煎 jiān to fry in fat or oil
How to remember 煎: 前 in front + 灬 fire = to fry in fat or oil. Standing in front of a hot fire, the cook cracks two eggs and wonders whether to fry in fat or oil.
Component breakdown
煎 = 前 in front + 灬 fire
- 前 in front
- 䒑 horns and bar
- ⺝ moon
- 刂 knife
- 灬 fire
Standing in front of a hot fire, the cook cracks two eggs and wonders whether to fry in fat or oil.
How it is used
- To pan-fry in a little oil - 煎鸡蛋 (jiān jīdàn) to fry an egg, 煎饼 (jiānbing) a savory crepe, 煎鱼 (jiān yú).
- Also to decoct/simmer herbs (煎药 jiān yào). 煎熬 (jiān'áo) means to suffer torment - 内心备受煎熬 (nèixīn bèishòu jiān'áo) to be tormented inwardly.