Clay Pot

A clay pot is another versatile tool to have in the Chinese kitchen. You can roast and braise with it and make soups and stews in it. Clay pots are most often used for braising and stewing in Chinese cooking because they retain heat so well.

Clay is a porous material which, when soaked in water and heated in the oven, provides slow evaporation of steam from the pores. This moist cooking environment results in incredibly flavorful and tender meats. It’s super healthy, too, because you’re not cooking with a lot of oil. Another wonderful thing about a clay pot is that it can go straight from oven to table. Not only is it a terrific cooking vessel, it’s a unique and tasteful serving piece. I guarantee at least one “Ahhh” and maybe one “Ooh!” when you set it on the table at your next dinner party. You can find clay pots at Asian markets or online. Clay pots should simply be washed with hot water. The use of soap isn’t recommended.