Chinese Dog Food (pet food)

Chinese Dog Food Recipe - Homemade Pet Food from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chinese Dog Food is a traditional Chinese dish that is not actually meant for dogs, despite its name. This dish is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

History

Chinese Dog Food has been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for many years. It is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province of China, known for its bold and spicy flavors. The dish was traditionally made with leftover ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and eggs, making it a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste.

Ingredients

6 beaten eggs
3 tsp soy sauce
3 tsp cornstarch
1 cup chicken stock (prepared according to directions)
2 tbsp oil
6 tbsp finely chopped baby cabbage
6 tbsp chopped celery
1 cup cooked ground beef or cooked flaked fish

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat the eggs and soy sauce together.
Mix the cornstarch with the chicken stock.
Heat up the oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat.
Add the baby cabbage and celery to the pan and stir-fry until the baby cabbage becomes transparent.
If needed, add more oil to the pan, then add the fish or meat and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
In the same frying pan, cook the beaten eggs gently until partially cooked.
Next, add the stock and mixture to the pan, and continue cooking while stirring constantly until the eggs are fully cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Variations

Substitute the fish with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different protein option.
Add in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas for added flavor and nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to beat the eggs well before adding them to the dish to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Stir-fry the vegetables until they are just tender to retain their crunch and nutrients.

- Use a non-stick frying pan to prevent the eggs from sticking and burning.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, adding more soy sauce for a saltier flavor or chili sauce for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chinese Dog Food hot with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying, beating eggs, and simmering in chicken stock are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the baby cabbage with regular cabbage or bok choy if needed. Additionally, you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beaten eggs and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time when cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chinese Dog Food with a side of steamed broccoli or a cucumber salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This dish contains eggs and soy, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chinese Dog Food is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chinese Dog Food is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy this traditional Chinese recipe with your favorite protein and vegetables for a delicious and balanced dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Chinese Dog Food. I was visiting a friend who had just adopted a rescue dog from China and was looking for some special recipes to make for him. As a dog lover and a passionate cook, I was eager to help.

My friend told me that in China, dogs are often fed a special diet that consists of a mix of meat, vegetables, and grains. She had learned a few recipes from the shelter where she adopted her dog, but she was looking for something new and exciting to try.

We decided to do some research and see if we could find a traditional Chinese recipe for dog food. After a few hours of searching online and talking to some Chinese friends, we finally came across a recipe that sounded perfect.

The recipe called for a mix of chicken, rice, carrots, and green beans, all cooked together in a savory broth. It was simple yet nutritious, and I knew that it would be perfect for my friend's new furry friend.

I decided to give the recipe a try and invited my friend over to help me cook. We started by boiling the chicken in a large pot of water until it was cooked through. Then we added in the rice, carrots, and green beans, along with some soy sauce and ginger for flavor.

As the ingredients simmered together, the kitchen filled with a delicious aroma that made both of our mouths water. We knew that we were onto something special.

After a few hours of cooking, the Chinese Dog Food was finally ready. We let it cool down before serving it to my friend's dog, who eagerly devoured every last bite.

My friend was thrilled with the recipe, and she couldn't believe how easy and delicious it was to make. She thanked me profusely for helping her find such a wonderful recipe for her furry friend.

From that day on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. I made it for my own dogs and shared it with all of my friends who had pets. Everyone raved about how tasty and nutritious it was, and I was proud to have stumbled upon such a gem.

Now, whenever someone asks me for a special recipe for their pets, I always recommend my Chinese Dog Food recipe. It's a true labor of love that brings joy to both the cook and the furry friends who enjoy it.

I am grateful for the journey that led me to discover this recipe, and I am excited to continue sharing it with all of the pet lovers in my life. Cooking for our pets is a special way to show them how much we care, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so with this delicious Chinese Dog Food recipe.