I Rely On These 23 Chinese Dishes For Easy Wins On Weeknights

Weeknights can feel busy and rushed, with little time to cook. These 23 Chinese dishes bring easy wins every time. Each one is quick, full of flavor, and perfect with simple sides. No need for fancy tools or long steps—just tasty food fast. These dishes always bring smiles and empty plates by the end.

Close-up of sweet and sour pork with chunks of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, garnished with sesame seeds and chives.
Sweet and Sour Pork. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crisp and tender bites coated in a creamy, mildly spicy sauce make Bang Bang Shrimp a simple option for evenings. It’s quick, easy, and tastes like restaurant food in no time. Perfect for pairing with rice or noodles without much hassle. A go-to when you’re short on time but still craving something flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stir-fried goodness meets bold flavors with Kung Pao Chicken on your plate. Packed with just the right amount of heat for a hearty meal. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a weeknight dependable. It’s saucy, delicious, and perfect over rice for dinner in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Egg Drop Soup

A comforting bowl of egg drop soup elegantly garnished with fresh cilantro, vibrant chives, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Smooth, warm, and comforting, Egg Drop Soup is perfect for when you need something quick. Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, it’s light yet fulfilling. With its minimal prep, it’s ideal to whip up during busy evenings. All you need is a few pantry staples for a bowl of goodness.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Chicken Chow Mein

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chicken in a pan, featuring carrots, cabbage, and green onions.
Chicken Chow Mein. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fast and easy, Chicken Chow Mein is always a hit for last-minute meals. With noodles that soak in all the flavors, it makes dinner time stress-free. It’s a dish that works every time, no matter how rushed you feel. Just toss everything together, and you’re ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Packed with color and crunch, Vegetable Stir Fry is the answer to a quick veggie-packed meal. It’s a simple way to enjoy fresh ingredients, ready in a snap. Perfect with rice or as a side, it’s versatile for any dinner lineup. Great for when you want something light but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Close-up of sweet and sour chicken with bell peppers and pineapple chunks in a thick sauce.
Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crispy pieces covered in a tangy sauce make Sweet and Sour Chicken an easy win for dinner. The balance of flavors makes it perfect without requiring excessive effort. Whether paired with rice or noodles, it’s a great choice for busy nights. Easy prep and big flavors make it a simple go-to.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of honey walnut shrimp topped with green onions.
Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweetness and crunch come together with Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp in record time. Making this dish is a breeze thanks to the air fryer. It’s great for those nights when you want dinner fast without sacrificing taste. Serve it with rice or greens for an easy and tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Inspired by restaurant flavors, Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is simple enough for weeknights. The sauce adds just the right touch to juicy chicken. It’s a solid pick when you want something dependable yet easy. Perfect for pairing with steamed veggies or rice when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A spoon rests inside a glass jar filled with a thick, brown liquid.
Sweet and Sour Sauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Adding bold flavors to your meal is effortless with Sweet and Sour Sauce around. Just a little effort brings that tangy balance to life. It’s a great sidekick for chicken, pork, or veggies, making any dish pop with taste. A quick solution when you need flavor without complication.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Close-up of a stir-fry dish with chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, and sesame seeds, coated in a soy-based sauce.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A quick toss with fresh ingredients brings Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry together effortlessly. With tender chicken and crisp veggies, it’s a balanced meal. Perfect for any hectic night when you need dinner to come together in minutes. Try it with rice or noodles for easy, fulfilling meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Fried Banana

A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce.
Fried Banana. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm and crispy, Fried Banana offers a simple way to enjoy a sweet treat. It’s one of those recipes that’s quick to prepare and always delivers. Great for dessert after meals or as a snack when craving something sugary. Perfect for trying out when time is short and craving sweetness calls.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Tofu Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with grilled tofu, diced carrots, peas, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of dark sauce, served on a red cloth.
Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A quick stir brings together rice, tofu, and vegetables in Tofu Fried Rice with no fuss. It’s wholesome, quick, and works perfectly for busy evenings. Ideal for last-minute dinners when you want something filling. Ready in minutes, this dish is simplicity at its best.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

A colorful salad with shredded carrots, zucchini, chicken, orange slices, and sesame seeds on a brown plate, garnished with fresh herbs.
Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tangy and fragrant, Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken is the answer to an effortlessly flavorful dinner. Shredded and citrusy chicken makes meal planning easy. It’s great for adding variety to weeknights without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with simple sides, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Chicken Fried Rice

Close-up of chicken fried rice with peas, carrots, sliced green onions, and chopsticks.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tossed together in no time, Chicken Fried Rice is perfect for those evenings when you need something quick. It’s a mix that’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table. Scrumptious flavors all blend well, making it a go-to dish for busy nights. Cooking it feels effortless, and you’ll get a warm comfort meal in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Close-up of sliced cucumbers garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes.
Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Ready in moments, Spicy Cucumber Salad adds a refreshing kick to light up your dinner routine. It’s a simple option that contrasts bold heat with crisp freshness. Perfect for pairing with a heavier dish or enjoying on its own. Quick to whip up, it’s a flavor-packed addition to a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

General Tso’s Chicken

Stir-fried chicken pieces in a spicy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, served in a round metal dish on an orange placemat.
General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re after bold and rich bites, General Tso’s Chicken should be next on your list. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice comes together seamlessly. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but takes little time. With its irresistible combination, it’s a win on any hectic weeknight.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread.
Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crispy bites like Shrimp Toast can turn an ordinary evening into a more exciting dinner experience. It’s light yet delicious, making it ideal for enjoying alongside other dishes. Quick to prepare and loaded with flavor, it takes minimal effort to create magic in minutes. A reliable option when you’re stuck with little time but want something different.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A lively combination of sweet and tangy comes alive through Orange Chicken, giving your meal more character. It’s easy to put together, even when you’re in a rush. Perfect for keeping everyone happy without overthinking dinner plans. Feel free to rely on this dish during busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Easy Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When noodles are calling, Easy Chow Mein is your answer for getting dinner ready fast. It’s a simple way to bring tasty flavors together into one colorful plate. You’ll love how effortless it is to cook while serving up something different. Perfect when time is short but appetites are big.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For something simple yet delicious, Sesame Chicken delivers on those hurried nights. The flavors come together quickly, giving you that tasty satisfaction without much prep. It pairs well with nearly anything you’ve got lying around. Quick, easy, and dependable for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Egg Rolls

Vegan egg rolls in a wooden tray.
Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you want something fun to snack on or serve alongside a main dish, Egg Rolls are the answer. Crispy and loaded with flavor, they’re a great addition to round out your meal. Quick to prepare and easy to enjoy for every kind of eater. They’re perfect to rely on when you need a no-hassle option.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Cashew Chicken

Close-up of Cashew Chicken featuring tender chicken, broccoli, edamame, cashews, and red bell peppers. This delightful dish is topped with sesame seeds and served over a bed of rice.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Nutty and full of flavor, Cashew Chicken makes dinner a little more interesting. It’s a dish that’s fun to make and even better to eat. Perfect for easy wins when you’re craving something hearty without the stress. It’s a reliable pick for any midweek meal.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Sweet and Sour Pork

Close-up of sweet and sour pork with chunks of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, garnished with sesame seeds and chives.
Sweet and Sour Pork. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A mix of bold and balanced flavor comes to life with Sweet and Sour Pork, making it a solid choice for busy nights. It’s quick to cook yet offers something different to shake up your routine. Perfect for when you don’t have much time but want something delicious. It blends opposites beautifully, creating an easy dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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