10 Top Chinese Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Chinese food is a favorite in many homes. It’s because of the wide variety of tasty dishes you can make at home. We’ll share the best Chinese dinner recipes, from starters to main dishes, for all cooking levels.

Our guide will take you on a journey through Chinese flavors and ingredients. You’ll learn to make dinner like a pro at home. Whether you’re new to cooking or experienced, there’s something here for you to try.

Traditional dishes like potstickers are easy to make at home. This can save you money compared to takeout. Potstickers can be filled with pork, shrimp, or beef, showing there’s a lot of variety.

Some recipes, like dumplings, have been passed down for over 300 years. This shows how important cooking traditions are in families.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese dinner recipes offer a wide range of delicious and authentic dishes that can be made at home with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
• Many traditional Chinese dishes can be made at home easily, offering the potential for cost savings compared to ordering takeout.
• Recipes like the ancient family recipe for dumplings can have roots extending back over 300 years, and a majority of family recipes are passed down, suggesting a retention rate of cultural cooking methods across generations.
• The popularity of deep-frying methods for dumplings indicates a preference level, and about 75% of recipe reviewers favor deep-frying for added crunch.
• Using low-sodium options in recipes reflects a growing health trend, echoed by reviewers who prefer healthier alternatives in at least 30% of comments related to broth-based dishes.
• The average cooking time for the meals ranges from 10-20 minutes, and each recipe serves approximately 4 people.

Irresistible Orange Chicken: Quick & Tasty Recipe

Orange chicken is a beloved Chinese dish with a mix of sweet and savory tastes. To make it, you need to learn basic cooking techniques like baking and broiling. The sauce’s flavor is key, using orange marmalade, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce.

This orange chicken recipe is quick and tasty. It uses frozen popcorn chicken, orange marmalade, and soy sauce. It shows how Chinese recipes can be tailored to different tastes. It cooks in about 20 minutes, ideal for a weeknight meal.

To prepare this dish, you’ll use simple cooking techniques. Bake the chicken in a hot oven, then broil for a crispy outside. The sauce can be made ahead and kept for up to 3 days. This recipe makes Chinese recipes healthier and tastier with a few changes.

This orange chicken recipe is quick, easy to scale, and healthier than fried versions. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, and adjust the sauce to your liking. Its mix of sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy flavors makes it a hit.

Gong Bao Ji Ding (Kung Pao Chicken) Recipe: A Flavorful Classic

Kung Pao chicken is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine. It’s spicy and savory, loved by many. This dish has a long history, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It’s named after Ding Baozhen, a governor of Sichuan province.

To make authentic Kung Pao chicken, you need fresh ingredients and traditional methods. The chicken is marinated in a mix of light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Then, it’s stir-fried with veggies, peanuts, and chili peppers.

The sauce is a key part of the dish. It’s made from soy sauce, vinegar, and honey. This mix gives Kung Pao chicken its unique taste. Cooking it takes about 10 minutes, making it quick and easy.

The History of Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao chicken, also known as Gong Bao Ji Ding, is a classic Chinese dish. It’s been enjoyed for centuries. The name “Kung Pao” means “palace guardian,” showing its origins in the Qing Dynasty.

• 12 ounces of chicken breast
• 2 teaspoons of light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of Shaoxing wine
• 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
• 6 dried red chiles
• 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns
• 4 medium cloves of garlic
• 1-inch knob of ginger
• 6 medium scallions
• 5 ounces of roasted peanuts

Kung Pao chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its bold flavor. This recipe showcases the delicious dishes found in Chinese cuisine. With its rich history and cultural importance, Kung Pao chicken is a must-try for Chinese food lovers.

Delicious Cantonese Clay Pot Rice: A Taste of Tradition

Cantonese cuisine is famous for its traditional recipes. Clay pot rice is one of the most iconic dishes. It’s loved for its unique cooking method.

The cooking method creates a crispy bottom layer, known as “scorched rice.” This is a key feature of traditional Cantonese clay pot rice.

The cooking process has three stages: boiling, steaming, and toasting. Using jasmine rice is crucial for the right texture. Jasmine rice has a special composition that helps it cook well.

Soaking the rice for at least an hour is important. It makes the grains cook evenly.

Nutritional Information and Cooking Time

A single serving of Cantonese clay pot rice has 667 kcal. It contains 78 g of carbohydrates, 18 g of protein, and 30 g of total fat. The dish takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and cook.

Clay pot cooking heats the rice slowly and evenly. This improves the rice’s texture. Traditional Cantonese clay pots are affordable and come in various sizes.

To make this dish at home, follow a simple recipe. Marinate the toppings and cook the rice in a clay pot. The result is a delicious and authentic Cantonese clay pot rice dish.

This dish is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience Cantonese cuisine. Its rich flavor and unique texture make it unforgettable.

Vegetarian Chinese Hot and Sour Soup: Spicy, Savory Recipe

Vegetarian Chinese hot and sour soup is a favorite in Chinese cuisine. It’s spicy and savory, making it a great choice for those who don’t eat meat. This recipe uses fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods, making it both tasty and healthy.

The recipe includes various mushrooms like shiitake, brown Asian, or white button mushrooms. These mushrooms give the soup a rich, earthy flavor. Other key ingredients are rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, ground ginger, and chili garlic sauce. These add to the soup’s unique taste.

Nutritional Benefits and Ingredients

This vegetarian hot and sour soup recipe makes 6-8 servings. It has a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating from 334 reviews. The ingredients include 8 cups of broth, 8 ounces of shiitake mushrooms, and 1/4 cup of rice vinegar. It also has 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, and 1/4 cup of cornstarch for thickening.

Here is a list of the key ingredients and their quantities:

• 8 cups of broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 8 ounces of shiitake mushrooms
• 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch

The preparation and cooking times are both about 15 minutes. This totals to about 30 minutes for the recipe. The soup makes 3 servings, with each large bowl having 226 calories.

This vegetarian Chinese hot and sour soup recipe is a delicious and healthy meal option. Its spicy and savory flavor makes it a favorite in many homes. Try it out and enjoy the benefits of vegetarian recipes and Chinese cuisine.

Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken: Try This!

Try crispy air fryer sesame chicken for a tasty and easy meal. It’s a favorite in Chinese cuisine and serves 4 people. You can have it ready in about 15-20 minutes.

This recipe uses 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs. It’s cooked in batches of 12 ounces each for the best crispiness. The air fryer is set at 400ºF, with two phases of cooking: 8-10 minutes for the first side and 7 minutes for the second.

You’ll need soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar for this dish. The sauce is a mix of these, with a sweet and savory flavor. You can add up to 2 teaspoons of chile paste for extra spice.

Nutritional Benefits

This air fryer sesame chicken is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving has about 376 calories, 35 grams of carbs, 29 grams of protein, and 13 grams of fat. It has a lot of sodium but is also rich in potassium.

For a quick and easy meal, try this crispy air fryer sesame chicken. It’s a great way to enjoy Chinese cuisine without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of air fryer recipes?

Flavorful Chili Garlic Noodles: A Must-Try Recipe

Chili garlic noodles are a favorite in Chinese cuisine. They are known for their spicy and savory taste. To make them, sauté shallots and garlic for about 5 minutes. Then add scallions and ginger for 2-3 minutes.

Making chili garlic noodles is easy. It takes 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. The whole process takes 20 minutes and serves one. Each serving has 299 kcal, 53 g of carbs, 4 g of protein, and 7 g of fat.

The History of Chili Garlic Noodles

Chili garlic noodles have a long history in Chinese cuisine. Each region has its own version. You can top it with sesame seeds, scallions, and chili flakes.

To add more flavor, use 1-3 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce and 4-5 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce.

Here are some key ingredients and their quantities:

• 8 ounces of rice noodles
• 1-3 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce
• 4-5 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sriracha (optional)
• ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)

Chili garlic noodles are a must-try for those who love Chinese food. They offer a perfect mix of spicy and savory. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe will impress you.

Delicious Char Siu Noodle Recipes for a Flavorful Meal

Char siu recipes are a key part of Chinese food. They become even more special when paired with noodles. To make a tasty char siu noodle dish, you’ll need a few ingredients:

• 0.5 lbs (225 g) of Hong Kong style pan fried noodles
• 2 cups (130 g) of baby bok choy
• 1.5 cups (160 g) of char siu pork, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1/3 cup of chicken stock
• 1/4 cup of oyster sauce

This char siu chow mein recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare. It serves two people. Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition:

This recipe is a perfect example of how char siu and noodles can create a delicious dish. The rich sauce, tender pork, and crunchy bok choy make it a hit with anyone who loves Chinese food.

Select Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe: Delicious & Easy to Make

Wonton soup is a favorite in Chinese cuisine. Making it at home is fun and rewarding. With just a few ingredients and basic cooking skills, you can make a tasty homemade wonton soup. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare and makes 50 to 60 wontons.

To make this soup, you’ll need lean pork mince and peeled prawns/shrimp. You’ll also need chicken broth and dried egg noodles. The recipe shows two ways to wrap wontons, making it efficient by using many wrappers at once.

The History of Wonton Soup

Wonton soup has a long history in Chinese cuisine. It varies by region, with different fillings and cooking methods. The most common fillings are pork and shrimp. Wonton wrappers should be thin for the best taste.

Some key statistics about this recipe include:

• Approximately 353 kcal per serving
• 40g of carbohydrates (13% of daily value)
• 15g of protein (30% of daily value)
• 13g of fat (20% of daily value)

This homemade wonton soup recipe lets you enjoy Chinese cuisine’s flavors and traditions. It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick, tasty meal. Whether you love wonton soup or want to try something new, this recipe will delight you.

Twice Cooked Pork: A Mouthwatering Chinese Recipe

As we wrap up our look at top Chinese dinner recipes, we must highlight twice-cooked pork. This dish is famous for its mouthwatering taste and soft texture. The way it’s cooked, simmered, and then stir-fried brings together savory and slightly spicy flavors.

Known as Hui Guo Rou in Chinese, twice-cooked pork is a favorite from Sichuan. Its name, “the meat that returned to the wok,” shows its traditional cooking method. This method gives the pork a rich flavor that’s hard to get from just one cooking step.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to Chinese food, this twice-cooked pork recipe will impress you. It combines tender pork, crunchy veggies, and bold Sichuan spices. It’s a true taste of authentic Chinese cuisine. So, get your ingredients ready, heat up your wok, and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of this Chinese classic.