Chinese wife cake, or also known as lao po bing, is a traditional Cantonese pastry that is a staple in Chinese households. The name "wife cake" comes from the Chinese tradition of giving it as a gift to a new bride as a symbol of a happy marriage. This flaky, sweet, and savory dessert has been enjoyed for generations and is now gaining popularity around the world. In this article, we will take you through the steps of making this delicious treat in the comfort of your own home.
One of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes, orange chicken, can easily be made at home with a beer can chicken twist. Simply marinate your chicken in a mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices, and then roast it on a beer can for a flavorful and juicy dish. Serve with some steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
If you're in the mood for some beef, try this Chinese-inspired beer can chicken recipe. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, and then roast it on a beer can with some broccoli florets. The result is a delicious and tender chicken dish that pairs perfectly with the stir-fried broccoli.
Take your beer can chicken to the next level by serving it with some Chinese fried rice. Simply cook your rice with some vegetables, egg, and spices, and then top it off with some shredded beer can chicken. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to use up any leftover chicken.
4of 20
Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
If you prefer chicken thighs over a whole chicken, you can still enjoy a Chinese-inspired beer can chicken dish. Marinate your chicken thighs in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and spices, and then roast them on a beer can for a flavorful and juicy dish. Serve with some steamed vegetables and rice for a complete meal.
For a healthier version of the classic Chinese dish, try this beer can chicken and broccoli recipe. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and spices, and then roast it on a beer can with some broccoli florets. The result is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
If you're looking for a comforting and warming dish, try this Chinese-inspired beer can chicken and egg drop soup. Simply shred your beer can chicken and add it to a pot of simmering chicken broth. Add in some beaten eggs and spinach for a nutritious and delicious soup.
7of 20
Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
Take a classic Chinese takeout dish and add a beer can chicken twist with this recipe. Cook your rice with some vegetables, egg, and spices, and then top it off with some shredded beer can chicken. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
8of 20
Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
This beer can chicken and egg fried rice recipe is not only easy to make but also delicious. Simply cook your rice with some vegetables, egg, and spices, and then top it off with some shredded beer can chicken. This dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
9of 20
Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
For a tasty and easy appetizer, try these fried beer can chicken wings with a Chinese twist. Simply season your wings with some Chinese spices and then roast them on a beer can for a crispy and flavorful dish. Serve with some sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
10of 20
Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
This beer can chicken and broccoli beef dish is perfect for those who love beef but want to try something new. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and spices, and then roast it on a beer can with some broccoli and beef strips. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please.
For a fun and tasty twist on beer can chicken, try these Chinese-inspired egg rolls. Simply shred your beer can chicken and mix it with some vegetables and Chinese spices. Wrap the mixture in egg roll wrappers and then fry until crispy. Serve with some sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
This beer can chicken and BBQ pork dish is perfect for a summer barbecue. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of BBQ sauce and Chinese spices, and then roast it on a beer can for a smoky and flavorful dish. Serve with some Chinese-style coleslaw for a complete meal.
13of 20
Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
For a classic Chinese takeout dish, try this beer can chicken and beef fried rice recipe. Cook your rice with some vegetables, egg, and spices, and then top it off with some shredded beer can chicken and beef strips. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Stir-fry your beer can chicken with some vegetables and Chinese spices for a quick and flavorful dish. Serve over some steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also add in some cashews or peanuts for some added crunch.
This beer can chicken and sweet and sour sauce combination is a match made in heaven. Simply roast your chicken on a beer can and then serve it with a homemade sweet and sour sauce made with pineapple juice, vinegar, and spices. Add in some bell peppers and pineapple chunks for a complete dish.
If you're a fan of seafood, try this beer can chicken and honey prawns dish. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and Chinese spices, and then roast it on a beer can with some prawns. The result is a sweet and savory dish that is perfect for a special occasion.
17of 20
Chinese Rice Cake—Bai Tang Gao
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Water, Yeast, Warm Water, Sugar, Oil
For a unique and traditional Chinese dish, try this beer can chicken and Chinese rice cake recipe. The rice cake, also known as Bai Tang Gao, is made with rice flour and has a chewy texture. Serve the shredded beer can chicken on top of the rice cake for a delicious and filling meal.
18of 20
Homemade Chinese Fried Noodles
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Chinese Chives, Medium Carrot, Shredded
If you're a fan of noodles, try this homemade Chinese fried noodle recipe with a beer can chicken twist. Simply cook your noodles with some vegetables, egg, and Chinese spices, and then top it off with some shredded beer can chicken. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
For a flavorful and healthy side dish, try these Chinese-inspired garlic green beans. Simply stir-fry your green beans with some garlic, soy sauce, and Chinese spices for a dish that is sure to be a hit. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and balanced meal.
20of 20
Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Eggplant, Garlic, Red Chile Pepper, Fresh
This beer can chicken and Chinese eggplant dish is perfect for those who love a little heat. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of spicy garlic sauce and Chinese spices, and then roast it on a beer can with some eggplant slices. The result is a flavorful and spicy dish that is perfect for a chilly night.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
Flour: 2 cups
Water: 1 cup
Salt: 1 tsp
Lard: 1/4 cup
Sugar: 1/4 cup
Red bean paste: 1 cup
Sesame seeds: 1/4 cup
Equipment:
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Pastry brush
Mixing bowls
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, start by making the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/4 cup of lard. Use your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add 1 cup of water, a little at a time, and continue mixing until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
After 30 minutes, take the dough out of the bowl and place it on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Next, spread 1/4 cup of red bean paste evenly over the dough. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar on top of the red bean paste. Roll the dough tightly into a log, and then cut it into 8 equal pieces.
Step 4: Shape the Wife Cakes
Take each piece of dough and flatten it with your hands. Using a rolling pin, roll out each piece into a circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Place a spoonful of the remaining red bean paste in the center of the circle. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them tightly to seal.
Step 5: Add the Sesame Seeds
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip one side of each wife cake into a bowl of sesame seeds, making sure to cover the entire surface. Place the wife cakes on the baking sheet, sesame seed side up.
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy
Bake the wife cakes for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
In Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe for Chinese wife cake, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious and traditional dessert. With its flaky layers, sweet red bean filling, and savory sesame seed crust, this pastry is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead and try making these wife cakes at home, and bring a taste of Chinese culture to your kitchen.
