Chinese cuisine is beloved worldwide for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and incredible versatility.
Whether you crave something savory and spicy, light and refreshing, or hearty and comforting, Chinese dinner recipes offer an endless variety of dishes to suit every palate.
From classic stir-fries and noodle dishes to comforting soups and mouthwatering mains, exploring Chinese cooking at home is a delicious way to bring vibrant flavors to your dinner table.
In this collection of over 28 Chinese dinner recipes, you’ll discover easy-to-make favorites and new culinary adventures that can transform your weeknight meals into an exciting feast.
28+ Must-Try Chinese Dinner Recipes for Every Occasion
Exploring these 28+ Chinese dinner recipes gives you a fantastic toolkit to enjoy authentic and flavorful meals right from your own kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just craving a taste of Chinese cuisine, these recipes cater to all skill levels and preferences.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can master dishes like kung pao chicken, beef and broccoli, or egg drop soup in no time.
Dive into this flavorful world and elevate your dinner routine with dishes that are as satisfying as they are memorable.
kung pao chicken
Kung pao chicken is a classic Sichuan dish known for its bold flavors, combining spicy, sweet, and savory elements with tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and vibrant vegetables.
This recipe brings authentic Chinese flavors to your dinner table with a perfect balance of heat and texture that makes it a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thigh, diced
- Peanuts
- Bell peppers
- Dried red chilies
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar
- Cornstarch for thickening
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and dried chilies until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Toss in bell peppers and peanuts.
- Mix in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar; cook until sauce thickens.
This dish is a flavorful, satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice, delivering a true taste of Chinese cuisine in your own kitchen.
beef and broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a simple yet classic Chinese takeout favorite that features tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli florets cooked in a savory, garlicky sauce.
It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s both nutritious and filling, perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients:
- Flank steak, thinly sliced
- Broccoli florets
- Garlic
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar
- Cornstarch to thicken sauce
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
- Marinate beef in soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Stir-fry garlic and beef until just cooked.
- Add broccoli and a splash of water, cover to steam slightly.
- Mix in oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
- Cook until sauce thickens and broccoli is tender-crisp.
Beef and broccoli is a delicious, wholesome meal that’s easy on the wallet and ready in minutes, making it a staple for busy weeknights.
egg fried rice
Egg fried rice is a quintessential Chinese dish that’s quick, economical, and endlessly versatile.
Using day-old rice, eggs, and a few simple ingredients, it transforms leftovers into a savory, satisfying meal that can stand alone or complement any main dish.
Ingredients:
- Cooked, chilled rice
- Eggs
- Green onions
- Soy sauce
- Peas and carrots (optional)
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
- Scramble eggs in a hot wok or skillet; set aside.
- Sauté green onions and vegetables until tender.
- Add rice and soy sauce; stir-fry until heated through.
- Mix eggs back in and drizzle with sesame oil.
Egg fried rice is a perfect quick-fix dinner that highlights simple ingredients with rich flavor, making it a comforting staple of Chinese home cooking.
general tso’s chicken
General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce.
It’s a crowd-pleaser known for its irresistible balance of flavors and crunchy texture, perfect for a special family dinner or takeout night at home.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch for coating
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sugar
- Dried red chilies (optional for heat)
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and deep-fry until crispy.
- In a separate pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and chilies.
- Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar to make the sauce.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
General Tso’s chicken is a delightful mix of crispy and saucy textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds, making it a perfect addition to your Chinese dinner repertoire.
mapo tofu
Mapo tofu is a traditional Sichuan dish featuring soft tofu in a bold, spicy sauce made with ground pork, fermented bean paste, and chili oil.
It’s known for its unique combination of numbing heat and deep umami flavors, offering a comforting and hearty meal that’s packed with character.
Ingredients:
- Soft tofu
- Ground pork
- Doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste)
- Garlic and ginger
- Sichuan peppercorns
- Soy sauce and chicken broth
Instructions:
- Cook ground pork with garlic, ginger, and doubanjiang until fragrant.
- Gently add tofu cubes and simmer in chicken broth and soy sauce.
- Sprinkle with ground Sichuan peppercorns for that signature numbing spice.
- Simmer until flavors meld and tofu is heated through.
Mapo tofu is a spicy, flavorful dish that brings authentic Sichuan heat to your dinner table, perfect for those who love bold Chinese flavors.
chow mein
Chow mein is a classic stir-fried noodle dish filled with a colorful mix of vegetables, tender meat or tofu, and a savory soy-based sauce.
It’s quick to prepare and easily customizable, making it a fantastic option for a satisfying and inexpensive Chinese dinner.
Ingredients:
- Egg noodles or chow mein noodles
- Chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu
- Mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts)
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil
Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and your choice of protein until cooked.
- Add vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
- Toss in noodles and sauces, stir-frying until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Chow mein is a versatile and flavorful dinner that captures the essence of Chinese street food, offering a deliciously easy meal that your whole family will love.
hot and sour soup
Hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese dish known for its perfect balance of spicy heat and tangy sourness, combined with a comforting broth filled with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
This soup is both refreshing and satisfying, making it a great starter or light dinner option.
Ingredients:
- Tofu
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Bamboo shoots
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper
- Cornstarch for thickening
- Egg
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a simmer and add sliced mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper to taste.
- Thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry.
- Slowly drizzle beaten egg into the hot soup to create silky ribbons.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro.
Hot and sour soup delivers bold flavors and a comforting warmth that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something flavorful but light.
sesame chicken
Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch for frying
- Soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar
- Garlic and ginger
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and deep-fry until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the sauce by mixing soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with chopped green onions.
Sesame chicken is a wonderful balance of crispy texture and sticky-sweet flavor, making it a family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
stir-fried green beans
Stir-fried green beans is a simple yet flavorful side or main dish in Chinese cuisine, featuring crisp green beans quickly cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
It’s a healthy, vibrant dish that adds a fresh crunch to any dinner table.
Ingredients:
- Fresh green beans
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil
- Optional: chili flakes for heat or ground pork for protein
Instructions:
- Blanch green beans briefly in boiling water, then drain.
- Stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add green beans and toss with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Cook until beans are tender but still crisp. Add chili flakes or ground pork if desired.
This stir-fried green beans recipe is a quick and healthy way to add a burst of flavor and texture to your Chinese dinner, complementing richer main dishes perfectly.
orange chicken
Orange chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish featuring crispy battered chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy orange glaze.
The vibrant citrus flavor combined with a slight hint of spice makes it a popular dinner choice for all ages.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch for coating
- Orange juice and zest
- Soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar
- Garlic and ginger
- Red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and fry until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the orange sauce by combining orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a pan.
- Simmer sauce until slightly thickened, then toss in fried chicken to coat evenly.
- Serve garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Orange chicken offers a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it a delicious dinner that brightens up any meal.
dumpling stir-fry
Dumpling stir-fry is a creative twist on traditional dumplings, where cooked dumplings are pan-fried with vegetables and a savory sauce to create a hearty and flavorful dinner.
It’s an easy and satisfying dish that combines texture and taste.
Ingredients:
- Frozen or fresh dumplings
- Bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce and hoisin sauce
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
- Cook dumplings according to package instructions (boil or steam).
- Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and vegetables until tender-crisp.
- Add cooked dumplings to the pan and toss gently.
- Pour in soy sauce and hoisin sauce; stir-fry until dumplings are coated and slightly crispy.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil.
This dumpling stir-fry is a flavorful and comforting dinner that’s quick to prepare and great for using up frozen dumplings in a new way.
garlic eggplant
Garlic eggplant is a savory and tender Chinese dish that features stir-fried eggplant in a rich garlic sauce.
This recipe is perfect for vegetable lovers seeking a flavorful, satisfying side or vegetarian main.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, cut into strips
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar
- Green onions for garnish
- Optional chili paste for heat
Instructions:
- Stir-fry eggplant in hot oil until soft and slightly browned.
- Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add sauces and sugar.
- Toss eggplant in the sauce, cooking until fully coated and tender.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and chili paste if desired.
Garlic eggplant delivers a rich, umami-packed flavor and silky texture, making it a wonderful addition to any Chinese dinner spread.
beef and broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese-American dish that pairs tender slices of beef with crisp broccoli florets in a savory soy-based sauce.
It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef (such as flank or sirloin)
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar
- Cornstarch for thickening
Instructions:
- Marinate beef slices in soy sauce and cornstarch briefly.
- Stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add beef and cook until browned.
- Toss in broccoli and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, then thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry.
Beef and broccoli is a balanced, hearty dinner full of rich flavors and satisfying textures, a reliable choice for any Chinese dinner night.
kung pao chicken
Kung pao chicken is a spicy, tangy stir-fry featuring diced chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a flavorful sauce. Originating from Sichuan cuisine, this dish is beloved for its bold flavors and crunchy texture.
Ingredients:
- Diced chicken breast or thigh
- Peanuts
- Bell peppers and scallions
- Garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies
- Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce
Instructions:
- Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and chilies until aromatic.
- Add chicken pieces and cook through.
- Toss in vegetables and peanuts, stir-frying briefly.
- Pour in a sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and hoisin sauce.
- Cook until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Kung pao chicken offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, making it a thrilling and flavorful option for your Chinese dinner rotation.
egg fried rice
Egg fried rice is a quick and easy Chinese dish made with cooked rice stir-fried alongside eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce.
It’s a versatile side or main dish that can be customized with leftover ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Cooked day-old rice
- Eggs
- Peas, carrots, and green onions
- Soy sauce and sesame oil
Instructions:
- Scramble eggs in a hot pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables until tender.
- Add cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing well.
- Stir in scrambled eggs and drizzle sesame oil before serving.
Egg fried rice is a comforting and adaptable dish that’s essential for any Chinese dinner, offering both convenience and deliciousness.
mapo tofu
Mapo tofu is a traditional Sichuan dish that combines silky soft tofu with a spicy, flavorful sauce made from fermented bean paste, chili oil, and ground pork.
This dish is rich in bold flavors and perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dinner.
Ingredients:
- Soft tofu
- Ground pork
- Doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste)
- Garlic, ginger, and green onions
- Soy sauce, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns
Instructions:
- Brown the ground pork in a pan with garlic and ginger.
- Add doubanjiang and chili oil, stirring to release their aroma.
- Gently add tofu cubes and simmer in the sauce.
- Sprinkle ground Sichuan peppercorns and chopped green onions before serving.
Mapo tofu delivers a spicy, numbing, and savory experience that brings authentic Sichuan flavors right to your dinner table.
char siu pork
Char siu pork is a Cantonese-style barbecued pork with a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully when roasted.
It’s tender, juicy, and packed with a deliciously sticky exterior.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder or pork belly
- Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey
- Chinese five-spice powder
- Garlic and red food coloring (optional for traditional color)
Instructions:
- Marinate pork in a mixture of hoisin, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and five-spice powder for several hours.
- Roast the pork until cooked through and caramelized on the outside.
- Slice thinly and serve with steamed rice or in buns.
Char siu pork is a fantastic centerpiece for any Chinese dinner, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors.
shrimp fried rice
Shrimp fried rice is a quick and delicious dish where shrimp, rice, eggs, and vegetables come together in a savory stir-fry.
It’s light yet filling, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Eggs
- Peas, carrots, and green onions
- Soy sauce and sesame oil
Instructions:
- Cook shrimp until pink and set aside.
- Scramble eggs in the pan, then add vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
- Add rice and soy sauce, mixing well.
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together, finishing with a drizzle of sesame oil.
Shrimp fried rice is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
sweet and sour pork
Sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese dish featuring crispy fried pork pieces coated in a vibrant, tangy sauce made from vinegar, ketchup, and sugar.
It’s a delightful balance of flavors that’s both savory and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch for coating
- Pineapple chunks and bell peppers
- Vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce
Instructions:
- Coat pork pieces in cornstarch and deep-fry until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the sweet and sour sauce by mixing vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce.
- Stir-fry pineapple and bell peppers briefly, then add the sauce and cooked pork.
- Toss everything together until the pork is evenly coated.
Sweet and sour pork offers a perfect harmony of crispy texture and bright flavors, making it a timeless favorite for dinner.
hot and sour soup
Hot and sour soup is a flavorful and comforting Chinese soup known for its spicy and tangy broth filled with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
It’s a great starter or light dinner option full of complex tastes.
Ingredients:
- Tofu and shiitake mushrooms
- Bamboo shoots and wood ear mushrooms
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Soy sauce, vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste
- Egg, lightly beaten
Instructions:
- Simmer broth with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
- Season with soy sauce, vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste to taste.
- Slowly drizzle in the egg to create silky egg ribbons.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Hot and sour soup delivers a warming and satisfying experience with a bold mix of flavors and textures that awaken your palate.
chow mein
Chow mein is a beloved Chinese stir-fried noodle dish made with crispy or soft noodles tossed with vegetables, protein, and a savory sauce.
It’s quick, versatile, and packed with satisfying flavors.
Ingredients:
- Egg noodles
- Cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts
- Chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic
Instructions:
- Cook noodles until al dente and set aside.
- Stir-fry garlic and protein choice until cooked.
- Add vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
- Toss noodles with soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing thoroughly.
Chow mein is a perfect dinner dish for noodle lovers, offering a delicious combination of savory sauce and fresh ingredients in every bite.
general tso’s chicken
General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce.
It’s a crowd-pleaser with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch for coating
- Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes
- Garlic and ginger
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and deep-fry until golden and crispy.
- In a separate pan, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
General Tso’s chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors with a crispy texture that makes it a fantastic choice for dinner.
lo mein
Lo mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that features soft egg noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, meat, or tofu, all coated in a savory soy-based sauce.
It’s a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Egg noodles
- Mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas)
- Chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil
Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Stir-fry your choice of protein until cooked.
- Add vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
- Toss noodles with protein, vegetables, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Lo mein is a versatile and comforting dish that can be customized easily, making it a perfect option for a quick and flavorful dinner.
egg drop soup
Egg drop soup is a simple and soothing Chinese soup made by slowly pouring beaten eggs into hot broth, creating silky egg ribbons.
It’s light yet flavorful, perfect as a starter or a light meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Eggs, lightly beaten
- Cornstarch slurry for thickening
- Soy sauce and white pepper
- Scallions for garnish
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a simmer and thicken slightly with cornstarch slurry.
- Slowly drizzle in beaten eggs while stirring gently to form egg ribbons.
- Season with soy sauce and white pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Egg drop soup is a comforting and quick-to-make dish that brings warmth and subtle flavors to your Chinese dinner menu.
kung pao chicken
Kung Pao chicken is a spicy, tangy stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces, peanuts, and vegetables all tossed in a flavorful sauce with a hint of sweetness and heat.
This dish is a staple in Sichuan cuisine and loved for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
- Diced chicken breast or thighs
- Roasted peanuts
- Bell peppers and green onions
- Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and dried chili peppers
- Garlic and ginger
Instructions:
- Stir-fry chicken until cooked through.
- Add garlic, ginger, and dried chili peppers, sautéing briefly.
- Toss in bell peppers, green onions, and peanuts.
- Pour in the sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, and sugar, cooking until thickened.
Kung Pao chicken offers a delightful combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with a crunchy texture that makes it a perfect dinner choice.
beef and broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese-American dish featuring tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli florets cooked in a savory soy-garlic sauce.
It’s a nutritious and well-balanced dinner option that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak)
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger
- Cornstarch for thickening
Instructions:
- Marinate beef slices briefly in soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Stir-fry beef until browned and remove from the pan.
- Stir-fry broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Return beef to the pan and add garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, and soy sauce.
- Cook until sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
Beef and broccoli is a comforting and nutritious meal that combines tender meat with fresh vegetables in a flavorful sauce.
chinese eggplant stir fry
Chinese eggplant stir fry is a delicious vegetarian dish featuring tender eggplant cooked in a savory, slightly sweet garlic sauce.
This dish is rich in flavor and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
Ingredients:
- Chinese eggplants, cut into strips
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar
- Scallions and sesame oil
Instructions:
- Stir-fry eggplant until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Pour in a sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, and sugar, cooking until thickened.
- Garnish with scallions and drizzle sesame oil before serving.
This eggplant stir fry is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a tasty vegetable-forward dinner.
Conclusion
Chinese dinner recipes are more than just meals—they’re a celebration of culture, tradition, and bold tastes that bring people together. This collection of 28+ recipes offers something for everyone, from quick weeknight stir-fries to more elaborate dishes perfect for special occasions. As you experiment with these recipes, you’ll not only create delicious dinners but also gain a deeper appreciation for the art of Chinese cooking. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful journey of flavors that awaits you.
