10+ Best Chinese Recipes You Need To Try Once

Chinese cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and aromas that can transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Beijing or the serene landscapes of Sichuan.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just dipping your toes into the world of Chinese cooking, these recipes are guaranteed to hit the spot.

From comforting noodles to crispy appetizers, we’ve got you covered with dishes that are easy to make and impossible to resist.

Ready to spice up your kitchen game? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a culinary journey through some of the best Chinese recipes you’ll ever taste.

These dishes are not only delicious but also bring a piece of Chinese culture right to your dining table. Let’s dive in!

1. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that’s equal parts spicy, sweet, and savory.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing your friends at a dinner party.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 3-4 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• Green onions for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet and stir-fry the chicken until cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and dried chilies until fragrant.
4. Add bell peppers and cook until tender.
5. Toss in the chicken, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir well.
6. Add peanuts and garnish with green onions before serving.

Why We Chose It:
Kung Pao Chicken is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, and for good reason.

It’s a flavor bomb that’s easy to whip up and always hits the spot.

2. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This dish is a takeout favorite that you can easily recreate at home. Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce make it a winner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water

How to Make It:

1. Marinate the beef in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry the beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and broccoli until tender.
4. Add oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water. Stir well.
5. Return the beef to the pan and toss everything together.

Why We Chose It:
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a comforting dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. It’s a no-brainer for busy weeknights.

3. Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice is the ultimate side dish that can also stand on its own. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup peas and carrots, diced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a wok and scramble the eggs. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté peas and carrots until tender.
3. Add rice and stir-fry until heated through.
4. Mix in the eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Why We Chose It:
Egg Fried Rice is a versatile dish that’s perfect for using up leftovers. It’s quick, easy, and always satisfying.

4. Sweet and Sour Tofu

For a vegetarian twist on a classic, Sweet and Sour Tofu is a must-try. It’s crispy, tangy, and downright addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar

How to Make It:

1. Coat tofu in cornstarch and pan-fry until crispy. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté bell peppers and pineapple until tender.
3. Mix ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar in a bowl.
4. Add the sauce to the pan and stir until thickened.
5. Toss in the tofu and coat evenly.

Why We Chose It:
Sweet and Sour Tofu is a vegetarian delight that’s packed with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic dish without the meat.

5. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a comforting bowl of warmth that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s tangy, spicy, and loaded with textures.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp chili paste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Green onions for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Bring broth to a boil and add mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots.
2. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste.
3. Slowly pour in the beaten egg while stirring.
4. Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the soup.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Why We Chose It:
Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Chinese dish that’s both comforting and invigorating. It’s a must-try for soup lovers.

6. Spring Rolls

Spring Rolls are crispy, crunchy, and perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. They’re easier to make than you might think!

Ingredients:

• 10 spring roll wrappers
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. Mix cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
2. Place a spoonful of the mixture on a spring roll wrapper and roll tightly.
3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the spring rolls until golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Why We Chose It:
Spring Rolls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re crispy, flavorful, and fun to make.

7. Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a Sichuan classic that’s spicy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 block soft tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Green onions for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a wok and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add doubanjiang and stir well.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add tofu and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
6. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Why We Chose It:
Mapo Tofu is a fiery dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s a great way to experience the boldness of Sichuan cuisine.

8. Chow Mein

Chow Mein is a noodle dish that’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

How to Make It:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts until tender.
3. Add noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss well.
4. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Why We Chose It:
Chow Mein is a versatile dish that’s perfect for using up whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s quick, easy, and always delicious.

9. General Tso’s Cauliflower

For a vegetarian twist on a classic, General Tso’s Cauliflower is a must-try. It’s crispy, tangy, and downright addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp chili paste
• Green onions for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Coat cauliflower in cornstarch and pan-fry until crispy. Set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chili paste.
3. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat.
4. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Why We Chose It:
General Tso’s Cauliflower is a vegetarian delight that’s packed with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic dish without the meat.

10. Wonton Soup

Wonton Soup is a comforting bowl of warmth that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s light, flavorful, and loaded with textures.

Ingredients:

• 20 wonton wrappers
• 1/2 lb ground chicken
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup bok choy, chopped

How to Make It:

1. Mix ground chicken, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
2. Place a spoonful of the mixture on a wonton wrapper and fold into a triangle.
3. Bring broth to a boil and add wontons. Cook until they float to the top.
4. Add bok choy and cook until tender.

Why We Chose It:
Wonton Soup is a classic Chinese dish that’s both comforting and invigorating. It’s a must-try for soup lovers.

11. Sesame Noodles

Sesame Noodles are a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. They’re creamy, nutty, and totally addictive.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz noodles
• 2 tbsp sesame paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

How to Make It:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil.
3. Toss the noodles in the sauce until well-coated.
4. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Why We Chose It:
Sesame Noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re quick, easy, and always satisfying.

Conclusion

There you have it—11 of the best Chinese recipes you need to try at least once in your life.

Whether you’re craving something spicy, sweet, or savory, these dishes have got you covered.

So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, grab your wok, and start cooking!