What Is Four Seasons Chinese Food? Discover the essence of this diverse cuisine at FOODS.EDU.VN, exploring its seasonal ingredients, regional variations, and the art of balancing flavors. Our expert insights will guide you through the unique aspects of Chinese gastronomy, highlighting delicious dishes and culinary secrets. Explore Chinese culinary traditions, seasonal cooking approaches, and diverse regional dishes.
1. Discovering the Essence of Four Seasons Chinese Food
Four Seasons Chinese Food is more than just a restaurant name; it represents a culinary philosophy centered on using seasonal ingredients to create balanced and flavorful dishes. In Chinese cuisine, the concept of seasonality is deeply ingrained, with each season offering unique ingredients that are believed to have specific health benefits and flavors that complement the time of year. This approach ensures that dishes are not only delicious but also align with the body’s natural rhythms and nutritional needs.
The emphasis on seasonal ingredients means that the menu at a Four Seasons Chinese restaurant will change throughout the year, reflecting the freshest produce available. In spring, you might find dishes featuring tender greens and sprouts; summer brings vibrant vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes; autumn offers hearty root vegetables and mushrooms; and winter features warming spices and preserved foods.
This dedication to seasonality also extends to the preparation methods. For example, lighter cooking techniques like steaming and stir-frying are favored in the warmer months, while braising and stewing are more common in the colder months to create comforting and nourishing meals.
At FOODS.EDU.VN, we delve deeper into the art of Four Seasons Chinese cuisine, exploring the specific ingredients and cooking techniques that define each season. We provide recipes, tips, and insights that allow you to recreate these dishes at home, celebrating the flavors of each season with authentic Chinese culinary traditions.
1.1. The Significance of Seasonality in Chinese Cuisine
Seasonality in Chinese cuisine is not merely about using ingredients that are in abundance during a particular time of year. It is a holistic approach that takes into account the balance of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plays a significant role in this philosophy, with specific foods believed to have properties that can help the body adapt to the changing seasons.
For instance, in spring, when the body is emerging from the dormancy of winter, light and refreshing foods like leafy greens, bamboo shoots, and sprouts are favored to stimulate the flow of energy. In summer, cooling foods like watermelon, cucumber, and mung beans are consumed to combat the heat and maintain hydration. Autumn is a time for nourishing the lungs with foods like pears, almonds, and white fungus, while winter calls for warming and energy-rich foods like lamb, ginger, and dates to fortify the body against the cold.
By aligning our diet with the seasons, we can tap into the natural rhythms of the earth and promote optimal health and well-being. FOODS.EDU.VN offers a wealth of information on the principles of TCM and how they relate to seasonal eating, providing practical guidance on incorporating these concepts into your daily life.
1.2. Regional Variations in Four Seasons Chinese Cooking
China’s vast geographical landscape and diverse climate have given rise to a rich tapestry of regional cuisines, each with its own unique approach to Four Seasons cooking. From the spicy and bold flavors of Sichuan to the delicate and refined dishes of Cantonese cuisine, each region showcases the seasonal ingredients in its own distinct way.
In Sichuan, spring might bring dishes featuring fava beans and Sichuan peppercorns, while summer is a time for enjoying spicy cold noodles and pickled vegetables. Autumn offers an abundance of mushrooms and root vegetables, which are often used in hearty stews and braises. Winter is when Sichuan cuisine truly shines, with dishes like mapo tofu and hot pot providing warmth and comfort.
Cantonese cuisine, known for its emphasis on fresh seafood and light sauces, also embraces the concept of seasonality. In spring, you might find dishes featuring baby bok choy and other tender greens, while summer is a time for enjoying steamed fish and refreshing soups. Autumn brings an abundance of seafood like crabs and prawns, while winter features warming dishes like clay pot rice and nourishing herbal soups.
Exploring the regional variations in Four Seasons Chinese cooking is a journey of culinary discovery, offering a glimpse into the diverse flavors and traditions of China. At FOODS.EDU.VN, we provide detailed insights into each regional cuisine, highlighting the unique ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural influences that shape their seasonal dishes.
1.3. Balancing Flavors: The Art of Harmony in Chinese Cuisine
One of the hallmarks of Chinese cuisine is its emphasis on balancing flavors to create harmonious and satisfying dishes. This concept, known as the “Five Flavors,” involves combining sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami (savory) elements in a way that complements and enhances the overall taste experience.
In Four Seasons Chinese cooking, the art of balancing flavors is particularly important, as the seasonal ingredients themselves often have distinct flavor profiles that need to be carefully considered. For example, spring vegetables like asparagus and spinach have a slightly bitter taste that can be balanced with sweet and sour sauces. Summer fruits like mangoes and pineapples have a natural sweetness that can be complemented by spicy and savory elements. Autumn root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes have an earthy sweetness that pairs well with salty and umami flavors. Winter ingredients like ginger and garlic have a warming spiciness that can be balanced with sweet and sour notes.
Mastering the art of balancing flavors is essential for creating authentic and delicious Four Seasons Chinese dishes. FOODS.EDU.VN provides a wealth of information on the principles of the Five Flavors and how to apply them to your cooking, offering practical tips and techniques for achieving perfect harmony in every dish.
2. Seasonal Ingredients: Nature’s Bounty in Chinese Cooking
The heart of Four Seasons Chinese Food lies in its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each season brings a unique array of produce that not only provides distinct flavors but also offers specific health benefits. Understanding these seasonal ingredients and how to use them is key to creating authentic and delicious Chinese dishes.
In spring, the focus is on tender greens, sprouts, and shoots that awaken the palate after the heavy foods of winter. Summer brings an abundance of fruits and vegetables, perfect for light and refreshing dishes. Autumn offers hearty root vegetables, mushrooms, and nuts that provide nourishment and warmth. Winter calls for preserved foods, warming spices, and rich proteins to fortify the body against the cold.
By embracing the seasonal bounty, we can create dishes that are not only delicious but also aligned with the natural rhythms of the earth and our own bodies. FOODS.EDU.VN is dedicated to providing in-depth information on seasonal ingredients, offering tips on selecting, preparing, and cooking them to perfection.
2.1. Spring: Awakening the Palate with Fresh Greens
Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, and the cuisine of this season reflects that with its emphasis on fresh, vibrant greens. After the heavy, warming foods of winter, spring dishes are light, refreshing, and designed to stimulate the palate.
Some of the most popular spring ingredients in Chinese cooking include:
- Bok Choy: This leafy green vegetable is known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture. It’s often stir-fried, steamed, or added to soups.
- Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan): Similar to broccoli but with a slightly more bitter taste, Chinese broccoli is delicious stir-fried with garlic or used in noodle dishes.
- Snow Peas: These crisp, sweet pods are a welcome addition to stir-fries and salads, adding a burst of freshness and crunch.
- Bamboo Shoots: Tender and slightly sweet, bamboo shoots are a versatile ingredient that can be used in stir-fries, soups, and braises.
- Spinach: Rich in nutrients and with a mild, earthy flavor, spinach is a great addition to stir-fries, soups, and dumplings.
These spring greens are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help to cleanse the body and boost the immune system after the winter months. FOODS.EDU.VN offers a variety of recipes and tips for using these spring ingredients in your cooking, helping you to create light, refreshing, and nourishing dishes that celebrate the season.
2.2. Summer: Embracing the Bounty of Fruits and Vegetables
Summer is a time of abundance, with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables reaching their peak ripeness. The cuisine of this season is light, refreshing, and designed to be enjoyed outdoors.
Some of the most popular summer ingredients in Chinese cooking include:
- Cucumbers: Cooling and hydrating, cucumbers are often used in salads, soups, and stir-fries, adding a refreshing crunch.
- Tomatoes: Juicy and flavorful, tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in sauces, soups, and stir-fries, adding a burst of sweetness and acidity.
- Eggplant: This versatile vegetable can be grilled, stir-fried, or braised, offering a rich and savory flavor.
- Green Beans: Crisp and slightly sweet, green beans are a great addition to stir-fries and salads, adding a satisfying crunch.
- Watermelon: Refreshing and hydrating, watermelon is a popular summer treat, often enjoyed on its own or used in salads and desserts.
These summer fruits and vegetables are not only delicious but also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help to protect the body from the damaging effects of the sun and heat. FOODS.EDU.VN offers a variety of recipes and tips for using these summer ingredients in your cooking, helping you to create light, refreshing, and flavorful dishes that celebrate the season.
2.3. Autumn: Harvesting Hearty Root Vegetables and Mushrooms
Autumn is a time of transition, as the weather cools down and the leaves begin to change color. The cuisine of this season is hearty, warming, and designed to provide nourishment and comfort.
Some of the most popular autumn ingredients in Chinese cooking include:
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and turnips are all excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, providing sustained energy and warmth.
- Mushrooms: From shiitake to enoki, mushrooms add a savory and umami flavor to dishes, as well as a host of health benefits.
- Nuts: Chestnuts, walnuts, and peanuts are all popular autumn snacks and ingredients, providing healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Pears: Crisp and juicy, pears are a refreshing autumn fruit that can be enjoyed on their own or used in desserts and savory dishes.
- Pumpkins and Squash: These versatile vegetables can be roasted, mashed, or used in soups and stews, offering a sweet and earthy flavor.
These autumn ingredients are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients that help to strengthen the immune system and prepare the body for the winter months. FOODS.EDU.VN offers a variety of recipes and tips for using these autumn ingredients in your cooking, helping you to create hearty, warming, and nourishing dishes that celebrate the season.
2.4. Winter: Preserving Flavors and Warming the Soul
Winter is a time of rest and reflection, as the natural world enters a period of dormancy. The cuisine of this season is warming, comforting, and designed to fortify the body against the cold.
Some of the most popular winter ingredients in Chinese cooking include:
- Preserved Vegetables: Pickled cabbage, fermented tofu, and dried mushrooms are all popular winter ingredients, providing a unique flavor and texture to dishes.
- Warming Spices: Ginger, garlic, and chili peppers are used extensively in winter cooking to add warmth and flavor, as well as to boost the immune system.
- Root Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and turnips are all excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, providing sustained energy and warmth.
- Rich Proteins: Lamb, beef, and duck are all popular winter proteins, providing essential nutrients and warmth.
- Dried Fruits and Nuts: Dates, figs, and walnuts are all popular winter snacks and ingredients, providing healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
These winter ingredients are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients that help to strengthen the immune system and protect the body from the cold and flu. FOODS.EDU.VN offers a variety of recipes and tips for using these winter ingredients in your cooking, helping you to create warming, comforting, and nourishing dishes that celebrate the season.
3. Cooking Techniques: Mastering the Art of Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine is renowned for its diverse and sophisticated cooking techniques, each designed to enhance the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of the ingredients. Mastering these techniques is essential for creating authentic and delicious Four Seasons Chinese dishes.
From stir-frying and steaming to braising and deep-frying, each technique has its own unique purpose and application. Understanding these techniques and how to use them is key to unlocking the secrets of Chinese cuisine.
At FOODS.EDU.VN, we provide detailed instructions and expert tips on mastering these essential cooking techniques, helping you to create restaurant-quality dishes in your own home.
3.1. Stir-Frying: The Fast and Furious Method
Stir-frying is one of the most iconic and widely used cooking techniques in Chinese cuisine. It involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok, using a small amount of oil. This method preserves the freshness and crispness of vegetables while also creating a flavorful and aromatic dish.
The key to successful stir-frying is to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes chopping vegetables into uniform sizes, marinating meats, and preparing sauces. The wok should be smoking hot before you add any ingredients, and you should stir-fry continuously to prevent burning.
Stir-frying is a versatile technique that can be used with a wide variety of ingredients, from vegetables and meats to tofu and seafood. It’s a quick and easy way to create a healthy and delicious meal. FOODS.EDU.VN offers a wealth of tips and recipes for mastering the art of stir-frying, helping you to create restaurant-quality dishes in your own home.
3.2. Steaming: The Gentle Art of Preserving Nutrients
Steaming is a gentle cooking technique that involves cooking ingredients over boiling water. This method preserves the nutrients and natural flavors of the ingredients, making it a healthy and delicious way to prepare vegetables, seafood, and dumplings.
The key to successful steaming is to use a steamer basket or rack that allows the steam to circulate freely around the ingredients. The water should be boiling vigorously before you add the ingredients, and you should cover the steamer tightly to trap the steam.
Steaming is a versatile technique that can be used with a wide variety of ingredients. It’s a healthy and delicious way to prepare vegetables, seafood, and dumplings. FOODS.EDU.VN offers a wealth of tips and recipes for mastering the art of steaming, helping you to create healthy and flavorful dishes in your own home.
3.3. Braising: The Slow and Flavorful Method
Braising is a slow cooking technique that involves simmering ingredients in a liquid over low heat for an extended period of time. This method tenderizes tough cuts of meat and allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
The key to successful braising is to use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven that can distribute heat evenly. The ingredients should be browned before adding the liquid, and the pot should be covered tightly to prevent the liquid from evaporating.
Braising is a versatile technique that can be used with a wide variety of ingredients, from meats and vegetables to tofu and seafood. It’s a great way to create a hearty and satisfying meal. FOODS.EDU.VN offers a wealth of tips and recipes for mastering the art of braising, helping you to create restaurant-quality dishes in your own home.
3.4. Deep-Frying: The Crispy and Indulgent Technique
Deep-frying is a cooking technique that involves submerging ingredients in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown. This method creates a delicious and indulgent treat, but it should be used in moderation due to its high fat content.
The key to successful deep-frying is to use a deep-fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot that can maintain a consistent temperature. The oil should be heated to the correct temperature before adding the ingredients, and you should avoid overcrowding the fryer to prevent the temperature from dropping.
Deep-frying is a versatile technique that can be used with a wide variety of ingredients, from meats and vegetables to tofu and seafood. It’s a great way to create a crispy and flavorful appetizer or snack. FOODS.EDU.VN offers a wealth of tips and recipes for mastering the art of deep-frying, helping you to create restaurant-quality dishes in your own home.
4. Menu Exploration: A Culinary Journey Through Four Seasons
Embark on a delightful culinary journey through the Four Seasons Chinese Food menu, where each dish is crafted with the freshest seasonal ingredients. From appetizers to house specialties, discover the flavors that define this exquisite cuisine.
4.1. Appetizers: A Tempting Start
Begin your meal with a selection of tempting appetizers, each designed to awaken your palate and prepare you for the culinary delights to come.
- Deep-fried Spring Roll: A crispy and savory roll filled with fresh vegetables, perfect for starting your meal. ($2.95 per roll)
- Dumpling (6): Choose between steamed or deep-fried dumplings, filled with flavorful meat and vegetable fillings. ($8.95)
- B. B. Q. Pork: Tender and sweet barbecued pork, a classic Chinese appetizer. (Beef option available at $9.95) ($8.95)
- Deep-fried Cream Cheese Wonton (8): Crispy wontons filled with creamy cheese, a delightful and indulgent treat. ($9.95)
- 🌶 Salt & Pepper Squid: Spicy and flavorful squid, seasoned with salt and pepper, a perfect appetizer for those who enjoy a kick. ($9.95)
- Deep-fried Prawn (7): Crispy and succulent prawns, a delicious seafood appetizer. ($9.95)
- Sweet Red Bean Sesame Ball (6): Sweet and chewy sesame balls filled with red bean paste, a delightful dessert appetizer. ($6.95)
These appetizers offer a diverse range of flavors and textures, providing a tantalizing introduction to the Four Seasons Chinese Food experience.
4.2. Soups: Comfort in a Bowl
Warm your soul with a bowl of comforting soup, each carefully crafted with flavorful broths and fresh ingredients.
- 🌶 Hot & Sour Soup: A classic Chinese soup with a spicy and tangy flavor, perfect for warming you up on a cold day. (Small – $2.95, Large – $9.95)
- Egg Drop Soup: A simple and comforting soup with delicate egg ribbons in a flavorful broth. (Small – $2.95, Large – $9.95)
- Cantonese Wonton Soup: A hearty soup with flavorful wontons filled with meat and vegetables in a clear broth. (Small – $2.95, Large – $9.95)
These soups offer a comforting and nourishing start to your meal, providing a soothing and flavorful experience.
4.3. Rice & Noodles: A Symphony of Flavors
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with the rice and noodle dishes, each expertly prepared with fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces.
- 🌶 Singapore Curry Chow Mein Fun: Fine rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, pork, and vegetables in a spicy curry sauce. ($16.95)
- Chow Ho Fun: Broad and flat rice noodles with your choice of shrimp, chicken, pork, beef, or vegetables. ($16.95)
- Chow Mein: Long and soft noodles with your choice of shrimp, chicken, pork, beef, or vegetables. ($15.95)
- House Special Chow Mein: Chow Mein with shrimp, chicken, and pork. ($16.95)
- Fried Rice: Fried rice with your choice of shrimp, pork, chicken, beef, or vegetables. ($15.95)
- House Special Fried Rice: Fried rice with shrimp, chicken, and pork. ($16.95)
- 🌶 Spicy Basil Fried Rice: Fried rice with basil, onions, carrots, peas, and egg, with your choice of shrimp, pork, chicken, beef, or vegetables. ($16.95)
- Double Pan Fried Noodles (Hong Kong Style): Pan-fried thin egg noodles with shrimp, pork, chicken, and vegetables on top. ($18.95)
- Shanghai Fried Udon Noodles: Wok-fried Japanese noodles with onion, beansprouts, and green onions in a superior soy sauce, with your choice of shrimp, pork, chicken, beef, or vegetables. ($16.95)
These rice and noodle dishes offer a diverse range of flavors and textures, providing a satisfying and flavorful main course.
4.4. Light & Vegetarian: Delightful Plant-Based Options
Explore the lighter side of Chinese cuisine with these delightful vegetarian options, each prepared with fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces. All dishes under this category come with a bowl of steamed rice. Substitute it with pork fried rice at $2.95 extra charge.
- Mixed Vegetables with Fresh Tofu: Choice of sauce: Black bean, 🌶 Szechuan garlic, 🌶 Curry sauce. ($16.95)
- Buddhist Delight: Assorted market fresh vegetables & fried tofu in white garlic sauce. ($16.95)
- 🌶 Stir-fried Eggplant: Chinese eggplant tossed in a spicy vegetarian sauce with chili paste & scallions. ($16.95)
- 🌶 Sautéed Broccoli with Garlic Sauce: Stir-fried broccoli with Hoi Sin & garlic sauce. ($16.95)
- Dry Wok-Tossed Green Beans: Lightly seared green beans wok-tossed with garlic, herd & green onions. ($16.95)
- 🌶 Ma Po Tofu: Diced fresh tofu sautéed with minced garlic & green onion in a dedicated Szechuan hot bean sauce. ($16.95)
- 🌶 Tofu Home Style: Seared big piece fresh tofu braised in a preserved soybean paste – a tofu lover’s heaven. ($16.95)
- 🌶 General Tso’s Tofu: Lightly seared fried tofu in spicy General Tso’s sauce. ($16.95)
- Mu Shu Vegetable: Stir-fried cabbage, scallion, mushroom, bamboo shoot & egg in Hoi Sin sauce, served with warm Chinese pancakes, wrapped table side. ($16.95)
These vegetarian dishes offer a flavorful and nutritious alternative, showcasing the versatility of Chinese cuisine.
4.5. Poultry: Savory Chicken Dishes
Indulge in these savory chicken dishes, each expertly prepared with tender chicken and flavorful sauces. All dishes under this category come with a bowl of steamed rice. Substitute it with pork fried rice at $2.95 extra charge.
No image available Chicken with Broccoli, Green Beans or Snow Peas in Brown Sauce Choice of all 3 vegetables available $17.95
- Fragrance Chicken: Sliced tender chicken wok-tossed with baby corn, mushroom, snow pea, broccoli, string beans & carrot in a delightful wine sauce. ($17.95)
- Teriyaki Chicken: A classic Japanese dish with grilled chicken in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. ($17.95)
- Sweet & Sour Chicken: Crispy chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce, a classic Chinese dish. ($17.95)
No image available 🌶 Hunan Chicken Sliced tender chicken wok-tossed with green pepper, baby corn, mushroom, snow pea, broccoli, string bean, zucchini & carrot in a dedicated spicy black bean sauce $17.95 - Chicken with Black Bean Sauce: Sliced tender chicken wok-tossed with green pepper, red pepper & broccoli in a dedicated black bean sauce. ($17.95)
- Chicken with Cashew Nuts: Tender chicken stir-fried with cashew nuts in a savory sauce. ($17.95)
- 🌶 Kung Pao Chicken: Diced chicken stir-fried with roasted peanuts in a dried red pepper sauce (made from Hunan red chilli). ($17.95)
- 🌶 Mongolian Chicken: Spicy white chicken wok-tossed with onion & pepper on a bed of crispy rice noodles. ($17.95)
- Mu Shu Chicken: Stir-fried cabbage, scallion, mushroom, bamboo shoot & egg in Hoi Sin sauce, served with warm Chinese pancakes, wrapped table side. ($17.95)
- Chicken with Eggplant: Tender chicken stir-fried with eggplant in a savory sauce. ($17.95)
- 🌶 Curry Chicken: Tender chicken in a flavorful curry sauce. ($17.95)
These chicken dishes offer a diverse range of flavors and textures, providing a satisfying and flavorful main course.
4.6. Pork: Rich and Flavorful Dishes
Savor these rich and flavorful pork dishes, each expertly prepared with tender pork and flavorful sauces. All dishes under this category come with a bowl of steamed rice. Substitute it with pork fried rice at $2.95 extra charge.
- Sweet & Sour Pork: Crispy pork in a sweet and tangy sauce, a classic Chinese dish. ($17.95)
- 🌶 Twice Cooked Pork: Lightly seared & wok-tossed sliced pork loin with baby garlic, leek & green pepper in a soybean paste. ($17.95)
- Mu Shu Pork: Stir-fried cabbage, scallion, mushroom, bamboo shoot & egg in Hoi Sin sauce, served with warm Chinese pancakes, wrapped table side. ($17.95)
- 🌶 Pork with Eggplant: Tender pork stir-fried with eggplant in a savory sauce. ($17.95)
These pork dishes offer a rich and flavorful experience, perfect for those who enjoy a hearty meal.
4.7. Beef: Tender and Savory Options
Enjoy these tender and savory beef options, each expertly prepared with tender beef and flavorful sauces. All dishes under this category come with a bowl of steamed rice. Substitute it with pork fried rice at $2.95 extra charge.
- Beef with Broccoli, Green Beans or Snow Peas in Brown Sauce: Choice of all 3 vegetables available. ($18.95)
- 🌶 Hunan Beef: Tender beef stir-fried with vegetables in a spicy Hunan sauce. ($18.95)
No image available Beef with Ginger & Green Onion $18.95 - 🌶 Black Pepper Beef: Tender beef stir-fried with black pepper in a savory sauce. ($18.95)
- 🌶 Beef with Eggplant: Tender beef stir-fried with eggplant in a savory sauce. ($18.95)
- Beef with Black Bean Sauce: Tender beef stir-fried with vegetables in a black bean sauce. ($18.95)
- 🌶 Mongolian Beef: Sliced beef tenderloin wok-tossed with sliced onion, green & red pepper on a bed of crispy rice noodles. ($18.95)
No image available 🌶 Curry Beef $18.95
These beef dishes offer a tender and flavorful experience, perfect for those who enjoy a hearty meal.
4.8. Seafood: Fresh and Flavorful Delights
Dive into these fresh and flavorful seafood delights, each expertly prepared with succulent seafood and flavorful sauces. All dishes under this category come with a bowl of steamed rice. Substitute it with pork fried rice at $2.95 extra charge.
- Prawns with Broccoli, Green Beans or Snow Peas in Brown Sauce: Choice of all 3 vegetables available. ($18.95)
- 🌶 Hunan Prawns: Tender prawns stir-fried with vegetables in a spicy Hunan sauce. ($18.95)
No image available Shrimp with Cashew Nut $18.95 - 🌶 Kung Pao Shrimp: Tender shrimp stir-fried with roasted peanuts in a dried red pepper sauce. ($18.95)
No image available Prawns with Black Bean Sauce $18.95 - Squid with Black Bean Sauce: Tender squid stir-fried with vegetables in a black bean sauce. ($18.95)
- Fragrance Prawns or Scallops: Finely selected prawns or scallop wok-tossed with baby corn, mushroom, broccoli, string beans & carrot in a delightful wine sauce. ($17.95)
No image available Sweet & Sour Prawns $18.95
These seafood dishes offer a fresh and flavorful experience, perfect for those who enjoy the taste of the sea.
4.9. House Specialities: Signature Dishes
Experience the signature dishes that define Four Seasons Chinese Food, each crafted with unique flavors and techniques. All dishes under this category come with a bowl of steamed rice. Substitute it with pork fried rice at $2.95 extra charge.
- Honey Glazed Walnut Prawns or Chicken: Premium prawns or fried chicken mixed with a delicate special mayonnaise sauce, served with our own honey glazed walnut. ($18.95)
- Happy Family: A quaint name for a colorful dish with tenderloin beef, pork, chicken, seafood & vegetable. ($18.95)
- 🌶 General Tso’s Chicken: A famous dish prepared by the royal chef of General Tso. ($17.95)
- Crispy Sesame Chicken or Beef: Tender chicken chunks seared to light golden brown, wok-tossed with white sesame sauce (beef option available at 18.95). ($17.95)
- Orange Chicken or Beef: Tender chicken chunks marinated in a dedicated Szechuan recipe, wok-tossed in dried orange peel sauce (beef option available at 18.95). ($17.95)
- Sizzling Seafood Delight: A variety of seafood including juicy prawns & whole scallops sautéed with fresh garden vegetables in a wonderful white wine sauce. ($18.95)
- Chinese 5 Spice Crispy Duck: Slow-cooked & crispy skinned breast served with vegetables in brown sauce. ($25.95)
- Almond Chicken or Lemon Chicken: Tender chicken in a savory almond sauce or a tangy lemon sauce. ($18.95)
- 🌶 Kung Pao Three Flavors: Shrimp, beef & chicken with green pepper, red pepper, celery, mushroom & peanut in a spicy sauce. ($18.95)
- Fu Yung Egg: Choice of shrimp/BBQ pork/chicken/beef/vegetables. ($18.95)
- Hawaii Five O: Fried prawns, pork & chicken in sweet & sour sauce. ($25.95)
- 🌶 Seafood Curry: A variety of seafood in a flavorful curry sauce. ($18.95)
- Basil Chicken Taiwan Style: Tender chicken chunks stir-fried with vegetables in basil, garlic, ginger & wine sauce. ($18.95)
- 🌶 Nine Flavors Chicken or Beef: Crispy chicken or beef seared to a light golden brown, wok-tossed with coconut & peanut sauce. ($18.95)
- 🌶 Curry Duck: Slow marinated boneless duck cooked with a variety of vegetables in yellow curry sauce. ($25.95)
These house specialties represent the culinary artistry of Four Seasons Chinese Food, offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
4.10. Beverages: Refreshing Drinks
Quench your thirst with a selection of refreshing beverages, perfect for complementing your meal.
- Drinks: Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Soda (Pepsi/ Diet Pepsi/ Dr. Pepper/ Root Beer/ Mountain Dew/ Tropicana Lemonade/ Orange Crush/ Sierra Mist)
- Beer: Tsing Tao (Chinese Beer), Sapporo, Corona, Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light (by the bottle)
- Wine: Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet, Plum Wine, Sake (by the glass)
These beverages offer a refreshing and diverse selection, perfect for complementing your Four Seasons Chinese Food experience.
4.11. Combination Dinner: A Complete Meal
Enjoy a complete and satisfying meal with the combination dinner options, each including an egg roll, fried dumplings, your choice of soup, and your choice of rice.
- Combination Dinner A – $21.50: Pick ONE of the following dishes: Sweet & Sour Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork, Chicken with Broccoli, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, 🌶 Kung Pao Chicken, 🌶 Mongolian Chicken
- Combination Dinner B – $22.50: Pick ONE of the following dishes: Orange Chicken, Fragrance Chicken, Beef with Ginger & Green Onion, Shrimp with Cashew Nuts, 🌶 Kung Pao Shrimp, Beef with Broccoli
- Combination Dinner C – $22.95: Pick ONE of the following dishes: Happy Family, Crispy Sesame Chicken, 🌶 General Tso’s Chicken, 🌶 Mongolian Beef, Basil Chicken Taiwan Style, Honey Glazed Walnut Prawns
- Combination Dinner D – $23.95: Pick ONE of the following dishes: Sizzling Seafood Delight, 🌶 Nine Flavors Chicken or Beef, 🌶 Seafood Curry, Almond Chicken, Lemon Chicken, Fragrance Prawns or Scallops
These combination dinners offer a complete and satisfying meal, providing a taste of the best that Four Seasons Chinese Food has to offer.
5. Health Benefits: Nourishing the Body with Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine is not only delicious but also offers a range of health benefits, thanks to its emphasis on fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and traditional cooking techniques.
From boosting the immune system to promoting digestive health, Chinese cuisine can be a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle. At foods.edu.vn, we explore the health benefits of Chinese cuisine in detail, providing insights into the nutritional value of various ingredients and cooking methods.
5.1. The Power of Seasonal Ingredients
As discussed earlier, the use of seasonal ingredients is a cornerstone of Four Seasons Chinese Food. This practice ensures that you are consuming foods at their peak nutritional value, maximizing the health benefits.
Spring greens are rich in vitamins and minerals that help to cleanse the body and boost the immune system. Summer fruits and vegetables are hydrating and packed with antioxidants that protect against sun damage. Autumn root vegetables and mushrooms provide sustained energy and support the immune system. Winter preserved foods and warming spices help to fortify the body against the cold and flu.
By embracing seasonal eating, you can harness the power of nature to promote optimal health and well-being.
5.2. Balancing Flavors for Optimal Health
The Chinese concept of balancing flavors, known as the Five Flavors, is not just about creating delicious dishes; it’s also about promoting optimal health. Each flavor is believed to have specific effects on the body, and by combining them in a harmonious way, you can create dishes that support overall well-being.
Sweet flavors are associated with the spleen and pancreas, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Sour flavors are associated with the liver and gallbladder, promoting detoxification. Salty flavors are associated with the kidneys and bladder, helping to maintain fluid balance. Bitter flavors are associated with the heart and small intestine, promoting circulation. Umami flavors are associated with the stomach and large intestine, aiding digestion.
By incorporating all five flavors into your diet, you can support the health of your vital organs and promote overall balance in the body.
5.3. Traditional Cooking Techniques for Preserving Nutrients
Chinese cooking techniques like steaming, stir-frying, and braising are designed to preserve the nutrients in the ingredients. Steaming is a gentle method that retains vitamins and minerals, while stir-frying cooks vegetables quickly to maintain their crispness and nutritional value. Braising tenderizes tough cuts of meat while allowing the flavors to meld together, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal.
By using these traditional cooking techniques, you can maximize the health benefits of your Chinese dishes.
5.4. Specific Ingredients and Their Health Benefits
Many ingredients commonly used in Chinese cuisine offer specific health benefits.
