The Essence of Chinese Seafood: Techniques, Culture, and the Signature Dishes
If you’re a seafood lover, Chinese seafood cuisine is like a magical treasure chest pulled straight from the ocean. Imagine fresh fish served so tender it melts on your tongue, prawns bursting with flavor, and crab cooked in sauces so aromatic they can make an entire table silent with excitement.
Chinese seafood is definitely an experience filled with flavor, history, and cultural celebration. And lucky for you, you don’t need to travel all the way to China to enjoy it. Right here in Bali, Ocean Dynasty brings authentic Chinese seafood dishes to life, blending traditional cooking techniques with premium fresh ingredients that promise an unforgettable dining experience. Let’s check why Chinese seafood is a must for you!
What Is Chinese Seafood?
Chinese seafood refers to dishes made with fish, shrimp, crab, scallops, squid, lobster, and other ocean delicacies that are prepared according to Chinese culinary traditions. The key to Chinese seafood is freshness and balance.
Rather than covering the natural flavor with heavy seasoning, Chinese cooking focuses on enhancing and respecting the taste of the sea.
In Chinese culture, seafood has always symbolized prosperity, celebration, and good fortune. Families gather around large seafood dishes during special occasions like Lunar New Year, weddings, or birthdays. Eating seafood together represents sharing happiness and blessings.
How Seafood Is Cooked and Served in Chinese
Every Chinese seafood method is chosen carefully to bring out the natural sweetness, texture, and aroma of the ocean’s ingredients. Instead of overpowering seafood with heavy seasoning, Chinese chefs focus on respecting the purity and freshness of each piece.
Different techniques are used depending on whether the seafood is light and delicate like fish, firm like prawns, or rich like crab.
Let’s dive into the most popular cooking methods, the flavors they bring, and why they are so beloved in Chinese cuisine.
1. Steaming (蒸)
Steaming is considered the purest and most elegant way to cook seafood in Chinese cuisine. The goal is simple: let the ingredient speak for itself. When fish is steamed, its natural juices are locked inside, giving it a silky, tender texture.
A classic example is our Steamed Live Grouper Hong Kong Style—the fish is steamed until perfectly soft, then topped with shredded ginger and spring onions. Finally, hot oil is poured over to release the fragrance, followed by a splash of premium light soy sauce.
The result? A clean, refreshing taste where every bite highlights the ocean’s natural sweetness.
2. Stir-Frying (炒)
If steaming is elegant, stir-frying is fast, fiery, and exciting. This method uses high heat and quick tossing to create juicy, flavorful seafood with a slightly smoky aroma called wok hei—the breath of the wok. It’s the magical flavor that only comes from cooking over extremely high flame.
Shrimp, squid, and scallops turn out plump and bouncy when stir-fried. They’re usually combined with fresh aromatics such as garlic, ginger, chilies, and vegetables to create layers of flavor.
Ocean Dynasty showcases this technique beautifully with their Stir-Fried Scallop with Broccoli and XO Sauce. The scallops remain plump and tender, complemented by the crunch of broccoli and the bold, fragrant depth of premium XO sauce. It’s a lively, exciting dish that delivers flavor with every bite.
3. Deep-Frying (炸)
Deep-frying in Chinese cuisine is about creating texture and sealing freshness. When seafood like prawn, fish, or crab is deep-fried, the outside becomes beautifully golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and juicy.
Many famous dishes start with frying before moving to the next step. For example, Salted Egg Prawns are first deep-fried to achieve crispy shells and firm meat. Then they’re tossed in a rich salted egg sauce that coats every surface with creamy, savory goodness.
At Ocean Dynasty, the Deep-Fried Crispy Squid is a popular favorite. It has a satisfying crunchy coating and a deliciously chewy interior, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying as a starter. Dishes like this highlight why deep-fried seafood is often associated with celebration and fun dining moments.
4. Braising (焖 or 红烧)
Braising is like giving seafood a flavorful warm bath. The seafood is first lightly cooked, then slowly simmered in a rich sauce so it absorbs deep, complex flavors. This method is famous for producing dishes that are sticky, glossy, and bursting with umami.
Typical braising sauces may include:
Soy sauce & dark soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Shaoxing rice wine
Chili bean paste
Aromatic spices and herbs
A standout example is our Braised Sea Cucumber with Black Mushrooms and Vegetables. The sea cucumber absorbs the luxurious sauce, the mushrooms add earthiness, and the vegetables balance the dish with freshness. This is refined Chinese dining where rich and elegant becomes one perfect dish.
5. Hotpot & Soup-Based Cooking
Hotpot is the champion of interactive dining. A steaming pot of flavorful broth sits at the center of the table, and diners cook raw seafood themselves.
Seafood cooks quickly in hotpot, staying juicy and naturally sweet. Each ingredient is dipped in sauces like sesame, garlic, chili paste, or soy to create personalized flavor combinations.
Chinese seafood soups, on the other hand, are all about nourishment and healing. Chefs often boil fish bones, shrimp shells, or crab shells for hours to extract a creamy, mineral-rich broth that is believed to boost energy, strengthen the immune system, and improve skin health.
At Ocean Dynasty, this technique is showcased through their Live Lobster Sashimi with Optional Soup, where the lobster head and shell are transformed into a premium broth after sashimi is served. It’s an impressive experience that offers both freshness and depth!
Discover Bali’s Best Chinese Seafood Experience
Craving a dining experience that feels luxurious, exciting, and unforgettable? Welcome to Ocean Dynasty, where authentic Chinese flavors meet the freshest premium seafood right here in the heart of Bali.
Every of our dishes is crafted with mastery and passion that will bring the true essence of Chinese cuisine to your table. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, family celebration, or business gathering, Ocean Dynasty promises an elevated culinary journey that delights every sense.
Before you visit, don’t forget to explore our Signature Features, browse our full menu, and book your reservation in advance via WhatsApp, phone call, or through our website to secure the perfect dining experience. Trust us—you won’t want to miss a single bite of what awaits!
FAQ
Is Chinese seafood spicy?
Not always. Many dishes focus on mild flavors like soy, ginger, or garlic. But you can choose spicy options such as chili crab or Sichuan-style seafood if you prefer stronger heat.
What is the healthiest Chinese seafood dish?
Steamed fish is one of the healthiest options because it uses minimal oil and keeps nutrients intact.
Where can I dine the best Chinese seafood?
If you’re searching for the best Chinese seafood dining experience, always choose Ocean Dynasty in Bali. Known for its exceptional selection of live seafood, premium ingredients, and authentic Chinese cooking techniques, Ocean Dynasty delivers dishes that are fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.
