- Stir-Frying (炒 Chǎo): Stir-frying involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok or large pan. It's a popular technique used in many Chinese dishes due to its speed, versatility, and ability to retain the flavors and textures of the ingredients.
- Steaming (蒸 Zhēng): Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of food. It's often used for delicate ingredients like fish, vegetables, and dumplings. Steaming is achieved by placing food on a rack or perforated container over boiling water.
- Deep-Frying (炸 Zhá): Deep-frying is commonly used for foods like meat, fish, vegetables, and dough-based items. The food is submerged in hot oil until it's golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender and cooked on the inside.
- Braising (红烧 Hóng Shāo): Braising is a slow-cooking technique that involves simmering meat or vegetables in a covered pot with liquid, usually a combination of soy sauce, water, stock, and aromatics. It results in tender and flavorful dishes with a rich sauce.
- Simmering (炖 Dùn): Simmering involves cooking food in liquid over low heat for an extended period. It's often used for tough cuts of meat or soups. Simmering allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and fall off the bone.
- Blanching (焯水 Chuò Shuǐ): Blanching is a technique where vegetables or other ingredients are briefly immersed in boiling water before further cooking or processing. It helps preserve color and texture while removing any unwanted flavors.
- Boiling (煮 Zhǔ): Boiling is a simple method of cooking food by submerging it in boiling water. It's commonly used for noodles, dumplings, soups, and blanching ingredients.
- Pan-Frying (煎 Jiān): Pan-frying involves cooking food in a heated pan with a small amount of oil. It's often used for thinly sliced meat, fish, tofu, and pancakes.
- Roasting (烤 Kǎo): Roasting is a cooking method where food is exposed to dry heat in an oven or over an open fire. It's typically used for meat, poultry, and some vegetables.
- Barbecuing (烧烤 Shāo Kǎo): Barbecuing is similar to roasting but involves cooking food over hot coals or a charcoal grill. It adds a smoky flavor to the food.