Source: bing.comNankin restaurant was an iconic restaurant located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was famous for its Chinese-American cuisine and was a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant closed in 1999, but its recipes are still cherished by many.
The History of Nankin Restaurant
Source: bing.comNankin restaurant was established in 1919 by Wo Fat, a Chinese immigrant. The restaurant was originally named Wo Fat Cafe and was located on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. In the 1930s, the restaurant was renamed Nankin Cafe and moved to a larger location on Nicollet Avenue.
Over the years, Nankin became a popular gathering place for politicians, business people, and celebrities. The restaurant’s popularity continued to grow, and it eventually moved to a larger location on 12th Street and Nicollet Avenue in 1965.
The Famous Nankin Family Style Cooking
Source: bing.comOne of the unique features of Nankin restaurant was its family-style cooking. This style of cooking meant that dishes were served in large portions, meant for sharing among the diners at the table. This style of dining encouraged conversation and community, making Nankin a popular destination for family dinners and social gatherings.
Some of the most famous dishes at Nankin included the chicken chow mein, egg foo young, fried rice, and almond chicken. These dishes were made with fresh ingredients and were cooked to perfection by the restaurant’s talented chefs.
Recipes from Nankin Restaurant
Source: bing.comAlthough Nankin restaurant closed over 20 years ago, its recipes are still cherished by many. Here are some recipes from the famous restaurant:
Chicken Chow Mein
Source: bing.comIngredients:
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breast
- 1/2 lb. fresh bean sprouts
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
- 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 lb. cooked Chinese noodles
Instructions:
- Cut chicken into thin strips.
- Mix cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, sugar, and white pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Add chicken and stir-fry until browned.
- Add bean sprouts, mushrooms, green onions, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve over cooked Chinese noodles.
Egg Foo Young
Source: bing.comIngredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup oil
Instructions:
- Beat eggs in a bowl. Add bean sprouts, chicken, shrimp, water chestnuts, green onions, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop egg mixture by spoonfuls into the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Closing Thoughts
Source: bing.comNankin restaurant may be gone, but its legacy lives on through its recipes. These dishes are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition. By cooking these recipes, we can experience a small part of what made Nankin restaurant so special.