Making authentic Chinese food at home can be fun, simple, and rewarding. These 16 recipes bring the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick stir-fry or a slow-cooked stew, these dishes offer something for everyone. Let’s dive into these easy-to-make recipes!
Super Easy Chinese Recipes
1. Orange Chicken
This dish is a favorite for a reason, featuring crispy chicken pieces perfectly coated in a delicious sweet and tangy orange sauce. The perfect mix of citrusy zest and sweetness makes each bite irresistible. The crispy chicken provides a delightful crunch, and the orange sauce delivers a burst of tangy flavor that complements the steamed rice perfectly. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that brings the authentic taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant straight to your table.
Recipe:
- Coat chicken pieces in flour and deep fry until crispy.
- In a separate pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and a little cornstarch to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the fried chicken and stir to coat.
- Serve hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.
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2. Beef and Broccoli
Tender strips of beef paired with crisp broccoli create a perfect balance of flavors and textures in this classic dish. The savory sauce, enhanced by aromatic garlic and ginger, brings depth to each bite. The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil adds richness and complexity, making every mouthful satisfying. This dish is both tasty and nutritious, providing a healthy, flavorful meal that’s quick and simple to make.
Recipe:
- Slice beef thinly and stir-fry in a hot wok.
- Add broccoli florets and cook until just tender.
- Prepare a sauce with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Toss the beef and broccoli in the sauce and cook for a few minutes.
- Serve with steamed rice.
3. Spring Rolls
These crispy rolls are a delicious combination of fresh veggies, tender meat, or shrimp, all wrapped in a thin pastry shell and deep-fried until golden brown. The crunchy exterior gives way to a flavorful and savory filling, making them a perfect appetizer for any meal. Served with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce, these rolls offer a delightful balance of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Recipe:
- Prepare a filling of shredded veggies, meat, or shrimp.
- Roll the filling in rice paper and seal the edges.
- Heat oil in a pan and deep-fry the rolls until golden brown.
- Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
4. Kung Pao Chicken
This spicy stir-fry combines tender chicken with crunchy peanuts and vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, all tossed in a bold, savory sauce. The addition of dried chilies provides a kick of heat, while a touch of sweetness from sugar or honey perfectly balances the spice. This dish is bursting with flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and exciting meal that’s sure to please spice lovers and anyone craving a delicious, quick dinner.
Recipe:
- Stir-fry chicken pieces in a hot pan until golden brown.
- Add peanuts, bell peppers, and onions to the pan and stir-fry until tender.
- Make a sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and dried chilies.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies and stir to coat.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
5. Vegan Egg Rolls
These vegan egg rolls are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional ones. They are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spiced tofu, crunchy cabbage, carrots, and earthy mushrooms, all wrapped in a delicate, thin wrapper. Once fried, they develop a crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a light and savory interior. Serve them with a side of sweet and sour dipping sauce for the perfect, guilt-free snack or appetizer.
Recipe:
- Sauté tofu with cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms.
- Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to season the filling.
- Roll the filling in egg roll wrappers and seal the edges.
- Deep-fry until golden and crispy.
- Serve with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
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6. Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice into a delicious meal. This dish is quick and easy to make, featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, colorful veggies like peas and carrots, and scrambled eggs all sautéed together in savory soy sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful, making it an ideal option for lunch or dinner, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Recipe:
- Stir-fry chicken pieces until cooked through.
- Add chopped veggies (like peas, carrots, and onions) and stir-fry.
- Add leftover rice and soy sauce to the pan and stir to combine.
- Scramble an egg in the pan and mix with the rice.
- Serve hot.
7. Mongolian Beef
This dish features thinly sliced beef that’s cooked in a rich, soy-based sauce, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The beef becomes tender as it absorbs the sauce, while a sticky glaze coats each piece, adding a delightful texture. Served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, this dish provides a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to please anyone who enjoys bold, umami-rich dishes.
Recipe:
- Slice beef thinly and stir-fry in a pan with garlic and ginger.
- Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and a little water to make the sauce.
- Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
8. Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp fried rice is a delicious and easy dish, ideal for hectic weeknights when you need something flavorful in a hurry. Start by stir-frying plump shrimp and scrambled eggs, then add cooked rice to the pan. Toss in colorful veggies like peas, carrots, and onions for added texture and freshness. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of garlic to enhance the flavors. This easy, one-pan meal is delicious and satisfying, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
Recipe:
- Stir-fry shrimp in a pan until cooked through.
- Add chopped veggies like peas, carrots, and onions and stir-fry.
- Add leftover rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together.
- Scramble eggs in the pan and combine with the rice mixture.
- Serve hot.
9. Cashew Chicken
Cashew chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with the satisfying crunch of cashews and a variety of colorful vegetables. The savory sauce ties everything together, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. What makes it even better is that it’s simple to prepare at home, and you can adjust the level of spice to suit your preference, whether you like it mild or with a bit of heat.
Recipe:
- Stir-fry chicken pieces until browned.
- Add cashews, bell peppers, and onions and stir-fry for a few minutes.
- Prepare a sauce with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili paste, and sugar.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat.
- Serve with rice.
10. Chinese Walnuts
Chinese walnuts are known for their unique, sweet, and mild flavor, which distinguishes them from regular walnuts. Their rounder shape and smoother texture make them a popular choice in Chinese cuisine, where they are used in both savory dishes like stir-fries and stews, as well as in desserts such as cakes and pastries. They can also be eaten raw as a nutritious and tasty snack, offering a healthier alternative to other snack options.
Recipe:
- Use Chinese walnuts in stir-fries or sprinkle over a dish like Mongolian beef.
- You can also eat them raw as a snack or bake them into sweet dishes like cookies or cakes.
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Conclusion
These 10 Chinese recipes bring a world of flavor to your kitchen, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes. From savory stir-fries packed with fresh vegetables to crispy fried rolls that deliver the perfect crunch, each dish is designed to be easy to make while still providing an authentic dining experience. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of congee or a bold stir-fry, these recipes will allow you to recreate your favorite Chinese restaurant dishes right at home.
FAQs
Yes! While a wok is ideal for stir-frying, any large skillet or frying pan will work just fine. Just make sure it’s large enough to allow the ingredients to cook evenly.
To reduce the spice level, you can simply use fewer dried chilies, or skip them entirely. For dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, adjust the amount of chili paste or sauce to suit your taste.