Chinese Cuisine Trivia

In fried rice, Mozzarella and Gravy are not commonly used ingredients. Fried rice is typically made with ingredients like BBQ pork, mushrooms, chicken, shrimp, scrambled eggs, and green onions. Mozzarella is a type of cheese that is not commonly used in traditional fried rice recipes. Gravy is also not a typical ingredient in fried rice, as it is more commonly used in dishes like mashed potatoes or roast beef. Therefore, Mozzarella and Gravy would probably not be found in fried rice.

A fortune cookie is a type of Chinese cookie that contains a small slip of paper with a fortune or a piece of wisdom inside. It is often served as a dessert in Chinese restaurants and is popular in many countries. The cookie itself is usually crisp and slightly sweet, and the fortune inside can range from general predictions about the future to words of wisdom or advice. The tradition of fortune cookies is believed to have originated in the United States, but it has become associated with Chinese cuisine.

Peking Duck is named after the Chinese city of Beijing, which was previously known as Peking. This dish is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, and it is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. The name "Peking Duck" reflects the traditional way of preparing and serving this dish in Beijing.

Fortune cookies are usually served after the meal in Chinese restaurants. This is because they are seen as a dessert or a final treat to conclude the dining experience. The tradition of serving fortune cookies after the meal is believed to have originated in the United States rather than in China. The cookies are often accompanied by the bill and are enjoyed while reading the fortune message inside.

Chow Mein is a Chinese dish that is made with noodles. It typically consists of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood. The noodles used in Chow Mein are usually wheat-based and can be either soft or crispy depending on the cooking method. This dish is popular in Chinese cuisine and is often served as a main course.

Egg Foo Yung is a Chinese dish that typically consists of an omelette filled with various ingredients. Barbecued pork is a common ingredient that can be found in Egg Foo Yung. It adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, complementing the eggs and other vegetables. Jalapenos, ketchup, and raisins, on the other hand, are not commonly used in Egg Foo Yung.

Tea is the correct answer because it was first discovered by the Chinese. Tea has a long history in Chinese culture, dating back thousands of years. It was initially used for medicinal purposes before becoming a popular beverage. The Chinese were the first to cultivate and develop different varieties of tea, and it eventually spread to other parts of the world. Today, tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally.

Sichuan (or Szechuan) is the correct answer because it is a region in China that is famous for its spicy cuisine. Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, particularly the use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers, which give dishes like Kung Pao chicken their characteristic heat and numbing sensation. Beijing, Shanghai, and Canton are also well-known culinary regions in China, but they are not specifically associated with spicy dishes like Sichuan.

Ginger is native to China. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine for thousands of years. It is known for its unique flavor and medicinal properties. Ginger is widely used in Chinese dishes such as stir-fries, soups, and teas. It is also used in various Chinese herbal remedies for its digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. Therefore, ginger is the correct answer as it is a food that originated in China.

Sea cucumbers are gelatinous sea creatures that are also known as "hai shen" in Chinese cuisine. They have a unique ability to absorb flavors, similar to how tofu does. This makes them a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes, as they can easily take on the flavors of the other ingredients they are cooked with. Eel, conch, and abalone are not known for their ability to absorb flavors like sea cucumbers do.

Chinese shrimp toast is usually cooked by frying. This cooking method involves deep-frying the bread slices topped with a mixture of minced shrimp, seasonings, and sometimes other ingredients. The bread becomes crispy and golden brown while the shrimp filling cooks and becomes flavorful. Frying gives the dish a crunchy texture and enhances the taste of the shrimp. It is a popular and traditional way of preparing Chinese shrimp toast.

Carrots should be added to the pan first when cooking a stir-fry because they take longer to cook compared to the other vegetables listed. By adding them first, they will have more time to soften and cook through, ensuring that they are tender and flavorful. This allows the other vegetables to be added later, preserving their crispness and preventing them from becoming overcooked.