Chinese food is a favorite for many people. It offers a wide range of flavors and dishes that can satisfy different tastes.

You might think cooking Chinese food at home is hard, but it’s not as tricky as you may believe.

You can make delicious Chinese meals in your own kitchen with the right recipes and ingredients. This article will show you 30 Chinese recipes that are easy to make at home.

From stir-fries to dumplings, you’ll find tasty options for any meal. These recipes will help you bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant to your dinner table.

1. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a tasty Chinese dish you can make at home. It’s a spicy stir-fry with chicken, peanuts, and veggies.

To start, cut chicken into small cubes and marinate it.

Mix soy sauce, vinegar, and other spices for the sauce.

Heat oil in a wok and cook the chicken until it’s nearly done. Set it aside.

Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and dried chilies in the wok.

Add the chicken back in with peanuts and veggies.

Pour in the sauce and cook until everything is hot and well-mixed.

Serve your homemade Kung Pao Chicken with rice for a delicious meal.

2. Dumplings

Dumplings are a favorite Chinese dish you can make at home. These savory bites come in many varieties, from steamed to fried.

To make dumplings, start with the wrapper. Mix flour and water to form a dough, then knead until smooth. Let it rest before rolling out.

For the filling, combine finely chopped vegetables with ground meat. Add seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper for flavor.

Place a small amount of filling in the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges and fold to seal.

You can steam, boil, or pan-fry your dumplings.

Pan-fried potstickers are crispy on the bottom and tender on top. Cook them in a covered pan with a bit of oil and water for best results.

3. Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is a popular Chinese dish you can easily make at home. The key is to choose the right cut of pork, such as tenderloin or pork shoulder.

To prepare, cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and marinate briefly. Then coat the meat in a light batter before frying until crispy.

The sauce is a mix of sweet and tangy flavors. You can use ingredients like pineapple juice, vinegar, and ketchup to create the perfect balance.

For best results, cook the sauce separately and toss with the fried pork just before serving. This keeps the meat crispy while still coated in delicious sauce.

Serve your homemade sweet and sour pork with rice for a tasty meal that’s sure to impress.

4. Mapo Tofu

Mapo tofu is a popular Sichuan dish that combines soft tofu with spicy ground pork. To make it at home, start by cutting tofu into small cubes and briefly simmering it in salted water.

Next, fry ground pork until crispy. Add doubanjiang (spicy bean paste) and fry until the oil turns red. Mix in garlic, ginger, and green onions.

Pour in a sauce made of soy sauce, miso, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

Gently add the tofu cubes and simmer until heated through.

Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. For extra numbing heat, sprinkle Sichuan peppercorns on top before serving.

Enjoy your homemade mapo tofu with steamed rice.

5. Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a beloved Chinese appetizer you can easily make at home. To start, prepare a filling of cooked pork, shredded cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms.

Place a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface with a corner facing you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling near the corner closest to you.

Roll the wrapper over the filling once, then fold in both sides. Continue rolling until you reach the opposite corner. Seal the edge with a bit of water or beaten egg.

Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet to 375°F. Fry the spring rolls in small batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels before serving.

6. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup is a popular Chinese dish you can easily make at home. Start by preparing your ingredients – julienned pork, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu.

In a pot, bring chicken stock to a boil. Add soy sauce, vinegar, and white pepper for the signature hot and sour flavors.

Stir in your prepared ingredients and let them simmer.

Beat an egg and slowly pour it into the soup while stirring to create silky strands.

Thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days. You can customize it by adding extra vegetables or adjusting the spice level.

7. Peking Duck

Peking duck is a famous Chinese dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat. You can make a simplified version at home.

Start by seasoning the duck inside and out. Stuff it with green onions and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, turning halfway through.

Brush the duck with a mixture of honey and soy sauce during cooking. This helps create the signature glossy, crispy skin.

Serve your homemade Peking duck with thin pancakes, sliced cucumbers, and hoisin sauce. You’ll enjoy a tasty version of this classic dish.

8. General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish you can easily make at home. To start, cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat them in a mixture of cornstarch and egg.

Deep-fry the chicken until crispy and golden.

For the sauce, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

Heat the sauce in a pan until it thickens, then add the fried chicken and toss to coat.

Serve your homemade General Tso’s Chicken over rice with steamed vegetables.

For extra flavor, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. You’ll love this tasty, crispy dish that rivals any restaurant version.

9. Chow Mein

Chow mein is a tasty Chinese dish you can easily make at home. It features noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat or seafood.

To start, cook your noodles according to the package directions. While they cook, prepare your sauce by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

Next, stir-fry your choice of protein, like chicken or shrimp, in a hot wok or large pan. Add in vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts.

Toss in the cooked noodles and sauce. Stir-fry everything together until well combined and heated through.

Your homemade chow mein is now ready to enjoy!

10. Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a quick and tasty Chinese dish you can easily make at home.

Start by cooking rice ahead of time and letting it cool. This helps prevent clumping.

Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Scramble eggs first, then set them aside. Add diced onions and cook briefly.

Toss in your cold rice and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Break up any clumps with your spatula.

Add the cooked eggs back in, along with some soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor.

Mix everything well and cook until the rice is hot.

Sprinkle with chopped scallions before serving. You can add other veggies or meat if you like.

11. Szechuan Beef

Szechuan beef is a spicy, flavorful dish from China’s Sichuan province. You can make it at home in about 30 minutes.

Start by slicing beef thinly against the grain. Marinate it in soy sauce and mirin for 10 minutes.

While the beef marinates, prepare your vegetables. Bell peppers, garlic, and ginger are common choices.

Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry the beef quickly. Set it aside and cook the veggies in the same pan.

Make a sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, and spicy bean paste.

Add the beef back to the pan with the sauce and simmer until it thickens.

Serve your homemade Szechuan beef hot over rice for a tasty meal.

12. Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork is a popular Chinese barbecue dish known for its sweet and savory flavor. You can make this restaurant-style meal at home with a few key ingredients.

Start by marinating pork strips in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and five-spice powder.

Let the meat soak up the flavors for at least an hour, or overnight for best results.

When ready to cook, preheat your oven and place the marinated pork on a baking sheet.

Roast the meat, turning and basting it with the marinade every 15-20 minutes.

The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and has a caramelized, sticky exterior.

Slice the char siu and serve it with rice or in bao buns for a tasty meal.

13. Gong Bao Ji Ding

Gong Bao Ji Ding is a famous Sichuan dish you can easily make at home. It’s also known as Kung Pao Chicken in the West.

The dish features cubed chicken, peanuts, and scallions in a flavorful sauce. The sauce is a mix of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and chicken stock.

To make it, you’ll first marinate the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch. Then, stir-fry the chicken and add the sauce ingredients.

The key to great Gong Bao Ji Ding is balancing sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

This tasty meal cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with steamed rice for a complete dinner.

14. Lo Mein

Lo mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish you can easily make at home. It features egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of protein.

To prepare lo mein, cook the noodles according to package directions. Then stir-fry your veggies and meat in a hot wok or large pan.

Mix the cooked noodles with the other ingredients and add a savory sauce. Common sauce ingredients include soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.

You can customize lo mein with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts. Chicken, beef, or shrimp make great protein options.

This versatile dish comes together quickly, often in 30 minutes or less. It’s a tasty alternative to takeout that you can enjoy any night of the week.

15. Dim Sum

Dim sum is a beloved Chinese meal consisting of small, shareable dishes. You can make many dim sum favorites at home.

Try steamed pork-and-mushroom shumai, a popular dumpling filled with ground pork and shiitake mushrooms. Char siu bao, or steamed BBQ pork buns, are another classic option.

For a vegetarian choice, consider crystal dumplings with spinach filling. These translucent dumplings are both pretty and tasty.

Making dim sum takes practice, but it’s a fun way to enjoy Chinese cuisine at home. Start with simple recipes and work your way up to more complex dishes.

16. Wonton Soup

Wonton soup is a classic Chinese dish you can easily make at home. You’ll love the flavorful broth and delicious dumplings.

Start by making the wontons. Mix ground pork with chopped shrimp, ginger, and green onions. Wrap the filling in wonton skins.

For the soup, simmer chicken broth with garlic and ginger. Add your homemade wontons and cook until they float.

Finish the soup with some bok choy or spinach for added nutrition. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade wonton soup in just 30 minutes.

This comforting dish is perfect for cold days or when you want a taste of Chinese cuisine without ordering takeout.

17. Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese dish you can easily make at home.

Start by slicing beef thinly against the grain and marinating it in soy sauce and cornstarch.

Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Quickly sear the beef until browned, then remove it from the wok.

Add more oil and stir-fry garlic and ginger for extra flavor.

Toss in broccoli florets and cook until bright green and crisp-tender.

Return the beef to the wok and add a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and beef broth.

Stir everything together and let the sauce thicken slightly.

Serve your homemade beef and broccoli over steamed rice for a tasty meal.

18. Lemon Chicken

Lemon chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy lemon sauce. To make it at home, start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Coat the pieces in cornstarch, then dip them in beaten eggs. This creates a crispy exterior when fried.

Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer to 325°F. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown.

While it cooks, prepare the lemon sauce.

Mix lemon juice, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a pan. Cook until the sauce thickens.

Pour the hot lemon sauce over the crispy chicken pieces just before serving.

19. Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Salt and pepper shrimp is a tasty Chinese dish you can make at home.

You’ll coat shrimp in cornstarch and fry them until crispy.

Season the shrimp with a mix of salt and ground peppercorns.

Stir-fry them with garlic, ginger, and chili peppers for extra flavor.

This dish is quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients.

You can serve it as an appetizer or main course with steamed rice and veggies.

For the best results, use fresh shrimp and don’t overcook them. The shell can be left on for extra crunch or removed if you prefer.

20. Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish you can easily make at home.

Start by cutting boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. Coat them in a mixture of egg, flour, and cornstarch.

Fry the coated chicken until golden and crispy.

For the sauce, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a pan. Heat until it thickens.

Toss the fried chicken in the sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Serve your homemade sesame chicken over rice for a tasty meal. You can add steamed broccoli on the side for extra nutrition.

21. Moo Shu Pork

Moo Shu Pork is a tasty Chinese stir-fry dish you can easily make at home.

It combines tender pork slices with scrambled eggs, mushrooms, and vegetables.

To start, marinate thin strips of pork tenderloin in a mix of soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. This adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.

Stir-fry the marinated pork with wood ear mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots.

Add scrambled eggs for extra protein and texture.

Serve your Moo Shu Pork with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce.

You can make the pancakes from scratch using flour, boiling water, and sesame oil.

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures in every bite.

22. Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey walnut shrimp is a popular Chinese takeout dish you can easily make at home.

It features crispy fried shrimp in a sweet and creamy sauce, topped with candied walnuts.

To make this dish, start by coating large shrimp in a light batter and frying until crispy. For extra crunch, you can double fry the shrimp.

While the shrimp cooks, prepare candied walnuts by tossing them in a pan with sugar.

The sauce is a mix of mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk.

Combine the crispy shrimp with the sauce just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.

Add the candied walnuts on top for a delicious crunch.

23. Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles are a spicy Sichuan dish loved by many. You can make this tasty meal at home with a few key ingredients.

Start by preparing the chili oil. Heat Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, and star anise in oil. Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

For the meat topping, cook minced pork until crispy. Mix in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and spices for flavor.

The sauce combines sesame paste, chili oil, and ground Sichuan pepper. Add this to cooked noodles and top with the pork mixture.

Don’t forget the pickled mustard greens for a tangy crunch.

Mix everything together and enjoy your homemade Dan Dan Noodles.

24. Buddha’s Delight

Buddha’s Delight is a popular vegetarian dish in Chinese cuisine. You can make this healthy meal at home using a variety of vegetables and plant-based proteins.

Start by preparing ingredients like carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Soak dried ingredients like lily flowers ahead of time.

Cook the vegetables in stages, starting with the firmer ones. Add softer vegetables and pre-soaked items later to avoid overcooking.

Create a flavorful sauce using soy sauce, vegetable broth, and seasonings.

Toss everything together in a wok or large pan.

Serve your homemade Buddha’s Delight warm, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

25. Spicy Cumin Lamb

Spicy cumin lamb is a popular dish from China’s Xinjiang region. It features tender lamb pieces coated in a bold cumin and chili spice mix.

To make this at home, start by marinating sliced lamb in soy sauce and Chinese cooking wine. Then stir-fry the meat with onions and garlic.

Add cumin seeds, chili flakes, and other spices to create the signature flavor.

Toss in some scallions and cilantro at the end for freshness.

Serve your spicy cumin lamb hot with steamed rice.

You’ll love the crispy, juicy lamb and aromatic spices in this easy Chinese stir-fry.

26. Crispy Duck

Crispy duck is a popular Chinese dish known for its golden, crunchy skin and tender meat. You can make this delicious meal at home with a few key steps.

Start by marinating the duck with spices like salt, Sichuan peppercorns, and star anise. This adds flavor and helps dry out the skin.

Next, steam or simmer the duck to make the meat tender. After cooking, let it cool and dry completely.

For the final step, fry or roast the duck until the skin turns crispy and golden brown.

You can use an air fryer or oven for this.

Serve your crispy duck with thin pancakes, sliced cucumber, green onions, and hoisin sauce.

Enjoy this tasty Chinese favorite in the comfort of your own home.

27. Xiao Long Bao

Xiao Long Bao are delicious Chinese soup dumplings. You can make these at home with some practice. The key is creating a flavorful broth that turns into a jelly-like filling.

To make the wrappers, mix flour with hot water to form a dough. Roll it out thinly and cut into small circles.

For the filling, combine ground pork with ginger and green onions.

The soup part comes from chicken aspic made with bones, ginger, and green onions. Once cooled, mix it with the meat filling.

Wrap the filling in the dough circles, pleating carefully.

Steam the dumplings for 8-10 minutes.

Serve them hot with black vinegar and julienned ginger for dipping.

28. Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is a quick and easy Chinese dish you can make at home. It gets its name from the method of dropping beaten eggs into hot broth.

To make it, start with chicken stock as your base.

Heat the stock and add seasonings like salt, pepper, and soy sauce.

In a separate bowl, beat a few eggs. Slowly pour the eggs into the hot broth while stirring gently. This creates swirls of egg in the soup.

Some recipes add cornstarch to thicken the broth. You can also include extras like green onions or tofu if you want.

Egg drop soup takes just minutes to prepare.

It’s a light and comforting dish that goes well with many Chinese meals.

29. Hunan Chicken

Hunan chicken is a spicy Chinese dish that packs a flavorful punch. You can make this takeout favorite at home with a few key ingredients.

Start by slicing chicken breast into thin strips. Coat the chicken in cornstarch for a crispy texture.

Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry the chicken until golden.

Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry them briefly to keep them crisp.

The sauce is the star of this dish, combining chili paste, soy sauce, and vinegar for a bold taste.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes.

The result is a spicy, savory meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

30. Lion’s Head Meatballs

Lion’s Head Meatballs are a famous Chinese dish. They get their name from their large size and shape, which resemble a lion’s head.

These meatballs are made mainly from pork. The meat should have a good amount of fat to keep them juicy. A 70/30 or 80/20 meat to fat ratio works well.

You’ll fry the meatballs first, then braise them with Napa cabbage. The cabbage acts like the lion’s mane around the meatball.

The dish has a rich flavor and tender texture. It’s popular across China and makes a great addition to your home-cooked Chinese meals.

Essential Tips for Cooking Chinese Recipes

Chinese cooking uses unique ingredients and techniques. Learn about key items and methods to make authentic dishes at home.

Understanding Chinese Ingredients

Stock your pantry with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. These form the base of many Chinese sauces.

Get fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions for aromatics. Buy dried shiitake mushrooms and wood ear fungus for texture and flavor.

Explore different types of noodles like lo mein, chow mein, and rice noodles.

Try unfamiliar vegetables like bok choy, Chinese broccoli, and bamboo shoots. Look for Chinese five-spice powder to add depth to meats and stir-fries.

Pick up some Shaoxing wine for marinades and sauces. Don’t forget cornstarch – it’s used to thicken sauces and coat meats.

Mastering Chinese Cooking Techniques

Learn to stir-fry in a wok over high heat. Move ingredients quickly to cook evenly.

Use a cleaver to chop vegetables and meats thinly for fast cooking. Try velveting meats by coating them in cornstarch before cooking.

Master the art of steaming with a bamboo steamer. It’s great for dumplings and fish.

Practice deep-frying techniques for crispy egg rolls and sweet and sour dishes. Get good at braising for flavorful dishes like red-cooked pork.

Learn to balance flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty. Use marinades to add flavor to meats before cooking.

Perfect your timing to keep vegetables crisp-tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Chinese food at home can be tricky. Watch out for these common errors to make your dishes taste better.

Overcooking Vegetables

Don’t let your veggies turn mushy.

Stir-fry vegetables quickly over high heat. This keeps them crisp and colorful.

Broccoli and bok choy only need 2-3 minutes of cooking. Carrots and bell peppers take a bit longer, about 4-5 minutes.

Use a wok or large pan to give veggies room to cook evenly. Add harder veggies first, then softer ones later.

Let frozen veggies thaw before cooking. Pat them dry to remove extra water.

Using Too Much Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is salty and strong. A little goes a long way.

Start with just 1-2 teaspoons per serving.

Taste your food before adding more soy sauce. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

Try low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. Or mix regular soy sauce with water to make it less intense.

Use other flavors too. Rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger add depth without extra salt.

For stir-fries, add soy sauce at the end of cooking. This keeps the flavor fresh and bright.