Gluten Free Chinese Food | Delicious Recipes and Tips

Chinese cuisine is beloved for its diverse flavors and vibrant dishes. However, people who have celiac disease or gluten intolerance may find it challenging to navigate this culinary scene. Fortunately, many options and modifications can make gluten-free Chinese food easy and delightful. In this blog, we’ll explore some delicious gluten-free Chinese food recipes and tips to help you savor every bite without worry.

Understanding Gluten in Chinese Cuisine

Knowing where gluten can be hiding in Chinese food is essential before digging into the recipes. Common ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and specific noodles often contain wheat. Awareness of these ingredients and finding alternatives is critical to enjoying gluten-free Chinese food.

Gluten Free Alternatives for Chinese Cooking

• Tamari: This gluten-free soy sauce alternative provides the same umami flavor without the wheat.
• Coconut Aminos: Another soy sauce substitute made from the sap of coconut blossoms.
• Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Many brands now offer soy sauce labeled gluten-free.
• Rice Noodles: A perfect substitute for wheat-based noodles in dishes like lo mein and chow fun.

Delicious Gluten Free Chinese Food Recipes

Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients

• One pound of chicken breast, sliced into small pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Two eggs, beaten
• One red bell pepper, chopped
• One green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup gluten-free sweet and sour sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Vegetable Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• One onion, finely chopped
• Two cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• Two eggs, beaten
• 3 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Tips for Enjoying Gluten Free Chinese Food

• Dining Out: When eating at Chinese restaurants, clearly communicate your gluten-free needs. Many establishments are familiar with dietary restrictions and can accommodate your requests.
• Read Labels: Always check labels when purchasing sauces and condiments to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Homemade Sauces: Consider making your sauces at home using gluten-free ingredients to thoroughly control what goes into your food.
• Choose Rice-Based Dishes: Opt for dishes that naturally use rice or rice noodles, such as fried rice, congee, or pho.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

A classic recipe that is readily made gluten-free is sour and sweet chicken. Begin by coating bite-sized chicken pieces in cornstarch and beaten eggs before frying them until crispy. Stir-fry bell peppers and pineapple chunks, then combine them with the chicken and gluten-free sweet and sour sauce. This recipe retains the original dish’s crispy texture and tangy flavor, making it a delightful and safe option for those avoiding gluten. Serve it hot for a satisfying meal.

Lemon Chicken

For a zesty and refreshing option, try gluten-free lemon chicken. The chicken breasts should be thinly sliced and marinated in lemon juice, honey, ginger, garlic, and gluten-free soy sauce. Fry the chicken until golden, then simmer it in the marinade until the sauce thickens. This dish highlights the bright flavors of lemon and pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables. It’s a perfect choice for a flavorful and gluten-free meal that’s both tangy and satisfying.

Orange Chicken

If you enjoy the crispy texture and sweet flavor of orange chicken, you can recreate this dish gluten-free. Coat chicken pieces in gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and bake them until crispy. Prepare a sauce by simmering orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger. Toss the baked chicken in the sauce for a delicious meal that mirrors the taste of popular takeout dishes. This method keeps the dish healthier by avoiding deep frying while delivering great flavor.

Scallion Pancakes

Scallion pancakes are a popular appetizer that can be adapted to gluten-free diets. Combine gluten-free flour with boiling water to create a dough. Roll the dough out, brush with sesame oil, and sprinkle with chopped scallions. Roll the dough into a spiral, flatten it with a rolling pin, and cook in a skillet until golden brown. These pancakes are crispy and chewy, perfect for appetizers or snacks. Their rich flavor and satisfying texture make them a great addition to your gluten-free meal repertoire.

Additional Gluten Free Chinese Dishes

Shrimp Stir Fry with Vegetables

For shrimp stir-fry with vegetables, you will need 1 lb of shrimp, two tablespoons of gluten-free soy sauce, a single spoonful of rice vinegar, one teaspoon of sesame oil, two cloves of minced garlic, one teaspoon of grated ginger, 1 cup of snap peas, one bell pepper sliced, and one carrot sliced. Combine the gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl.

Add the garlic and ginger to a pan that has been prepared, and sauté over medium heat until fragrant. Add the shrimp and remove them from the pan when they turn pink. Stir-fry the carrot and bell pepper, and snap peas in the same pan until soft. Return the shrimp to the pan and thoroughly combine the sauce. Serve heated over rice or gluten-free noodles.

Gluten Free Chicken and Broccoli

For gluten-free chicken and broccoli, you will need 1 lb of chicken breast sliced into thin strips, two tablespoons of cornstarch, two tablespoons of gluten-free soy sauce, one tablespoon of oyster sauce (make sure it’s gluten-free), one teaspoon of sesame oil, two cloves of minced garlic, one head of broccoli cut into florets, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Toss the chicken strips in cornstarch and set aside.

When the oil is hot, add the garlic and sauté it over medium heat until it becomes aromatic. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Add the broccoli and chicken broth, covering the pan to steam the broccoli until tender. Pour the oyster sauce, sesame oil, and gluten-free. Place the soy sauce in a small bowl and mix with the chicken and broccoli. Mix well and serve hot.

Navigating Gluten Free Chinese Food at Restaurants

When dining out, it’s essential to communicate your dietary needs. Ask about the ingredients used in dishes and whether gluten-free alternatives are available. Many Chinese restaurants are accommodating and can modify dishes to be gluten-free. Opt for naturally gluten-free or easily adapted dishes, such as steamed vegetables, plain rice, and simple stir-fries. Avoid dim sum, dumplings, and breaded meats, which often contain wheat flour.

Conclusion

You can recreate your favorite Chinese dishes at home or find safe restaurant options by being mindful of ingredients and making simple substitutions. Enjoying gluten-free Chinese food means something other than not sacrificing flavor or variety. With these recipes and tips, you’ll be well on your way to savoring delicious and safe gluten-free Chinese food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)