18+ Favorite Chinese Recipes You Can Make at Home: Simple Ingredients & Easy Steps!
Imagine the aroma of savory spices filling your kitchen, or the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables dancing on your plate. Chinese cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors and textures, perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks. Let’s explore some delightful recipes that will transport your taste buds to the streets of China, right from your own kitchen!
This classic dish is known for its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, with tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter. The cooking method involves frying the chicken and then tossing it in a luscious sauce made from pineapple juice, vinegar, and sugar, creating a delightful explosion of flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 cup bell peppers, chopped
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved dish not just for its flavor but also for its vibrant colors. The combination of crispy chicken, juicy pineapple, and crunchy peppers makes it a feast for the eyes and the palate. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight meal!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Stir fry sauce, oyster sauce, top sirloin, beef, soy sauce Total Time: 30 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
This dish showcases the rich umami flavors of beef paired with the fresh crunch of broccoli, all brought together by a savory soy sauce-based marinade. Stir-frying is a quick cooking technique that locks in flavor and texture, making this meal both nutritious and delicious. It’s a staple in many Chinese restaurants, but now you can enjoy it at home!
This recipe is special because it’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The tender beef and crisp broccoli come together in a way that makes each bite memorable. And the best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy nights.
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Stir fry sauce, skinless chicken breast, oyster sauce, chinese five spice, water chestnuts Total Time: 35 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy, nutty stir-fry that’s all about bold flavors. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty sauce makes for an exciting meal that’s sure to awaken your taste buds. It’s a dish that has roots in Sichuan cuisine, famous for its spicy kick!
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 dried red chilies
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
What makes Kung Pao Chicken stand out is its perfect blend of heat and sweetness, making it a favorite among spice lovers. The crunchy peanuts add a delightful texture that complements the tender chicken perfectly. Plus, it’s so easy to customize by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level!
Egg Fried Rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s often the star of any Chinese meal. This recipe combines fluffy rice, perfectly cooked eggs, and a medley of vegetables, all stir-fried to perfection. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, making it both economical and delicious!
This dish is special because it’s incredibly versatile—you can toss in any veggies or proteins you have on hand. The use of day-old rice ensures that the grains remain separate and fluffy, preventing a mushy outcome. Plus, it’s quick to make, so you can whip it up in no time!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
Hot and Sour Soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavors. This soup perfectly balances heat from white pepper with the tanginess of vinegar, creating a complex taste experience. It’s a favorite for those chilly evenings or when you just need a cozy meal!
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup tofu, cubed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 egg, beaten
This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing, making it a popular choice in Chinese restaurants. The silken tofu and mushrooms create a delightful texture, while the spicy and sour notes keep you coming back for more. Plus, it’s super simple to make—you can have a steaming bowl ready in no time!
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Stir fry sauce, skinless chicken breast, oyster sauce, chinese five spice, water chestnuts Total Time: 35 min.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.com
Mapo Tofu is a spicy and aromatic dish that’s a must-try for tofu lovers. This recipe features silky tofu simmered in a rich, spicy sauce made from fermented black beans and ground pork, creating a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist. It’s a signature dish from Sichuan cuisine that packs a punch!
1 block firm tofu, drained and cubed
1/2 lb ground pork
2 tablespoons doubanjiang (Sichuan chili bean paste)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
What makes Mapo Tofu so special is its delightful combination of spicy, salty, and savory flavors. The creamy tofu absorbs the bold sauce, creating a delicious contrast that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s also a great way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet without sacrificing flavor!
Scallion Pancakes are a crispy, flaky treat that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack. These delicious pancakes are made with simple dough and packed with fresh scallions, then pan-fried until golden brown. They’re crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making them utterly irresistible!
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup boiling water
1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Salt to taste
This recipe stands out because it’s not only easy to make, but it also brings a fun, interactive cooking experience. Rolling and frying the pancakes creates a satisfying crunch, and they pair perfectly with soy sauce or vinegar for dipping. They’re a hit at parties and gatherings, and who wouldn’t love a warm, flaky pancake fresh off the skillet?
