10+ Chinese Food Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds
Chinese food is beloved around the world for its rich flavors and variety of dishes. Exploring Chinese food recipes can bring the taste of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, these recipes offer something delicious for everyone.
You can try classic dishes that are simple to make or dive into more elaborate meals that impress family and friends.
With a mix of fresh ingredients and bold spices, your culinary adventure in Chinese cooking will be both fun and rewarding. Get ready to enjoy the comforting and satisfying flavors that Chinese cuisine has to offer!
1) Kung Pao Chicken Delight
Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious Chinese stir-fry dish that brings together bold flavors. You’ll enjoy the tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and spicy chili peppers in every bite.
To make this dish, you will need fresh chicken, soy sauce, and a selection of vegetables. The combination of salty, sweet, and spicy tastes makes it a favorite for many.
This recipe is simple and quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can easily adjust the spice level to fit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 2-3 dried red chili peppers
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Green onions for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Stir-fry the chicken until golden brown.
- Add the bell pepper, peanuts, and chili peppers; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Mix in rice vinegar and sugar; cook until heated.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
2) Three Cup Chicken Recipe
Three Cup Chicken, also known as San Bei Ji, is a tasty Taiwanese dish. It’s easy to make and full of flavor from just a few key ingredients.
The name comes from using equal parts of three main ingredients: rice wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil. These create a rich and savory sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
To get started, gather the ingredients you need.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 900 g) chicken, cut into pieces
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) rice wine
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) soy sauce
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) sesame oil
- 20 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 slices fresh ginger
- 2 serrano peppers, sliced
Cooking Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic, ginger, and serrano peppers. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
- Pour in rice wine and soy sauce.
- Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
- Serve hot with rice.
3) Spicy Crispy Beef
Spicy crispy beef is a delicious dish that brings bold flavors to your table. This recipe combines tender beef strips with a spicy and tangy sauce that tickles your taste buds.
To make this dish, you’ll need to slice beef into thin strips. Marinating the beef adds extra flavor. Then, fry the strips until they are golden and crispy.
The sauce usually includes ingredients like garlic, chili paste, and soy sauce. Once the beef is cooked, you toss it with the sauce for a perfect finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) beef
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- Slice the beef into thin strips.
- Marinate with soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes.
- Coat beef in cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
- Fry beef until golden brown.
- Toss with chili paste to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.
4) Lo Mein Noodles
Lo Mein noodles are a popular Chinese dish that you can easily make at home. These noodles are chewy and slippery, perfect for soaking up delicious sauces. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
To get started, you’ll need some basic ingredients. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli add great flavor and color. You can use chicken, beef, or tofu for protein.
Ingredients
- Lo Mein noodles
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- Protein of your choice (e.g., chicken, beef, tofu)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to the package instructions.
- In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add your chopped vegetables and protein.
- Stir-fry until cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce. Toss everything together.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
5) Cashew Chicken Classic
Cashew Chicken is a delicious favorite in Chinese cuisine. You can enjoy tender chicken pieces cooked with crispy cashews and colorful vegetables. The rich, savory sauce adds great flavor to the dish.
To make this recipe, you need simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that tastes like takeout.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cashews and stir well.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
6) Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork is a classic dish that many people love. It combines crispy pork with a tangy sauce. The sauce is usually made from ketchup, vinegar, and sugar, giving it a unique flavor.
To make it, you’ll need some tender pork, breading, and fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Pineapple chunks add a nice touch, too.
For cooking, pan-frying gives the pork its crispiness. You can serve it over rice for a filling meal. Enjoying this dish feels like taking a delicious trip to a Chinese restaurant right at home!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat the pork in cornstarch and salt.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Fry the pork until golden and crispy.
- In a bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and water.
- Add the mixture to the pan.
- Stir in bell peppers and pineapple.
- Cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot with rice.
7) Szechwan Shrimp Surprise
Szechwan Shrimp Surprise is a flavorful and spicy dish that’s perfect for your dinner table. This recipe showcases tender shrimp coated in a bold and tangy sauce. You can make it in just 25 minutes!
Start by warming cooked shrimp in a thick sauce made with garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns. The blend of spices gives this dish its unique kick. Serve it over hot rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons Szechuan sauce
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Heat chili oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in Szechuan sauce and shrimp.
- Cook until shrimp are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add green onions and serve over cooked rice.
8) Taiwanese Hakka Rolled Omelette
The Taiwanese Hakka rolled omelette is a delicious and versatile dish. It features a thin, savory egg wrap filled with various ingredients, making it perfect for any meal.
You can make it with ground pork, vegetables, or even seafood. The flavors blend well together, creating a tasty bite. The dish is also easy to prepare, suitable for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
To get started, gather your ingredients and follow the steps for cooking. You’ll enjoy a warm and hearty omelette in no time.
Ingredients
- 450 grams ground pork
- 30 grams tapioca starch
- 1.5 tsp finely diced ginger
- 2 tbsp finely diced garlic
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the ground pork, tapioca starch, ginger, garlic, and seasoning.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, about 350°F (175°C).
- Pour a layer of beaten eggs into the pan and let it cook for a minute.
- Spread the pork mixture over the eggs.
- Carefully roll the omelette and cook until fully set.
- Slice and serve warm.
9) Mushroom Pepper Steak
Mushroom Pepper Steak is a tasty dish that brings together the flavors of beef, mushrooms, and bell peppers. This meal is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
You will use tender cuts of steak, preferably sirloin, combined with fresh vegetables. The mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor that complements the peppers and meat well.
For a delicious sauce, a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger will enhance all the ingredients. Serve it hot over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) top sirloin beef
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C).
- Add the beef and cook until brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger.
- Add mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper.
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes and serve hot.
10) Egg Drop Soup Simplicity
Egg drop soup is one of the simplest Chinese dishes you can make at home. It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You can create a warm and comforting bowl of soup with just a few ingredients.
The main ingredients include chicken broth and eggs. You can also add vegetables like green onions and carrots for extra flavor. This soup is not only quick but also enjoyable on a chilly day.
Here’s what you need to make egg drop soup.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil.
- Beat the eggs in a bowl.
- Slowly stir the broth while pouring in the eggs to create ribbons.
- Add the chopped green onions and diced carrot.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.