According to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, 12% of all restaurants in the United States serve Asian food. Nearly four in ten (39%) serve classic dishes from various Chinese sub-cuisines, from Sichuan and Shandong to Cantonese and Huaiyang.
The study also found Chinese-specific restaurants in every state and 70 percent of all counties.
Asians are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States. By 2060, they are expected to make up the largest immigrant group in America: 46 million people; 10% of the population.
Over the past ten years, Asian cuisine has been the fastest growing in America and is expected to continue to grow as well.
Changing eating habits: from restaurant to home
Chinese culture has profoundly influenced the diet of the average American. Despite its historic presence among Westerners’ dinner plans, Americans’ culinary priorities have changed dramatically in recent years, leaving many of these restaurants behind.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA ERS) notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed Americans’ food consumption habits. Full-service restaurant spending fell 20%, with virus concerns and rising food prices likely catalysts.
About 64% of Americans cook at home regularly to reduce food costs. About 81% say they enjoy cooking more than before the pandemic, although a 2021 survey by GlobalData indicates that millennials and Generation X are more likely to cook than their elders.
This generational gap may be due to younger generations becoming more health conscious. The International Food Information Council reveals that Generation Z and millennials are more likely than their older counterparts – Generation X and baby boomers – to subscribe to healthy diets.
As inflation fears continue to plague consumers, particularly younger generations, Americans are turning to healthy, inexpensive ingredients and online recipe-sharing platforms that allow them to experiment and expand their palate while maintaining cost-cutting measures.
Homemade American Chinese Food
To alleviate grocery bill woes without sacrificing your family’s favorite American Chinese restaurant staples, rely on copycat recipes that mimic these classic dishes. Cost-conscious recipes replicate these meals using supplies that most American households have on hand. Even the busiest families can prepare these appetizers quickly and inexpensively, making them perfect for a convenient and original midweek meal.
Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken originated from the streets of Hang Yang Ba in China’s Sichuan province. The name comes from the Chinese word for stick, “bàng”, which refers to the instrument for tenderizing meat.
Bang Bang Chicken originated in the early 20th century and is still extremely popular throughout China. However, most American fans of the meal consider the American Chinese version modified for Western palates.
In the modified recipe, bang bang chicken consists of lightly spiced pieces of fried chicken, usually served with an aioli-like dipping sauce of mayonnaise and sweet chili pepper.
The secret to bang bang chicken lies in the preparation of the meat. Traditionally, cooks use mallets to tenderize meat, loosening the fibers and amplifying its succulent mouthfeel. Combine these tender pieces with a crisp, flavorful batter flavored with smoked paprika, garlic and black pepper for a harmony of taste and texture.
Beef Chow Mein
A staple throughout China, chow mein was first introduced to America in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants from the Guangdong provinces, bringing their Cantonese cuisine to the country during the gold rush era in California.
A favorite around the world, beef chow mein is the ultimate stir-fry. The noodle dish features fragrant ingredients and flavors, like tender flank steak, fresh vegetables, garlic, ginger and oyster sauce. Noodle stir-fry dishes are often versatile, allowing cooks to easily customize their iteration by omitting or adding vegetables, sauces, spices and proteins.
Chinese Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup
Chinese Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup is a comforting dish that is simple to prepare but packed with flavor. Soy sauce and sesame oil are central elements, imparting umami flavors and nutty undertones that complement the chicken, sweetcorn, garlic and ginger.
For added heat, garnish your bowl with bean sprouts, a handful of fresh cilantro, and fresh red chili peppers. Some American Chinese restaurants may supplement these soups by incorporating eggs, noodles, rice, or wonton strips.
The freshness and simplicity of the ingredients in this recipe make it perfect for a midweek lunch or dinner, especially during the winter months. Like bang bang chicken, the preparation of the poultry makes or breaks the dish. Properly brined chicken results in incredibly tender meat, giving this dish a place in your regular meal rotation.
