If you’ve ever wondered why Chinese food can taste so comforting, so fragrant, and yet so light at the same time, the secret lies in the Chinese cooking methods. Chinese cuisine is not just about ingredients or sauces, but it’s about technique.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common Chinese cooking methods, explain how they work, share simple tips and guidelines, and highlight the types of dishes produced using these techniques. Get ready to understand Chinese food on a whole new level with our guide!

6 Chinese Cooking Methods You Should Know

Understanding Chinese cooking methods helps you appreciate every bite even more. Here are several Chinese cooking method you should aware of:

1. Stir-Frying (炒 – Chǎo)

Stir-frying is one of the most iconic and widely used cooking methods in Chinese cuisine. It involves cooking ingredients very quickly over extremely high heat in a wok, using only a small amount of oil.

During the process, the ingredients are constantly stirred or tossed so they cook evenly without absorbing too much oil or becoming soggy.

This fast and fiery technique is famous for producing wok hei—the slightly smoky, charred aroma that gives authentic Chinese dishes their irresistible depth and restaurant-quality flavor.

Stir-frying produces dishes that are bold, aromatic, and full of texture. Meats remain tender, vegetables stay crisp, and rice or noodles turn out light, fluffy, and well-separated rather than clumpy or oily.

At Ocean Dynasty, classic stir-fried dishes include Yang Chow Fried Rice, cooked rapidly to keep each grain fragrant and fluffy. Additionally our signature Stir-Fried Sliced Beef with Ginger & Spring Onion features tender slices of beef, expertly stir-fried over high heat to lock in juiciness while achieving a beautifully seared aroma.

2. Deep-Frying (炸 – Zhá)

In Chinese cuisine, deep-frying is about much more than just creating a crispy coating. Ingredients are submerged in hot oil to form a golden, crunchy exterior while locking moisture inside, resulting in food that is juicy and tender beneath the crisp surface.

Many deep-fried dishes are later paired with sauces or combined with other cooking methods, creating a contrast between crunchy textures and glossy, flavorful coatings.

Deep-frying creates dishes that are crispy on the outside yet soft and juicy on the inside, making them ideal for sweet-and-savory combinations and sauce-based dishes.

Popular deep-fried offerings at Ocean Dynasty include Sweet and Sour Fish, where crispy fish is coated in a glossy, tangy sauce. Deep Fried Chicken with Lemon Sauces deliver a light crunch with satisfying flavor, while Crispy Crabmeat Rolls are golden, crisp, and filled with savory ingredients.

3. Steaming (蒸 – Zhēng)

Steaming is one of the healthiest and most traditional cooking methods in Chinese cuisine. Food is cooked using hot steam rather than oil or direct contact with water, allowing ingredients to retain their natural flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

This method is especially popular for seafood and delicate items, where freshness and natural sweetness are the main focus.

Steamed dishes are light, tender, and clean-tasting, making them perfect for those who enjoy subtle flavors and refined textures.

At Ocean Dynasty, steaming shines in dishes such as Steamed Fish with Nyonya Sauce, known for its soft, flaky texture and fragrant aroma. Steamed Fish Hong Kong are naturally addictive, while Dim Sum like Steamed Oyster with garlic feature delicate oysters with savory goodness.

4. Braising (焖 – Mèn / 卤 – Lǔ)

Braising is a slow-cooking method where ingredients are gently simmered in a seasoned liquid over low heat. This allows flavors to deeply penetrate the food while transforming tougher cuts into tender, melt-in-the-mouth textures.

Braised dishes are rich, savory, and comforting, offering deep, layered flavors that feel warming and satisfying.

Ocean Dynasty features comforting braised dishes such as Braised Tofu with Mushroom Ling Zhi, which is soft and deeply flavorful, Braised Beef Brisket in Claypot with earthy aromas, and Braised Black Mushrooms with broccoli that are tender and well-seasoned.

We also offer Braised Whole Abalone (2 Head) with Fresh Vegetables that offers whole premium abalone (2 head), carefully braised using the classic Angsio (red-braising) technique. The abalone is slowly simmered in a rich, savory sauce until it becomes incredibly tender while still maintaining its signature chewy bite.

5. Roasting (烧 / 烤 – Shāo / Kǎo)

Chinese roasting focuses on achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. Meats are often marinated before cooking and roasted using controlled heat to ensure even browning and rich aroma.

Roasted dishes are aromatic, visually appealing, and full of flavor, often served as standout items at the dining table.

6. Simmering & Soups (煮 – Zhǔ / 汤 – Tāng)

Simmering involves gently cooking ingredients in liquid over low heat. This method is widely used for soups that emphasize nourishment, balance, and clarity of flavor.

Simmering produces comforting soups and broths that are soothing, aromatic, and deeply flavorful.

Ocean Dynasty’s simmered offerings include Crabmeat with Asparagus Soup, known for its nourishing qualities and fragrant aroma, and Double-boiled Superior Shark’s Fin with Crabmeat Soup, which is light, fresh, and full of natural sweetness.

Visit Ocean Dynasty for Authentic Chinese Cuisines!

To truly experience authentic Chinese cuisine at its finest, there’s no better place than Ocean Dynasty. Every dish is crafted using time-honored cooking techniques, premium ingredients, and the kind of attention to detail that turns a meal into a memorable dining experience.

Before you visit, be sure to explore Our Signature Features and browse our menu to discover the specialties that make Ocean Dynasty so distinctive. And because great food deserves the perfect moment, we highly recommend making reservations in advance.

Reserve your seat whether through WhatsApp, a phone call (+62 811-1920-9007), or our website—so everything is ready for you when you arrive. Come hungry, come curious, and let Ocean Dynasty take you on a delicious journey through authentic Chinese flavors.

FAQ

What is the most common Chinese cooking method?

Stir-frying is the most common method, as it’s fast, versatile, and perfect for a wide variety of ingredients.

Is steamed Chinese food bland?

Not at all. Steaming highlights natural flavors, often enhanced with light sauces like soy sauce, garlic, or ginger.

Can different methods be used in one dish?

Yes! Many Chinese dishes combine methods, such as deep-frying first and then stir-frying with sauce for added flavor.

A Guide to Chinese Cooking Methods, from Stir-Frying to Steaming