15 Authentic Chinese Recipes to Bring Home the Flavor

Discovering authentic Chinese recipes opens up a treasure chest of flavors and traditions. These recipes not only highlight the rich culinary heritage of China but also allow you to bring these vibrant dishes into your own kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, there’s a recipe that can suit your tastes and cooking skills.

From savory stir-fries to delightful dumplings, authentic Chinese cooking provides something for everyone. You can explore a variety of dishes that range from simple weeknight meals to elaborate feasts, showcasing the diversity and richness of this cuisine.

1) Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic dish from Sichuan cuisine. It features a delightful mix of chicken, peanuts, and spicy sauce. The flavors are rich and satisfying, perfect for any meal.

To make this dish, you will need chicken thighs, which are tender and flavorful. The addition of peanuts gives it a nice crunch. The sauce typically includes soy sauce, sugar, and a hint of vinegar.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs, diced
• 1/2 cup (75 g) unsalted peanuts
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1-2 dried red chilies

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
3. Stir-fry the marinated chicken until golden brown.
4. Add peanuts and dried chilies, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in rice vinegar and sugar, mixing well.
6. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

2) Peking Roasted Duck

Peking Roasted Duck is a famous dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat. This dish originated in Beijing and has been a favorite for centuries. Preparing it at home may take time, but the reward is delicious.

To make this dish, you need to dry out the duck skin to ensure it becomes crispy when roasted. You can achieve this by hanging the duck in a cool place for a few hours.

When you roast the duck, aim for an oven temperature of 375°F (190°C). This will help render the fat and crisp the skin, creating that iconic texture.

Ingredients

• 1 whole duck (about 5-6 lbs or 2.3-2.7 kg)
• 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Water (for steaming)

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean the duck and pat it dry.
2. Rub the salt and five-spice powder all over the duck, including the cavity.
3. Hang the duck to dry for 3-6 hours.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Roast the duck for about 1.5 hours, basting with honey and soy sauce.
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

3) Sichuan Hot Pot

Sichuan Hot Pot is a fun and interactive meal perfect for gatherings. You start with a pot of boiling broth, which can be spicy or mild, depending on your taste. It’s all about cooking your favorite ingredients right at the table!

Choose from a variety of items like fresh vegetables, meats, and seafood. Dip them in the broth until cooked, and then enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces. The experience is just as important as the food itself.

Ingredients

• Broth (spicy and mild)
• Fresh vegetables (like mushrooms, bok choy)
• Thinly sliced beef or lamb
• Fresh seafood (like shrimp or fish)
• Dipping sauces (soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your broth and bring it to a boil.
2. Arrange your ingredients on the table.
3. Cook each item in the broth to your liking.
4. Serve with chosen dipping sauces.

4) Ma Po Tofu

Ma Po Tofu is a spicy dish from Sichuan cuisine. It features soft tofu in a bold, flavorful sauce that can really excite your taste buds. The dish combines the heat from chili paste and the unique tingling sensation of Sichuan peppercorns.

You can make this dish using ground pork or beef, but you can also keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat. Serve it over rice to soak up that delicious sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 block of soft tofu
• 1/2 cup ground pork or beef (optional)
• 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (Sichuan chili paste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Chopped scallions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain the tofu and cut it into cubes.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
3. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the ground meat and cook until browned.
5. Mix in doubanjiang, soy sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns.
6. Pour in water and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Add tofu cubes and let cook for about 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with scallions and serve with rice.

5) Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a tangy sauce. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekday meal or a special gathering with family and friends.

To make it, you’ll need bite-sized chicken pieces, bell peppers, and pineapple. The sauce combines vinegar, sugar, and ketchup for that signature taste. You can enjoy it with rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (120g) bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup (165g) pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vinegar
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 tsp (5g) soy sauce
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Coat chicken pieces with cornstarch.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/180°C).
3. Fry chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
4. In another pan, mix ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and water.
5. Add bell peppers and pineapple, stir for 3 minutes.
6. Combine everything in the pan and heat through. Serve warm.

6) Crispy Spring Rolls

Crispy spring rolls are a delicious treat that you can easily make at home. These rolls are filled with a mix of vegetables and sometimes meat, all wrapped in a thin pastry. They get their crunch from deep frying.

To start, prepare your filling. Common ingredients include shredded cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. You can also add pork or shrimp for extra flavor.

Once your filling is ready, wrap it tightly in spring roll wrappers.

Heat vegetable oil in a pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the spring rolls to the hot oil. Fry them in batches for about 4-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let them cool on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Ingredients

• Spring roll wrappers
• Shredded cabbage
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Ground pork (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the filling with your choice of vegetables and protein.
2. Wrap the filling in spring roll wrappers.
3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a pot.
4. Fry the rolls in batches until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels before serving.

7) Wonton Soup

Wonton soup is a comforting dish you can enjoy any time. The clear broth is filled with tender dumplings, making it a favorite in many homes.

To make wontons, you typically use a mixture of ground pork and shrimp. You can also add vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms for a nutritious touch.

The soup can be served with or without noodles. Adding noodles makes the dish heartier and perfect for a filling meal.

Ingredients

• Wonton wrappers
• Ground pork
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Broth (chicken or vegetable)
• Scallions
• Bok choy (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground pork, shrimp, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper and seal it tightly.
4. In a pot, bring broth to a boil.
5. Add wontons and cook until they float.
6. Serve hot, garnished with scallions and bok choy. Enjoy!

8) Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork is a popular Cantonese dish known for its sweet and savory flavor. It features tender strips of pork that are marinated and then roasted to perfection. The glossy red color and slightly sticky sauce make it a delightful addition to any meal.

To start, you will need to gather your ingredients. Typical components include pork, honey, soy sauce, and five-spice powder. The marinade is what truly makes this dish special.

Cooking Char Siu is easy. You can roast it in the oven or grill it for a smoky flavor. The result is juicy, flavorful pork that pairs well with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix honey, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Marinate the pork in the mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the pork on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes.
5. Brush with extra marinade halfway through cooking for added flavor.

9) Steamed Dim Sum

Steamed dim sum is a delicious part of Chinese cuisine. It offers a range of small dishes that are perfect for sharing. You can enjoy options like shumai, pork buns, and egg tarts.

To make steamed dim sum, start with fresh ingredients. Use quality pork, shrimp, and vegetables for the filling. These dishes are prepared using steaming, which keeps them soft and flavorful.

Many people love the light, fluffy texture of steamed buns. They pair well with hot tea, making for a lovely brunch or snack. You can even try different dipping sauces to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 cup ground pork or shrimp
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Chopped green onions (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour, warm water, and yeast to make a dough.
2. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour.
3. Prepare the filling by combining pork or shrimp with soy sauce and green onions.
4. Shape the dough into small buns and fill each with the mixture.
5. Steam the buns for 15-20 minutes at 212°F (100°C).

10) Xiao Long Bao

Xiao Long Bao, also known as soup dumplings, are a tasty treat from China. They are filled with pork and a savory broth. These dumplings are famous for their delicate, pleated wrapper, which holds a rich liquid inside.

You can dip the dumplings in a mixture of black vinegar and ginger. This adds a refreshing taste. Making Xiao Long Bao can be challenging but is very rewarding.

Ingredients

• Dumpling wrappers
• Ground pork
• Ginger (grated)
• Green onions (chopped)
• Chicken broth
• Agar-agar
• Soy sauce
• Black vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the soup gelatin by mixing chicken broth with agar-agar. Chill until firm.
2. Make the dumpling filling by combining ground pork, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, and cooled soup gelatin.
3. Wrap the filling in dumpling wrappers, ensuring to seal them tightly with pleats.
4. Steam the dumplings in a steamer for about 15 minutes at 212°F (100°C). Enjoy warm!

11) Stir-Fried Chow Mein

Stir-fried chow mein is a classic Chinese dish full of flavor. It’s made with egg noodles stir-fried with fresh vegetables and your choice of protein, such as chicken, beef, or shrimp.

You start by cooking the noodles until they are soft.

In a hot pan or wok, add oil, then toss in your favorite vegetables like cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for a few minutes to get them tender but still crisp.

Next, add the cooked noodles and your protein. Mix everything together with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a tasty finish. Cook until everything is heated through.

Ingredients

• Egg noodles
• Chicken, beef, or shrimp
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
3. Add chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add garlic and ginger, then mix for another 30 seconds.
5. Add cooked noodles and protein, pour in soy sauce, and stir to combine.
6. Cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

12) Pork Dumplings

Pork dumplings are a delicious part of Chinese cuisine. They are savory, satisfying, and fun to make. You can enjoy them steamed, boiled, or pan-fried for a bit of crunch.

To make pork dumplings, you start with fresh ingredients. Ground pork is mixed with seasonings like ginger, green onions, and soy sauce. Wrapping the filling in dumpling skins is an enjoyable task.

These dumplings are often served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and vinegar. They can be frozen for later, making them a great meal prep option.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of ground pork
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• Dumpling wrappers

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground pork, salt, ginger, green onions, and soy sauce.
2. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper and seal the edges with water.
4. Cook your dumplings by boiling them for 6-8 minutes or pan-frying until golden brown.

13) Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a simple yet delicious dish that you can easily make at home. You only need a few ingredients like rice, eggs, and some vegetables to create a satisfying meal.

Start with cooked rice, preferably cold, as it helps to keep the grains separate.

Scramble some eggs in a hot pan, then add your rice and mix well.

You can toss in chopped onions, peas, or carrots for added flavor and color. Season with soy sauce and a pinch of salt for a tasty finish.

Egg fried rice can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. It’s perfect for using up leftover rice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of peas and carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/180°C).
2. Scramble the eggs until cooked, then set aside.
3. In the same pan, add onions and cook until soft.
4. Add the rice, peas, and carrots, mixing well.
5. Stir in the soy sauce and cooked eggs.
6. Cook for a few more minutes, then serve hot.

14) General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish known for its sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It features tender pieces of chicken coated in a delicious sauce that combines soy sauce, chili sauce, and rice vinegar.

To make it crispy, you can toss the chicken in cornstarch before frying. This method keeps it light and crunchy.

The dish is often served with steamed rice and vegetables, making it a satisfying meal. You can easily find recipes that guide you through making this dish at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornflour/cornstarch
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix chicken, egg white, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
3. Fry the chicken until golden brown.
4. In another pan, mix chili sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
5. Add fried chicken to the sauce and stir well.
6. Serve hot with rice.

15) Congee

Congee is a warm, comforting rice porridge popular in many Chinese households. This dish is simple to make and can be enjoyed at any meal. It’s often served with various toppings to suit your taste.

To prepare congee, you start with rice and water. The rice cooks slowly, becoming creamy and smooth. You can add chicken stock for extra flavor.

Popular toppings include green onions, pickled vegetables, and Century eggs. Customize your bowl to make it just how you like it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 6 cups water or chicken stock
• Salt, to taste
• Optional toppings: green onions, pickled vegetables, Century eggs, or meat.

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. In a large pot, combine rice and water or chicken stock.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.