Chuan (food) facts for kids
Chuan (pronounced "chwahn") is a popular Chinese street food. It means "kebab" or "skewer." In some parts of China, especially the northeast, it's called chuan'r. Chuan are small pieces of meat cooked on skewers. They are usually roasted over charcoal.
This tasty snack started in the Xinjiang region of China. From there, it spread across the country. Today, you can find chuan in many cities. These include Beijing, Tianjin, Jinan, and Jilin. Chuan is a famous street food. It is part of the Chinese Islamic cuisine. This food tradition comes from the Uyghur people and other Chinese Muslims.
What is Chuan?
Chuan are small pieces of meat cooked on skewers. They are often roasted over hot charcoal. Sometimes, they are cooked using electric heat. In Beijing, some chuan are even deep-fried. You can think of chuan as a type of kebab.
What is Chuan made of?
Traditionally, chuan was made from lamb. This is still the most common type, called yáng ròu chuàn. But today, chuan can be made with many different meats. You can find it with chicken, pork, or beef. Various types of seafood are also used.
How is Chuan spiced?
Chuan can be spiced in many ways. It depends on what you like. Usually, people sprinkle cumin seeds on it. They also add dried red pepper flakes and salt. Sometimes, black pepper and sesame seeds are used. Sesame oil can also be brushed on the meat.
Other types of Chuan
Besides meat, there's a popular type called mantou chuan. This is made with steamed buns. The buns are often brushed with a sweet bean sauce. This sauce is sweet and balances the spicy meat chuan.
In cities like Tianjin and Jinan, chuan is often served with small round breads. These breads are called xiàn bǐng. They are also grilled with the same spices as the meat. After cooking, the bread is split open. Then, the chuan meat is put inside. People eat them together like a sandwich.
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Delicious barbecued lamb chuan sticks
See also
In Spanish: Chuanr para niños
