Chinese Beef & Chicken Curry: Product Review
- Steve Holloway
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Welcome to Stevie's Curry Magic! Today, I’m excited to share my very first product review, featuring a fantastic Chinese curry mix from Mai Mai Foods in Bilston, West Midlands. This concentrated curry base is incredibly easy to use—simply add water and your favourite ingredients to create an authentic Chinese curry reminiscent of those from your favourite local takeaway, a dish loved by millions. Stay tuned as I dive into how this product can bring delicious, home-cooked Chinese curry right to your kitchen!
Serves 8 - 10
Preparation time 10 minutes, Cooking time around 30 minutes, Overall time 40 minutes.
Recipe Difficulty level - Beginner-Friendly
Special equipment - None
Heat level - Medium
Nutrition values for Chinese Curry Mix.
Expand for packet ingredients
Wheat Flour (Gluten)
Vegetable fat,
Curry powder
spice, garlic, chilli, Mustard,
onion,
coconut cream
sugar
salt
Monosodium Glutamate
allergens in BOLD
Nutritional values for the whole recipe
A typical packet of Chinese curry mix (about 50g) contains approximately 180-220 calories, 4-6g fat, 25-30g carbohydrates, and 4-6g protein, with added sodium from the seasoning. The water, onions, mushrooms, peas, and soy sauce contribute minimal calories but provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Chicken breasts (about 200g) offer roughly 330 calories, 7g fat, 62g protein, while knuckle steak (about 150g) adds around 350 calories, 20g fat, and 30g protein. Coconut oil (1-2 tbsp) provides about 120-240 calories and 14-28g fat. Overall, this dish would be roughly around 700-900 calories, rich in protein, moderate in fats, with micronutrients from vegetables, depending on portion sizes and specific product brands.
A little History
Chinese curry has a rich history that reflects the fusion of traditional Chinese flavours with Indian culinary influences, brought about through trade routes like the Silk Road and colonial interactions. Introduced to China by Indian and Southeast Asian traders, curry became popular in southern regions such as Guangdong and Hong Kong, where it was adapted to local tastes. Chinese curry typically features a milder, aromatic profile compared to Indian curries, often incorporating ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and star anise. Over time, Chinese curry has evolved into a beloved comfort food, especially in Hong Kong-style cafes and takeaways, where it’s commonly served with rice or noodles. This culinary blend exemplifies the multicultural influences that shape Chinese cuisine today.
Chinese Beef & Chicken Curry Recipe
Ingredients:
1 packet of genuine Chinese curry mix
1 & ½ pints of water
Salt to taste
2 large onions chunky chopped
4 large mushrooms sliced
2 chicken breasts sliced about 1 cm thick
1 knuckle steak sliced about 1 cm thick
dark soy sauce
coconut oil for stir frying
half a cup of frozen peas
Cooks tip: Why not add some pineapple cubes for an English pub type curry
How to make a Chinese style curry
Click here for Kitchen Timer
Instructions:
Prepare all your ingredients in advance: chop the onions, slice the chicken and beef into strips, and gather all other necessary items.
In a Chinese wok, melt the coconut oil and once hot, stir-fry the beef strips until browned, then set them aside. Repeat the process with the chicken strips. When the chicken is nearly cooked through, add the sliced mushrooms and peas and cook until tender.
In a separate saucepan, pour in cold water and the Chinese sauce mix. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and gradually warm the curry sauce, whisking continuously until it begins to thicken. Remove from heat, but keep an eye on it to prevent a skin from forming.
Return the beef to the wok, and cook until heated through. Season with soy sauce to taste. Finally, combine the prepared curry sauce with the stir-fry, mixing well and serving hot.
Goes well with:
Frequently asked questions for Coconut Rice
1. What is Chinese curry mix?
It is a pre-made spice blend or seasoning mix designed to add authentic Chinese-style curry flavour to beef or chicken dishes, making cooking easier and more flavourful.
2. How do I use Chinese curry mix?
Typically, you can add the mix to your meat along with ingredients like vegetables and water or coconut milk, then simmer until the meat is tender and the flavours meld. Follow the specific instructions on the package for best results.
3. Can I adjust the spice level of the curry mix?
Yes, you can control the spiciness by adding less or more of the curry mix or by including additional ingredients like chili peppers or coconut milk to mellow or enhance the heat.
4. Is Chinese curry mix gluten-free?
It depends on the brand. Check the packaging for allergy information and ingredients list. Some mixes may contain gluten, while others are gluten-free.
5. How long does it take to cook a dish using this curry mix?
Preparation time varies, but typically, it takes about 30-45 minutes to cook the meat and develop flavours, depending on the recipe and cut of meat used.
6. Can I use this curry mix for vegetarian dishes?
Yes of course, you can use the curry mix with vegetables or tofu as a vegetarian alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
7. How should I store the curry mix?
Store the unopened mix in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
8. Are there any common substitutions or additions to enhance the flavour?
Yes, you can add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, or coconut milk to customize the flavour profile of your curry.
9. Is this curry mix suitable for children?
Most curry mixes are mild but check the ingredients for any allergens or strong spices if you’re preparing for children.
10. Where can I buy Chinese curry mix?
You can find it in Asian grocery stores, supermarkets with international sections, or online retailers.
Conclusion
This Chinese curry mix is very versatile and to be fair I have been using it for many years as a quick Friday night Chinese curry, typically having it with chips and Chinese style mushrooms and vegetables, Yum Yum, although I'm not a big fan of using pre-made curry mixes or pretty much anything out of a packet this is actually a half decent product and if you want a very quick, in the week meal, then it will work very well with any kind of stir-fry! I will typically use the whole packet and make up a large batch and then freeze it so all on all I will rate this product a 9/10
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Cheers Steve.
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