15 Delicious Chinese Dinner Recipes You Can Make at Home

by

Chinese cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, colors, and textures, perfect for dinner at home.

Whether you crave something spicy, savory, or sweet, Chinese recipes offer a variety of dishes that satisfy every palate.

From classic favorites like Kung Pao Chicken and Mapo Tofu to lighter vegetable stir-fries and flavorful seafood, there’s a recipe for every occasion.

Learning to cook these dishes at home allows you to enjoy authentic flavors while customizing ingredients to your taste.

Here are 15 Chinese dinner recipes that will transform your meals into a culinary adventure.

15 Delicious Chinese Dinner Recipes You Can Make at Home

Exploring Chinese dinner recipes opens a world of flavor, creativity, and enjoyment in your kitchen.

These 15 dishes showcase a variety of techniques, ingredients, and textures that can suit busy weeknights or special occasions.

Cooking at home allows you to adjust spice levels, ingredients, and portion sizes to your preference.

Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or an experienced foodie, these recipes provide inspiration and confidence.

With these flavorful recipes, your family and friends will enjoy authentic Chinese dishes without leaving home.

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a spicy and flavorful dish originating from Sichuan province.

Silky tofu cubes are cooked in a savory, chili-infused sauce with ground pork and aromatic seasonings.

The combination of soft tofu and bold spices creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients:

  • 400g soft tofu, cubed
  • 150g ground pork
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat and toast the Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant.
  2. Remove peppercorns and sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
  3. Add ground pork and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in doubanjiang and cook for another minute.
  5. Gently add tofu cubes and pour in chicken broth.
  6. Season with soy sauce and sugar.
  7. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Mapo Tofu delivers a perfect balance of spiciness and savory depth.

The soft tofu absorbs the flavors, creating a silky and satisfying texture.

It is a comforting yet bold dish ideal for dinner.

This authentic Sichuan recipe will impress anyone with its heat and flavor.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork is a vibrant dish loved across China.

Crispy pork pieces are coated in a tangy sauce made from vinegar, ketchup, and sugar.

Colorful vegetables add freshness and crunch to this iconic recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 500g pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions:

  1. Coat pork pieces in egg and cornstarch.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and fry pork until golden and crispy.
  3. Remove pork and sauté bell peppers and onions until slightly softened.
  4. Add pineapple chunks and stir for 1 minute.
  5. Mix ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl to make the sauce.
  6. Pour sauce into the pan and cook until it thickens slightly.
  7. Return pork to the pan and toss to coat with sauce.
  8. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Sweet and Sour Pork combines crispy, tender pork with a tangy, sweet sauce.

The colorful vegetables and pineapple add vibrancy and freshness.

It is a festive dish perfect for family dinners or parties.

The balance of flavors makes this classic Chinese recipe irresistible.

Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli is a classic stir-fry that is simple yet deeply satisfying.

Tender slices of beef are seared and paired with crisp, bright green broccoli florets.

The savory sauce ties all the ingredients together for a hearty, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

  • 400g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. Marinate beef with soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry garlic for 20 seconds.
  3. Add beef slices and cook until browned but tender.
  4. Remove beef and stir-fry broccoli in the same wok for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Mix broth, oyster sauce, and sugar in a small bowl.
  6. Return beef to the wok and pour sauce over everything.
  7. Stir-fry together until sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Beef and Broccoli is a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful dish.

The tender beef and crisp broccoli create a satisfying contrast of textures.

It is a simple yet classic choice for a Chinese dinner.

This dish is quick to make but full of rich, savory taste.

Chinese Egg Fried Rice

Chinese Egg Fried Rice is a versatile and satisfying side or main dish.

Fluffy rice is stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings for a flavorful meal.

It is quick, comforting, and perfect for using leftover rice.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup peas and carrots, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked.
  3. Add cooked rice and stir-fry to break up clumps.
  4. Mix in peas, carrots, and green onions.
  5. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice.
  6. Stir-fry everything until well combined and heated through.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot as a side or main dish.

Egg Fried Rice is light, fluffy, and packed with subtle flavors.

The vegetables and eggs provide texture and color.

It pairs perfectly with other Chinese dishes for a balanced meal.

This simple recipe is quick, satisfying, and universally loved.

Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken

Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken is a rich, savory, and slightly sweet dish.

Chicken thighs are marinated, pan-seared, and coated with a glossy soy-honey glaze.

It delivers a succulent, tender texture and deep flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 500g chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
  2. Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  4. Place chicken skin-side down and cook until golden brown.
  5. Flip chicken and cook until fully done.
  6. Pour remaining marinade into the pan and simmer until thickened.
  7. Coat chicken with the glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
  8. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.

Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken offers a tender, juicy bite with a glossy, flavorful coating.

The balance of sweet and savory flavors is irresistible.

It makes a perfect centerpiece for any dinner.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality taste into your home kitchen effortlessly.

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its bold, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Crispy fried chicken pieces are coated in a sticky, tangy sauce and paired with lightly sautéed vegetables.

This dish is a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, making it irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Marinate chicken in soy sauce for 15 minutes.
  2. Coat chicken in egg and cornstarch.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden and crispy.
  4. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
  6. Add vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chili flakes, and chicken broth to make the sauce.
  7. Return chicken to the pan and toss until coated in the sauce.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

General Tso’s Chicken combines crispy chicken with a sticky, flavorful sauce.

The tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce makes it highly addictive.

It is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

This dish brings bold flavors and satisfying textures to your table.

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a comforting Chinese soup with a tangy and spicy kick.

Tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots are simmered in a flavorful broth thickened with cornstarch.

The combination of heat, sourness, and umami makes it a perfect appetizer or light dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 100g firm tofu, cubed
  • 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Bring broth to a boil in a pot.
  2. Add tofu, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste.
  4. Slowly pour in the beaten egg while stirring to create ribbons.
  5. Add cornstarch mixture and cook until soup thickens.
  6. Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
  8. Serve hot as a starter or light meal.

Hot and Sour Soup is rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

The balance of spice and tanginess stimulates the taste buds.

It is an ideal appetizer or a comforting dinner option.

This soup is simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful.

Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic Sauce

Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic Sauce is a quick and vibrant Chinese dish.

Juicy shrimp are sautéed with vegetables and coated in a garlicky, savory sauce.

It is bright, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 400g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup snow peas
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. Marinate shrimp in soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Sauté garlic until fragrant for 20 seconds.
  4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and firm.
  5. Remove shrimp and stir-fry bell pepper and snow peas for 2 minutes.
  6. Return shrimp to the pan and pour in chicken broth and sugar.
  7. Toss everything together until coated in the sauce.
  8. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic Sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and full of flavor.

The shrimp remain tender while the vegetables stay crisp.

It is quick, healthy, and perfect for a light dinner.

This dish brings freshness and bold flavor to your dining table.

Chinese Lemon Chicken

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a tangy, sweet, and crispy dish loved by many.

Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a zesty lemon sauce that is both refreshing and savory.

It is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for dinner or special occasions.

Ingredients:

  • 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Coat chicken pieces in egg and cornstarch.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden and crispy.
  3. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In a small pan, combine lemon juice, sugar, soy sauce, and ginger.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir in cornstarch mixture until thickened.
  6. Pour lemon sauce over fried chicken and toss to coat.
  7. Garnish with lemon slices before serving.
  8. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.

Chinese Lemon Chicken is crispy, tangy, and sweet with a vibrant flavor.

The lemon sauce adds a refreshing zing that enhances the chicken.

It is perfect for family dinners or festive occasions.

This dish is bright, flavorful, and visually appealing.

Moo Shu Vegetables

Moo Shu Vegetables is a stir-fried Chinese dish full of color and texture.

Cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, and eggs are cooked with a savory hoisin sauce and wrapped in soft pancakes.

It is light, flavorful, and fun to eat.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cabbage, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 4-6 Chinese pancakes or tortillas
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a wok and scramble eggs, then remove and set aside.
  2. Stir-fry cabbage, mushrooms, and carrots for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add soy sauce and hoisin sauce, mixing well.
  4. Return scrambled eggs to the pan and toss everything together.
  5. Warm the pancakes briefly before serving.
  6. Spoon vegetable mixture onto each pancake and roll up.
  7. Garnish with green onions if desired.
  8. Serve immediately as a light dinner or lunch.

Moo Shu Vegetables is colorful, flavorful, and satisfying.

The vegetables remain crisp while the eggs add richness.

It is a fun and interactive dish that everyone enjoys.

This recipe is healthy, delicious, and perfect for a casual meal.

Chinese Garlic Bok Choy

Chinese Garlic Bok Choy is a simple yet flavorful vegetable stir-fry.

Tender bok choy leaves are sautéed with garlic and soy sauce, creating a fragrant and healthy dish.

It is light, fresh, and a perfect side to any Chinese meal.

Ingredients:

  • 500g bok choy, washed and trimmed
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add bok choy and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but crisp.
  4. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the bok choy.
  5. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
  6. Season with salt to taste.
  7. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate.
  8. Serve immediately as a side dish.

Chinese Garlic Bok Choy is fresh, tender, and aromatic.

The garlic and soy sauce enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetable.

It is a healthy and quick side dish.

This simple recipe pairs perfectly with any main course.

Szechuan Spicy Noodles

Szechuan Spicy Noodles are bold, flavorful, and slightly numbing.

Soft noodles are tossed in a spicy, garlicky, and savory sauce with chili oil and Szechuan peppercorns.

It is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 300g noodles of choice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili oil
  • 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, toasted
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

  1. Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
  3. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, Szechuan peppercorns, and sugar.
  4. Toss cooked noodles into the sauce until well coated.
  5. Stir in chopped green onions.
  6. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
  8. Enjoy hot for maximum flavor.

Szechuan Spicy Noodles are bold, aromatic, and full of heat.

The chili oil and Szechuan peppercorns create a unique numbing spiciness.

It is perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

This dish is vibrant, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a sweet, crunchy, and creamy seafood dish.

Crispy fried shrimp are coated in a honey-mayonnaise glaze and topped with candied walnuts.

It is indulgent, flavorful, and perfect for a special dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 400g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Toast walnuts in a pan, then simmer with sugar and water to candy them.
  2. Marinate shrimp with egg white and coat in cornstarch.
  3. Heat oil and fry shrimp until golden and crispy.
  4. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice.
  5. Toss fried shrimp in the honey-mayonnaise sauce.
  6. Add candied walnuts and mix gently.
  7. Transfer to a serving plate.
  8. Serve immediately.

Honey Walnut Shrimp is crispy, sweet, and creamy in every bite.

The candied walnuts add texture and a nutty flavor.

It is perfect for a festive or special dinner.

This dish is indulgent, flavorful, and visually stunning.

Cantonese Steamed Fish

Cantonese Steamed Fish is light, fresh, and delicately flavored.

Fresh fish is steamed with ginger, soy sauce, and green onions to enhance its natural taste.

It is a healthy, elegant dish perfect for any meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole fish (about 500g), cleaned and scaled
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 slices ginger
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place fish on a heatproof plate and rub with a little salt.
  2. Lay ginger slices over the fish.
  3. Steam the fish over boiling water for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Heat oil in a small pan.
  5. Pour soy sauce over the steamed fish.
  6. Drizzle hot oil over the fish to release aroma.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onions.
  8. Serve immediately while hot.

Cantonese Steamed Fish is delicate, fragrant, and healthy.

The steaming method preserves the natural flavor of the fish.

It is an elegant and light dish for any dinner.

This recipe is simple, nutritious, and full of flavor.

Chinese Eggplant in Garlic Sauce

Chinese Eggplant in Garlic Sauce is soft, savory, and flavorful.

Eggplants are stir-fried until tender and coated in a rich garlic-soy sauce.

It is a comforting vegetarian dish perfect for dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium eggplants, cut into strips
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add eggplant strips and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  3. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water, then pour over eggplants.
  4. Simmer until eggplant is soft.
  5. Stir in cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
  6. Cook for another minute until glossy.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onions.
  8. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Chinese Eggplant in Garlic Sauce is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.

The garlic sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the eggplant.

It is a comforting and satisfying vegetarian dish.

This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for dinner.

Jessica T. Brown

Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn't just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.

Leave a Comment