Chinese cuisine, with its rich history, bold flavors, and diverse cooking techniques, can seem daunting to many new cooks. From stir-fries to dim sum, hot pots to noodle dishes, the wide variety of cooking styles and ingredients might feel overwhelming for someone just starting out in the kitchen. However, the good news is that there are many cooking courses available to help beginners get acquainted with Chinese culinary traditions. Whether you’re interested in learning basic techniques, exploring regional Chinese dishes, or understanding the principles behind balancing flavors, there are a wealth of courses designed to make the journey enjoyable and accessible.
In this article, we will explore the best Chinese cooking courses for beginners. From in-person classes to online tutorials, you’ll find plenty of options to help you improve your cooking skills and deepen your appreciation for Chinese food. Let’s dive into the world of Chinese cooking and discover the best courses available to help you take your culinary skills to the next level.
1. The Basics of Chinese Cooking for Beginners
Before diving into specific courses, it’s important to understand what makes Chinese cooking unique. Chinese cuisine is not just about following recipes; it’s about mastering key techniques, understanding how flavors work together, and using a wide variety of ingredients. The fundamentals of Chinese cooking involve:
- Stir-frying: A fast cooking technique where ingredients are cooked in a small amount of oil over high heat in a wok.
- Steaming: A healthy cooking method that preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of food, commonly used for dumplings, fish, and buns.
- Braised dishes: Cooking food in a flavorful liquid over a long period of time, resulting in tender meat and rich, concentrated flavors.
- Sauce-making: Many Chinese dishes rely on a combination of sauces, such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and more, to achieve the perfect balance of salty, sweet, savory, and umami.
If you’re new to these cooking methods, starting with a basic cooking course will help you build the foundational skills needed to tackle more complex dishes. Now, let’s take a look at some popular beginner-friendly Chinese cooking courses.
2. In-Person Cooking Classes for Beginners
For those who enjoy hands-on learning and interaction with instructors, in-person cooking classes can be a great way to dive into Chinese cuisine. Many cooking schools around the world offer beginner courses specifically designed for people who want to get a taste of Chinese cooking. Below are some notable in-person courses:
A. School of Wok (London, UK)
The School of Wok in London is one of the most renowned schools for learning Chinese cooking in the UK. They offer a wide range of classes, from beginner to advanced, with an emphasis on wok cooking techniques. Their Beginner’s Chinese Cooking Class is perfect for those who are new to Chinese food and want to learn essential techniques like stir-frying, steaming, and creating delicious sauces.
The class teaches students how to make a variety of Chinese dishes, such as spring rolls, kung pao chicken, and fried rice. The hands-on approach and expert instructors will guide you through the cooking process, ensuring that you leave with practical skills that can be used at home.
B. The Chinese Cooking School (New York City, USA)
The Chinese Cooking School in New York City offers beginner classes that focus on essential cooking techniques, such as stir-frying, steaming, and braising. Their Chinese Cooking 101 class introduces beginners to the flavors and techniques that make Chinese food so unique. You’ll learn how to cook popular dishes like sweet and sour chicken, pork dumplings, and beef with broccoli.
Their courses are designed to be beginner-friendly, with a strong emphasis on understanding Chinese ingredients, sauces, and cooking equipment. Classes are hands-on, giving you the opportunity to cook alongside experienced chefs who will provide valuable tips and tricks throughout the session.
C. Cookly (Global)
Cookly is an online platform that partners with cooking schools around the world to offer cooking experiences. They feature in-person classes in cities like Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Beijing. For beginners, their Chinese Cooking Class for Beginners is an excellent option. These courses cover a wide range of dishes and techniques, with a focus on regional flavors and cooking styles.
With Cookly, you can book cooking classes in various Chinese cities and learn from local chefs who specialize in traditional recipes. Whether you’re learning how to make dumplings in Beijing or preparing spicy Sichuan dishes in Chengdu, these immersive classes provide a unique and authentic way to explore Chinese cuisine.
3. Online Chinese Cooking Courses for Beginners
If you’re unable to attend an in-person cooking class, online cooking courses are an excellent alternative. With just a computer and some basic ingredients, you can access a wealth of information and tutorials from top chefs and instructors. Here are some of the best online Chinese cooking courses for beginners:
A. The Chinese Cooking Class (Udemy)
Udemy, an online platform offering a variety of courses in different fields, has a series of beginner-friendly Chinese cooking classes. The Chinese Cooking Class on Udemy is ideal for anyone looking to learn Chinese cooking at home. It covers essential Chinese cooking techniques, such as stir-frying, deep-frying, and making dumplings. The course also delves into the basics of seasoning and the key ingredients used in Chinese kitchens, such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
With over 90 minutes of video content and downloadable materials, this course allows you to work at your own pace. The instructor, a professional Chinese chef, provides step-by-step instructions, making it easy for beginners to follow along.
B. The Wok Shop’s Online Classes
The Wok Shop, an online store that specializes in Chinese cooking tools and cookware, also offers beginner online cooking classes. These classes focus on teaching basic Chinese cooking techniques, such as stir-frying, steaming, and using a wok. The classes are designed to teach beginners how to create popular Chinese dishes like fried rice, chow mein, and kung pao chicken.
These classes are perfect for beginners who want to learn about using a wok and other essential Chinese cooking tools. They also teach basic knife skills, ingredient handling, and the importance of seasoning.
C. The Great Courses: Chinese Cooking Essentials
The Great Courses offers a wide range of high-quality educational videos, including courses on cooking. The Chinese Cooking Essentials course is a comprehensive introduction to Chinese cooking for beginners. It covers essential cooking methods such as stir-frying, braising, and steaming. In this course, you’ll learn how to prepare classic Chinese dishes, from dim sum to fried rice, with an emphasis on the fundamentals of Chinese cuisine.
This course is taught by Chef Ming Tsai, a renowned chef who specializes in Chinese and Asian cuisine. Chef Tsai guides students through every aspect of Chinese cooking, helping them understand the ingredients, techniques, and flavors used in Chinese kitchens.
4. Learning Key Chinese Cooking Techniques
Regardless of whether you’re taking in-person or online classes, one of the key aspects of any beginner Chinese cooking course is mastering essential techniques. Here are some of the most common techniques taught in beginner Chinese cooking classes:
A. Stir-frying
Stir-frying is one of the most iconic Chinese cooking methods. It involves cooking small pieces of food over high heat in a small amount of oil, typically using a wok. Stir-frying is a quick and healthy way to cook vegetables, meat, and seafood, and it’s a fundamental skill in Chinese cooking.
B. Steaming
Steaming is a gentle cooking method commonly used in Chinese cuisine, especially for dumplings, buns, and fish. It’s a great technique to learn because it preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of ingredients.
C. Braising
Braising is another popular Chinese cooking technique, often used for meat dishes. This method involves cooking food in a flavorful liquid over low heat for an extended period of time, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes.
D. Making Sauces
Chinese cooking relies heavily on a variety of sauces, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili paste. Understanding how to balance these flavors and make your own sauces is a crucial skill for beginners.
5. Conclusion: Starting Your Chinese Cooking Journey
Chinese cooking offers endless opportunities for creativity, flavor exploration, and culinary enjoyment. Whether you choose in-person classes or online tutorials, there are many resources available to help you get started. By learning the fundamental techniques and understanding the key ingredients, you can confidently recreate your favorite Chinese dishes at home.
Starting with a beginner-friendly course will help you build a strong foundation, allowing you to tackle more advanced recipes and create dishes that are rich in flavor and authenticity. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to embark on your journey into the world of Chinese cooking!
