Get ready to bring a taste of China to your dinner table without leaving your house! With these 18 flavorful Chinese takeout recipes, you can satisfy your cravings for Kung Pao chicken, beef and broccoli, sweet and sour pork, and many more. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook looking for inspiration, this collection has something for everyone.
From classic stir-fries to savory noodle dishes, these recipes will transport you to the bustling streets of Beijing, Shanghai, and beyond. And the best part? They’re all surprisingly easy to make, even on the most hectic nights. So why wait? Dive in and discover the secrets to recreating your favorite Chinese takeout dishes from scratch.
Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts and Chili
This classic Chinese dish is a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and nutty flavors. Crispy chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers come together in a flavorful stir-fry that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup peanuts
– 1/4 cup chili peppers (Szechuan peppercorns or red bell pepper), sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add garlic, ginger, peanuts, and chili peppers; stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Add soy sauce, cornstarch mixture, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that combines tender beef strips with crunchy broccoli and savory oyster sauce, all in a quick and easy stir-fry.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef striploin or sirloin, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from wok and set aside.
3. In the same wok, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add broccoli to wok and cook until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Return beef strips to wok and pour in oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rice or noodles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Bell Peppers
This classic Chinese-inspired dish combines the flavors of sweet and sour with the crunch of fresh pineapple and bell peppers. Serve it as a main course or use it as a topping for rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 cup cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp of oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add pineapple and bell peppers to the pan. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in sweet and sour sauce. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return the pork to the pan and stir to coat with the sauce.
7. Serve hot over cooked rice (if using). Enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken with Crispy Coating
This classic Chinese-American dish combines crispy coated chicken with a sweet and spicy General Tso’s sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together cornstarch, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge chicken pieces in the coating mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook coated chicken for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Transfer chicken to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together General Tso’s sauce and chicken broth. Serve sauce warm over crispy coated chicken.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Shrimp Fried Rice with Scallions and Eggs
This recipe combines the flavors of shrimp, scallions, and eggs with a savory fried rice dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 green onions, thinly sliced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: soy sauce, oyster sauce (for added flavor)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and scramble the eggs until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside with the shrimp.
4. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until translucent, about 1 minute.
5. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6. Add the cooked shrimp, eggs, and scallions to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute, until well combined.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired sauces (such as soy sauce or oyster sauce).
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total.
Mapo Tofu with Spicy Sichuan Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this classic mapo tofu recipe, featuring a spicy and savory sauce that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
– 1/4 cup of Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 cup of chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the wok and set aside.
3. In the same wok, add the garlic, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, chili bean paste, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the tofu back into the wok and stir to combine with the sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Orange Chicken with Zesty Glaze
This recipe combines the sweetness of orange marmalade with the savory flavors of chicken and a hint of spice, creating a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together marmalade, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger.
5. Pour glaze over chicken and stir to coat.
6. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Pork Dumplings with Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce
Transform your Chinese New Year celebrations or weeknight dinner with these juicy pork dumplings, served with a tangy and savory soy-ginger dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
For the dumplings:
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the dipping sauce:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed ginger juice (or 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger)
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, flour, cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
2. Wrap small balls of the mixture in wonton wrappers, sealing edges by pressing or crimping.
3. Cook dumplings in boiling water for 5-7 minutes or pan-fry until golden brown.
4. For the dipping sauce, whisk together soy sauce, ginger juice, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Serve dumplings hot with the soy-ginger dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chow Mein with Noodles and Mixed Vegetables
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that combines stir-fried noodles with a medley of colorful vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. thin rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until onion is translucent.
4. Add bell peppers, snow peas, and bean sprouts; cook for 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Add cooked noodles to the skillet; stir-fry for 1 minute.
6. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions (if using).
8. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms
This classic Chinese soup combines the tanginess of vinegar and soy sauce with the creaminess of tofu and mushrooms, creating a flavorful and comforting meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy this hot and sour delight in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, whisk together broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and add tofu, mushrooms, and sesame oil. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Ladle into bowls and garnish with scallions.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cashew Chicken with Stir-Fried Vegetables
A flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the richness of cashews with the savory taste of chicken, all wrapped up in a stir-fry with a variety of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from wok.
3. Add more oil if needed, then add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add broccoli, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Add cashews and cooked chicken back into the wok. Stir-fry for an additional minute to combine flavors.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Egg Foo Young with Gravy and Bean Sprouts
Egg Foo Young is a classic Chinese omelette dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe adds the savory touch of gravy and crunchy bean sprouts for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup bean sprouts
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Gravy mix (available at most Asian grocery stores) or homemade gravy
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk eggs with salt and pepper until frothy.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until almost set, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Loosen edges with a spatula and flip. Cook for another minute.
5. Serve with gravy (homemade or store-bought) and bean sprouts.
Cooking Time: About 10 minutes
Sesame Chicken with Honey Glaze
A sweet and savory twist on classic chicken, this Sesame Chicken with Honey Glaze recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. Crunchy sesame seeds and sticky honey glaze come together to create a mouthwatering combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and ginger.
3. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread sesame seeds on a plate and toss chicken pieces in the seeds until coated.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange chicken pieces.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Wonton Soup with Pork and Shrimp Filling
This traditional Cantonese soup is a comforting and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delicate wontons filled with pork and shrimp, you’ll be enjoying a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/4 cup chopped cooked shrimp
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 8 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped shrimp, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press edges together to seal.
3. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Bring chicken broth to a boil. Add wontons and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
5. Serve hot, garnished with thinly sliced scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lo Mein with Garlic and Soy Sauce
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the comforting noodles of lo mein with the savory flavors of garlic and soy sauce, making for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked lo mein noodles
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the lo mein noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions (if desired).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes.
Peking Duck Pancakes with Hoisin Sauce
Experience the authentic flavors of Beijing with this simple and delicious recipe for Peking duck pancakes, served with a rich hoisin sauce. This classic dish is perfect for special occasions or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round pancake wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
– Sliced Peking duck or alternative protein (e.g., chicken or tofu)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place a pancake wrapper in the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, until slightly puffed and browned.
3. Brush the top of the pancake with some hoisin sauce and sprinkle with minced garlic.
4. Add sliced Peking duck or alternative protein on top of the pancake.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 10-15 minutes for cooking the pancakes and preparing the ingredients.
Salt and Pepper Shrimp with Crispy Shell
A flavorful and addictive Chinese-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp with a crispy shell, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer. This recipe is easy to make and packed with savory flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
3. Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten egg, then roll in additional flour to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the coated shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce
Get ready to wrap up a flavorful treat with these crispy vegetable spring rolls served with a sweet and spicy kick. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, this recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and scallions)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt to taste
– Sweet Chili Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, heat garlic and soy sauce mixture for 30 seconds.
4. Assemble spring rolls by placing cooked vegetable mixture on the center of each wrapper, brush edges with water, and roll up tightly.
5. Fry spring rolls in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Serve with Sweet Chili Sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to bring the flavors of Chinese takeout into your own kitchen! This collection of 18 recipes is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and delicious meal. From classic dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry, to sweet treats like Sweet and Sour Pork and Orange Chicken, there’s something for everyone. With a range of flavors and textures, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling full and content. So go ahead, give them a try, and enjoy the taste of China from the comfort of your own home!
Leave a Reply