10+ Chinkiang Vinegar Recipes to Elevate Your Cooking

Chinkiang vinegar is a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking known for its unique flavor and versatility. This vinegar can enhance many dishes, making it a great addition to your culinary adventures. Whether you’re looking to try something new in stir-fries, marinades, or dressings, chinkiang vinegar offers a tangy twist that elevates your meals.

In this article, you will discover how to incorporate chinkiang vinegar into your cooking. From simple recipes to more elaborate dishes, these ideas will help you make the most of this delicious ingredient. Get ready to explore the rich flavors and possibilities that chinkiang vinegar brings to your kitchen!

1) Cucumber Salad with Black Vinegar Dressing

This refreshing cucumber salad is perfect for a light meal or a side dish. You’ll enjoy the crunch of fresh cucumbers paired with a tangy black vinegar dressing. It’s quick and easy to prepare.

Start by trimming and smashing the cucumbers. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces. The smashing helps the cucumbers absorb the flavors of the dressing.

For the dressing, mix Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. You can also add minced garlic for extra flavor. Pour this mixture over your cucumbers and toss gently.

Let it sit for a few minutes to marinate. This salad is best served cold.

Ingredients

• 2 cucumbers
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Trim and smash the cucumbers.
2. Cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar.
4. Pour dressing over cucumbers and add garlic.
5. Toss gently and let marinate for 10 minutes.
6. Serve cold.

2) Gingery Chicken and Radish Stir-Fry

This gingery chicken and radish stir-fry features tender chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce made with Chinkiang vinegar. The vinegar adds a tangy kick that complements the natural sweetness of radishes.

You’ll start by marinating your chicken in ginger, soy sauce, and Chinkiang vinegar. This helps infuse it with delicious flavors.

After marinating, stir-fry the chicken until it’s golden. Then, add in sliced radishes and cook until they’re tender-crisp. Serve this dish with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
• 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 cup radishes, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with Chinkiang vinegar, ginger, and soy sauce for 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden.
4. Add sliced radishes and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

3) Sichuan Chicken in Black Vinegar Sauce

Sichuan Chicken in Black Vinegar Sauce is a flavorful dish that packs a punch. The sour notes of Chinkiang vinegar enhance the taste of tender chicken perfectly.

To make this dish, you’ll want to start with marinating your chicken in spices and vinegar. This adds depth to your meal. Once marinated, stir-fry the chicken until it’s mostly cooked through.

Next, you will add vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for color and crunch. Finally, toss everything in a tangy black vinegar sauce for an exciting finish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate sliced chicken with Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
3. Stir-fry the chicken until 80% cooked.
4. Add bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in the remaining marinade and cook until the sauce thickens.

4) Vegan Zhenjiang Vinegar Noodles

Vegan Zhenjiang Vinegar Noodles are quick and flavorful. This dish is perfect for a busy day or when you crave something tasty. You will love the tangy taste of Chinkiang vinegar combined with the richness of soy sauce.

Start by cooking your favorite noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and set aside. In a bowl, mix Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and shallot oil for a tasty sauce.

Toss the noodles in the sauce until they are well coated. You can add scallions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Serve warm and enjoy this easy meal!

Ingredients

• Noodles (any type)
• 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon shallot oil
• Scallions (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles as directed on the package.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and shallot oil.
4. Toss the cooked noodles in the sauce.
5. Add scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
6. Serve warm. Enjoy!

5) Chinese Cabbage with Chinkiang Vinegar

Chinese cabbage with Chinkiang vinegar is a flavorful and easy dish to prepare. It combines the crispness of cabbage with the tangy taste of the vinegar, creating a tasty side dish for any meal.

To make this dish, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need fresh Chinese cabbage, Chinkiang vinegar, soy sauce, and a few seasonings. When cooked, the cabbage softens and absorbs the flavors of the vinegar and soy sauce.

This dish pairs well with rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a light snack. It’s simple yet satisfying, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 Chinese cabbage
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
• 2 teaspoons golden caster sugar
• 4 tablespoons sunflower oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and chop the Chinese cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Add the cabbage and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
4. Stir in soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, and sugar.
5. Cook for another minute, then serve hot.

6) Soy and Vinegar Dumpling Sauce

Soy and vinegar dumpling sauce is a delicious dip that enhances the flavor of your dumplings. It combines the sharpness of vinegar with the rich taste of soy sauce. This sauce is easy to make and adds a tasty kick to your meal.

To prepare, mix equal parts soy sauce and Chinkiang vinegar. You can also add a bit of sesame oil for extra richness. Grated garlic or a sprinkle of sugar can add depth to the flavor.

Feel free to adjust the ratios based on your taste. It’s a versatile sauce that works well with different types of dumplings.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Chinkiang vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated garlic (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce and Chinkiang vinegar.
2. Add sesame oil and garlic, if using.
3. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
4. Serve in a small dish alongside your dumplings.

7) Black Vinegar Pork Belly

Black Vinegar Pork Belly is a delicious dish that combines rich flavors with tender meat. The use of Chinkiang vinegar gives it a unique taste that many love. You will enjoy how the sweetness balances with the vinegar.

To start, you will need boneless pork belly cut into thick pieces. Marinating the meat in Shaoxing wine and soy sauce adds depth of flavor. Cooking it with ginger and garlic enhances the aroma.

The key is to let it simmer until tender. This dish pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables, making it a perfect meal.

Ingredients

• 500g boneless pork belly
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp Shaoxing wine
• 2 tsp light soy sauce
• 4 tbsp black vinegar
• 2 tbsp oil
• Ginger and garlic, grated

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the pork belly into 3 cm thick pieces.
2. Marinate the pork with sea salt, sugar, Shaoxing wine, and soy sauce for 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pot and add the marinated pork.
4. Add ginger and garlic; stir-fry until fragrant.
5. Pour in the black vinegar and enough water to cover the meat.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 hours (about 150°C or 300°F).
7. Serve hot with rice or vegetables. Enjoy!

8) Hot and Sour Soup with Chinkiang

Hot and sour soup is a delicious dish that packs a flavorful punch. The star ingredient here is Chinkiang vinegar, which adds a unique sour depth to the soup.

You’ll need a mix of ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots. Together, they create a warm, comforting experience. The combination of white pepper and Chinkiang vinegar gives the soup its signature hot and sour taste.

This soup is perfect for any occasion, especially when you want something soothing and tasty. It’s also easy to make in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup diced tofu
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the broth in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add mushrooms and bamboo shoots, then simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in tofu, white pepper, and Chinkiang vinegar.
4. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture, stirring until thickened.
5. Top with chopped green onions before serving.

9) Dumpling Dipping Sauce with Black Vinegar

Making a delicious dumpling dipping sauce with black vinegar is simple. This sauce adds a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite dumplings.

To start, mix together soy sauce and black vinegar. A common ratio is 2 parts soy sauce to 1 part black vinegar. You can adjust this based on your taste.

Add a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor. If you like some heat, include a few drops of chili oil. For extra texture, mix in sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

This sauce is not only easy to make but also delightful with any dumpling recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon black vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Optional: chili oil, sesame seeds, chopped scallions

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce and black vinegar.
2. Add sesame oil and mix well.
3. If desired, stir in chili oil, sesame seeds, and scallions.
4. Serve with dumplings and enjoy!

10) Stir-Fried Vegetables in Chinkiang Vinaigrette

Stir-frying vegetables with Chinkiang vinegar adds a deep flavor that makes this dish stand out. You can use any mix of vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.

Start by heating oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add your chopped vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Next, drizzle in some Chinkiang vinegar and toss the vegetables quickly to coat them in the tangy sauce. This makes the dish fresh and flavorful.

You can serve it as a side or over rice for a full meal. Enjoy the delightful taste of Chinkiang vinegar in every bite!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute.
4. Drizzle in the Chinkiang vinegar and toss to coat the vegetables.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or on its own.
7. Enjoy!