15+ Chinese Recipes: Delicious Dishes You Can Easily Make at Home
Chinese cuisine is famous for its bold flavors and diverse dishes. You can explore a wide range of recipes that are easy to make and sure to please your taste buds. Whether you love spicy stir-fries or comforting noodle dishes, there’s something delightful for every palate.
As you dive into the world of Chinese recipes, you’ll discover unique ingredients and cooking methods that bring these meals to life. Cooking Chinese food at home allows you to customize each dish to fit your preferences while enjoying the rich culinary tradition that has developed over centuries.
1) Szechuan Shrimp
Szechuan shrimp is a delicious and spicy dish from Chinese cuisine. It combines shrimp with bold flavors like garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns. The dish is known for its warmth and tingle, thanks to the chili oil and seasoning.
You can easily make Szechuan shrimp at home. This recipe requires simple ingredients and takes only a short time to prepare. It makes a great meal when served with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 sliced bell pepper
- 2 chopped green onions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat chili oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and Szechuan peppercorns; cook until shrimp turns pink.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and bell pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
2) Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its bold flavors. It combines chicken with peanuts and dried red chili peppers, creating a tasty and satisfying meal. You can make it at home in just about 30 minutes.
To start, you will need skinless, boneless chicken thighs cut into cubes. The sauce usually includes hoisin sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. The peanuts add a nice crunch and richness to the dish.
This recipe allows for variations. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili peppers. Try serving it with rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2-inch piece minced ginger
- Dried red chili peppers
- 1/2 cup peanuts
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the sauce and dried chili peppers.
- Add peanuts, mix well, and cook for a few more minutes.
- Serve hot with rice.
3) Spicy Crispy Beef
Spicy Crispy Beef is a popular dish that blends crunchiness with a sweet and spicy sauce. You’ll love how tender the beef becomes after frying.
Start by slicing flank steak into thin strips. Then, marinate it for a little while for extra flavor. After that, fry the beef in hot oil for a crispy finish.
The sauce should be a mix of soy sauce, sugar, and some chili for heat. Toss the crispy beef in this sauce before serving. Pair it with steamed rice or veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 sliced onion
- 1 sliced red bell pepper
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- Slice the flank steak into thin strips.
- Marinate the beef with soy sauce, sugar, and chili paste for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the beef until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the crispy beef back in and toss with the sauce. Serve warm.
4) Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork is a popular Chinese dish that combines crispy pork with a tangy sauce. The flavors balance perfectly for a delicious meal.
To make this dish, you will need tender pork, colorful vegetables, and a homemade sweet and sour sauce. Ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and sugar are common in the sauce.
The cooking process typically involves frying the pork until crispy. After that, you stir-fry the vegetables and add the sauce to coat everything in flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) pork tenderloin, cubed
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Coat pork with cornstarch, then fry until golden brown.
- Stir-fry vegetables until tender.
- Mix ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Add pork and sauce to the pan, stir to combine.
- Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
5) Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese dish that’s loved by many. It features tender chicken mixed with chewy lo mein noodles and colorful vegetables. The flavors are savory and slightly sweet, making it a favorite for both takeout and home cooking.
To prepare Chicken Lo Mein, you’ll start with fresh or dried lo mein noodles. The dish typically includes ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, and onions, all stir-fried to perfection. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make in one pan.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1 sliced bell pepper
- 1 julienned carrot
- 1 sliced onion
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken slices and cook until browned.
- Stir in the vegetables and cook until tender.
- Add the noodles and soy sauce, then toss to combine.
- Drizzle with sesame oil before serving. Enjoy!
6) Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu is a popular Chinese dish known for its rich and spicy flavor. It comes from Sichuan province and features soft tofu in a bold sauce made from fermented bean paste and chili oil.
You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. It often includes ground meat, typically pork or beef, for added texture and flavor. The dish is fragrant and has a satisfying heat.
To make Mapo Tofu, you need just a few ingredients. It’s a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both filling and tasty.
Ingredients
- 1 block of soft tofu
- 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork or beef
- 2 tablespoons of fermented bean paste
- 1 tablespoon of chili oil
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 2 chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns
- Minced garlic and ginger
Cooking Instructions
- Press the tofu to remove excess water and cut it into cubes.
- Heat oil in a pan and add garlic and ginger.
- Add the ground meat and cook until brown.
- Stir in the fermented bean paste, soy sauce, and chili oil.
- Gently add the tofu and mix to coat it in the sauce.
- Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle with Sichuan peppercorns and green onions before serving.
7) Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious dish that’s easy to make at home. You will love the sweet and savory flavors that come together in this recipe. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
To start, you need tender chicken thighs cooked until golden brown. The secret is in the sauce, made with honey, garlic, and soy sauce. This combination gives the chicken a sticky and tasty finish.
You can serve this dish with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. In just about 20 minutes, you can enjoy a tasty plate of Honey Garlic Chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
8) Spicy Garlic Bok Choy
Spicy Garlic Bok Choy is a quick and tasty dish that you can make in just ten minutes. This vegetable is packed with flavor and offers a nice kick from garlic and chili oil.
You will need fresh baby bok choy as the main ingredient. The stir-frying process keeps them crisp and tender.
This dish pairs well with rice or as a side to many Asian meals. You will find it easy to whip up and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bok choy
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the bok choy and cut it in half.
- Heat chili oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add bok choy and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and sugar, cooking for another minute.
- Serve hot.
9) Hoisin Duck Pancakes
Hoisin duck pancakes are a delicious dish that you can easily make at home. Crispy duck paired with sweet hoisin sauce creates a perfect blend of flavors. You can impress your friends and family with this tasty recipe.
To start, you will need some succulent duck, soft pancakes, and fresh vegetables. Cucumber and spring onions add a nice crunch. Enjoy the fun of wrapping each bite yourself.
Ingredients
- 2 duck legs
- 1 heaped teaspoon Chinese 5 spice
- ½ cucumber, cut into batons
- A bunch of spring onions, shredded
- Hoisin sauce, to serve
- Chinese pancakes or tortillas
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the Chinese 5 spice onto the duck legs.
- Roast the duck for about 1.5 hours until it turns crispy.
- Remove the duck and let it cool slightly.
- Shred the duck and serve with pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber, and spring onions.
10) Char Siu Tacos
Char Siu Tacos bring a fun twist to your meal. They combine traditional Chinese char siu pork with taco elements for a delicious fusion. The sweet and savory flavors will impress your family and friends.
You can easily make these tacos at home. Start with marinated pork belly, grilled to perfection. Then, add fresh toppings like cabbage slaw and Sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
The combination of textures and tastes makes each bite exciting.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) pork belly
- 2 tablespoons char siu sauce
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, grated
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- Sriracha mayo (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the pork belly in char siu sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pork belly for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Warm the tortillas on the grill.
- Assemble tacos with pork and toppings, then drizzle with Sriracha mayo. Enjoy!
11) Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken
Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken, or San Bei Ji, is a delicious dish that combines simple ingredients for amazing flavor. It’s known for its rich taste from soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil.
This recipe also uses garlic, ginger, and basil to add depth. The dish gets its name from using equal parts of these three main ingredients.
Cooking this dish is straightforward and perfect for any home cook. You can serve it with rice to soak up the tasty sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup rice wine
- 1/3 cup sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes (or fresh red chili)
- 6 slices ginger
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 handful Thai basil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add garlic, ginger, and chili flakes; stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour in soy sauce and rice wine, then add sugar; simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in basil right before serving. Enjoy!
12) Hakka Style Rolled Omelette
Hakka Style Rolled Omelette is a savory dish that combines eggs with flavorful fillings. It’s easy to make and delicious for breakfast or a light meal.
You will need ground pork, soy sauce, and a few other ingredients. The blend of flavors makes this omelette unique and satisfying.
To cook it, you’ll start by whisking eggs and cooking them in a pan. Once lightly set, add the filling and roll it up.
This dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing. Serve it warm, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 450 grams ground pork
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 4 eggs
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground pork with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, and salt.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook the pork mixture until done, then set aside.
- Whisk eggs and pour into the pan.
- Cook until the edges are set, then add the pork filling.
- Roll the omelette gently and cook until fully set.
- Slice and serve warm.
13) Lo Mein Noodles
Lo Mein Noodles are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. They are made with soft, chewy noodles and tossed in a rich sauce. You can add your choice of veggies and protein for a complete meal.
You can easily prepare Lo Mein at home in a short time. All you need are some basic ingredients like soy sauce and vegetables.
It’s a versatile dish since you can customize it based on your tastes. Whether you prefer chicken, shrimp, or just veggies, Lo Mein can be adapted to suit you.
Ingredients
- Lo Mein noodles
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Sugar
- Your choice of protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu)
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
- Garlic and ginger
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger; stir for 30 seconds.
- Add veggies and cook until tender.
- Toss in protein and cook until done.
- Add cooked noodles and soy sauce; mix well.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
14) Chicken and Mushroom Stir Fry
Chicken and mushroom stir fry is a delicious and quick meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
You can make this dish using fresh chicken pieces and your favorite mushrooms. The stir fry sauce adds a wonderful flavor that brings everything together.
You’ll want to prepare all your ingredients first. This way, you can cook everything quickly while keeping it fresh.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and snow peas)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms, mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and cook until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
15) Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese dish that is both tasty and quick to prepare. It features tender beef, flavorful broccoli, and a rich sauce.
For this dish, you can use thinly sliced beef, such as sirloin or flank steak. Combining it with fresh broccoli creates a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
The sauce usually contains soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients work together to bring out the best in the beef and broccoli.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) beef (sirloin or flank steak)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Cooking Instructions
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the beef for about 3-4 minutes until it browns.
- Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, and stir to combine.
- Cook for 2 more minutes until the vegetables are tender.