10+ Chinkiang Vinegar Recipes for Delicious Dishes
Chinkiang vinegar, also known as Zhenjiang vinegar, adds a unique flavor to many dishes. This dark, rich vinegar is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is perfect for creating delicious marinades and dipping sauces.
Using Chinkiang vinegar in your cooking can elevate your meals, giving them a tangy and slightly sweet taste. In this article, you’ll discover various Chinkiang vinegar recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.
Chinkiang Vinegar Stir-Fried Chicken
Chinkiang vinegar stir-fried chicken is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. The vinegar adds a unique flavor that makes the chicken stand out. You will love the tangy and savory taste.
To make this dish, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need chicken breast, Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and some aromatics like garlic and ginger.
Begin by marinating the chicken in a mixture of the vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps to infuse the flavors.
Next, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, and stir until fragrant. Then add the chicken and cook until it turns golden. Make sure to stir often for even cooking.
As the chicken cooks, the vinegar’s flavor will deepen. Once ready, serve it hot with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 large chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 80 ml Chinkiang vinegar
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken in vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until golden, stirring often.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
2) Chinkiang Vinegar Braised Pork
Chinkiang vinegar braised pork is a flavorful dish that combines sweet and tangy tastes. This recipe is simple and perfect for a hearty meal.
Start by selecting fresh pork belly for the best results. The fat will render beautifully, adding richness to the sauce.
You will need Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, and rock sugar to create that signature flavor. These ingredients blend together to create a complex taste that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
When cooking, simmer the pork slowly until it becomes tender. This allows the flavors to deepen and develop.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) pork belly
- 2 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 4 tbsp rock sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a pot and add the pork, browning it slightly.
- Add the Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, rock sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour in water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours (about 80 minutes) until tender.
- Serve with rice.
Chinkiang Vinegar Cucumber Salad
Chinkiang vinegar cucumber salad is a refreshing dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for a quick snack or a side dish at meals. The tangy flavor of Chinkiang vinegar adds a unique twist to regular cucumber salad.
To make this salad, start with fresh cucumbers. You can use mini cucumbers or regular ones, depending on your preference. The key is to smash the cucumbers lightly. This helps them absorb the dressing better.
Next, toss your cucumbers with Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and some chili flakes for a little heat. You can also add toasted peanuts for extra crunch.
This salad is full of flavor and has a nice balance of tangy and spicy. Enjoy it chilled for the best taste!
Ingredients:
- 4 mini cucumbers
- 1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons toasted peanuts
Cooking Instructions:
- Wash the cucumbers and cut off the ends.
- Smash each cucumber with the flat side of a knife.
- Cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the cucumbers with Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes.
- Top with toasted peanuts and serve chilled.
4) Sweet and Sour Chinkiang Vinegar Fish
Sweet and sour Chinkiang vinegar fish is a delicious dish you can easily prepare at home. The unique flavor of Chinkiang vinegar adds depth to the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce.
For this recipe, you can use whole fish like grass carp, snapper, or seabass. The key is to keep the fish tender while allowing the sauce to soak in.
Start by preparing the marinade. Mix Chinkiang vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. This will be your flavorful base. You can also add ginger for an extra boost of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole fish (about 2 pounds)
- 1/3 cup Chinkiang vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown or white sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Ginger slices
Cooking Instructions:
- Clean and prepare the fish.
- Mix Chinkiang vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl.
- Fry the fish in a pan until golden brown.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the fish and simmer.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
5) Chinkiang Vinegar Glazed Ribs
Chinkiang vinegar glazed ribs are a delicious way to enjoy tender meat with a sweet and tangy flavor. This dish combines the rich taste of pork ribs with the unique flavor of Chinkiang vinegar.
To start, gather your ingredients and prepare the ribs. Marinate them for a few hours to soak in the flavors. Cooking the ribs in a pan adds a nice glaze.
When cooking, use a mix of Chinkiang vinegar, rock sugar, and soy sauce for the glaze. This combination gives the ribs a shiny finish and a tasty kick.
You can cook the ribs in a saucepan or even a slow cooker for maximum tenderness. Just make sure to check the meat as it cooks.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork ribs
- 80 ml Chinkiang vinegar
- 60 g rock sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Water
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the pork ribs for at least 2 hours.
- In a saucepan, heat oil and sear the ribs.
- Remove ribs and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger.
- Add the ribs back in with the vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.
- Cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
6) Spicy Chinkiang Vinegar Shrimp
Spicy Chinkiang vinegar shrimp is a delightful dish you can easily prepare. The rich flavor of Chinkiang vinegar adds a perfect tang to the tender shrimp.
To start, gather fresh shrimp. You’ll also need some ginger, garlic, scallions, and Sichuan peppercorns for that extra kick. The spices and vinegar create a deliciously bold sauce that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Begin by marinating the shrimp in a mix of Chinkiang vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for a few minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan and sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant.
Add the marinated shrimp to the pan. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. Finally, sprinkle with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp
- 1 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 slices ginger
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate shrimp in Chinkiang vinegar, sugar, and salt for 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
- Sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped scallions before serving.
7) Chinkiang Vinegar Dipping Sauce
Chinkiang vinegar dipping sauce is a tasty addition to many dishes. It brings a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that works well with dumplings, spring rolls, and other snacks.
To make this sauce, you will need a few simple ingredients. Chinkiang vinegar gives it a unique taste, while soy sauce adds depth. Ginger and garlic bring an extra kick. You can make it as spicy as you like by adding chili oil.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Chinkiang vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Optional: chili oil to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the Chinkiang vinegar and soy sauce.
- Add the grated ginger and minced garlic.
- Mix well until everything is combined.
- If you like it spicy, stir in chili oil to your desired heat.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later. Enjoy your dipping sauce!
8) Chinkiang Vinegar Eggplant Stir-Fry
Chinkiang vinegar adds a unique taste to eggplant stir-fry. This dish balances the savory and tangy flavors you crave.
To start, you’ll need fresh eggplant. Slice it into bite-sized pieces. The key is to get a tender texture when cooking.
In a hot pan, add oil and cook minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then, toss in the eggplant and stir-fry for several minutes. You want it to soften and absorb all those delicious flavors.
Finally, pour in Chinkiang vinegar and any other sauces you like. This gives the dish a rich flavor that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Cooking Instructions
- Slice the eggplant into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Add garlic and ginger, then stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Add the eggplant and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Add Chinkiang vinegar and stir well. Cook for an additional minute.
9) Chinkiang Vinegar Pickled Vegetables
Chinkiang vinegar is great for pickling vegetables. It adds a unique tangy flavor that enhances the taste of your veggies. You can use a mix of your favorites for a colorful side dish.
Common vegetables for pickling include carrots, cucumbers, and cauliflower. The crunchiness of these vegetables pairs well with the acidity of the vinegar.
To get started, gather your ingredients. You’ll love how easy it is to make. Simply combine the vegetables with Chinkiang vinegar, salt, and a bit of sugar for balance.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower)
- 1 cup Chinkiang vinegar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cooking Instructions
- Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix Chinkiang vinegar, salt, and sugar.
- Add the vegetables to the bowl and stir well.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your pickled vegetables!
10) Chinkiang Vinegar Fried Noodles
Chinkiang vinegar adds a unique tang to fried noodles. Start by cooking your favorite noodles, such as udon or chow mein, until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside.
In a hot skillet, add oil and toss in some chopped garlic and ginger for flavor. Then, add your cooked noodles to the pan. Drizzle Chinkiang vinegar over the noodles and mix well. The vinegar will give your dish a delicious, savory taste.
You can also add vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry until the veggies are tender.
For protein, consider adding cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra flavor.
Top with some green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) noodles (udon or chow mein)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions)
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Then, drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Add garlic and ginger, then sauté until they are fragrant.
- Next, add the cooked noodles and drizzle with Chinkiang vinegar.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender.
- After that, mix in your choice of protein.
- Finally, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.