23 Crowd-Tested Chinese Dishes You Can Easily Make

8. Kung Pao Chicken

This spicy stir-fry dish from Sichuan province is a crowd favorite, combining chicken, peanuts, and vegetables with a flavorful sauce. The key to a perfect Kung Pao Chicken is balancing the heat and sweetness. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:

• Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp chili paste; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions:
• In a bowl, marinate the chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper for about 15 minutes.
• Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat and stir-fry the chicken until golden brown.
• Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
• Add chili paste and peanuts, stirring everything together until well coated.
• Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy the flavors!

9. Mapo Tofu

This dish is a must-try for tofu lovers! Mapo Tofu features silky tofu in a spicy and aromatic sauce, typically made with ground pork. However, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the meat. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients: 1 block of firm tofu; 1/2 lb ground pork (optional); 2 tbsp doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns; green onions for garnish.
• Instructions:
• Cut the tofu into cubes and blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a wok, heat some oil and stir-fry the ginger and garlic until fragrant.
• If using ground pork, add it now and cook until browned.
• Add doubanjiang, soy sauce, and broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
• Gently add the tofu cubes and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Finish with Sichuan peppercorns and drizzle with sesame oil. Serve with rice.

10. Sweet and Sour Pork

This dish is known for its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation. The sweet and tangy sauce complements the crispy pork, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Here’s how to recreate it:

• Ingredients: 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup vinegar; 1/4 cup sugar; soy sauce.
• Instructions:
• Dredge the pork pieces in cornstarch until well coated.
• Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the pork until crispy. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pan, add bell pepper, onion, and pineapple, stir-frying for a few minutes.
• Mix ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl, then pour over the vegetables, cooking until bubbly.
• Add the crispy pork back to the pan, tossing everything together until well mixed. Serve over rice.

11. Fried Rice

Fried rice is a versatile dish that can utilize leftover rice and a variety of ingredients you have on hand. It’s perfect for a quick meal and can be customized to your taste. Here’s a basic fried rice recipe:

• Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 2 eggs; 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 3 green onions, chopped; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions:
• Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Scramble eggs until cooked and set aside.
• Add mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
• Stir in the rice, breaking up any clumps, and add soy sauce, mixing well.
• Fold in scrambled eggs and green onions, cooking for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

12. Dumplings

Dumplings are a favorite in Chinese cuisine, and they can be filled with various ingredients. Making them from scratch can be a fun activity with family or friends. Here’s a simple recipe for pork dumplings:

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork; 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, minced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; dumpling wrappers; water; dipping sauce (soy sauce and vinegar).
• Instructions:
• In a bowl, mix ground pork, cabbage, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
• Place a small amount of filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper, moisten the edges with water, and fold over to seal.
• Boil or steam the dumplings for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked.
• Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy your homemade dumplings!

13. Hot and Sour Soup

This soup is a delightful combination of flavors, offering a spicy and tangy profile. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. Here’s how to make hot and sour soup:

• Ingredients: 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1/2 cup tofu, cubed; 2 eggs, beaten; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp white pepper; cornstarch for thickening; green onions for garnish.
• Instructions:
• In a pot, bring the broth to a boil and add mushrooms and tofu.
• Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper.
• Slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs, stirring gently to create egg ribbons.
• If desired, thicken the soup with cornstarch mixed in a little water.
• Garnish with green onions before serving hot.

14. Chow Mein

Chow Mein is a classic noodle dish that can be made with various proteins and vegetables. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a family dinner. Here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients: 8 oz chow mein noodles; 1 lb chicken, beef, or shrimp; 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snow peas); 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; garlic, minced; green onions for garnish.
• Instructions:
• Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
• In a wok, heat oil and stir-fry the protein until cooked through.
• Add garlic and mixed vegetables, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, mixing everything together.
• Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

15. Char Siu (BBQ Pork)

Char Siu is a popular Cantonese dish known for its sweet and savory flavor. The pork is marinated and roasted, resulting in a deliciously tender and flavorful meat. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients: 2 lbs pork shoulder; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder; 2 tbsp red food coloring (optional); garlic, minced.
• Instructions:
• Mix honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, and garlic in a bowl to create the marinade.
• Coat the pork shoulder in the marinade and let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and roast the pork for about 30-40 minutes, basting with the marinade every 10 minutes.
• Once cooked, let it rest before slicing. Serve with rice or noodles.

16. Egg Drop Soup

This simple yet comforting soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine. It’s quick to make and perfect for a light appetizer. Here’s how you can whip it up:

• Ingredients: 4 cups chicken broth; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; green onions for garnish; salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions:
• Bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a pot.
• Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the broth to thicken.
• Slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs, stirring gently to form ribbons.
• Season with salt and pepper, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

17. Chinese Scallion Pancakes

These crispy, flaky pancakes are a popular street food and are surprisingly easy to make at home. They make a great appetizer or snack. Here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup hot water; 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped; salt; vegetable oil for frying.
• Instructions:
• Mix flour with hot water in a bowl to form a dough. Knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth, then let rest for 30 minutes.
• Roll out the dough into a thin sheet, brush with oil, sprinkle with salt and scallions, then roll up like a jelly roll.
• Twist the roll into a spiral and flatten gently with your hand, then roll out again into a pancake shape.
• Heat oil in a skillet and fry each pancake until golden brown on both sides. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

18. Wonton Soup

This dish is a warm and comforting meal, perfect for chilly days. Wontons filled with meat and served in a savory broth make for a delicious combination. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup shrimp, chopped; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; wonton wrappers; 4 cups chicken broth; soy sauce; sesame oil; bok choy for garnish.
• Instructions:
• In a bowl, mix ground pork, shrimp, and green onions to create the filling.
• Place a small amount of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper, moisten the edges with water, and fold over to seal.
• Bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a pot and add the wontons, cooking until they float (about 5-7 minutes).
• Serve in bowls with bok choy and a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil.

19. Lemon Chicken

This dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy lemon sauce, making for a refreshing meal. Here’s a quick recipe to follow:

• Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup soy sauce; vegetable oil for frying.
• Instructions:
• Dredge the chicken slices in cornstarch, then dip in beaten eggs.
• Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• In a bowl, mix lemon juice, sugar, and soy sauce to create the sauce.
• Pour the sauce into the pan, bring to a simmer, and add the chicken back in, tossing everything until well coated.
• Serve with rice for a delicious meal!

20. Szechuan Noodles

These spicy noodles are packed with flavor and are sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, here’s a delicious recipe:

• Ingredients: 8 oz noodles (your choice); 2 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp chili oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup vegetables (like bell peppers and carrots); green onions for garnish.
• Instructions:
• Cook noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
• In a pan, heat oil and sauté garlic and Szechuan peppercorns until fragrant.
• Add vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes before adding the cooked noodles.
• Pour in soy sauce and chili oil, tossing everything together until well combined.
• Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

21. Chinese Beef and Broccoli

This classic dish features tender beef and fresh broccoli coated in a savory sauce. It’s both nutritious and satisfying. Here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly; 2 cups broccoli florets; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
• Instructions:
• In a bowl, marinate the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
• Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry the beef until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• Add broccoli and a splash of water to the wok, steaming for a couple of minutes until tender.
• Add the beef back into the wok, mixing everything together for an additional minute.
• Serve it over steamed rice and enjoy!

22. Chinese Chicken Salad

This refreshing salad combines crunchy vegetables, flavorful chicken, and a tangy dressing, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2 cups mixed greens; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup chopped almonds; 1/4 cup sesame dressing.
• Instructions:
• In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded chicken, carrots, and almonds.
• Drizzle with sesame dressing and toss everything together until coated.
• Serve chilled for a refreshing meal!

23. Pineapple Fried Rice

This tropical twist on fried rice combines sweet pineapple with savory flavors, making it a delightful dish. Here’s an easy recipe:

• Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1/2 cup peas and carrots; 2 eggs; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; green onions for garnish.
• Instructions:
• Heat oil in a pan and scramble the eggs, then set aside.
• Add peas, carrots, and pineapple to the pan, stir-frying for a few minutes.
• Add cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together before folding in the scrambled eggs.
• Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Conclusion

These 23 Chinese dishes are not only crowd-tested but also easy to make in your own kitchen. With a mix of flavors, textures, and ingredients, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends while bringing the taste of authentic Chinese cuisine to your table. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these dishes will always be a hit. Enjoy your culinary journey through these delicious recipes!