30 Authentic Chinese Recipes to Cook at Home

Chinese recipes bring authentic and bold flavors right into your kitchen.

From savory stir-fries to delicate dumplings, each dish offers a taste of traditional cuisine.

These recipes are designed to be accessible, allowing you to recreate restaurant-quality meals at home.

Fresh ingredients and balanced seasonings make every bite flavorful and satisfying.

30 Authentic Chinese Dishes to Recreate

Chinese cuisine becomes accessible with recipes that are flavorful and simple to make. From stir-fries to dumplings, they bring authentic dishes to your kitchen.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao chicken is a well-loved dish from China that anyone can prepare at home.

First, gather diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a tasty sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and a hint of sugar.

Cooking begins by heating a wok or skillet to fry the chicken until it’s cooked through; then set it aside.

Next comes the aroma of garlic and ginger as they sizzle with dried chilies for added flavor.

Bell peppers and other veggies join the mix until they soften slightly before combining everything back in along with peanuts.

Sweet and Sour Pork

A quick preparation time of about 30 minutes makes sweet and sour pork a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.

Tender pieces of pork and juicy pineapple chunks create a delightful balance in every bite.

The sauce, made with everyday ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and sugar, blends sweet and tangy notes.

For an extra crunchy texture, coat the pork cubes in a double dredge before frying them twice.

This method ensures each piece stays juicy while boasting a crispy exterior.

Mapo Tofu

A delicious taste of Sichuan cuisine comes from serving mapo tofu hot over steamed rice.

This dish features soft tofu combined with ground pork in a spicy sauce.

Start by blanching cubed tofu in salted water for two minutes to enhance its texture.

After that, heat oil in a wok and fry minced garlic and ginger until they become fragrant.

Adding crispy ground pork brings depth to the flavor, followed by doubanjiang for spiciness that releases its rich essence when cooked briefly.

Finally, mix in the blanched tofu with chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns, allowing it to simmer so the flavors meld beautifully without breaking apart the delicate cubes of tofu.

Peking Duck

The dish is famous for its crispy skin and juicy meat, making it a delightful treat.

Preparing the duck requires drying it thoroughly by patting and brushing it with a mix of maltose, hot water, and vinegar.

After resting in the fridge uncovered for one to two days, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the duck breast-side up on a roasting rack after pricking its skin all over; roast it for about an hour and forty minutes while adjusting temperatures as necessary.

Enjoy your creation served alongside thin pancakes, sliced scallions, and hoisin sauce for an authentic touch at home.

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup offers a wonderful blend of flavors that can be easily prepared at home.

Key ingredients such as mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots create a satisfying texture.

Chicken broth serves as the base, while vinegar adds tanginess alongside spices like ginger and white pepper.

The cooking process involves simmering the broth with vegetables before incorporating tofu for a hearty touch.

A mixture of cornstarch and water thickens the soup to achieve just the right consistency.

Garnishing with green onions and cilantro enhances its taste just before serving this delicious dish as an appetizer or light meal.

Crispy Seaweed

A tasty side dish for any Chinese meal, crispy seaweed can easily be prepared at home.

This dish often uses cabbage or kale instead of real seaweed.

Start by slicing your greens thinly, then mix them with salt, sugar, and oil.

For a healthier option, an air fryer works well; cook the greens for about 7 minutes at 170°C (340°F).

Traditional frying requires a deep fryer heated to 180°C for around 30 seconds until they turn crispy.

After cooking, add a little more salt and sugar to enhance the flavor before serving right away.

Dumplings

A delightful feature of Chinese cuisine, dumplings can easily be prepared at home.

Many people enjoy the variety that these tasty pockets of dough offer, filled with either meat or vegetables.

Crafting the wrappers involves mixing flour and water until a smooth dough forms, then rolling it out thinly and cutting circles.

Filling each wrapper requires a small amount of ground meat or veggies mixed with flavorful seasonings before sealing them by folding and pinching the edges.

Cooking methods vary; steaming, boiling, or pan-frying can all bring out unique tastes in dumplings like pork and chive potstickers or soup-filled xiao long bao.

With some practice in wrapping techniques, anyone can create delicious homemade dumplings to savor anytime.

Beef with Broccoli

A tasty meal of beef with broccoli can easily be made at home.

Slicing the beef thinly against the grain helps it cook quickly and tenderly.

Marinating in soy sauce and cornstarch adds flavor and tenderness to the meat.

Broccoli florets should be blanched in boiling water for a short time, keeping them crisp and bright green.

High heat is essential when stir-frying; begin by cooking ginger and garlic before adding the broccoli back to the pan with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.

Egg Drop Soup

A comforting bowl of egg drop soup can be ready in just 15 minutes.

Begin with chicken stock, adding ginger and soy sauce, then bring it to a boil.

Reducing the heat allows for salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

A mixture of cornstarch and water thickens the soup slightly when stirred in.

Gradually pour in beaten eggs while stirring gently for lovely ribbons throughout.

For an extra touch, drizzle sesame oil before serving hot as a starter or on chilly days when warmth is needed most.

Egg Foo Young

A savory gravy made from chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch pairs wonderfully with Egg Foo Young.

This dish is a delightful blend of an omelet packed with vegetables and your choice of meat or seafood.

Whisking eggs together with bean sprouts, green onions, and proteins like pork or shrimp creates a rich flavor profile.

Cooking small portions in hot oil achieves a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tasty.

Preparing this dish at home brings joy to mealtime without much effort involved.

Lemon Chicken

Serving lemon chicken alongside steamed rice creates a tasty meal.

Garnishing with lemon slices and green onions adds a fresh touch.

This Chinese-American dish combines sweet and tangy flavors, making it a favorite among many.

Start by cutting chicken breasts into small pieces, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper.

Coating the seasoned chicken in cornstarch followed by beaten eggs results in a crispy texture when fried until golden brown.

For the sauce, blend lemon juice, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a pan until thickened before pouring it over the crispy pieces just before serving.

Moo Shu Pork

A delicious Chinese dish called Moo Shu Pork can be easily prepared at home.

Begin with pork strips, fresh vegetables, eggs, and flavorful seasonings.

Marinate the pork by mixing it with soy sauce and spices for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Scrambled eggs cooked in a hot wok add richness; set them aside once done.

Golden stir-fried pork pairs well with crunchy additions like wood ear mushrooms, lily buds, and cucumbers.

Finally, mix everything in the wok and finish off with soy sauce, salt, and white pepper before serving it alongside thin pancakes or crisp lettuce wraps for a delightful meal.

Vegetable Lo Mein

A quick and delicious meal awaits with homemade vegetable lo mein.

Begin by cooking lo mein noodles until they reach the perfect texture.

While the noodles are cooking, prepare your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers by chopping them into bite-sized pieces.

A hot wok or large skillet works well for sautéing these veggies until tender.

For a flavorful sauce, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic in a bowl.

Once everything is ready, mix the cooked noodles with the sautéed vegetables and pour over the sauce; give it all a good toss to ensure even coating before serving hot.

Pork Fried Noodles

Homemade pork fried noodles offer a delicious taste of Chinese cuisine.

Start with thin slices of pork, marinated for 20-30 minutes.

Cooking noodles according to package directions ensures they are just right.

A hot pan is perfect for stir-frying fresh vegetables like bok choy and onions, followed by the marinated pork until it turns white.

Bell peppers and carrots add crunchiness and vibrant color to the dish.

For added flavor, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, green onions or Chinese five spice before tossing everything together in the pan until heated through.

Serve this dish hot for a delightful meal that warms up any occasion!

Ma Po Eggplant

The vegetarian version of the classic Sichuan dish Ma Po Eggplant offers a flavorful experience.

Start by frying eggplant pieces until they turn golden brown, then set them aside.

A wok is perfect for cooking ginger and garlic to bring out their rich aromas.

For those who enjoy meat, ground pork can be added along with Sichuan peppercorns to deliver that signature numbing sensation.

Soy sauce, chili oil, and a touch of sugar mix in beautifully to create a balanced sauce that enhances the eggplant's taste.

After combining everything and allowing it to simmer briefly, finish with green onions as garnish before serving alongside steamed rice for an enjoyable meal filled with bold flavors.

Fried Rice

Quick and tasty, fried rice makes for a wonderful homemade dish.

Begin by preparing rice in advance, allowing it to cool completely.

In a large skillet or wok, warm some oil over medium heat.

Toss in diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions; sauté them until they soften nicely.

Create space in the pan to scramble eggs before mixing everything together thoroughly with the cooled rice for a few minutes of stir-frying.

Season generously with soy sauce, salt, and pepper; adding cooked chicken or shrimp can enhance its flavor even more while green onions provide a fresh touch before serving.

Orange Chicken

A satisfying meal awaits with homemade orange chicken served over rice.

Start by cutting chicken into small pieces and coating them with a mix of egg, flour, and cornstarch.

Fry these pieces until they turn golden brown for that perfect crunch.

For the sauce, blend orange juice, zest, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a pan before thickening it with a cornstarch slurry.

Toss the crispy chicken in this sweet and tangy sauce to create an irresistible flavor combination.

This popular Chinese-American dish is easy to prepare at home with just a few steps.

Hunan Chicken

Spicy flavors define Hunan chicken, a dish originating from the Hunan province of China.

Tender pieces of chicken mix with fresh vegetables in a rich sauce that excites the palate.

Slicing the chicken and marinating it in cornstarch and seasonings sets the stage for cooking.

Stir-frying until golden creates an inviting texture, followed by cooking garlic and crisp veggies such as broccoli, celery, and bell peppers in a hot wok.

A final stir-fry thickens everything beautifully; serving over steamed rice makes for an enjoyable meal experience at home.

Char Siu

Juicy, caramelized pork with a sticky glaze makes Char Siu a standout dish.

An essential part of the recipe involves preparing a marinade that adds rich flavor and beautiful color.

Combining soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, and other ingredients creates this special mixture.

After coating pork strips in the marinade, letting them sit for several hours enhances their taste.

When it's time to cook, setting the oven to 425°F (220°C) is important for optimal roasting conditions.

Placing the pork on a wire rack over hot water keeps it moist while basting with leftover marinade every 20 minutes ensures an irresistible finish.

Wonton Soup

A warm bowl of wonton soup brings comfort and satisfaction.

Start with a delicious broth made from chicken stock, ginger, and garlic simmering on the stove.

While this base simmers, prepare wontons by filling wrappers with a blend of ground pork, shrimp, and spices before folding them into neat shapes.

Once cooked in boiling water until they float to the top, add these delightful morsels to your broth along with fresh greens such as bok choy for added flavor.

Finish off by garnishing the soup with sliced scallions and a splash of sesame oil for extra richness.

Enjoy this homemade dish that warms both body and soul!

Steamed Buns

Homemade steamed buns, known as baozi or mantou, offer a delightful taste of Chinese cuisine.

Simple ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, and warm milk come together to create the dough.

After mixing and kneading the mixture for a while, letting it rise for about an hour is essential.

Once it has doubled in size, small balls can be shaped from the dough.

For those wanting filled buns, flattening each ball allows space for savory meats or sweet bean paste before sealing them up tightly.

Steaming these treats takes just 10-15 minutes until they become soft and fluffy.

General Tsos Chicken

Known for its sweet and spicy taste, General Tso’s Chicken is a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine.

Making this dish at home requires just a few essential ingredients.

Start with chicken cut into small pieces and coat them in cornstarch before frying until they turn crispy and golden.

For the sauce, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger; simmer this mixture until it thickens nicely.

Afterward, toss the fried chicken in the thickened sauce to ensure every piece gets coated well.

Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Chicken served over rice for a delicious meal that satisfies cravings.

Braised Pork Belly

This dish features pork belly, a beloved choice in Chinese cuisine known for its rich flavor and tender texture.

Thick pieces of pork belly are essential for the best results.

Begin by blanching the meat in boiling water to clear away any impurities.

A wok heated with oil and sugar sets the stage for cooking; adding ginger and scallions enhances aroma.

Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and water create a savory sauce that brings everything together when brought to a boil before simmering gently for around two hours.

Pork and Cabbage Dumplings

Cooking pork and cabbage dumplings at home brings a taste of tradition to your kitchen.

Begin with finely chopped Napa cabbage mixed with ground pork, spices, and seasonings for a flavorful filling.

A small scoop of this mixture goes onto each dumpling wrapper before folding and sealing the edges firmly.

Different cooking methods enhance their texture; pan-frying gives them a crispy base while steaming ensures tenderness inside.

Boiling is another option where dropping them into simmering water makes them float when ready.

Spring Rolls

Hot spring rolls make a fantastic snack or party treat.

Enjoy them with sweet chili sauce for a delightful dip.

Preparing these tasty bites at home is easy and requires just a few steps.

Start by filling wrappers with vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, along with shrimp or pork if desired.

Wrapping involves placing the filling on the wrapper, folding in the corners, and rolling it tightly before sealing it with beaten egg.

For cooking options, deep-frying gives them a crispy texture while air-frying offers a healthier alternative; cook until they turn golden brown for that perfect crunch.

Chow Mein

Chow mein offers a delightful taste of Chinese cuisine right in your kitchen.

This dish features noodles, colorful veggies, and usually some type of meat like chicken.

A delicious sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil elevates the flavor.

Cooking the noodles until they achieve a crispy texture adds an enjoyable crunch.

Including vegetables such as bok choy, mushrooms, and bean sprouts enhances both appearance and taste.

Preparing chow mein yourself gives you the freedom to customize ingredients according to personal preferences while creating a meal that surpasses takeout options in quality.

Dim Sum

Sharing small dishes at brunch defines the experience of dim sum.

Popular choices include steamed pork-and-mushroom shumai, which features a delicious filling of ground pork and shiitake mushrooms.

Fluffy buns filled with barbecue pork, known as baked char siu bao, add to the variety.

For those who prefer savory flavors, turnip cake combines shrimp, scallops, and Chinese sausage for a hearty option.

Sweetness comes from steam custard buns that are light and creamy.

A simple steamer can be made using just a plate and foil balls in water; this allows anyone to enjoy homemade dim sum without needing special tools or gadgets.

Szechuan Beef

A tasty meal awaits with homemade Szechuan beef served over rice.

Start by preparing a sauce using soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar for a balanced flavor.

While the sauce thickens, stir-fry colorful vegetables such as bell peppers and onions along with garlic for added aroma.

Thinly sliced beef gets marinated in soy sauce and cornstarch to enhance its tenderness before cooking.

Quickly sear the marinated meat in hot oil until it turns brown, then set it aside to maintain its juiciness.

Add heat with Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies to create that signature spicy kick in this delightful dish.

Sesame Chicken

Homemade sesame chicken offers a tasty mix of sweet and savory flavors.

Fried pieces of boneless chicken become golden and crispy after being coated with egg, flour, and cornstarch.

A simple sauce made from soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil adds rich taste when simmered until thick.

Once the fried chicken is tossed in this flavorful mixture, toasted sesame seeds provide an extra crunch on top.

Serving it over fluffy steamed rice makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Tender chunks of chicken glisten under the sticky glaze for an appealing dish at your table.

Dan Dan Noodles

In just 30 minutes, authentic Sichuan flavors come to life in your kitchen.

The process begins with preparing a rich sauce that blends sesame paste, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns.

A nutty and spicy profile emerges from this combination, enhanced by a unique numbing sensation.

Crispy ground pork adds texture on top of the wheat noodles along with pickled vegetables for a fresh touch.

Chinese Cooking Main Parts

Chinese cooking focuses on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The right balance of spices, sauces, and cooking methods brings out authentic taste.

Must-Have Spices & Sauces

Rice vinegar enhances dressings and sauces with its gentle tang, offering a less acidic option compared to Western varieties.

Oyster sauce contributes sweetness and depth to stir-fries and marinades, crafted from oyster extracts mixed with seasonings.

White pepper takes the spotlight in Chinese cooking for its earthy flavor that pairs well with numerous dishes.

Five-spice powder provides warmth through a blend of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns; use it carefully due to its intense taste.

Light soy sauce serves as a seasoning agent while dark soy sauce adds richness and color to recipes.

Fresh Produce & Protein Combos

Tofu serves as a flexible protein choice, available in various textures and easily soaking up flavors.

Fresh garlic and ginger are essential ingredients, enhancing the taste of stir-fries, soups, and marinades.

Green onions contribute a gentle onion flavor along with freshness to numerous recipes.

Napa cabbage frequently finds its way into stir-fries and dumplings because of its sweet taste and crunchy bite.

Eggs play a significant role in dishes like fried rice or egg drop soup by adding richness and protein.

All these ingredients come together to create the deliciousness that defines Chinese cuisine.

Simple Chinese Cooking Methods

Simple Chinese cooking methods make meal prep easier. Stir-frying, steaming, and braising help enhance flavors.

Quick Stir-Fry Guide

Stir-frying offers a speedy way to prepare meals, keeping ingredients vibrant and crunchy.

Start by heating a wok or large frying pan until it’s extremely hot, then pour in a little oil.

Cooking meats first allows for rich flavors; set them aside once done.

Next, add vegetables based on how long they take to cook, placing the tougher ones in first.

Towards the end of cooking time, drizzle in sauces for added flavor without overcooking them.

This method typically takes only minutes and ensures delicious results every time.

Steaming for Health

Cooking by steaming retains essential nutrients in food, making it a healthy choice.

A pot with a tight lid and a steamer basket are the only tools required.

Water should fill the pot without touching the basket, allowing steam to circulate freely.

Once boiling, place your food into the basket and cover it to let steam do its job.

Timing varies; vegetables usually need 3-5 minutes while dumplings may take 6-8 minutes to cook properly.

Regular checks help prevent overcooking and ensure everything remains tender and flavorful.