15 Delicious Chinese Lunch Recipes You’ll Love

Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and balanced textures, making it perfect for lunch.

From savory stir-fries to comforting noodle bowls, Chinese dishes offer a variety of quick, flavorful meals that satisfy any craving.

These 15 Chinese Lunch Recipes showcase easy-to-make dishes that bring authentic flavors to your midday meal.

Each recipe incorporates fresh vegetables, proteins, and classic sauces to create a balanced, delicious, and satisfying lunch experience.

Whether you’re packing lunch for work or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these recipes make Chinese cuisine accessible, versatile, and enjoyable.

15 Delicious Chinese Lunch Recipes You’ll Love

Chinese cuisine provides endless inspiration for flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying lunches.

With these 15 recipes, you can enjoy a variety of dishes that are quick, balanced, and full of authentic taste.

From stir-fries and fried rice to noodle bowls and dumplings, there’s a Chinese lunch recipe for every preference.

These recipes prove that homemade Chinese lunches can be both convenient and exciting.

Experimenting with fresh ingredients, sauces, and spices ensures each dish is delicious, vibrant, and perfectly suited to your taste.

Kung Pao Chicken

This Kung Pao Chicken is spicy, savory, and full of bold flavors.

Tender chicken pieces are stir-fried with peanuts, bell peppers, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep with a balance of protein and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine chicken with 1 tsp soy sauce and cornstarch.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
• Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
• Toss in bell peppers and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
• Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables, stir well, and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Sprinkle peanuts on top before serving.

This dish is savory, spicy, and nutty.

Bell peppers provide crunch while peanuts add texture and flavor.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Bold, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This beef and broccoli stir-fry is tender, savory, and quick to prepare.

Thinly sliced beef is cooked with crisp broccoli in a flavorful garlic-soy sauce.

Perfect for lunch, weeknight dinners, or healthy meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Toss beef slices with 1 tsp soy sauce and cornstarch.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook beef until browned and remove from the skillet.
• Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add broccoli and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
• Return beef to the skillet and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
• Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Serve hot with steamed rice.

This stir-fry is savory, tender, and satisfying.

Broccoli adds freshness while beef provides rich protein.

Perfect for lunch, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

Flavorful, hearty, and balanced.

Sweet and Sour Pork

This sweet and sour pork is tangy, crispy, and full of flavor.

Pork pieces are battered, fried, and tossed in a colorful sweet and sour sauce with bell peppers and pineapple.

Perfect for lunch, potlucks, or family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork tenderloin, cubed
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup pineapple chunks
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Toss pork cubes in cornstarch, then dip in beaten egg.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry pork until golden and cooked through.
• Remove pork and sauté bell peppers for 2–3 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.
• Pour sauce over bell peppers, add pineapple, and return pork to the skillet.
• Stir well to coat and cook for another 2 minutes.

This dish is crispy, tangy, and colorful.

Bell peppers and pineapple provide sweetness while pork adds richness.

Perfect for lunch, family meals, or potlucks.

Bold, flavorful, and satisfying.

Shrimp Fried Rice

This shrimp fried rice is flavorful, colorful, and perfect for a satisfying lunch.

Shrimp, rice, vegetables, and eggs are stir-fried in a savory soy sauce mixture for a complete meal.

Ideal for quick lunches, meal prep, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup peas and carrots
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
• Add eggs to the skillet and scramble until just cooked.
• Stir in rice, peas, carrots, and green onions.
• Return shrimp to the skillet and add soy sauce and sesame oil.
• Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until evenly combined.

This fried rice is savory, colorful, and filling.

Shrimp adds protein while vegetables provide freshness and texture.

Perfect for lunch, quick dinners, or meal prep.

Delicious, balanced, and satisfying.

Mapo Tofu

This Mapo Tofu is spicy, savory, and full of bold Szechuan flavors.

Soft tofu and ground pork are cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce with garlic, ginger, and chili bean paste.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or pairing with steamed rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 block soft tofu, cubed
• ½ lb ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp chili bean paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ cup chicken broth

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
• Add ground pork and cook until browned.
• Stir in chili bean paste, soy sauce, and sugar.
• Gently fold in tofu cubes and pour in chicken broth.
• Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
• Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

This dish is spicy, savory, and aromatic.

Tofu absorbs the rich sauce while pork adds protein and texture.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or pairing with rice.

Bold, flavorful, and satisfying.

General Tso’s Chicken

This General Tso’s Chicken is sweet, spicy, and deeply flavorful.

Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a tangy sauce with garlic, ginger, soy, and chili for a restaurant-style lunch.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep with a balance of protein and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

• Coat chicken cubes in cornstarch evenly.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry chicken until golden and crispy.
• Remove chicken and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
• In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
• Add sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
• Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
• Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

This dish is sweet, tangy, and lightly spicy.

Crispy chicken contrasts with the rich sauce for a flavorful bite.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Bold, satisfying, and aromatic.

Chicken Chow Mein

This Chicken Chow Mein is savory, tender, and packed with vegetables.

Soft noodles are stir-fried with chicken, cabbage, carrots, and a soy-based sauce for a wholesome lunch.

Ideal for quick lunches, office meals, or family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 1 cup chicken breast, sliced thinly
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• ½ cup carrots, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Stir-fry chicken until cooked through and lightly browned.
• Add garlic, cabbage, and carrots and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
• Toss in cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
• Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes until everything is coated and heated through.

This chow mein is savory, tender, and flavorful.

Vegetables add crunch while chicken provides protein.

Perfect for lunch, quick dinners, or meal prep.

Delicious, balanced, and satisfying.

Hot and Sour Soup

This Hot and Sour Soup is tangy, spicy, and comforting.

Tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots are cooked in a flavorful broth with vinegar, soy sauce, and chili for a warming lunch.

Ideal for light lunches, starters, or a cozy meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup tofu, cubed
• ¼ cup bamboo shoots, sliced
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp chili paste
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 green onion, chopped

Instructions:

• Bring broth to a boil in a pot.
• Add tofu, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste.
• Slowly add cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
• Drizzle in beaten egg while stirring gently.
• Garnish with chopped green onion before serving.

This soup is tangy, spicy, and warming.

Tofu adds protein while mushrooms contribute depth and texture.

Perfect for lunch, light meals, or starters.

Comforting, flavorful, and satisfying.

Beef Lo Mein

This Beef Lo Mein is savory, tender, and loaded with vegetables.

Soft noodles are tossed with beef, broccoli, bell peppers, and a soy-based sauce for a hearty lunch.

Perfect for lunch, quick dinners, or meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz lo mein noodles
• 1 cup beef, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
• Heat oil in a skillet and cook beef until browned.
• Add garlic, broccoli, and bell pepper, stir-frying for 2–3 minutes.
• Toss in noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
• Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated.

This lo mein is savory, tender, and colorful.

Beef provides richness while vegetables add crunch and freshness.

Perfect for lunch, dinners, or meal prep.

Delicious, balanced, and satisfying.

General Tso’s Tofu

This General Tso’s Tofu is spicy, crispy, and full of bold flavors.

Crispy tofu cubes are tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce for a vegetarian lunch.

Ideal for lunch, weeknight dinners, or meatless meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

• Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch to coat evenly.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry tofu until golden and crispy.
• Remove tofu and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
• Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
• Add sauce to the skillet, return tofu, and toss to coat.
• Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

This dish is sweet, tangy, and spicy.

Crispy tofu absorbs the rich sauce for maximum flavor.

Perfect for lunch, meatless meals, or meal prep.

Bold, flavorful, and satisfying.

Szechuan Eggplant

This Szechuan Eggplant is spicy, savory, and tender.

Eggplant is stir-fried with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chili paste for a bold and flavorful lunch.

Perfect for vegetarian lunches, side dishes, or meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
• Add eggplant cubes and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until tender.
• In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sugar.
• Pour sauce over eggplant and stir to coat evenly.
• Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

This dish is spicy, savory, and tender.

Eggplant soaks up the sauce while green onions add freshness.

Perfect for lunch, vegetarian meals, or meal prep.

Bold, flavorful, and satisfying.

Honey Walnut Shrimp

This Honey Walnut Shrimp is sweet, creamy, and lightly crispy.

Tender shrimp are coated in a light batter, fried, and tossed with a honey-mayo sauce and candied walnuts.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp rice vinegar
• ¼ cup candied walnuts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Toss shrimp in cornstarch until lightly coated.
• Heat oil in a skillet and fry shrimp until golden and cooked through.
• In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Toss cooked shrimp in the sauce and add candied walnuts.
• Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

This dish is sweet, creamy, and crunchy.

Shrimp provides protein while walnuts add texture and flavor.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or special meals.

Flavorful, rich, and satisfying.

Pork and Vegetable Dumplings

These pork and vegetable dumplings are savory, tender, and satisfying.

Ground pork is combined with cabbage, ginger, and garlic, then wrapped and steamed or pan-fried.

Perfect for lunch, appetizers, or potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 24 dumpling wrappers
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine pork, cabbage, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
• Place a small spoonful of filling in each dumpling wrapper.
• Fold and seal edges using water.
• Steam for 8–10 minutes or pan-fry with a splash of water until cooked through.
• Serve hot with soy sauce or dipping sauce.

These dumplings are savory, tender, and flavorful.

Cabbage adds crunch while pork provides richness and protein.

Perfect for lunch, snacks, or potlucks.

Delicious, satisfying, and comforting.

Vegetable Lo Mein

This Vegetable Lo Mein is colorful, tender, and savory.

Soft noodles are stir-fried with carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a soy-based sauce for a wholesome lunch.

Ideal for vegetarian lunches, office meals, or quick dinners.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz lo mein noodles
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
• Heat oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Toss in noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
• Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until everything is evenly coated.

This lo mein is colorful, tender, and savory.

Vegetables provide crunch while noodles absorb flavorful sauce.

Perfect for lunch, quick dinners, or vegetarian meal prep.

Balanced, tasty, and satisfying.

Orange Chicken

This Orange Chicken is sweet, tangy, and lightly crispy.

Chicken pieces are fried and coated in a citrusy sauce with garlic, ginger, and orange zest for a flavorful lunch.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or family meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp orange juice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

• Coat chicken cubes in cornstarch and fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
• In a small bowl, mix orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest.
• Pour sauce into a skillet and bring to a simmer.
• Add fried chicken and toss to coat in the sauce.
• Cook for another 2–3 minutes and serve hot over rice.

This dish is sweet, tangy, and flavorful.

Crispy chicken contrasts with the rich citrus sauce for a satisfying bite.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or family meals.

Delicious, bold, and satisfying.