35 Authentic & Easy Chinese Food Recipes to Try at Home

As someone who once struggled with bland takeout alternatives, I understand the frustration of craving authentic Chinese flavors yet feeling intimidated by unfamiliar techniques and ingredients. These 35 authentic Chinese food recipes will help you bring the rich, complex flavors of Chinese cuisine into your kitchen without the expense or uncertainty of restaurant dining.

Chinese Food Recipes

Forget the takeout menus; we’re diving deep into the heart of Chinese cuisine with easy recipes perfect for your meal prep routine. From stir-fry secrets to the perfect balance of flavors, these recipes solve the common challenges faced when preparing Chinese cuisine at home by providing clear instructions, accessible ingredient alternatives, and time-saving preparation tips.

Each dish maintains its cultural integrity while being accessible to home cooks. We’ll explore diverse flavors and techniques, making sure you’ve got a week’s worth of delicious, healthy, and satisfying meals.

1. Braised Beef Brisket (Hong Shao Niu Rou)

To make Hong Shao Niu Rou, braise beef brisket in a savory soy-based sauce with ginger, garlic, and star anise until tender. Beef provides protein and iron, and the braising liquid adds flavor and moisture. This rich, savory, and tender Chinese dish is perfect for a cold day or a family meal.

2. Steamed Fish With Ginger and Scallions

Steam a whole fish or fillets with ginger, scallions, and a light soy sauce-based dressing. Fish provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and reducing inflammation. This delicate and fresh Chinese dish is good for those looking for a light and healthy meal, especially as a post-workout protein boost.

3. Sautéed Snow Pea Tips

Here’s a refreshing side dish for any meal, especially beneficial for those seeking to increase vegetable intake or enjoy a light meal. Quickly sauté tender snow pea tips with garlic and a light sauce to maintain their crispness and vibrant color. The ingredients support digestive health due to their high fiber content and promote healthy vision with their rich antioxidants.

4. Traditional Crab Rangoon

This is a popular appetizer for parties and gatherings and is best enjoyed as an occasional treat. Fill wonton wrappers with a creamy crab and cream cheese mixture, then deep-fry until golden and crispy. It has a crispy, golden exterior with a creamy, savory-sweet filling, offering a satisfying textural contrast.

5. Mapo Tofu

Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and isoflavones, which may have heart-protective effects. This fiery dish is perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike, a good option for a warming, comforting meal on a cold day. Simmer soft tofu in a spicy, savory sauce with ground meat and Sichuan peppercorns.

6. Chinese Broccoli With Oyster Sauce (Gai Lan)

Chinese broccoli is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for digestive health. To prepare Gai Lan, blanch or stir-fry Chinese broccoli and dress it with a savory oyster sauce. This slightly bitter and earthy side dish is perfect for adding greens to your diet.

7. Twice-Cooked Pork (Hui Guo Rou)

To make Hui Guo Rou, boil pork belly, slice it, and then stir-fry it with vegetables and a spicy bean paste sauce. The pork belly becomes tender and flavorful, and the sauce adds a rich, spicy kick. This protein-packed Chinese dish is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.

8. Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)

Here’s a delicious snack or side dish, perfect for dipping in soy sauce or chili oil. To make Cong You Bing, pan-fry flaky pancakes filled with scallions until golden brown and crispy. It’s a good source of carbohydrates for energy, and scallions provide antioxidants.

9. Hot and Sour Soup (Suan La Tang)

To make Suan La Tang, simmer a flavorful broth with mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and eggs, seasoned with vinegar and white pepper. Vinegar can aid digestion, and mushrooms and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. The balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors makes this a warm and invigorating soup.

10. Dan Dan Noodles

Craving some spicy and flavorful noodles for a quick lunch? Toss noodles with a spicy sesame sauce, ground pork, and preserved vegetables. The sesame paste provides healthy fats, and the ground pork provides protein.

11. Chow Mein

Here’s a classic takeout dish, perfect for a quick and easy meal. Stir-fry egg noodles with vegetables, protein, and a savory sauce. Savory, chewy, and satisfying, Chow Mein can be stored and reheated, and you can add different proteins and vegetables to customize it.

12. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

To make this light and refreshing Chinese dish, simply stir-fry shrimp and broccoli with a light garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and you can even use the leftovers for freezer meals. What’s more, shrimp is a good source of protein and selenium, and broccoli is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

13. Lion’s Head Meatballs (Shi Zi Tou)

Craving something tender, savory, and comforting with a rich and flavorful broth? To make Shi Zi Tou, just simmer large pork meatballs in a savory broth with vegetables. Meatballs can be stored in the broth, and the flavors deepen over time.

14. Cantonese Roast Duck

Aside from providing protein and iron, duck is a staple in Chinese cuisine because of its availability. Marinate a duck with spices, blanch it to tighten the skin, air-dry it thoroughly, and then roast it until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. This is a special occasion meal or a treat for a weeknight dinner, perfect for sharing.

15. Peking Duck Pancakes

Need a festive and delicious meal for gatherings or special occasions? Roast duck, slice the crispy skin and tender meat and serve with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. Duck provides protein and iron, while the scallions add antioxidants and a fresh flavor.

16. Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Roast cauliflower florets, then coat them in a sweet and savory sesame sauce until they are sticky and caramelized. This sweet and savory dish supports immune function with its vitamin C content and offers a high-fiber, lower-carb alternative to traditional fried foods. Whether as a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe is a good option for vegetarians wanting to explore Chinese cuisine.

17. Steamed Pork Ribs With Black Beans

Steam pork ribs with fermented black beans, garlic, and ginger until tender. Pork provides protein, and fermented black beans offer beneficial probiotics. This tender dish has savory, slightly salty, and aromatic flavors from the black beans and ginger.

18. Veggie Baos With Hoisin Sauce

Baos can be assembled and frozen, then steamed or microwaved for a quick and portable meal. Fill steamed fluffy buns with a mixture of seasoned vegetables and drizzle with hoisin sauce for a sweet and savory bite. These soft, pillowy buns are excellent for a light lunch, snack, or vegetarian option at gatherings.

19. Egg Drop Soup

Simmer a flavorful broth and slowly drizzle in beaten eggs to create delicate strands. Eggs provide protein, and the broth can be made with chicken or vegetable stock for added nutrients. This Chinese dish is light, comforting, and savory, with a delicate texture from the eggs.

20. Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup

This recipe has an aromatic and savory broth with tender chicken and the subtle earthy notes of the herbs, offering a comforting and restorative flavor. Simmer chicken with a blend of traditional Chinese herbs for a nourishing and flavorful broth. The ingredients support well-being by providing immune-boosting herbs and a gentle, easily digestible source of protein.

21. Kung Pao Chicken

Stir-fry diced chicken with peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy Sichuan peppercorn sauce. The protein from chicken and the fiber from vegetables make this a well-rounded meal that holds up well in the fridge. Sichuan peppercorns can stimulate digestion and boost metabolism, while the chicken provides lean protein for muscle repair.

22. Wonton Soup

Need a light and comforting soup for beginner meal prepping? Simmer wontons filled with ground pork and shrimp in a flavorful broth. Wontons provide protein, and the broth can be made with chicken or vegetable stock for added nutrients.

23. Black Pepper Beef

Stir-fry beef with bell peppers and onions in a savory black pepper sauce. This results in a savory, peppery, and slightly sweet taste with tender beef and crisp vegetables. Beef provides protein and iron, and bell peppers and onions add vitamins and antioxidants.

24. Vegetable Spring Rolls

Planning a feast featuring global flavors? Start with an appetizer from Chinese cuisine that brings crispy, light, and refreshing flavors that will make your guests want more. Wrap a mixture of vegetables in thin spring roll wrappers and pan-fry or deep-fry until golden brown.

25. Coconut Shrimp

Craving something sweet, savory, and crispy? Here’s a delicious and flavorful appetizer or main course, perfect for a light and tropical meal. Coat shrimp in shredded coconut and pan-fry or bake until golden brown and crispy. 

26. Braised Tofu With Mushrooms

This protein-packed dish has a savory and earthy taste with a tender texture. To cook this vegetarian dish, braise tofu and mushrooms in a savory soy-based sauce until tender and flavorful. Tofu absorbs the flavors of the sauce, making it even more delicious the next day.

27. Sweet and Sour Pork

Deep-fry pork pieces and toss them in a sweet and sour sauce with pineapple and bell peppers. Pork provides protein, and pineapple and bell peppers add vitamins and antioxidants. Meal prep tip: Store the pork and sauce separately to prevent sogginess, then reheat the pork in an air fryer to re-crisp.

28. Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai)

Are you a vegetarian needing savory and earthy Chinese cuisine? To make Lo Han Jai, braise a variety of vegetarian ingredients, such as tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables, in a savory sauce. Perfect for a light and nutritious meal, this dish becomes more flavorful over time, making it a great make-ahead meal.

29. Ginger Scallion Noodles

To cook this fragrant and slightly spicy Chinese dish, toss cooked noodles with a savory ginger scallion sauce. Ginger and scallions provide antioxidants and flavor. This is a simple and flavorful noodle dish, perfect for a quick and easy meal.

30. Tea Eggs (Cha Ye Dan)

To prepare Cha Ye Dan, boil eggs, crack the shells, and then simmer them in a flavorful tea and soy sauce broth. Tea eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, and the flavors deepen over time. These slightly salty and aromatic eggs are convenient for snack time or breakfast.

31. Congee (Zhou)

To make this comforting congee, simmer the rice in water or broth until it breaks down into a thick, creamy porridge. Congee can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, and you can add different toppings and flavors. This Chinese dish is a comforting and gentle meal, perfect for breakfast, especially when you’re feeling under the weather, or for those with digestive issues.

32. Red Bean Soup (Hong Dou Tang)

Red bean soup can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, and it can be eaten hot or cold. To prepare Hong Dou Tang, simmer red beans with sugar or rock sugar until they soften and create a sweet soup. This is a sweet and comforting dessert or snack, perfect for a cold day or as a light dessert.

33. Lotus Root Stir-Fry

Here’s a healthy and flavorful vegetable dish, perfect for adding variety to your meals. Lotus root is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it has a unique crunchy texture. To make this slightly sweet and crunchy Chinese dish, stir-fry sliced lotus root with vegetables and a light, savory sauce.

34. Char Siu Chicken Wings

Need a crowd-pleaser for appetizers, picnics, or game-day snacks that kids and adults will love? Marinate chicken wings in a char siu sauce (made with honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and other seasonings), then bake or grill until caramelized and cooked through. The marinade infuses the chicken with flavor, making them even tastier the next day. 

35. Traditional Chinese Dumplings

Dumplings can be made in large batches, frozen raw or cooked, and reheated easily for a quick meal. Fill dough wrappers with a savory meat and vegetable mixture, then fold and seal before boiling, steaming, or pan-frying. Great for family dinners or gatherings, these dumplings provide a balanced meal of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, supporting muscle maintenance and sustained energy.

Conclusion

With these Chinese food recipes, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of creating restaurant-quality dishes while saving money and controlling exactly what goes into your family’s meals. Start with one recipe this weekend, and watch as your confidence grows alongside your collection of homemade Chinese culinary creations!