These 23 Chinese Recipes Are My Go-To For No-Fuss Family Meals
Dinner stops being a juggling act when the answer’s already picked. These meals don’t ask much but somehow still pull the family to the table. With 23 ways to make it happen, things just flow better around dinnertime. No extra groceries, no panic, just food that everyone agrees on fast.

Egg Drop Soup

A piping hot bowl that’s simple but still flavorful with its smooth and comforting texture. Egg Drop Soup has a unique silky finish that makes it perfect for anytime cravings. You’ll appreciate the balance of light textures in every sip. It’s one of those dishes that feels like it belongs at every table.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup
Chicken Chow Mein

Stir-fried noodles mixed with hearty chunks turn into a favorite in just minutes. Chicken Chow Mein is a workhorse meal that’s quick to make and easy to love. It’s a dish that brings both flavor and satisfaction without too much effort. Anytime you want something filling and straightforward, this is hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein
Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

The combination of crunchy and sweet sets this apart. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp gives a great contrast between its texture and sweetness without being overwhelming. Its balance makes it feel worth serving whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or anything bigger. If you’re after something that feels special and still easy, this is a go-to.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp
Sesame Chicken

There’s something about crispy chicken bites paired with a rich, flavorful sauce that always works. Sesame Chicken sticks out because of its hearty mix of texture and boldness. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why pairing crunchy and saucy is always a winner. Perfect as a stand-alone or alongside plenty of other favorites.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken
Bang Bang Shrimp

Packed with shrimp that have an unexpected kick you’ll love right away. Bang Bang Shrimp sets itself apart with its bold flavors paired with a slight crispiness. It feels like it’s meant for casual snacking or the centerpiece of a meal. Easy to prepare but the boldness always feels rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp
Chicken Fried Rice

Filling, simple, and adaptable to anything you’re in the mood for that day. Chicken Fried Rice has everything you need in one pan, from protein to carbs to flavor. It’s a throw-it-together meal that never fails to work in every situation. Perfect for serving family-style or saving leftovers with ease.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Vegetable Stir Fry

A one-skillet dish filled with a mix of textures that feels hearty without overthinking it. Vegetable Stir Fry makes eating something good feel simple every time. It’s an easy favorite whether you’re keeping things lighter or serving up a quick main dish. Perfect for pairing with rice or noodles without much trouble.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweetness balanced against the tangy makes this stand out as a must-have option. Sweet and Sour Sauce is one of those extras that can turn the simplest dish into something unforgettable. Whether it’s for dipping, drizzling, or tossing over a stir fry, it brings something unique to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce
Cashew Chicken

Cashew Chicken goes hand-in-hand with easy weeknight meals where you need something filling. The added layer of crunch makes this simple dish stand out from other options. A mix of tender chicken mixed with crunchy pieces that feels effortless but pleasing. Whether served on top of rice or by itself, it never feels boring.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Hot and Sour Soup

A clever mix of flavors that leans into the tangy with hearty bites throughout every scoop. Hot and Sour Soup shines because it’s such a great balance of richness without feeling heavy. Served often at big meals or casual lunches, it holds up well by itself or paired with other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

With tender chicken and crisp pieces of broccoli tossed together, this works every time. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is straightforward but reliable for endless occasions. It’s the perfect addition to busy weekday meals or something worth scaling up for gatherings. It’s hearty, delicious, and fits practically anywhere it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Shrimp Toast

Crispy on the outside with bites of shrimp inside make this an unmistakable appetizer favorite. Shrimp Toast is a classic that plays well for small family dinners or bigger special occasions. You won’t miss the effort it takes to bring this dish to life once it hits the table. Simple to make and quick to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast
Kung Pao Chicken

Stir-fried chicken mixed with something flavorful makes for good meal memories. Kung Pao Chicken creates layers of flavor that stay bold without much work to bring it together. It’s another one of those staples that works perfectly alongside rice or noodles. Plenty hearty without needing many extras during prep.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Fried Banana

A quick snack or dessert that turns bananas into something crispy and tasty. Fried Banana flips the usual sweet fruit into something fun that feels special when served fresh. Works well by itself or as a side dish for other meals you already love. Definitely something memorable when you’re after simple and quick options.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana
Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken with hints of freshness makes this stand apart when plated. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken is excellent when you’re after something lighter but still packed with flavor. It’s perfect on its own or joined with simple sides like rice. This dish always delivers without too much prep effort.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken
Egg Rolls

Crunchy outside with a filling inside makes this an irreplaceable choice every time. Egg Rolls fit well as snacks, starters, or a big part of the main meal lineup. They’re easy to plate, always enjoyed, and leave room to mix up what you serve alongside them. Great for small dinners, big gatherings, or any day you want something fun.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls
Sweet and Sour Pork

The blend of crispy bites and bold flavor turns this into a crowd favorite. Sweet and Sour Pork makes mixing textures with tangy flavors work perfectly. It’s ideal for pairing with simple rice or veggies or just enjoying on its own. No matter what you serve it with, it fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork
Easy Chow Mein

Noodles stir-fried together until everything feels just right create an instant favorite. Easy Chow Mein is dependable, filling, and doesn’t take much time at all to whip up. Perfect for adding extras if you’ve got them or keeping it simple when things are busy. Works for dinner, lunches, or last-minute meals alike.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein
Orange Chicken

Crispy bites of chicken combined with a touch of sweetness make this stand out. Orange Chicken is easy to spot as one of those dishes that works for any occasion. Great for sharing around family meal tables or pairing with side dishes like stir fry. Always keeps it simple but full of flavors people love.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Spicy Cucumber Salad

Cool slices paired with a surprising spicy kick turn this into something fresh and exciting. Spicy Cucumber Salad works well for serving as a side dish to bigger meals or keeping as a snack. Great for adding balance to plates that need something light without losing interesting flavors. It’s always quick to make and highly refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad
Sweet and Sour Chicken

Tangy when paired with sweetness lets this dish feel balanced and ready to go. Sweet and Sour Chicken takes center stage for quick family meals when things need simple prep. Best served with side options like rice or noodles to round out the plate. Its bold flavors always make this an easy choice to add to dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken
Tofu Fried Rice

Mixing fried rice with bursts of tofu makes this version light but still dependable. Tofu Fried Rice feels great as a primary meal option with whatever else you decide to add to it. Works well when keeping ingredients simple yet still whipping up something hearty. Minimal effort but still plenty rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice
General Tso’s Chicken

Bites of tender chicken tossed in bold flavors always make this stand out. General Tso’s Chicken belongs on meal tables where people want something filling yet full-on with texture. Served easily with sides like rice or greens, you can’t go wrong with this pick. The combination of sauce and crispy chicken keeps this topping favorite lists.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken
About the Author

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.
