Chinese food is loved around the world for its flavors and variety.

You can enjoy these tasty dishes at home without ordering takeout. Making Chinese recipes yourself lets you control the ingredients and save money.

You can cook many popular Chinese meals in your own kitchen with simple steps.

From fried rice to sweet and sour pork, there are lots of options to try.

With some basic ingredients and techniques, you’ll be able to create delicious Chinese-inspired dinners for your family and friends.

1. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese dish you can easily make at home. It features cubed chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a spicy sauce.

To start, cut boneless chicken into small cubes. Marinate the chicken with cornstarch, salt, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry the chicken until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

In the same wok, fry peanuts until golden. Add dried chili peppers and vegetables like bell peppers.

Return the chicken to the wok and pour in a sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Stir everything together until well-coated and heated through.

2. Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is a popular Chinese dish you can easily make at home.

To start, cut pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in soy sauce, salt, and cornstarch.

For the crispy coating, use a mix of cornstarch and flour. Deep fry the pork until golden brown.

The sauce combines ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and pineapple juice for that classic sweet and tangy flavor.

Stir-fry bell peppers and pineapple chunks, then add the sauce and fried pork.

Cook everything together briefly so the pork stays crispy. Serve your homemade sweet and sour pork hot with steamed rice for a tasty Chinese meal.

3. Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a famous Chinese dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat. You can make a simplified version at home with a few key steps.

Start by cleaning and drying the duck thoroughly. Stuff the cavity with aromatics like apples, scallions, garlic, and spices. This adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.

Roast the duck in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Cook for about 35 minutes, flipping it halfway through. This helps achieve an even, crispy skin.

Serve your homemade Peking Duck with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and julienned vegetables. While it may not be exactly like the traditional version, you’ll still enjoy a tasty duck dish at home.

4. Mapo Tofu

Mapo tofu is a spicy Sichuan dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need soft tofu, ground pork, and a flavorful sauce.

The sauce combines doubanjiang (spicy bean paste), soy sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns. These ingredients give mapo tofu its signature numbing spiciness.

To make it, cook the ground pork first. Then add the sauce ingredients and simmer. Gently mix in cubed tofu at the end.

Serve your mapo tofu hot over steamed rice. The creamy tofu balances out the spicy meat sauce perfectly. It’s a comforting meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

5. Dumplings

Dumplings are a beloved Chinese dish you can easily make at home.

Start with the filling – mix ground pork, chopped vegetables, and seasonings.

For the wrappers, you can buy pre-made ones or make your own with flour and water. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper.

Fold and pinch the edges to seal.

You can cook dumplings by steaming, boiling, or pan-frying. Steam them in a bamboo steamer for about 6-8 minutes until cooked through.

Serve your homemade dumplings hot with a dipping sauce like soy sauce or chili oil. Making dumplings is fun to do with family and friends.

6. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup is a popular Chinese dish you can easily make at home. This flavorful soup combines tangy and spicy elements for a satisfying taste.

You’ll need chicken stock, mushrooms, tofu, and eggs as the main ingredients. Vinegar provides the sour flavor, while white pepper adds heat.

To make the soup, bring the stock to a boil and add soy sauce, vinegar, and seasonings. Mix in sliced mushrooms and tofu cubes.

Slowly pour in beaten eggs while stirring to create silky strands.

Adjust the sourness with more vinegar and the spiciness with white pepper to suit your taste. Serve hot as an appetizer or light meal.

7. Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a popular Chinese appetizer you can easily make at home.

To start, prepare a filling with cooked ground pork, shredded carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms.

Mix the ingredients and let them cool. Then, wrap the filling in spring roll wrappers. Seal the edges with a cornstarch and water mixture.

Heat oil to about 180°C/355°F for deep-frying. Carefully add the rolls to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.

Serve your homemade spring rolls hot with a dipping sauce of your choice. They make a great snack or party food that everyone will enjoy.

8. Chow Mein

Chow mein is a popular Chinese dish you can easily make at home. You’ll need noodles, vegetables, and protein of your choice.

Start by cooking your noodles according to package instructions.

In a hot wok or large pan, stir-fry your protein until cooked through.

Add vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and celery. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they start to soften. Mix in garlic and ginger for extra flavor.

Combine the cooked noodles with the protein and vegetables.

Pour in a simple sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh touch.

9. Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a quick and easy Chinese dish you can make at home. You only need a few simple ingredients: rice, eggs, soy sauce, and green onions.

For the best texture, use day-old cold rice. This prevents the rice from getting mushy when stir-fried.

Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Scramble the eggs first, then set them aside.

Stir-fry the cold rice until hot. Add the eggs back in along with soy sauce and chopped green onions.

Keep stirring and tossing the rice to combine all the flavors. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes. Serve your homemade egg fried rice hot as a satisfying meal or side dish.

10. Szechuan Beef

Szechuan beef is a spicy Chinese dish you can make at home. It uses thinly sliced beef stir-fried with vegetables in a flavorful sauce.

The key ingredients are beef (usually sirloin or flank steak), vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and a sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

To make it, marinate the beef slices in soy sauce and vinegar. Then stir-fry the meat and veggies in a hot wok. Add the sauce and cook until it thickens.

This dish has a mix of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Serve it over rice for a tasty homemade Chinese meal.

11. Char Siu

Char siu is a popular Chinese barbecue pork dish. You can make it at home with pork shoulder or loin. The meat is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.

The sauce often includes hoisin, honey, soy sauce, and spices. Some recipes use red food coloring or red yeast rice for the signature red color.

You can cook char siu in the oven or on a grill. Cook it until the outside is caramelized and the inside is juicy. Baste the meat with the marinade while cooking for extra flavor.

Char siu is great on its own or in other dishes. You can add it to noodles, rice, or bao buns. It’s a tasty and versatile protein for many Chinese meals.

12. Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions

Steamed fish with ginger and scallions is a quick and tasty Chinese dish. You’ll need a white fish like cod, tilapia, or sea bass.

Clean and prepare the fish. Julienne some ginger and scallions. Place the fish on a plate and top with the ginger and scallions.

Steam the fish for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through.

While it steams, mix soy sauce, rice wine, and a touch of sugar.

When done, drizzle the sauce over the fish. For extra flavor, heat some oil and pour it over the dish. The hot oil will sizzle and release more aroma from the ginger and scallions.

13. Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a tasty Chinese dish you can make at home. It features crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet honey sauce and topped with candied walnuts.

To make the shrimp, coat them in a light batter and fry until golden. For extra crispiness, you can double-fry them.

The walnuts are candied by quickly roasting them in a pan. This gives them a nice crunch and flavor.

The sauce combines mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk for a creamy, sweet taste. You can serve it on the side to keep the shrimp crispy.

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or broccoli. With some practice, you’ll be making restaurant-quality Honey Walnut Shrimp in your own kitchen.

14. General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese dish you can easily make at home. It features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.

To start, marinate bite-sized chicken thighs in a mix of soy sauce and other seasonings. While that sits, prepare the sauce by combining water, cornstarch, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices.

Next, coat the marinated chicken in cornstarch and fry until golden and crispy. Toss the fried chicken in the prepared sauce and cook until it thickens and coats the meat.

Serve your homemade General Tso’s Chicken hot over white rice with steamed vegetables on the side for a tasty Chinese meal right in your own kitchen.

15. Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli is a popular Chinese dish you can easily make at home.

Start by slicing beef thinly and marinating it with baking soda, water, cornstarch, oil, and oyster sauce. This helps tenderize the meat.

For the sauce, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.

Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Cook the beef quickly, then set it aside. Stir-fry broccoli until tender-crisp.

Combine the beef, broccoli, and sauce in the wok. Cook until everything is hot and well-coated. Serve your homemade beef and broccoli over rice for a tasty meal that’s better than takeout.

16. Wonton Soup

Wonton soup is a classic Chinese dish you can easily make at home. The key is flavorful broth and tender wontons filled with meat and vegetables.

Start by making the wonton filling. Mix ground pork, shrimp, ginger, and green onions. Add a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil for extra flavor.

Wrap small amounts of filling in wonton wrappers. Pinch the edges to seal.

Boil chicken broth with garlic and ginger for the soup base.

Cook the wontons in the broth until they float. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions. For a spicier version, add chili oil to your bowl.

This comforting soup is perfect for cold days. You can make extra wontons and freeze them for quick meals later.

17. Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Salt and pepper shrimp is a tasty Chinese dish you can easily make at home. It features crispy shrimp coated in a flavorful mix of salt and pepper.

To make the seasoning, toast Sichuan peppercorns and salt in a pan for 2-3 minutes. This brings out their aroma and flavor. The typical ratio is 2 parts pepper to 1 part salt.

For the shrimp, coat them lightly and fry until crispy. The result is a spicy, aromatic dish with a satisfying crunch. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

This recipe is quick to prepare and makes a great appetizer or main course. Try it for your next homemade Chinese meal.

18. Spicy Szechuan Noodles

Spicy Szechuan noodles are a fiery Chinese dish that will wake up your taste buds.

You’ll need Chinese egg noodles, chili oil, and Szechuan pepper flakes to create this bold meal.

Start by cooking the noodles according to the package directions.

While they cook, prepare the sauce. Mix soy sauce, black vinegar, and a spoonful of sugar in a bowl.

Heat up some neutral oil in a pan and add minced garlic.

Pour in your sauce mixture and a generous amount of chili oil. Toss in the cooked noodles and coat them well.

Top your noodles with chopped scallions and extra chili flakes for more heat.

You can also add some peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy twist.

19. Crispy Peking Pork Chops

Crispy Peking Pork Chops are a tasty Chinese dish you can make at home. They have a sweet and tangy flavor that many people love.

To make them, you’ll need pork loin chops, eggs, cornstarch, and rice wine vinegar. The cornstarch helps create a crispy coating when fried.

The pork is marinated in a mix of sauces that give it a unique taste.

After coating, you fry the chops until they turn golden brown and crispy.

These pork chops go well with steamed rice.

They’re ready in about 25 minutes, making them a quick meal option for busy nights.

20. Egg Foo Young

Egg Foo Young is a tasty Chinese-American dish you can easily make at home. It’s like an omelet filled with veggies and meat or seafood.

To make it, beat eggs and mix in ingredients like onions, bean sprouts, and shrimp.

Heat oil in a pan and pour in the egg mixture to form small pancakes.

Cook until golden brown on both sides.

Serve your Egg Foo Young hot with a savory brown gravy on top. Add some sliced green onions for extra flavor and color.

This dish is quick to prepare and makes a great meal any time of day.

You can change up the fillings based on what you like or have on hand.

21. Ma La Xiang Guo

Ma La Xiang Guo is a spicy Sichuan dish that will make your taste buds tingle. It’s a mix of meats, veggies, and seasonings cooked in a dry pot.

The key flavors come from Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. These create the famous “mala” taste – spicy and numbing at the same time.

You can customize Ma La Xiang Guo with your favorite ingredients.

Common choices include sliced meat, tofu, mushrooms, and leafy greens.

For an easy version at home, try using a pre-made mala sauce. This saves time while still giving you that authentic Sichuan flavor.

22. Buddha’s Delight

Buddha’s Delight is a popular Chinese vegetarian dish. It’s also known as Luo Han Zhai in Mandarin or Lo Han Jai in Cantonese.

This dish features a variety of vegetables and plant-based proteins. Common ingredients include tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.

You can make Buddha’s Delight at home with some preparation. Soak dried ingredients like wood ear fungus and lily buds before cooking.

The dish is often eaten during Chinese festivals.

It’s a tasty choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to eat less meat.

Try making Buddha’s Delight for a healthy and flavorful meal. You’ll enjoy the mix of textures and flavors in this classic Chinese recipe.

23. Hunan Chicken

Hunan chicken is a spicy Chinese dish you can easily make at home. It features tender chicken pieces stir-fried with colorful veggies in a flavorful sauce.

To make Hunan chicken, slice chicken breasts thinly and stir-fry with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.

The sauce combines soy sauce, chili paste, and garlic for a bold taste.

This meal comes together quickly if you prep ingredients ahead of time.

Cook the chicken and veggies in a hot pan or wok for the best results. Serve your homemade Hunan chicken over rice for a tasty Chinese-inspired dinner.

24. Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish you can easily make at home. It features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

To make orange chicken, you’ll first need to bread and fry bite-sized chicken pieces until golden brown.

The sauce combines orange juice, zest, sugar, and soy sauce for a balanced flavor.

After frying the chicken, toss it in the warm orange sauce until evenly coated.

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.

You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

25. Lo Mein

Lo mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish you can easily make at home. It features long egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat or seafood.

To make lo mein, cook the noodles and set them aside.

In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry your choice of protein and vegetables in oil over high heat.

Add the cooked noodles and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

You can customize lo mein with your favorite ingredients.

Common additions include chicken, beef, shrimp, carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts.

Lo mein is quick to prepare, often ready in about 30 minutes.

It’s a tasty and satisfying meal you can enjoy any night of the week.

26. Crispy Duck Salad

Crispy duck salad is a tasty mix of textures and flavors. You can make it at home with a few steps.

Start by cooking duck breasts until the skin is crispy. Score the fat and season with salt and spices before frying.

Slice the cooked duck into strips. Toss with fresh salad greens, cucumber, and spring onions.

Add a tangy plum dressing for extra flavor. You can make this by mixing plum sauce with soy sauce and rice vinegar.

This salad is great for a light meal or as a starter. The crispy duck pairs well with the cool, crunchy vegetables.

27. Lion’s Head Meatballs

Lion’s Head Meatballs are a classic Chinese dish. They get their name from their large size and round shape.

To make them, you’ll need ground pork with a good amount of fat. Mix the pork with seasonings like ginger, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine.

Form large meatballs and fry them until golden brown. Then, braise the meatballs with cabbage in a flavorful broth.

The meatballs come out tender and juicy. The cabbage soaks up the savory sauce.

You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or bamboo shoots for extra flavor and texture.

Serve these meatballs over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. They’re perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

28. Cantonese Roast Pig

Cantonese roast pig, also known as siu yuk, is a classic Chinese dish loved for its crispy skin and tender meat. While roasting a whole pig is traditional, you can make a smaller version at home using pork belly.

To prepare, score the pork belly skin and rub it with salt. Let it sit uncovered in the fridge overnight to dry out the skin. This helps create that signature crackly texture.

Roast the pork belly in a hot oven, starting with the skin side up. The high heat will puff and crisp the skin. Flip it over partway through to cook the meat evenly.

Serve your homemade siu yuk sliced into bite-sized pieces. The crispy skin and juicy meat make a delicious contrast.

Try it with rice or in a sandwich for a tasty meal.

29. Garlic Chive Pockets

Garlic chive pockets are a tasty Chinese snack you can make at home. They’re also called “jiu cai he zi” in Chinese.

These pockets have a simple filling of chopped Chinese chives and scrambled eggs. Some recipes add dried shrimp or glass noodles too.

The dough is made with hot and cool water to get a chewy texture. You roll it into circles, add the filling, and fold them into half-moon shapes.

Pan-frying gives the pockets a crispy outside and soft inside. They’re great as a snack or light meal.

Try making these flavorful pockets for a taste of Chinese street food at home. They’re easier to make than you might think!

30. Sichuan Hot Pot

Sichuan hot pot is a tasty meal you can make at home. You’ll need a big pot or electric skillet to keep the broth boiling on the table.

The key is a spicy soup base. Add chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns for that special kick. You can also make a milder broth if you prefer.

Prepare a variety of ingredients to cook in the hot pot. Try meats, seafood, veggies, tofu, and noodles. Let everyone pick their favorites.

Make a dipping sauce to go with your cooked items. Mix soy sauce, vinegar, and other seasonings you like.

Gather friends and family around the table. Cooking and eating together makes Sichuan hot pot fun and social.

31. Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles are a popular Sichuan dish packed with flavor. You’ll love the mix of spicy, savory, and nutty tastes in every bite.

The heart of this dish is the sauce. You’ll need sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns. Add some sugar and garlic for extra depth.

For the noodles, use wheat noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. Top with ground pork cooked with preserved vegetables for authentic taste.

When serving, mix the sauce with the hot noodles. Add the meat on top. Sprinkle with green onions for a fresh touch.

This dish is easy to make at home. With practice, you’ll master the balance of flavors that makes Dan Dan Noodles so special.

Essential Ingredients For Chinese Cooking

Chinese cooking uses a mix of sauces, spices, and seasonings to create its unique flavors. You’ll need these key items in your kitchen to make authentic Chinese dishes at home.

Commonly Used Sauces

Soy sauce is a must-have for Chinese cooking. Light soy sauce adds saltiness, while dark soy sauce gives color and richness. Oyster sauce brings savory umami flavor to stir-fries and marinades. Hoisin sauce is sweet and thick, great for glazing meats or as a dipping sauce.

Sesame oil has a nutty taste that’s perfect for finishing dishes. Rice vinegar adds tangy notes to sauces and dressings. Chili oil brings spicy heat to many recipes.

Keep these sauces on hand:

• Light soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Chili oil

Basic Spices and Seasonings

Five-spice powder is a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. It adds complex flavor to meats and stir-fries. Garlic and ginger are used in many dishes for aromatic taste.

White pepper gives a milder heat than black pepper. Dried chili flakes add spiciness to your cooking. Sesame seeds provide crunch and nutty flavor as a garnish.

Stock your spice rack with:

• Five-spice powder
• Garlic (fresh or powder)
• Ginger (fresh or powder)
• White pepper
• Dried chili flakes
• Sesame seeds

You’ll also need cornstarch to thicken sauces and coat meats for frying. With these basics, you’ll be ready to cook many Chinese dishes at home.

Traditional Cooking Techniques

Chinese cuisine uses key cooking methods that give dishes their unique flavors and textures. These techniques have been used for centuries to create delicious meals.

Stir-Frying

Stir-frying is a fast cooking method that uses high heat and quick movements.

You need a wok or large frying pan and oil. Heat the oil until it’s very hot. Add ingredients and stir them quickly.

This technique cooks food fast while keeping it crisp. Vegetables stay bright and crunchy. Meats get a nice sear on the outside. The high heat also creates a smoky flavor called “wok hei.”

To stir-fry, cut ingredients into small, even pieces. Have everything ready before you start cooking.

The whole process only takes a few minutes. Keep stirring and tossing the food to cook it evenly.

Steaming

Steaming is a healthy cooking method that keeps foods moist and tender. You don’t need oil, so it’s low in fat.

Steaming also helps food keep its natural flavors and nutrients.

To steam food, you need a steamer basket and a pot with water. Bring the water to a boil.

Put food in the basket above the water. Cover and let the steam cook the food.

Steaming works well for many foods. Try it with fish, dumplings, and vegetables.

It’s great for delicate items that might fall apart with other cooking methods. Steaming is also easy and doesn’t need much watching while it cooks.