfying congee is perfect for a chilly morning.
Baozi
Baozi, also known as steamed buns, are another popular breakfast option in China. These fluffy and steamed buns can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, making them a versatile and delicious morning treat.
Char Siu Bao
Char Siu Bao, or “叉烧包” (chā shāo bāo) in Chinese, is a classic baozi variety that features a sweet and savory barbecue pork filling. The tender and juicy char siu pork is marinated in a flavorful sauce and then enclosed in a soft and fluffy steamed bun. These buns are often enjoyed during breakfast or as a snack throughout the day.
Mantou
Mantou is the simplest form of baozi, often referred to as plain steamed buns. These plain white buns have a fluffy texture and a slightly sweet taste. They are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or served as a side dish alongside other breakfast favorites like congee or dim sum.
Xiaolongbao
Xiaolongbao, or “小笼包” (xiǎo lóng bāo) in Chinese, are soup-filled dumplings that are a popular breakfast item in China. These delicate and thin-skinned dumplings are filled with a savory meat or vegetable filling and a small amount of hot soup. When steamed, the soup transforms into a delicious broth, making each bite burst with flavor. Xiaolongbao are typically enjoyed dipped in a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar.
Youtiao
Youtiao, also known as Chinese donuts or fried breadsticks, are a beloved breakfast staple in China. These long and deep-fried dough sticks are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect accompaniment to congee or soy milk.
Chinese Donuts
Chinese Donuts, or “油条” (yóu tiáo) in Chinese, are the most common way to enjoy youtiao. They are typically eaten plain or dipped into a cup of hot soy milk or congee. These crispy and golden-brown dough sticks have a slightly salty and addictive flavor that makes them hard to resist.
Jianbing Guozi
Jianbing Guozi, or “煎饼果子” (jiān bǐng guǒ zi) in Chinese, is a popular street food breakfast in China. It is a savory and crispy pancake filled with various ingredients. The base of the pancake is made with a batter of mung bean flour, eggs, and seasonings. It is then topped with a thin layer of hoisin sauce, chopped scallions, cilantro, crispy fried wonton, and a fried egg. This flavorful and satisfying breakfast item is often enjoyed on the go.
Doujiang
Doujiang, also known as soy milk, is a common beverage served alongside Chinese breakfast items. It can be enjoyed sweet or savory, depending on personal preference.
Sweet Soy Milk
Sweet Soy Milk, or “甜豆浆” (tián dòu jiāng) in Chinese, is a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth. It is made by soaking and grinding soybeans, then boiling and straining the mixture to extract the milky liquid. Sweet soy milk is typically sweetened with sugar or honey and can be flavored with ingredients such as almond or sesame.
Savory Soy Milk
Savory Soy Milk, or “咸豆浆” (xián dòu jiāng) in Chinese, is a savory alternative to the sweet version. It is made using the same process of soaking and grinding soybeans but without any additional sweeteners. Savory soy milk is often served hot and seasoned with salt, soy sauce, and sometimes even chopped scallions and sesame oil. It is a comforting and nourishing beverage that pairs well with various breakfast dishes.
Jianbing
Jianbing is a popular street food breakfast in China that consists of a thin and crispy pancake filled with a variety of ingredients. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be customized according to personal taste.
Traditional Jianbing
Traditional Jianbing, or “传统煎饼” (chuán tǒng jiān bǐng), is the original version of this popular breakfast item. It is made by spreading a thin layer of batter made from mung bean flour onto a hot griddle. The batter is then topped with a cracked egg, chopped scallions, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and a crispy fried wonton. The pancake is then folded and served hot off the griddle. Traditional Jianbing is a delicious combination of textures and flavors, with the crispy pancake contrasting with the soft egg and savory fillings.
Scallion Pancake Jianbing
Scallion Pancake Jianbing, or “葱油饼煎饼” (cōng yóu bǐng jiān bǐng) in Chinese, is a variation of Jianbing that features the addition of scallion pancakes. Scallion pancakes are made by combining dough with chopped scallions and pan-frying them until golden brown and crispy. In this version of Jianbing, the scallion pancake is used as the base, and it is topped with the same fillings as the traditional Jianbing. The scallion pancake adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish, making it even more delightful to eat.
Crispy Pork Jianbing
Crispy Pork Jianbing, or “脆皮肉煎饼” (cuì pí ròu jiān bǐng) in Chinese, is a meat lover’s dream. It features a thin and crispy pancake that is filled with juicy and flavorful slices of crispy pork belly. The pancake is then topped with a cracked egg, chopped scallions, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and a fried wonton. This variation of Jianbing combines the deliciousness of crispy pork belly with the satisfying crunch of the pancake, creating a truly indulgent breakfast experience.
Tofu Fa
Tofu Fa, also known as silken tofu pudding, is a popular breakfast dessert in China. It is a delicate and silky smooth pudding made from soybeans. Tofu fa can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings and syrups.
Silken Tofu Pudding
Silken Tofu Pudding, or “豆腐花” (dòu fǔ huā) in Chinese, is made by coagulating soy milk and then allowing it to set into a soft and silky texture. The pudding is typically served chilled and can be enjoyed plain or with a drizzle of sweet syrup, such as ginger or jasmine. Silken tofu pudding is refreshing and light, making it a perfect way to end a hearty Chinese breakfast.
Ginger Syrup Tofu
Ginger Syrup Tofu, or “姜汁豆腐花” (jiāng zhī dòu fǔ huā) in Chinese, adds a warming and spicy twist to the classic silken tofu pudding. The tofu is paired with a fragrant ginger syrup that is made by boiling water, sugar, and ginger together to create a sweet and spicy sauce. The combination of the smooth tofu and the zing of the ginger syrup creates a delightful balance of flavors.
Shao Bing
Shao Bing, also known as sesame pancakes, are savory and flaky pastries that are commonly enjoyed for breakfast in China. These crispy and aromatic pancakes are often filled with various ingredients, making them a flavorful and satisfying morning meal.
Sesame Pancake
Sesame Pancake, or “芝麻煎饼” (zhī ma jiān bǐng) in Chinese, is a classic variety of Shao Bing. It is made by rolling dough into a thin circle and then brushing it with a mixture of sesame oil and sea salt. The pancake is then folded into multiple layers and pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. Sesame pancakes can be enjoyed plain or filled with ingredients such as eggs, pickles, or sliced meats.
Salted Duck Egg Yolk Pancake
Salted Duck Egg Yolk Pancake, or “咸鸭蛋黄煎饼” (xián yā dàn huáng jiān bǐng) in Chinese, is a decadent and savory version of Shao Bing. The pancake is filled with crumbled salted duck egg yolks, creating a rich and creamy filling. The outer layer of the pancake remains crispy and flaky, providing the perfect texture contrast. Salted duck egg yolk pancakes are indulgent and satisfying, perfect for those who crave a more savory breakfast option.
You Tiao Rou Jia Mo
You Tiao Rou Jia Mo, also known as Chinese sandwiches, are a popular street food breakfast in China. These delicious sandwiches feature a crispy and chewy youtiao, commonly referred to as Chinese donuts, as the main filling.
You Tiao Sandwich
You Tiao Sandwich, or “油条夹馍” (yóu tiáo jiā mó) in Chinese, is a simple yet satisfying breakfast option. It consists of a split youtiao that is stuffed with various fillings, such as sliced cucumbers, pickled vegetables, and cilantro. The combination of the crispy and fluffy youtiao with the refreshing crunch of the vegetables makes this sandwich a delightful and convenient morning meal.
Steamed Bread Sandwich with Braised Pork Belly
Steamed Bread Sandwich with Braised Pork Belly, or “扣肉夹馍” (kòu ròu jiā mó) in Chinese, is a more indulgent and flavorsome version of the You Tiao Rou Jia Mo. It features tender and flavorful braised pork belly that is sandwiched between two slices of steamed bread, also known as mantou. The steamed bread acts as a soft and pillowy base for the savory and succulent pork belly, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.
Dan Bing
Dan Bing, or egg pancakes, are a popular breakfast item in Taiwan. These savory and filling pancakes are made from a batter of eggs, flour, and various seasonings. They are typically enjoyed wrapped around a variety of fillings.
Taiwanese Egg Pancake
Taiwanese Egg Pancake, or “台湾蛋饼” (tái wān dàn bǐng) in Chinese, is a classic version of Dan Bing. It is made by pouring a thin layer of egg batter onto a hot griddle and allowing it to cook until slightly crispy on the edges. The pancake is then topped with a savory spread, such as hoisin sauce or chili paste, and filled with a combination of sliced scallions, cilantro, and pickled vegetables. Taiwanese Egg Pancake is a savory and satisfying breakfast option that is loved by many.
Scallion and Egg Pancake
Scallion and Egg Pancake, or “葱花鸡蛋饼” (cōng huā jī dàn bǐng) in Chinese, is a delicious variation of Dan Bing that highlights the flavors of scallions and eggs. The pancake is loaded with chopped scallions and beaten eggs, creating a savory and aromatic filling. The pancake is then folded and cooked until golden brown and crispy. Scallion and Egg Pancake is a simple yet satisfying breakfast option that pairs perfectly with a cup of soy milk or congee.
Guo Kui
Guo Kui, also known as Chinese flatbread, is a popular breakfast item in Northern China. It is a flaky and savory pastry that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, creating a flavorful and satisfying morning meal.
Beef Guo Kui
Beef Guo Kui, or “牛肉锅盔” (niú ròu guō kuī) in Chinese, is a delicious filling option for this savory pastry. The beef is marinated with a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, and garlic, then cooked until tender and flavorful. The Guo Kui is filled with the savory beef mixture and then pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. The combination of the flaky pastry and the juicy beef creates a delightful breakfast treat.
Chicken Guo Kui
Chicken Guo Kui, or “鸡肉锅盔” (jī ròu guō kuī) in Chinese, is another popular filling option for this versatile pastry. The chicken is marinated with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and spices, then cooked until tender and flavorful. The Guo Kui is filled with the savory chicken mixture and pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. Chicken Guo Kui is a tasty and satisfying breakfast option that is loved by many.
Vegetable Guo Kui
Vegetable Guo Kui, or “蔬菜锅盔” (shū cài guō kuī) in Chinese, is a delicious vegetarian option for this savory pastry. The Guo Kui is filled with a mixture of stir-fried vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots, seasoned with soy sauce and other aromatic spices. The vegetable filling is packed with flavor and creates a colorful and vibrant Guo Kui. This vegetarian option is a healthy and delicious choice for a Chinese breakfast.
In conclusion, an authentic Chinese breakfast is a delightful way to start your day. From comforting congees to savory baozi and crispy youtiao, there are a variety of options to suit every palate. Whether you prefer something simple and mild or crave bold and flavorful combinations, Chinese breakfast recipes offer a wide range of choices. So why not step out of your comfort zone and try some of these delicious and authentic Chinese breakfast dishes? They are sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide you with a truly unique breakfast experience.
