33 Chinese Recipes for When Plain Isn’t Doing It

Whenever plain food just isn’t enough, 33 Chinese recipes can offer a welcome change to your routine. Weeknights sometimes need an upgrade, and that’s easier when new ideas are at your fingertips. Busy days call for options that bring a little energy back to the table. Everyone deserves a meal that feels a little special without much extra fuss.

Hot and Sour Soup

The sharp aroma of this Hot and Sour Soup brings warmth and excitement with every spoonful. Tangy yet peppery, it’s the kind of soup that wakes up even the sleepiest evening. I have served this at dinner parties where the pot empties faster than anything else. One bowl always leaves people asking why they never make it at home.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Egg Roll

Crunchy in every bite, this Egg Roll creates a satisfying contrast to soft stir fry or steamed rice. A golden shell hides a burst of flavor that works great for both snacks and appetizers. I wrap extras in foil to pack for picnics or school lunches. The last egg roll on the tray is always gone before you can blink.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Sticky glaze and juicy chunks set this Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken apart from regular weeknight chicken. It brings sweet and savory together so well that people stop and ask what makes it so special. I keep leftovers for lunch because the flavors become even richer overnight.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

Bright colors and crisp textures make this Vegetable Stir Fry an appealing way to enjoy a healthy meal. Whether served over rice or noodles, the veggies stay the star. I usually make extra to eat for lunch the next day, knowing the crunch won’t disappear. It’s fun to watch how quickly curious eaters go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Scallion Pancakes

Pan-fried until perfectly golden, these Scallion Pancakes offer a chewy bite and a burst of oniony aroma. Each round disappears fast from the plate, leaving only a faint memory of its crispy edge. I find these hold up well in lunchboxes as an unusual side. Most people can’t figure out how you get layers so light and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Pancakes

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Saucy and full of protein, this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry keeps dinner simple without losing excitement. Plenty of crunch in the veggies balances every tender bite of chicken. I whip this up on nights when time is tight yet everyone wants a real meal. Requests for seconds almost always follow the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Sweet and Sour Pork

A glossy coat and juicy interior make this Sweet and Sour Pork stand out whenever it lands on the table. Tangy sauce draws you in, while every piece stays juicy and memorable. I enjoy how leftovers transform into quick meals the next day. Guests often hope you made a double batch.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy and sweet, this Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp sparks interest even with picky eaters. The pairing of golden nuts and tender shrimp feels special enough for a celebration but simple enough for dinner at home. I love how the shrimp stay crunchy, not soggy, thanks to the air fryer. This dish disappears especially fast, even when there are other options.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

Chicken Chow Mein

Noodles mingle with crisp veggies in this Chicken Chow Mein, making it hard to pass up a second helping. Each plate feels heartier than takeout, while staying lighter on the wallet. I often find myself prepping noodles ahead of time for speedy meals later. Satisfied faces around the table say everything you need to know.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Savory Tofu Fried Rice

Even devoted meat-eaters come back for more of this Savory Tofu Fried Rice because each bite brings flavor and texture. The tofu stays brown and springy, pairing perfectly with fast-fried rice. I save a bowl for busy lunches since it heats up perfectly. Things become pretty quiet when everyone sits down to enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: Savory Tofu Fried Rice

Chow Mein

Soft noodles and quick-cooked veggies help this Chow Mein become an instant weeknight victory. Every forkful has a gentle sauce and a hint of chew, making each bite memorable. I double the batch for easy leftover lunches. It’s rare to find even a strand left in the pan by the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Chow Mein

Chinese Steamed Chicken

Gentle cooking keeps this Chinese Steamed Chicken extra tender, perfect for lighter dinners with big flavor. Delicate flavors shine through and invite healthy sides to the table. I refrigerate extra pieces for quick protein in salad bowls later. People always wonder how chicken can be so soft and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed Chicken

Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

A crisp coating and a pop of peppery heat make this Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp popular with people who like bold flavors. Each shrimp pack just enough spice to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. I serve these as a fun appetizer or with rice for a full meal. Sparked conversations usually follow as folks guess what makes them so good.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Sweet and Sour Sauce pulls double duty, brightening stir fries and moonlighting as a dip for crispy egg rolls alike. Balanced tang and sweetness give everything it touches a big upgrade. I pour leftovers into small jars for use all week. Dishes get scraped clean when this sauce is around.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

General Tso’s Chicken

Sweet heat and a crunch in every bite put this General Tso’s Chicken front and center on any dinner spread. While it feels restaurant-fancy, the smiles say it’s welcome any night at home. I dish out extra because everyone scoops more than they planned. The pan usually needs soaking by the end.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Cool, crunchy slices with a little heat make this Spicy Cucumber Salad a top pick for lighter sides. Bright flavors pair well with everything from fried rice to simple grilled meat. I pack leftovers for work because the taste stays bright and fresh. These cucumbers always go first at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Caramelized Fried Banana

Warm, sticky slices covered in a sweet glaze turn this Caramelized Fried Banana into an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. Crunchy on top and soft inside, each coin disappears as quickly as it lands on plates. I top ice cream with a spoonful for a fast upgrade. Most people marvel at how such simple fruit becomes dessert magic.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana

Crispy Sesame Chicken

Every bite of this Crispy Sesame Chicken crackles with flavor, sticking to the fork thanks to a shiny sauce. Whether served over rice or alone, it never feels out of place on a party table. I find children heap this onto their plates with zero hesitation. Clean plates usually signal it was the night’s top pick.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sesame Chicken

Shrimp Fried Rice

Succulent shrimp and fluffy rice crowd every spoonful of this Shrimp Fried Rice, making what could be a side into the star of the meal. The bright colors and quick finish mean less time in the kitchen and more at the table. I like saving enough to fill lunchboxes for tomorrow. Curious eaters soon forget about takeout.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Egg Drop Soup

Threads of silky egg swim in savory broth within this Egg Drop Soup, perfect for warming up a cool evening or quick lunch. Gentle and inviting, it brings comfort without weighing you down. I pack leftovers for school lunches in small thermoses. There’s a quiet thrill in watching the pale ribbons float and swirl.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Cashew Chicken

Crispy bits meet roasted nuts in this Cashew Chicken, which brings saltiness and gentle crunch to the plate. Crowd-pleasers like this often vanish before you can serve seconds. I mix the leftovers into salads for easy, protein-rich lunches. The first time guests try it, they ask where the dish gets its character.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Egg Fried Rice

Fluffy grains dotted with golden egg bits make this Egg Fried Rice tough to resist at any meal. It’s both quick and comforting, perfect for cleaning out the fridge while staying full of flavor. I scoop it into small bowls for snack time or lunchboxes. Someone always asks for just a little more.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

Candied Tanghulu

Sticky, shiny, and crunchy, this Candied Tanghulu adds a sweet finish to any meal or gathering. Bright fruit encased in crystal-clear sugar delivers a snap you can hear across the room. I enjoy making these for birthday parties or fun weekend treats. Guests are both curious and impressed by these sweet skewers.
Get the Recipe: Candied Tanghulu

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Sharp citrus and juicy bites make this Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken a sunny dish for gray days. The tangy flavor never overpowers, letting the chicken shine through. I toss the leftovers into simple wraps for lunch. Ending the meal, people wonder aloud what made the dish so bright.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Crispy Egg Rolls

Golden wrappers and savory filling keep these Crispy Egg Rolls front and center at snack tables and parties. They hold up to dips and get grabbed off the plate even by picky eaters. I always stack extras on the tray since everyone asks for seconds. These never seem to make it home as leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Egg Rolls

Beef and Broccoli

Robust flavors and tender greens make this Beef and Broccoli a dinner staple, turning even simple steamed rice into a special meal. Veggies retain crunch while beef stays melt-in-your-mouth soft. I set aside portions for easy work lunches. Restaurant orders never seem as good after tasting this at home.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Bright sauce and crispy coating invite everyone to dig into this Sweet and Sour Chicken. Balancing sweet and tang with just enough crunch, it works as both an entree and a crowd-pleasing appetizer. I fill boxes for lunches, knowing the flavor won’t fade. People passing the dish always remark on the bold color.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Crispy Shrimp Toast

Slices of toast topped with a crunchy shrimp blend make this Crispy Shrimp Toast a must for snack lovers. Each bite bursts with briny flavor and a bit of chew. I cut leftovers into strips for an easy snack on the go. Finger food rarely feels this fun at home.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast

Kung Pao Chicken

Numbing spice, roasted nuts, and saucy chicken make this Kung Pao Chicken stand out for weeknights and gatherings. Layers of texture and flavor keep things interesting with each bite. I serve over steamed rice or tuck the leftovers into wraps. Bold eaters never miss a chance to grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Pork Fried Rice

Big flavor and comfort go hand in hand in this Pork Fried Rice, as savory pieces mingle with fluffy rice for fast, filling meals. Each spoonful tastes a bit different, with plenty to explore. I make extra for late-night snacks. Leftovers vanish so fast that people wonder if you doubled the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Sweet Orange Chicken

Bright and glossy, this Sweet Orange Chicken wins fans with every forkful thanks to its fruity sauce and bubbly crust. Children and adults both cheer when it hits the table. I box up leftovers for easy, grab-and-go lunch options. Orange chicken may never taste the same from takeout after this.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Orange Chicken

Bang Bang Shrimp

Creamy, spicy sauce clings to each crisp shrimp in this Bang Bang Shrimp, bringing fun to dinner without much work. The right mix of sweet heat grabs your attention. I serve these at parties or for appetizers when friends visit. Questions about what makes it so special always pop up.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Wonton Soup

Gentle broth, soft dumplings, and bits of veggies mark this Wonton Soup as both comforting and nourishing. An easy slurp makes it a favorite among kids and adults. I divide leftovers into small bowls for work lunches. Requests always come in for “just one more dumpling.”
Get the Recipe: Wonton Soup