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March 24, 2026
熘liū(liu1)
The character 熘 (liū) refers to a cooking technique that combines steaming and quick-frying, typically involving the addition of cornstarch to achieve a distinctive texture. This method is often used to prepare meat and seafood, enhancing their flavor and tenderness while maintaining moisture. It is commonly found in various Chinese cuisines.
Strokes14Radical火Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, the technique of 熘 is prevalent in dishes like '熘鱼片' (liū yú piàn), where fish is prepared to achieve a tender, flavorful result. This reflects the Chinese culinary emphasis on texture and harmony in flavors.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'steamy' noodle dish that's 'slippery' from the cornstarch—liū sounds like 'loo' in English, and the character's left side (火) represents heat, while the right side (流) suggests flowing or sliding, as in the smooth texture achieved through this cooking method.
Meanings of 熘
liū(liu1)
1to steam, to stir-fry
2quick-fry
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About 熘
熘Simplified
14Strokes
火Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 熘
Podcast: 熘
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AI Study Notes for 熘
Quick Contrast
熘 (liū) vs 翻 (fān) — use 熘 when emphasizing the steaming and quick-frying technique, while 翻 refers to the action of flipping or turning food during cooking.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a 'steamy' noodle dish that's 'slippery' from the cornstarch—liū sounds like 'loo' in English, and the character's left side (火) represents heat, while the right side (流) suggests flowing or sliding, as in the smooth texture achieved through this cooking method.
Usage Notes
When using 熘, it's important to remember that it is typically used in a culinary context, especially in recipes. Avoid confusing it with similar terms like 炒 (chǎo), which means to stir-fry without the cornstarch. The tone is crucial; using the wrong tone can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 熘 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to other cooking-related terms in Chinese cuisine. Students should focus on its usage in recipes and cooking descriptions, as this can enhance their culinary vocabulary at the intermediate level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, the technique of 熘 is prevalent in dishes like '熘鱼片' (liū yú piàn), where fish is prepared to achieve a tender, flavorful result. This reflects the Chinese culinary emphasis on texture and harmony in flavors.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 熘 with other cooking verbs like 炒 (chǎo) or 煮 (zhǔ). For example, saying '我想熘米饭' (wǒ xiǎng liū mǐfàn) is incorrect since rice is typically boiled or steamed, not quick-fried.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 熘
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Cultural Notes for 熘
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cuisine, the technique of 熘 is prevalent in dishes like '熘鱼片' (liū yú piàn), where fish is prepared to achieve a tender, flavorful result. This reflects the Chinese culinary emphasis on texture and harmony in flavors.
Word Family of 熘
Words Containing This Character1
熘liūquick-fry
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 熘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 熘
While both refer to cooking methods involving heat, 熘 specifically involves adding cornstarch to create a smooth texture, whereas 炒 refers to basic stir-frying.
Typically, 熘 is used for proteins like meat and seafood, but some recipes may adapt it for certain vegetables to achieve a similar texture.
It can be healthier than deep-frying since it uses less oil, but the healthiness also depends on the ingredients used and portion sizes.
