13 Delicious Taiwanese Recipes Everyone Must Try - Sassy Chopsticks (2024)

Taiwanese cuisine is a tantalizing fusion of flavors and cultures. It offers an array of mouthwatering dishes that cater to every taste bud. In this comprehensive guide, I'll explore the 13 best Taiwanese recipes that showcase the rich tapestry of Taiwan's food culture. Get ready for a journey filled with unforgettable flavors and beautiful shots of Taiwan.

Taiwan, mainly referred to as the "Heart of Asia," is an amazing island nation with a rich culinary heritage as diverse as its landscapes. From bustling night markets to humble street-side stalls. Taiwanese cuisine is full of flavors, textures, and traditions that have evolved over centuries. They are full of unique individual flavors, textures, and cooking techniques influenced by the indigenous people.

Why Taiwanese cuisine will have you craving more?

Taiwanese cuisine is sure to leave you craving for more. It is a culinary treasure that captivates the taste buds and leaves you craving more for several compelling reasons:

Diverse influences

Taiwanese cuisine is a delightful fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous Taiwanese culinary traditions. This rich tapestry of influences has resulted in a diverse range of flavors and dishes, each with its unique character.

Flavorful street food

Taiwan is renowned for its vibrant street food culture, with bustling night markets offering a tantalizing array of snacks and dishes. From stinky tofu to oyster omelets and bubble tea, there is a lot of variety of street food.

Fresh and local ingredients

Taiwan's abundant agricultural resources provide an array of fresh and high-quality ingredients. Seafood is plentiful, and the island's fertile soil yields a bounty of fruits and vegetables, ensuring every dish bursts with flavor.

Comfort food

Many Taiwanese dishes, such as Beef Noodle Soup and Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice), are comforting and heartwarming. Which makes them the perfect choices for satisfying your cravings.

Innovative street snacks

Taiwan is known for its creative culinary inventions. From the ingenious Gua Bao (Pork Belly Buns) to quirky ice cream-filled Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Buns). These snacks showcase the Taiwanese knack for culinary innovation.

Addictive sauces

Taiwanese sauces like soy sauce, sesame oil, and fermented black beans are skillfully used to enhance the flavors of dishes, making them utterly addictive.

Rich culinary history

Taiwan's culinary history is deeply rooted, with some dishes tracing their origins back to the Qing Dynasty.

Nostalgia and tradition

Taiwanese food strongly connects to tradition and nostalgia, with many recipes passed down through families. Each dish tells a story and carries the essence of Taiwan's heritage.

Versatility

With savory, spicy, or sweet, delicious street food snacks like scallion pancakes and sweet treats like pineapple cakes, Taiwanese cuisine has it all. There's always a dish that will satisfy your cravings

Taiwanese cuisine's irresistible blend of flavors, diverse culinary influences, and a deep connection to tradition and innovation make it an experience that will leave you craving more.

13 most popular Taiwanese recipes

Taiwanese scallion pancakes, also known as 蔥油餅 (cōngyóubǐng) in Mandarin Chinese, are a popular street food and snack in Taiwan. These savory pancakes are made from a simple dough flavored with chopped scallions (green onions) and pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. They are a delicious and addictive treat enjoyed by people of all ages. Scallion pancakes are popular for their crispy layers and the delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender layers inside. You can enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or Taiwanese breakfast item. The savory scallions and the crispy texture make them a beloved street food in Taiwan and a popular dish in Taiwanese cuisine.

Taiwanese bubble tea is also known as pearl milk tea or simply bubble tea. It is a popular and iconic beverage that originated in Taiwan in the 80s. Bubble tea is a sweet and refreshing drink served with an oversized straw that allows you to slurp up the tapioca pearls along with the tea. It has become trendy in Taiwan and worldwide, with numerous variations and a number of add-ons flavors available to cater to different tastes.

Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken, known as "三杯雞" (sān bēi jī) in Mandarin Chinese. It is a classic and beloved Taiwanese dish known for its rich and aromatic flavor. Three-cup chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that gets its name from the three key ingredients traditionally used in its preparation. They are sesame oil, sweet soy sauce, and rice wine. These ingredients are combined with chicken and other seasonings to create a savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic dish. Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken is known for its bold flavors. It's a comforting and flavorful dish popular in Taiwanese cuisine and enjoyed by many.

Taiwanese Lu Rou Fan, also known as "滷肉飯" (lǔròufàn) in Mandarin Chinese, is a popular and comforting Taiwanese dish. It consists of seasoned, braised pork served over steamed or plain white rice. This dish is a staple of Taiwanese cuisine and is often enjoyed as a simple yet delicious meal. Taiwanese Lu Rou Fan is popular for its rich, savory-sweet flavor and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the braised pork. It's a beloved comfort food in Taiwan and people often enjoy it as a home-cooked meal or purchase it from the food stalls.

Taiwanese Pork Belly Bao, also known as Gua Bao or 台灣割包 (gēbāo) in Mandarin Chinese. It is a popular Taiwanese street food and snack. It consists of a tender, braised pork belly typically served inside a fluffy, steamed bun. These buns are similar to Chinese mantou but are folded to create a pocket, making them perfect for holding the delicious filling. Taiwanese Pork Belly Bao is a popular street food in Taiwan and people love it for its delicious combination of flavors and textures. It's both savory and slightly sweet, making it a satisfying and indulgent treat for those who enjoy Taiwanese cuisine.

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, also known as "鹽酥雞" (yán sū jī) in Mandarin Chinese. It is a popular and beloved street food snack in Taiwan. It consists of bite-sized pieces of marinated and deep-fried chicken that are crispy outside and tender on the inside. The name "popcorn chicken" comes from the small, bite-sized pieces resembling popcorn in size and shape. You can find it in night markets and Taiwanese restaurants. Its addictive combination of crispy coating and well-seasoned, tender chicken makes it a favorite among locals, visitors, and the young generation.

Who doesn’t love popcorn chicken? Taiwanese fried chicken, aka Taiwanese popcorn chicken. It is the perfect little bite of chicken and so addictive that you wish you made a double batch!

Pumpkin Bee Hoon is a delightful and comforting dish. It combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the savory flavors of protein and vegetables. It consists of rice vermicelli noodles stir-fried with pumpkin and various other ingredients to create a flavorful and colorful dish. People love this dish for its unique, sweet, savory, and slightly creamy flavors.

Taiwanese Night Market Spicy Fried Chickenis a popular authentic street food item you can find in night markets throughout Taiwan. It consists of bite-sized boneless chicken marinated, battered, deep-fried until crispy, then seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and herbs, including chili powder, salt, and Sichuan peppercorns. This dish is popular for its spicy and savory flavors and is a favorite snack for both locals and visitors. Taiwanese Night Market Spicy Fried Chicken is trendy for its addictive combination of crispy texture and bold, spicy flavors. It's a must-try street food item for anyone visiting Taiwan. It is also a perfect choice to enjoy as a delicious snack by locals.

Taiwanese Taro Boba Drink, also known as "芋頭珍珠奶茶" (yùtou zhēnzhū nǎichá) in Mandarin Chinese. It is a popular variation of the classic bubble tea that features taro as a primary flavoring ingredient. Taro is a starchy root vegetable with a mildly sweet and nutty flavor. People use it in Taiwanese cuisine to create various desserts and beverages. In this particular boba drink, you can use taro in multiple forms to infuse the drink with its unique taste and creamy texture. Taiwanese Taro Boba Drink is famous for its delightful combination of sweet, nutty taro flavor and chewy tapioca pearls. It's a beloved and popular choice among bubble tea enthusiasts, and it's often available at bubble tea shops and cafes specializing in Taiwanese beverages.

Taiwanese Cabbage Stew is a comforting and flavorful home-style dish commonly found in Taiwanese cuisine. It features Napa cabbage (Chinese cabbage or "高麗菜" in Mandarin), carrot, mushroom, tofu skin, and various seasonings. They create a savory and satisfying one-pot meal. Taiwanese Cabbage Stew is popular for its rich and savory flavor, with tofu skin and soft Napa cabbage absorbing the delicious sauce. It's a classic Taiwanese homemade dish, and people often serve it as a comfort food in Taiwanese households.

A beloved national dish, Taiwanese beef noodle soup is a savory masterpiece. It blends tender beef, aromatic broth, and chewy noodles. It's a staple of Taiwanese cuisine that never fails to satisfy. It also known as "紅燒牛肉麵" (hóngshāo niúròu miàn) in Mandarin Chinese, is one of Taiwan's most iconic and beloved dishes. It's a hearty noodle soup consisting of tender chunks of beef, Chinese noodles, egg yolk, and a rich, aromatic broth flavored with a combination of herbs and spices. This dish features robust and complex flavors and is a staple of Taiwanese cuisine. It's a comforting and hearty meal enjoyed throughout Taiwan, from street stalls to restaurants, and is a must-try for those exploring Taiwanese cuisine.

Taiwanese Ginger Sesame Oil Chicken, known as "麻油雞" (máyóu jī) in Mandarin Chinese. It is a classic Taiwanese dish for its aromatic flavors and tender chicken. People often enjoy it as a comforting and nourishing meal. You can prepare it by simmering chicken pieces in a flavorful broth made with sesame oil, ginger, and other seasonings. This dish is popular for its aromatic and comforting qualities, with the rich flavor of sesame oil and ginger complementing the tender chicken. You can serve it with steamed rice and is a soothing and nourishing dish in Taiwanese cuisine.

What is the difference between Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine?

Taiwanese and Chinese cuisines share some similarities due to historical and geographical influences but also have distinct differences. Here are some key differences between Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine:

Geographical and historical influences

• Taiwanese Cuisine: Taiwanese cuisine has been influenced by various cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, indigenous Taiwanese, and Dutch. Taiwan's unique history and geographical location have shaped its culinary traditions.
• Chinese Cuisine: Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse and varies significantly from region to region. It includes eight major regional cuisines, such as Sichuan, Cantonese, and Hunan, each with its own distinct flavors and ingredients.

Flavor profiles

• Taiwanese Cuisine: Taiwanese cuisine often leans towards lighter, sweeter, and milder flavors. Common ingredients include soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a variety of fresh vegetables and seafood.
• Chinese Cuisine: Chinese cuisine can encompass many flavors. From Sichuan's fiery and spicy dishes to the sweet and savory Cantonese flavors. It frequently features bold and complex flavor combinations.

Ingredients

• Taiwanese Cuisine: Taiwanese cuisine emphasizes fresh and locally sourced ingredients. They commonly use seafood, vegetables, tofu, and pork. Taiwan is popular for its abundant street food culture, including dishes like Taiwanese stinky tofu and bubble tea.
• Chinese Cuisine: Chinese cuisine incorporates a diverse array of ingredients, including various meats, vegetables, grains, and spices. Regional specialties can include ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and dried seafood.

Staple foods

• Taiwanese Cuisine: Rice is a staple in Taiwanese cuisine, often served with side dishes and toppings. People also widely consumed noodles, both thin and thick varieties.
• Chinese Cuisine: Rice is the primary staple in most Chinese regions. Additional, wheat-based products like noodles, dumplings, and steamed buns (mantou) are also common.

Regional specialties

• Taiwanese Cuisine: Taiwan has unique dishes and specialties. Such as Beef Noodle Soup, Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice), Gua Bao (Pork Belly Buns), and dried radish omelet. Night markets in Taiwan are renowned for their street food offerings.
• Chinese Cuisine: Chinese cuisine showcases a vast array of regional specialties. Such as Peking Duck (Beijing), Dim Sum (Cantonese), Mapo Tofu (Sichuan), and Xiaolongbao (Shanghai).

Influence of other cuisines

• Taiwanese Cuisine: Taiwan's history of colonization and immigration has resulted in Japanese and Western culinary influences. Which can be seen in some Taiwanese dishes.
• Chinese Cuisine: While Chinese cuisine has influenced Taiwanese cooking, it has also influenced cuisines worldwide, including Chinese-American and Chinese-European dishes.

In summary, Taiwanese cuisine has a distinct identity influenced by Taiwan's history, geography, and cultural diversity. While it shares some common elements with Chinese cuisine, it also offers unique flavors and dishes that make it a culinary treasure in its own right.

What are some essential ingredients in Taiwanese recipes?

Here are some common essential ingredients in Taiwanese cooking:

• Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a fundamental seasoning in Taiwanese cuisine. It comes in light and dark varieties, with dark soy sauce providing a deeper color and flavor.
• Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and rich flavor to many Taiwanese dishes.
• Rice wine: You can use rice wine, such as Shaoxing wine, for marinating, stir-frying, and adding depth of flavor to sauces and soups.
• Rice: Rice is a staple in Taiwanese cuisine, and you can serve it as a side dish with many meals.
• Tofu: Tofu is versatile and used in various Taiwanese dishes.
• Noodles: Different types of noodles, such as wheat noodles, rice noodles, and glass noodles. You can use them in noodle soups and stir-fried dishes.
• Pork: Pork is a prominent meat in Taiwanese cuisine. People use minced pork, pork belly, and ground pork in dishes like lu rou fan (minced pork rice).
• Seafood: Taiwan's coastal location means an abundance of fresh seafood, including shrimp, squid, clams, and fish.
• Preserved ingredients: Taiwanese cuisine features preserved ingredients such as dried shrimp, radish, and mushrooms. These add umami and depth to dishes.
• Five-spice powder: You can use this spice blend to braises and marinades.
• Fermented ingredients: Fermented tofu and soybean paste are common in Taiwanese cuisine.
• Vegetables: Such as Bok choy, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), and water spinach.
• Chinese herbs: You can use medicinal herbs like dried tangerine peel, dried licorice root, and dried goji berries in soups and herbal dishes.
• Black fungus: These dried black mushrooms add a unique texture to soups and stir-fried dishes.
• Pickled vegetables: You can use pickled mustard greens (zha cai) and other pickled vegetables to add a tangy and crunchy element to dishes.

These essential ingredients form the foundation of Taiwanese cuisine.

Are there any gluten-free Taiwanese recipes available?

Yes, you can modify traditional recipes by using gluten-free alternatives for noodles and flour to create safe and delicious Taiwanese dishes, especially for those with gluten dietary restrictions. Additionally, you can adapt many Taiwanese recipes to be gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce. However, it's important to be cautious when dining out or purchasing pre-made Taiwanese dishes. As some may contain soy sauce or other gluten-containing ingredients.

Final thoughts

In this blog post, I've explored Taiwanese cuisine's vibrant and diverse world. From mouth-watering street food classics like beef noodle soup to the heartwarming comfort of home-cooked favorites like three-cup chicken. These 13 best Taiwanese recipes provide an insider's look into the culinary wonders of Taiwan. Needless to say, Taiwanese recipes have something for every taste. I hope you are inspired to cook these Taiwanese recipes in your kitchen. So, go ahead and try your hand at these Taiwanese recipes. Let the tastes of this remarkable cuisine fill your kitchen. Happy cooking!

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