Chinese cuisine offers a world of flavors that you can easily create in your own kitchen.
The combination of savory sauces, fresh vegetables, and various cooking methods makes these dishes both delicious and satisfying.
Making Chinese food at home allows you to control ingredients, adjust flavors to your taste, and often save money compared to ordering takeout.
From dumplings and egg rolls to chicken dishes and soups, Chinese recipes are more accessible than you might think.
Many popular dishes require simple techniques and ingredients you can find at local grocery stores.
With a few basic tools and the right recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy authentic Chinese flavors without leaving home.
1. General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy flavors.
The dish features crispy chicken bites coated in a flavorful glaze.
You can easily make this takeout favorite at home. Fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and green onions give it an authentic taste that might be even better than restaurant versions.
The key to great General Tso’s Chicken is in the marinade and cooking method. When done right, the chicken has a crisp coating while remaining tender inside.
This dish has enough kick to satisfy spice lovers but isn’t overwhelmingly hot. It’s a delicious option when you’re craving Chinese food but want to skip the delivery.
2. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese dish you can easily make at home. It’s a flavorful combination of cubed chicken, vegetables, and peanuts in a savory sauce.
To make this dish, you’ll need chicken breasts, bell peppers, chili peppers, and peanuts. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of cornstarch, water, white wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
The beauty of Kung Pao Chicken is that it cooks quickly in just one pan. This makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty without the hassle.
Your homemade version will taste better than takeout and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
3. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a classic Chinese dish that you can easily make at home. This popular recipe combines tender chicken pieces with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce.
The dish typically uses a flavorful sauce made with soy, ginger, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar for balance. You can customize it by adding other vegetables like red peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
To get the best results, cook the chicken until it’s just done, then add the broccoli until it’s crisp-tender. The extra saucy version is especially delicious over rice.
This versatile recipe works well for weeknight dinners and can be adapted to use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
4. Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese take-out dish you can easily make at home.
Tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli florets come together in a rich, savory sauce.
The key to this dish is the sauce – typically made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of Chinese five spice powder for authentic flavor. Many home cooks double the sauce recipe to have extra for serving over rice.
For the best texture, slice your beef thinly against the grain and don’t overcook the broccoli. You want it to remain bright green and slightly crisp.
This dish cooks quickly in a hot pan, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.
5. Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork is a Chinese-American favorite known for its perfect balance of flavors. Crispy pieces of battered pork are tossed in a vibrant red sauce that’s both sweet and tangy.
The secret to making restaurant-quality sweet and sour pork at home is double dredging and double frying the meat. This technique, used for centuries in Chinese cooking, creates an extra crispy texture.
For the sauce, you can combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, salt, and water. Making your own sauce is much better than using premade packets.
This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving Chinese takeout flavors.
6. Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu is a famous Sichuan dish known for its bold, spicy flavors. It features soft tofu cubes cooked in a rich sauce that’s both spicy and savory.
The authentic version combines silken tofu with fermented bean paste, ground meat (traditionally beef), and Sichuan peppercorns. These peppercorns give the dish its signature numbing sensation that balances the heat.
You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Many home versions use ground pork as a substitute for beef. The dish comes together quickly once you have the ingredients prepared.
For best results, use medium-firm silken tofu. This gives you the perfect texture that holds together while still being delicately soft.
7. Chow Mein
Chow mein is a classic Chinese takeout dish you can easily make at home.
The key to great chow mein is the sauce, which combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of sugar.
You can prepare this versatile dish with chicken, shrimp, or just vegetables.
The chow mein comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
For authentic flavor, use chewy noodles and crisp vegetables like cabbage and green onions. This one-pan meal lets you customize ingredients based on what you have available.
Homemade chow mein tastes better than takeout and lets you control the ingredients for a healthier meal.
8. Fried Rice
Fried rice is a quick and satisfying Chinese dish you can easily make at home.
The secret to great fried rice is using cold leftover rice, which prevents it from becoming mushy when stir-fried.
For the best results, cook your rice a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to cook, heat oil in a wok until it’s smoking hot before adding your ingredients.
Common additions include eggs, diced chicken, peas, carrots, garlic, and shallots.
You can customize your fried rice with whatever proteins and vegetables you prefer.
The entire dish comes together in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and homemade.
9. Dumplings
Dumplings are a beloved Chinese dish that you can easily make at home. These tasty pockets of goodness come in many varieties, from potstickers to soup dumplings.
You can start with simple pork dumplings using ground meat, eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings. Round dumpling wrappers work best for beginners.
For variety, try shrimp and beef fillings or make sweet and spicy sesame dumplings. The cooking method is flexible too – steam them, pan-fry for potstickers, or boil them.
Homemade dumplings often taste better than restaurant versions. With practice, you’ll master the folding technique and create perfect dumplings every time.
10. Peking Duck
Peking Duck is a legendary Chinese dish known for its crispy skin and juicy meat. You can make a simplified version at home without special equipment.
The traditional method takes about 40 hours to prepare, which explains why it’s expensive at restaurants. The perfect Peking Duck has maroon-colored, crispy skin with tender, moist meat underneath.
For an easier approach, you can follow home recipes that capture the essence of this classic dish. Some people even make Peking-style chicken as an alternative using the same serving method.
Serve your homemade Peking Duck with thin pancakes, sliced scallions, and hoisin sauce for an authentic experience.
11. Sichuan Hot Pot
Sichuan Hot Pot is a communal dining experience that brings friends and family together. You can make this spicy feast at home with a few key ingredients.
The broth is the heart of hot pot, typically made with Sichuan douban (broad bean chili paste) for its signature ma-la (numbing and spicy) flavor. You can find pre-made soup bases at Asian grocery stores if you’re short on time.
For ingredients, prepare thinly sliced meats like lamb or beef, various meatballs, firm tofu, and fresh vegetables. Arrange everything on plates around your hot pot.
Let everyone cook their own selections in the bubbling broth, then dip in your favorite sauce before eating.
12. Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a Chinese favorite you can make at home in just 15 minutes. This simple soup features delicate egg ribbons floating in a light, flavorful broth.
To make egg drop soup, you’ll need water or chicken stock, eggs, soy sauce, and optionally some green chili or corn. First, bring your broth to a boil.
Season with soy sauce and other desired flavors. Then slowly pour beaten eggs into the hot broth while stirring gently. The eggs will cook immediately, creating beautiful ribbons.
This comforting soup is dairy-free and low carb. It makes a perfect light starter for any Chinese meal you prepare at home.
13. Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese dish that combines spicy and tangy flavors in a savory broth. You can make this restaurant favorite at home in about 25 minutes.
The key ingredients include mushrooms, tofu cut into thin shreds, and sometimes shredded pork. The soup gets its signature tang from rice vinegar and its heat from white pepper or red chili sauce.
To prepare, start by simmering broth with garlic, ginger, mushrooms, soy sauce, and vinegar. The broth is typically thickened slightly, and many versions include silky egg ribbons and bamboo shoots for texture.
This warming soup makes a perfect starter or can be served as a meal with rice.
14. Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a popular Chinese dish featuring crispy shells and flavorful fillings. You can make these delicious treats at home with simple ingredients.
The key to perfect spring rolls is the filling. Traditional versions use pork, shrimp, and vegetables like cabbage and carrots. Make sure to cook the filling before wrapping.
To get that signature crunch, the wrappers must be rolled tightly. Seal the edges with a bit of water or egg wash to prevent them from opening during frying.
Fry spring rolls until golden brown and serve hot with a dipping sauce. Hoisin, sweet chili, or peanut sauce all work well as accompaniments.
15. Moo Shu Pork
Moo Shu Pork is a quick and delicious Chinese dish featuring tender marinated pork strips stir-fried with julienned vegetables and eggs. This flavorful meal can be prepared in about 20-30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The dish typically includes wood ear fungus, fresh vegetables, and scrambled eggs. Everything gets cooked together in one pot or wok for easy cleanup.
Traditionally, you serve Moo Shu Pork wrapped in thin pancakes with hoisin sauce. You can also substitute chicken if you prefer. The dish originated in Shandong Province and has become a healthy home-cooking favorite in Chinese cuisine.
16. Crispy Sesame Chicken
Crispy sesame chicken combines sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavors in one delicious dish. The chicken is coated and fried (or baked) until crispy, then tossed in a sticky Asian sauce.
You can make this takeout favorite at home in about 30 minutes. Start by cutting chicken breast into cubes and seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
For a healthier version, try baking or air frying instead of deep frying. The sticky sauce typically includes honey, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
This dish covers all the flavor bases – crispy exterior, tender chicken, and a sauce that’s both sweet and savory.
17. Cantonese Steamed Fish
Cantonese steamed fish is a quick and healthy Chinese dish that takes only about 20 minutes to prepare. It’s commonly served at banquets but makes a perfect weeknight meal too.
The dish features fresh fish (often whole) steamed with ginger, scallions, and a simple soy sauce mixture. The steaming process keeps the fish moist and tender.
To make it at home, you’ll need a mild-flavored fish like halibut or salmon.
After steaming, you’ll pour hot oil over the aromatics to release their flavors, then add the soy sauce mixture.
This clean, light dish lets the natural flavor of the fish shine through while adding subtle Chinese seasonings.
18. Char Siu Pork
Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is a classic Cantonese dish known for its aromatic, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor. This melt-in-your-mouth pork is marinated in a special blend of seasonings before being roasted.
You can make this restaurant favorite at home using simple ingredients. The marinade typically includes hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, soy sauce, and honey or sugar for that signature sticky glaze.
Traditional recipes use pork belly, but you can also use pork shoulder or tenderloin.
For a modern twist, try cooking it in an air fryer for a mess-free alternative to oven roasting.
Char Siu pork is versatile – enjoy it on its own, in noodle dishes, or stuffed in bao buns.
19. Lo Mein
Lo Mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It features slippery noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce with vegetables and protein of your choice.
The secret to great Lo Mein is in the sauce – typically made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. You can use authentic lo mein noodles or substitute with spaghetti or ramen noodles if needed.
This versatile dish comes together in about 15-30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
You can customize it with whatever veggies and proteins you have on hand – chicken, beef, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian.
The noodles should be slightly chewy and coated evenly with the savory sauce.
20. Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef is a popular Chinese-American dish that features tender slices of beef in a sweet and savory sauce. Despite its name, it doesn’t actually come from Mongolia but was created in American Chinese restaurants.
To make this dish at home, you’ll need beef chuck or flank steak cut into thin strips. Marinating the beef with soy sauce, cooking wine, and baking soda helps tenderize it before cooking.
The signature sauce combines dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness. Many recipes suggest briefly coating the beef in cornstarch before stir-frying for that restaurant-quality texture.
Serve your homemade Mongolian beef with steamed rice and garnish with green onions for a takeout-quality meal right in your kitchen.
21. Cashew Chicken
Cashew Chicken is a popular Chinese takeout dish you can easily make at home. This flavorful stir-fry combines juicy chicken pieces with crunchy cashews and crisp vegetables.
The dish gets its signature taste from a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Many homemade versions are less greasy than restaurant versions but still deliver authentic flavor.
You can customize your Cashew Chicken by adding bell peppers, green onions, and other vegetables of your choice.
The cooking process is quick – just stir-fry the ingredients and coat them in the delicious sauce.
No wok is necessary – you can make this dish in a regular skillet or even on a sheet pan for an easier cleanup.
Understanding Chinese Cooking Techniques
Chinese cuisine relies on several key cooking methods that bring out the best flavors and textures in ingredients. These techniques have been perfected over thousands of years and are essential to creating authentic Chinese dishes at home.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is perhaps the most famous Chinese cooking technique. It involves quickly cooking small, uniform pieces of food in a small amount of oil over high heat while constantly stirring.
To stir-fry properly, you need a wok or a wide, shallow pan. The high sides of a wok allow you to toss ingredients without spilling and provide different temperature zones for cooking.
Before you begin, prepare all ingredients in advance (mise en place) as the cooking process moves very quickly.
Cut meat and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
Heat your wok until it’s smoking hot before adding oil. This prevents food from sticking and creates that coveted “wok hei” or breath of the wok—a smoky flavor unique to proper stir-frying.
Add ingredients in order of cooking time: aromatics first (garlic, ginger), followed by meat, then vegetables from hardest to softest. Keep everything moving constantly with a spatula.
Steaming
Steaming is a gentle, healthy cooking method that preserves nutrients and natural flavors of ingredients. It uses water vapor to cook food without direct contact with water.
You can steam using a bamboo steamer placed over a wok of simmering water, or use a metal steamer basket. Bamboo steamers can be stacked to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
Line your steamer with cabbage leaves, parchment paper, or banana leaves to prevent food from sticking. This also adds subtle flavor to delicate items like fish or dumplings.
The steaming time varies by ingredient. Delicate seafood might need only 5-10 minutes, while dense meat dishes could require 30 minutes or more.
Steaming excels at preserving the natural moisture in foods. It’s perfect for fish, vegetables, buns, and dumplings—creating tender textures without added oil.
Braising
Braising transforms tough cuts of meat and hearty vegetables into tender, flavor-packed dishes. It combines searing with slow cooking in liquid.
Start by searing your main ingredient in oil to develop rich flavor. This creates a caramelized exterior that adds depth to the final dish.
Add aromatics like ginger, scallions, and garlic, followed by liquid ingredients. Chinese braising liquids often include soy sauce, rice wine, and stock or water.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook slowly until the ingredients are tender—anywhere from 30 minutes for vegetables to several hours for tough meats.
Chinese braising often features the “red cooking” technique, where ingredients are cooked in a mixture containing soy sauce, giving them a characteristic reddish-brown color.
Essential Ingredients in Chinese Cuisine
A well-stocked Chinese pantry starts with a few key ingredients that build the foundation of authentic flavors. These essential items will allow you to create restaurant-quality Chinese dishes right in your home kitchen.
Soy Sauce Varieties
Chinese cooking relies heavily on different types of soy sauce, each serving unique purposes in recipes.
Light soy sauce is thin, salty, and used most frequently for everyday cooking and marinades. It adds the classic umami flavor without darkening dishes too much.
Dark soy sauce is thicker, less salty, and has a deeper color and slightly sweet taste. You’ll use it when you want to add rich color to dishes like braised meats or fried rice. The caramel notes in dark soy sauce develop during longer aging.
Tamari is another variety that’s usually gluten-free and has a richer, more complex flavor profile. For beginners, starting with light and dark soy sauce will cover most recipe needs.
Store all soy sauces in the refrigerator after opening to maintain freshness.
Chinese Five Spice
Chinese Five Spice is a powerful spice blend that brings balance and depth to many dishes. The traditional mix includes:
- Star anise
- Cloves
- Chinese cinnamon
- Sichuan peppercorns
- Fennel seeds
This aromatic powder embodies the five flavor elements in Chinese cooking philosophy: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. You can use it as a dry rub for meats, in marinades, or sprinkled into stir-fries.
A little goes a long way with Five Spice – typically ¼ to ½ teaspoon is enough for a dish serving 4 people. Buy it pre-made or create your own blend at home for the freshest flavor. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light to preserve its potency.
Sichuan Peppercorns
Sichuan peppercorns are not true peppercorns but the dried berries of the prickly ash tree. They create the famous “ma la” sensation—a unique numbing and tingling effect on your tongue that’s characteristic of Sichuan cuisine.
These reddish-brown berries have a citrusy, floral aroma unlike any other spice. Before using, toast them briefly in a dry pan to enhance their flavor. You can use them whole in oil infusions, grind them into powder, or crush them slightly for stir-fries.
Popular dishes featuring Sichuan peppercorns include Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and Dry-Fried Green Beans. When shopping, look for peppercorns with vibrant color that aren’t too dusty, as fresher ones deliver more pronounced flavor. Start with small amounts if you’re new to this spice—its numbing effect can be surprising!
