16 Easy Chinese Dinner Recipes That Are Better Than Your Local Takeout

Food-sec.com – Chinese food hits different when you make it at home. The sizzle of a hot wok. The aroma of garlic and ginger.

These moments make cooking special. Tonight, skip the delivery app. Instead, create restaurant quality dishes in your own kitchen.

These 16 easy Chinese dinner recipes will change how you think about homemade Asian cuisine. Each recipe uses simple ingredients. Each one delivers bold flavors.

Your family will ask for seconds. If you love easy dinner recipes, this collection will become your new favorite.

1. Classic Beef and Broccoli

This dish remains a takeout favorite for good reason. Tender beef strips meet crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. The secret lies in velveting the meat.

This technique keeps beef silky and soft.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak sliced thin
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Instructions

• Toss beef with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Let rest 15 minutes.
• Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Sear beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Add broccoli to wok. Stir fry 3 minutes until bright green.
• Add garlic and ginger. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Return beef to wok. Add remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and broth.
• Simmer 2 minutes until sauce thickens. Serve over rice.

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2. Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet meets savory in this crowd pleaser. Crispy chicken pieces get coated in sticky honey garlic sauce. Kids and adults both love this dish.

It comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken thighs cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

• Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch. Shake off excess.
• Heat oil in a large pan. Fry chicken until golden and cooked through.
• Remove chicken and drain most of the oil.
• Add garlic to pan. Cook 1 minute.
• Whisk honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Pour into pan.
• Return chicken. Toss until coated. Garnish with green onions.

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3. Vegetable Fried Rice

Good fried rice needs day old rice. Fresh rice turns mushy. Cold rice stays separate and gets crispy edges.

This recipe works great as a main dish or side. Check out these 20 Simple Dinner Recipes for College Students That Cost Almost Nothing for more budget friendly meals.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cold cooked rice
• 3 eggs beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 green onions chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

• Heat vegetable oil in wok over high heat.
• Scramble eggs quickly. Remove and chop.
• Add peas and carrots. Stir fry 2 minutes.
• Add cold rice. Press flat and let sit 30 seconds for crispy bits.
• Toss rice. Add soy sauce and mix well.
• Return eggs. Add green onions and sesame oil. Serve hot.

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4. Kung Pao Chicken

Spicy, nutty, and deeply satisfying. Kung Pao chicken brings heat from dried chilies. Roasted peanuts add crunch.

This Sichuan classic tastes better homemade.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast cubed
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 8 dried red chilies
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 3 cloves garlic sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

• Mix soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar for the sauce.
• Heat oil in wok. Add chilies and peppercorns. Toast 30 seconds.
• Add chicken. Stir fry until white on outside.
• Add garlic. Cook 1 minute.
• Pour in sauce. Cook until chicken is done.
• Toss in peanuts. Serve immediately over rice.

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5. Shrimp Lo Mein

Slurpable noodles tossed with plump shrimp and vegetables. Lo mein cooks fast. It makes weeknight dinner easy.

Use any noodles you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles
• 1 pound shrimp peeled
• 2 cups cabbage shredded
• 1 carrot julienned
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

• Cook noodles according to package. Drain and set aside.
• Heat oil in wok. Sear shrimp 2 minutes per side. Remove.
• Add cabbage and carrot. Stir fry 3 minutes.
• Add noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Toss well.
• Return shrimp. Drizzle sesame oil.
• Toss everything together. Serve in deep bowls.

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6. General Tso Chicken

Crispy fried chicken in tangy sweet sauce. This American Chinese favorite beats any delivery version. The secret is double frying.

It creates extra crunch.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken thighs cubed
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 6 dried red chilies
• Oil for frying

Instructions

• Coat chicken in cornstarch. Fry until golden. Remove and rest.
• Fry chicken again for extra crispness. Drain on paper towels.
• Drain oil except 2 tablespoons. Add chilies and cook 30 seconds.
• Add soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin, and sugar. Simmer until thick.
• Toss chicken in sauce. Coat evenly.
• Serve over steamed rice with broccoli.

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7. Mapo Tofu

Silky tofu in fiery meat sauce. This Sichuan dish packs serious heat. Adjust chilies to your preference.

It pairs amazingly with plain white rice.

Ingredients

• 1 block soft tofu cubed
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 2 tablespoons doubanjiang chili bean paste
• 1 tablespoon fermented black beans
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

• Heat oil in wok. Brown ground pork until crumbly.
• Add doubanjiang and black beans. Stir 1 minute.
• Add garlic. Cook 30 seconds.
• Pour in broth. Bring to simmer.
• Gently add tofu. Simmer 5 minutes.
• Add cornstarch slurry. Stir gently until sauce thickens.

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8. Sweet and Sour Pork

Colorful bell peppers and pineapple meet crispy pork. The sauce balances tangy and sweet notes. This dish looks impressive but takes little effort.

Busy parents will appreciate this one. For more quick options, explore 25 Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Moms (Ready in 30 Minutes or Less).

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork loin cubed
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 bell pepper cubed
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying

Instructions

• Coat pork in cornstarch. Fry until golden and crispy.
• In separate pan, combine ketchup, vinegar, and sugar. Simmer.
• Add bell pepper and pineapple to sauce. Cook 2 minutes.
• Add crispy pork to sauce.
• Toss until coated.
• Serve immediately while pork stays crispy.

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9. Mongolian Beef

Caramelized beef in rich brown sauce. Green onions add freshness. This recipe creates tender meat every time.

The high heat is key to success.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak sliced thin
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 green onions cut in pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

• Toss beef in cornstarch. Coat evenly.
• Heat oil in wok until smoking. Sear beef in batches.
• Remove beef when browned.
• Add garlic. Cook 30 seconds.
• Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Simmer until bubbly.
• Return beef. Add green onions. Toss and serve.

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10. Egg Drop Soup

Silky ribbons of egg float in savory broth. This soup takes 10 minutes. It soothes and satisfies.

Make it as a starter or light meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 eggs beaten
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions sliced
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

• Bring broth to boil in pot.
• Mix cornstarch and water. Stir into broth.
• Reduce heat to low simmer.
• Slowly pour eggs in thin stream while stirring gently.
• Let eggs set 30 seconds.
• Add sesame oil and green onions. Season and serve.

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11. Cashew Chicken

Crunchy cashews elevate simple stir fried chicken. The sauce tastes light but flavorful. This dish works great for meal prep.

Learn How to Meal Prep Dinner for the Entire Week (Step-by-Step Guide) for more tips.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast cubed
• 3/4 cup roasted cashews
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 zucchini sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

• Heat oil in wok. Stir fry chicken until cooked. Remove.
• Add zucchini. Cook 2 minutes.
• Add garlic. Cook 30 seconds.
• Return chicken. Add soy sauce, hoisin, and vinegar.
• Toss everything together.
• Add cashews. Serve over rice.

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12. Hot and Sour Soup

This soup delivers complex flavors in every spoonful. Tangy vinegar meets white pepper heat. Tofu and mushrooms add substance.

It clears sinuses and warms souls.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 ounces firm tofu cubed
• 1/2 cup wood ear mushrooms sliced
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 egg beaten
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

• Bring broth to boil. Add mushrooms and tofu.
• Simmer 5 minutes.
• Add soy sauce, vinegar, and white pepper.
• Mix cornstarch with water. Stir into soup.
• Drizzle egg in slow stream while stirring.
• Serve hot with chili oil on side.

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13. Garlic Ginger Bok Choy

Simple vegetables shine with bold aromatics. Bok choy stays crisp and bright green. This side dish complements any main.

It takes just 5 minutes to make.

Ingredients

• 1 pound baby bok choy halved
• 4 cloves garlic sliced
• 1 inch ginger julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

• Heat oil in wok over high heat.
• Add garlic and ginger. Stir 30 seconds.
• Add bok choy. Toss to coat in oil.
• Add water. Cover and steam 2 minutes.
• Remove cover. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce.
• Toss until sauce coats vegetables. Serve.

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14. Orange Chicken

Citrus glaze clings to crispy chicken pieces. Fresh orange zest makes a big difference. This version uses less sugar than takeout.

It tastes fresher and brighter too.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken thighs cubed
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• Oil for frying

Instructions

• Coat chicken in cornstarch. Fry until crispy.
• In saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, and honey.
• Add garlic. Simmer until slightly thick.
• Add crispy chicken to sauce.
• Toss until coated.
• Serve over rice with steamed vegetables.

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15. Pork Dumplings

Homemade dumplings sound intimidating. They are actually simple. The folding gets easier with practice.

These freeze well for quick future meals. Couples can make them together for a fun evening. Discover more ideas with these 18 Cozy Dinner Recipes for Couples Perfect for Date Night at Home.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 2 cups napa cabbage minced
• 2 green onions minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger grated
• 30 round dumpling wrappers
• Water for sealing

Instructions

• Mix pork, cabbage, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
• Place 1 tablespoon filling in center of wrapper.
• Wet edges with water. Fold and pleat to seal.
• Heat oil in nonstick pan. Place dumplings flat side down.
• Add 1/4 cup water. Cover and steam 5 minutes.
• Remove cover. Fry until bottoms crisp. Serve with dipping sauce.

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16. Dan Dan Noodles

Spicy, nutty, and utterly addictive. This Sichuan street food classic satisfies deep cravings. Sesame paste creates creamy richness.

Minced pork adds savory depth.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces thin wheat noodles
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 3 tablespoons sesame paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons Sichuan preserved vegetables
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

• Cook noodles according to package. Drain and divide into bowls.
• Brown ground pork with garlic. Break into small pieces.
• Mix sesame paste, soy sauce, and chili oil with 3 tablespoons hot water.
• Pour sauce over noodles.
• Top with pork and preserved vegetables.
• Garnish with green onions. Toss before eating.

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These 16 easy Chinese dinner recipes bring restaurant flavors home. Each dish uses accessible ingredients. Each one delivers authentic taste.

You control the salt, sugar, and oil levels. You save money on delivery fees. Most importantly, you create meals with love.

Start with one recipe tonight. Soon you will master them all. Your kitchen will become your favorite Chinese restaurant.