Indulge in the bold flavors of Chinese takeout without leaving your home! In this article, we’ll explore 19 mouth-watering recipes that perfectly capture the essence of Chinese cuisine. From classic Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts to innovative Szechuan Spicy Noodles, and from savory Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry to sweet Honey Walnut Shrimp, these dishes are sure to become your new weeknight staples.
Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, or sweet, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to hit the spot. And with a range of ingredients and cooking methods, you’ll be able to tailor each dish to your taste preferences. So go ahead, get cooking, and discover the joy of homemade Chinese takeout!
Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts
This classic Chinese dish is a staple of Szechuan cuisine, featuring crispy chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers in a savory sauce. With its bold flavors and spicy kick, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1/4 cup peanuts
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from wok.
3. Add garlic, onion, peanuts, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, chili bean paste, and red pepper flakes to the wok. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Return chicken to the wok and stir-fry until coated with the sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions (if desired).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This classic Asian-inspired dish is a staple for a reason – tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and savory sauce all come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect as a weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and cook broccoli for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. Add garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Return beef to the pan and stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Pork
This classic Chinese dish combines crispy pork, tangy sweet and sour sauce, and crunchy vegetables for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork tenderloin or pork loin, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms)
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together pork pieces, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove pork from the pan and set aside. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry until softened.
4. Add mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in sweet and sour sauce and stir to combine with the vegetables.
6. Return cooked pork to the pan and toss to coat with the sweet and sour sauce.
7. Cook for an additional minute, then serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken
Experience the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with this iconic dish. Crispy fried chicken is smothered in a sweet and spicy General Tso’s sauce, perfect for serving as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces and toss until coated.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add General Tso’s sauce to the pan and stir until heated through.
6. Return chicken to the pan and toss with the sauce until coated.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Meal
This classic Chinese-inspired dish combines cooked rice with succulent shrimp, vegetables, and savory seasonings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday lunch, this recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 1 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just done, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan.
3. In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic; stir-fry until softened.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan; stir-fry until well combined with the rice mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Lo Mein
This classic Chinese-inspired dish is a staple for any meal. With a variety of colorful vegetables and savory lo mein noodles, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup lo mein noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup snow peas, sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet; stir-fry for about 1 minute to combine with vegetables.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions (if desired) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork
Mapo tofu is a classic Sichuan dish that combines the creaminess of silken tofu with the savory flavor of ground pork. This recipe adds a spicy kick from fermented bean paste and chili peppers, making it a perfect representation of Sichuan cuisine’s bold flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 block silken tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 1/2 cup ground pork
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons fermented bean paste (doubanjiang)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and fermented bean paste; stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Add the tofu cubes and stir-fry until they’re well coated with the sauce and slightly caramelized.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peking Duck Pancakes
Experience the classic Chinese flavors of Peking duck in a crispy, savory pancake wrapper. This recipe is perfect for serving with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
– 1/4 cup of scallions, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Brush the wonton wrappers with vegetable oil on both sides.
3. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt.
4. Place a wonton wrapper in the skillet and brush with the garlic-soy mixture.
5. Cook for 30-45 seconds or until the wrapper starts to curl.
6. Flip the pancake and cook for another 15-20 seconds or until crispy.
7. Repeat with remaining wrappers and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Szechuan Spicy Noodles
Experience the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with this spicy noodle dish, featuring crispy noodles, savory meat, and a kick of chili oil. This recipe is a quick and easy adaptation of traditional Chinese cooking techniques.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of thin rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 pound ground pork or beef, cooked and crumbled
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to desired spiciness)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions and chili oil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger paste; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add cooked meat, soy sauce, Szechuan peppercorns, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir-fry until well combined.
4. Add noodles to the wok or skillet and toss with the meat mixture.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Savory shrimp coated in a sweet and crunchy honey walnut glaze, perfect for a quick and impressive dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
5. Pour the glaze over the shrimp and stir to coat.
6. Sprinkle walnuts over the top and toss to combine.
7. Cook for an additional minute, until the glaze is caramelized.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Orange Chicken with Crispy Coating
Elevate your takeout game with this easy and flavorful orange chicken recipe featuring a crispy coating that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces and toss until coated.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, garlic, soy sauce, and honey. Pour into the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Egg Drop Soup with Scallions
Egg drop soup is a Chinese staple that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe adds a pop of freshness with scallions, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer.
2. Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk until well-beaten.
3. Gradually pour the eggs into the simmering broth while stirring the soup in one direction with a spoon.
4. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes or until the eggs are cooked through and have formed thin, egg-drop-like strands.
5. Stir in chopped scallions and soy sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Char Siu BBQ Pork
Experience the bold flavors of Hong Kong’s famous street food with this easy-to-make Char Siu BBQ Pork recipe. This sweet and savory dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup Char Siu sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Char Siu sauce, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
3. Add the pork strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove pork from marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped scallions and steamed bok choy (optional).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chow Mein with Chicken and Vegetables
This classic Chinese-inspired dish is a staple of many cuisines around the world. With its flavorful combination of chicken, vegetables, and noodles, it’s a meal that can be prepared in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
– 1 cup chow mein noodles
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the pan and stir-fry until combined with noodles and vegetables.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Wonton Soup with Bok Choy
This comforting and flavorful soup is a classic Cantonese dish that combines tender wontons, crisp bok choy, and savory broth. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 cup finely chopped pork or vegetable filling of your choice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and separated into individual leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the wontons by placing a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the wrapper into a triangle and press the edges together to seal.
3. Add the wontons to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
4. Add the bok choy to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it’s tender but still crisp.
5. Season with soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with thinly sliced scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Salt and Pepper Squid
Get ready to devour a flavorful and addictive snack with this simple recipe! Salt and pepper squid is a popular Australian street food that’s perfect for game days, parties, or just a quick bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cuttlebone-free squid rings
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the squid rings to the flour mixture and toss until coated.
3. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the squid rings in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 10-15 minutes
Garlic Green Beans with Sesame
This simple yet flavorful recipe elevates humble green beans to a new level by incorporating the pungency of garlic and the nuttiness of sesame. Perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite stir-fry.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with ginger.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
8. Garnish with chopped sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu
This savory and spicy soup is a classic Chinese dish that combines the tanginess of vinegar, the heat of chili peppers, and the creaminess of tofu. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this delicious and comforting meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as shiitake and cremini)
– 1 cup sliced bamboo shoots
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions (if desired).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin Sauce
Elevate your wrap game with this Asian-inspired recipe that combines juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, and a sweet and savory hoisin sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 4 large lettuce leaves
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
2. Grill or cook the chicken breasts until cooked through, then slice into thin strips.
3. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
4. Assemble the wraps by placing sliced chicken onto lettuce leaves, drizzle with hoisin sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions (if using).
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to enjoy delicious Chinese takeout at home! This article shares 19 flavorful recipes perfect for weeknights, including classic dishes like Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts and Sweet and Sour Pork. Also featured are modern twists on old favorites, such as General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken with Crispy Coating. Plus, explore vegetarian options like Vegetable Lo Mein and Garlic Green Beans with Sesame. These easy-to-follow recipes will transport your taste buds to the Far East without leaving your kitchen.
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