Discover the best Chinese recipes in this list of 25 authentic and easy ideas. From popular classics like Kung Pao Chicken and Peking Duck to sweet delights like Chinese Egg Tarts, there is something here for everyone. There is a balance of flavors and textures that make Chinese food a global favorite, and I hope you enjoy the process of creating these dishes in your own kitchen.
1 Kung Pao Chicken
A Classic Chinese Dish
Kung Pao Chicken is a well-loved Chinese dish, renowned for its perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and sour flavors. This dish consists of succulent chicken pieces stir-fried with crunchy peanuts, fresh vegetables, and a potent blend of Sichuan peppers and dried red chilies.
Perfect for Spicy Food Lovers
This stir-fry is a must-try for spicy food enthusiasts. However, you can adjust the heat to suit your preference, making it a versatile dish to please various palates. This delightful combination of taste and texture makes it an excellent choice for a savory dinner.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to customize Kung Pao Chicken with your preferred vegetables or additional proteins. This adaptable recipe will undoubtedly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
2 Chinese Beef and Broccoli
A Takeout Favorite at Home
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a popular takeout dish that you can easily recreate at home. Tender slices of beef are marinated and quickly seared, then paired with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli and coated in a savory, ginger-garlic sauce.
Easy and Quick
This dish makes an excellent weeknight dinner due to its simplicity and speed. Within 30 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal, loaded with flavor and nutrients, in the comfort of your home.
Customizable Ingredients
You can replace the beef with other proteins like chicken, tofu, or shrimp, or experiment with other green vegetables if broccoli isn’t your favorite. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your liking.
3 Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
A Flavorful, Sticky Delight
Char Siu is Chinese BBQ pork characterized by its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully when roasted. The exterior’s sticky sweetness contrasts wonderfully with the tender, flavorful meat within, making it a memorable treat.
Versatile Serving Options
This dish’s beauty lies in its versatility, as it can be served in numerous ways. Enjoy it as a standalone main with rice, incorporate it into fried rice or noodles, or even use it as a filling for Chinese steamed buns.
Marination is Key
While the recipe is simple, remember that marination is key for maximum flavor. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste.
4 Mapo Tofu
A Piquant Sichuan Classic
Mapo Tofu is a fiery Sichuan classic, combining soft tofu cubes, ground meat, and a distinctive, spicy bean sauce. Its vibrant flavors, contrasting textures, and aromatic appeal make it a favorite for those craving a bold, authentic Chinese dish.
Hearty and Nutrient-Packed
This tofu dish offers a satisfying meal that’s also nutrient-dense, providing an excellent balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber from the tofu and meat.
Spice It Up
Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level according to your tolerance. Switch out the ground meat for a vegetarian alternative, like mushrooms, for a vegetarian variant.
5 Peking Duck
A Luxurious, Traditional Dish
Peking Duck is a renowned Chinese dish famous for its thin, crisp skin and tender meat. Traditionally, it’s served in thin pancakes with scallions, cucumber, and a rich hoisin sauce.
Perfect for Special Occasions
While preparing Peking Duck at home can be time-consuming, the result is truly special, making it perfect for holidays or family celebrations.
Experiment with Flavors
You can experiment with the accompanying sauce or toppings to suit your preferences. Try a sweet plum sauce or add other crisp vegetables for added texture.
6 Sweet and Sour Pork
A Well-Loved Chinese Staple
Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved Chinese dish, comprising tender pork pieces coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a tangy, vibrant sauce. Its perfect balance of flavors and textures has won hearts worldwide.
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Great for Family Dinners
Its colorful, appealing appearance and delightful taste make it a perfect choice for a family dinner. Serve it with steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Play with Proteins and Vegetables
Swap out the pork for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety, and feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the mix.
7 Egg Fried Rice
A Simple, Savory Side
Egg Fried Rice is a simple, flavorful dish often served as a side in Chinese cuisine. It features fluffy, stir-fried rice, scrambled eggs, and vegetables, all combined in a savory soy sauce mixture.
Quick and Versatile
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to add different proteins or vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Great for Leftovers
It’s an excellent recipe for using leftover rice and turning it into a delicious, satisfying meal. Try adding diced ham, shrimp, or even tofu for added protein.
8 Hot and Sour Soup
A Comforting Chinese Soup
Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Chinese soup known for its bold, complex flavors. It’s a blend of spicy, sour, savory, and umami flavors, making it a comforting and warming dish.
Nutrient-Dense and Filling
The soup is packed with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and often meat or seafood, making it both nutrient-dense and filling.
Adapt to Your Liking
The level of heat and sourness can be adjusted according to your taste, making it a flexible recipe that can be customized to your liking.
9 Chinese Lemon Chicken
A Sweet and Tangy Treat
Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish featuring crispy, battered chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet lemon sauce. The citrusy sauce complements the chicken’s crunchiness perfectly, making it a favorite for many.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinner
This dish is relatively simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet delicious weeknight dinner.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce to suit your preferences, or swap out the chicken for other proteins if desired.
10 Chinese Dumplings (Jiaozi)
Traditional, Versatile Pleasers
Chinese Dumplings, or Jiaozi, are traditional treats usually filled with a mixture of minced meat and finely chopped vegetables. Encased in a thin, delicate dough wrapper and often served with a tangy dipping sauce, these dumplings are a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a festival or seeking comfort food, these dumplings are perfect. They can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried to crispy deliciousness, depending on your preference.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to experiment with the filling, using your favorite proteins or vegetables. You can also try different dips to add another layer of flavor.
11 Mongolian Beef
A Stir-fry Favorite
Mongolian Beef is a tasty stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Often served with steamed vegetables and rice, this dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ideal for Quick Meals
Despite its exotic name, Mongolian Beef is quite simple and quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight meal.
Customizable Ingredients
Switch out the beef for other proteins, like chicken or tofu, or add your favorite vegetables for an extra nutrient boost.
12 Chinese Spring Rolls
A Crunchy, Satisfying Appetizer
Chinese Spring Rolls are a popular appetizer, featuring a crispy exterior wrapping a savory blend of finely chopped vegetables and often, meat. These deep-fried delights are usually served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Perfect for Parties
Spring rolls make excellent finger food for parties and gatherings. They can be prepared in advance and fried just before serving, making them a convenient choice.
Flexible Filling Options
Experiment with various fillings based on your preferences. From shrimp and chicken to tofu and an array of veggies, the options are limitless.
13 Dan Dan Noodles
A Flavorful Sichuan Classic
Dan Dan Noodles are a popular Sichuan dish, characterized by their bold, spicy, and nutty flavors. The dish typically includes wheat noodles, minced meat, and a vibrant sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and sesame paste.
Hearty and Comforting
This noodle dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly comforting, making it a go-to for many on cooler days or when in need of some culinary warmth.
Customize to Your Preference
Feel free to adjust the heat level or swap out the meat for a vegetarian protein like tofu to make the dish suit your dietary needs or preferences.
14 Chinese Scallion Pancakes
A Crispy, Savory Delight
Chinese Scallion Pancakes are a savory, crispy flatbread packed with fresh, aromatic scallions. These pancakes have a wonderful balance of flaky layers and chewy texture, making them a tasty treat any time of the day.
Great as a Snack or Side
These pancakes make a fantastic snack on their own or a wonderful accompaniment to other dishes. They can also be served with a savory dip for an extra flavor punch.
Play with Flavors
Feel free to experiment by adding other herbs, spices, or even cheese to the pancakes to create your own unique version.
15 Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
A Flavorful, Vegetarian Delight
Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a tasty, vegetarian dish that features tender, caramelized eggplant coated in a rich, garlicky sauce. It’s a delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
Perfect as a Main or Side
This dish can be served as a main course with rice or as a side dish accompanying other Chinese dishes. Either way, it’s sure to impress with its robust flavors.
Customize Your Dish
Try adding other veggies or some protein to the dish if you like, or adjust the sauce’s spice level to your liking.
16 Wonton Soup
A Comforting, Classic Soup
Wonton Soup is a classic Chinese soup featuring delicate wontons filled with a savory mixture of meat or shrimp, served in a warming chicken or vegetable broth.
Perfect for Any Meal
This comforting soup can be served as a starter or as a light meal with some greens and noodles added to it.
Create Your Own Fillings
Feel free to play around with the wonton fillings, using your favorite proteins and seasonings. You can also add more vegetables to the soup for extra nutrition.
17 Sweet and Sour Chicken
A Popular, Flavorful Dish
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a popular Chinese dish characterized by its tangy, sweet sauce. This dish features crispy, fried chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, sweet, and sour sauce, often accompanied by colorful bell peppers and pineapple chunks.
Great for Family Meals
This bright and flavorful dish is a crowd-pleaser and a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Customizable to Your Liking
Feel free to experiment by using other proteins like pork or tofu or adding your favorite vegetables.
18 Chinese Steamed Buns (Baozi)
Soft, Fluffy Delights
Chinese Steamed Buns, also known as Baozi, are soft, fluffy buns typically filled with a savory or sweet filling. The tenderness of the bun paired with the flavorful filling makes for a truly delightful treat.
Ideal for Snacking or Meals
Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or need a filling meal, these buns can be just what you need. Serve them as a side, a main, or even breakfast!
Make it Your Own
Experiment with different fillings, from traditional barbecued pork to sweet red bean paste, or create your own unique combinations.
19 Szechuan Tofu
A Spicy, Vegan Treat
Szechuan Tofu is a flavorful dish featuring tofu cooked in a spicy, aromatic Szechuan sauce. The soft tofu absorbs the sauce beautifully, making it a delicious vegan and vegetarian-friendly option.
A Satisfying Main Course
This dish makes for a hearty main course when served with steamed rice and vegetables. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference.
Easily Customizable
You can add more vegetables to the dish or even substitute the tofu with another protein if desired.
20 Chinese Fried Rice
A Versatile, Comforting Staple
Chinese Fried Rice is a comforting, versatile dish made from stir-fried rice, mixed vegetables, and often includes proteins like shrimp, chicken, or eggs. It’s a great way to use leftover rice, turning it into a hearty meal.
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Perfect for Any Meal
Enjoy this dish as a quick lunch, a filling dinner, or even a late-night snack. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and packs a lot of flavors in each bite.
Make it Your Own
You can customize this recipe with whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand, or add in different sauces to change up the flavor profile.
21 Chinese Hot Pot
A Fun, Interactive Meal
Chinese Hot Pot is more than just a meal; it’s a communal dining experience. It involves a simmering pot of broth at the center of the table, where each diner cooks and eats a variety of ingredients, like meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles.
Perfect for Gatherings
Hot Pot is a fantastic choice for gatherings or celebrations, as it encourages conversation and interaction among diners. It also allows each person to customize their own dish.
Experiment with Ingredients
The beauty of Hot Pot is in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different broths, dipping sauces, and ingredients to suit your tastes.
22 Congee
A Comforting, Versatile Porridge
Congee is a Chinese rice porridge that’s comforting, versatile, and easy to digest. It’s often served for breakfast or during times of illness.
Perfect for Any Time
This simple yet hearty dish can be enjoyed at any time of the day, and the flavorings can be easily adjusted to suit your mood.
Top it Your Way
Congee can be topped with a variety of ingredients, from meat and vegetables to pickles and peanuts. Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings.
23 Chinese BBQ Ribs
A Savory, Sticky Delight
Chinese BBQ Ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce then roasted until sticky and caramelized. The end result is tender, flavorful ribs that are sure to impress.
Great for Parties
These ribs are a fantastic option for parties or family gatherings. They can be served as a main dish or as a hearty appetizer.
Adjust According to Your Taste
Feel free to play around with the marinade, adjusting the spices and sauces according to your personal preference.
24 Chicken Chow Mein
A Classic Chinese Dish
Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese dish made with stir-fried noodles, chicken, and a variety of vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce.
Perfect for a Quick Dinner
This dish is perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner and can easily be made in just 30 minutes.
Easily Adaptable
You can customize this dish by using your favorite vegetables or swapping the chicken with another protein like beef or tofu.
25 Chinese Egg Tart
A Sweet, Delicious Treat
Chinese Egg Tarts are sweet, creamy custard-filled pastries that make a delightful dessert or snack. They have a smooth, eggy filling and a crisp, buttery crust.
Perfect for a Sweet Ending
These sweet treats are the perfect way to end a Chinese meal, or enjoyed with a cup of tea for a mid-afternoon treat.
Try Making Them at Home
Making egg tarts at home can be a fun baking project. Feel free to adjust the sweetness level according to your taste.
Conclusion
Exploring Chinese cuisine through these 25 delightful recipes offers an exciting culinary experience ! These recipes provide a wonderful starting point for any home cook looking to delve into Chinese cooking, allowing for customization and flexibility to cater to personal preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these dishes promise a rewarding cooking and dining experience. So, grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and get ready to be impressed by the richness and variety of flavors that Chinese cuisine has to offer.