Shanghainese Food Recipes: Top 10 Authentic Dishes

Shanghai, a city known for its fusion of old and new, boasts a rich and diverse culinary tradition. Shanghainese food, with its unique blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, reflects the region’s cultural history and local ingredients. In this article, we will explore top 10 authentic Shanghainese dishes, providing you with easy recipes to recreate these mouthwatering flavors at home. Whether you’re planning a trip to Shanghai or simply love exploring new cuisines, these dishes are an essential part of the city’s food culture.

1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

Xiaolongbao, often referred to as Shanghai’s signature dish, are delicate steamed dumplings filled with a flavorful broth and pork filling. These dumplings are served piping hot and must be handled carefully to avoid spilling the savory soup inside.

Ingredients:

• Dumpling wrappers
• Ground pork
• Chicken stock
• Ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for seasoning

Recipe:

1. Prepare the filling by mixing ground pork with seasonings and chicken stock.
2. Roll out the dumpling wrappers and fill each with a spoonful of the mixture.
3. Steam for 10-12 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.

Pro Tip: Serve with vinegar and ginger for an authentic taste.

2. Shengjianbao (Pan-fried Pork Buns)

These crispy-bottomed buns are another favorite of Shanghainese cuisine. Unlike Xiaolongbao, Shengjianbao are pan-fried, giving them a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• Yeast dough
• Ground pork
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for seasoning

Recipe:

1. Prepare the dough and let it rise.
2. Mix the pork filling and season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
3. Shape the buns and pan-fry them in a hot skillet until crispy.

Pro Tip: Serve with a dip of black vinegar for an extra layer of flavor.

3. Shanghai-style Sweet and Sour Ribs

These tender, flavorful ribs are cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. This dish perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

Ingredients:

• Pork ribs
• Sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger for the sauce

Recipe:

1. Brown the pork ribs in a pan.
2. Simmer the ribs with the sauce ingredients until the sauce thickens and the ribs are tender.

4. Lion’s Head Meatballs

A comforting and hearty dish, Lion’s Head meatballs are large, tender pork meatballs served in a flavorful broth. The dish is named after the meatballs’ resemblance to a lion’s head and is traditionally served with bok choy.

Ingredients:

• Ground pork
• Water chestnuts for crunch
• Napa cabbage or bok choy
• Soy sauce and Shaoxing wine

Recipe:

1. Form the meatballs with pork and water chestnuts.
2. Simmer the meatballs in a broth of soy sauce and Shaoxing wine.
3. Add bok choy and cook until tender.

5. Drunken Chicken

This cold dish is a popular appetizer in Shanghai, where chicken is marinated in Shaoxing wine, creating a unique aroma and rich flavor.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast or whole chicken
• Shaoxing wine
• Soy sauce and sesame oil

Recipe:

1. Steam the chicken and cool it.
2. Marinate in Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a few hours.

6. Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

This classic Shanghainese dish features tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly cooked in a sweet soy sauce-based glaze. The slow braising process allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making each bite deliciously rich.

Ingredients:

• Pork belly
• Soy sauce, sugar, and star anise

Recipe:

1. Brown the pork belly pieces.
2. Simmer with soy sauce, sugar, and star anise for about an hour until the meat is tender.

7. Chilled Tofu with Century Egg

This dish is a refreshing, savory cold appetizer featuring silky tofu paired with the strong flavor of century eggs. A perfect start to a Shanghainese meal.

Ingredients:

• Silken tofu
• Century eggs
• Soy sauce and chili oil

Recipe:

1. Slice tofu and century eggs.
2. Drizzle with soy sauce and chili oil.

8. Shanghai-style Noodles (Sheng Jian Mian)

Shanghai-style noodles are stir-fried with pork and vegetables in a savory sauce. They are a staple comfort food, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• Fresh noodles
• Pork, cabbage, and green onions
• Soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil

Recipe:

1. Cook the noodles and set aside.
2. Stir-fry pork and vegetables with seasonings.
3. Add the noodles to the pan and toss them until coated with sauce.

9. Stir-fried Shrimp with Longjing Tea

A delicacy in Shanghai, this dish pairs the subtle flavors of Longjing tea with the sweetness of shrimp. It’s a light and fragrant dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• Fresh shrimp
• Longjing tea leaves
• Soy sauce and ginger

Recipe:

1. Steep the tea leaves and set aside.
2. Stir-fry shrimp with ginger, then add the tea to the pan for a delicate infusion of flavor.

10. Braised Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

A perfect vegetarian dish, Shanghai-style braised eggplant is tender and flavorful, thanks to its braising in a savory garlic sauce.

Ingredients:

• Eggplant
• Garlic, soy sauce, and sugar

Recipe:

1. Fry the eggplant until golden brown.
2. Braise with garlic, soy sauce, and sugar until tender.

Conclusion

Shanghai’s food scene is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. These top 10 authentic Shanghainese dishes are a perfect representation of the city’s culinary heritage. From the famous Xiaolongbao to the comforting Braised Pork Belly, each dish brings something unique to the table. By following these easy recipes, you can recreate the flavors of Shanghai in your own kitchen and enjoy a taste of this vibrant city at home.