What Are Water Chestnuts?

Chinese water chestnuts are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine. They have a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that adds a refreshing element to dishes. These small, white, tuberous vegetables are often used in stir-fries, soups, and salads. They are also a common ingredient in many Chinese desserts.

Chinese Water Chestnut Recipes:

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy Chinese water chestnut recipe, try this Stir-Fry Chicken Snow Peas Water Chestnuts dish. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy snow peas, and crisp water chestnuts creates a delightful texture and flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or for entertaining guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1 can water chestnuts, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until cooked through.
4. Add the snow peas and water chestnuts and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well to coat the ingredients.
6. Cook for another minute or until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian Chinese water chestnut recipe, try this Chinese Style Stir Fried Water Chest Nut with Vegetables. This dish combines the simplicity of stir-frying with a medley of colorful vegetables and the crunchiness of water chestnuts. It’s a nutritious and delicious option for those who prefer a plant-based diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water chestnuts, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, etc.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and water chestnuts, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Remove from heat and serve hot as a side dish or over steamed rice.

Water Chestnut in Schezuan Sauce is a spicy Chinese water chestnut recipe that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. The combination of crunchy water chestnuts and the bold flavors of Schezuan sauce creates a tantalizing dish that will satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water chestnuts, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons Schezuan sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced water chestnuts and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the Schezuan sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Pour the sauce mixture over the water chestnuts and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Add water and cook for another 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Chinese Water Chestnut Soup is a nourishing and comforting dish that is enjoyed by many Chinese families. The sweet and crunchy water chestnuts are the star of this soup, providing a delightful texture and flavor. This recipe is simple and easy to make, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water chestnuts, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup boneless chicken breast, sliced
• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil.
2. Add the chicken, garlic, bamboo shoots, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Add the water chestnuts and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, and stir it into the soup to thicken.
5. Remove from heat and serve hot.

These Chinese water chestnut recipes are just a few examples of how versatile and delicious this ingredient can be. Whether you’re looking for a savory stir-fry, a spicy dish, or a comforting soup, water chestnuts are sure to add a unique and delightful flavor to your Chinese cooking.