I Keep These 23 Chinese Recipes On Hand For Fast, Flavor-Packed Dinners

Dinner can feel rushed, but flavor does not have to disappear. These 23 Chinese recipes bring bold taste with quick steps. Cooking feels fun, and the kitchen smells amazing in minutes. No long wait, just fast meals full of color and spice. Even busy nights turn into tasty moments. These recipes stay ready for easy, flavor-packed dinners anytime.

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.

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.

Crispy shrimp coated in a bold sauce with a touch of heat and a bit of creaminess. Bang Bang Shrimp is quick to make and bursting with flavors. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer, it pairs well with steamed rice or veggies. Keep it handy for a dinner that’s both delicious and easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

Stir-fried noodles, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables come together in a classic dish. Chicken Chow Mein brings a balance of textures and flavors to your table. Quick to cook, it’s your go-to choice for busy evenings. Great for those moments when you want something hearty and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh veggies cooked in a wok with simple seasonings make a vibrant and wholesome option. Vegetable Stir Fry is easy and ready in minutes, offering a helpful way to use up leftovers too. Serve it over rice or noodles for an easy dinner. Perfect for when you’re aiming for a lighter but flavorful meal.
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.

Tender chicken coated in a tangy sauce that’s balanced with just a touch of sweetness. Sweet and Sour Chicken hits that perfect spot of comforting and bold flavors. It’s a quick way to bring excitement to your usual routine. Just pair it with steamed rice to round out the dish in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour 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.

A warm and light soup made with silky egg ribbons and delicate flavors. Egg Drop Soup is simple yet comforting, ideal for pairing alongside other Chinese inspired dinners. Easy to prepare, it can complement almost any meal. Great to keep in your dinner rotation for its ease and taste.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

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.

Soft noodles tossed with fresh vegetables and a sauce make for a comforting option. Easy Chow Mein is ready to serve in little time and packs plenty of flavor. Works beautifully as a standalone dish or alongside your favorite Asian proteins. Perfect for when you’re craving something quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

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.

Fluffy rice stirred with tender chicken and light seasonings creates a simple yet flavorful dish. Chicken Fried Rice is quick to prepare and great for weeknight dinners. It’s an easy way to make use of leftovers while still serving up something tasty. Versatile enough to pair with other dishes for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

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.

Crispy shrimp glazed in a mild sweetness with a crunchy touch from walnuts is packed with texture. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp simplifies the cooking process while keeping the taste bold. A great option for when you want Chinese-inspired flavors without the deep frying. Perfect as a main dish or served alongside rice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut 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.

Bite-sized chicken pieces with a bit of spice and crispy nuts give this dish a bold flavor profile. Kung Pao Chicken is ready in less time than you’d think and ideal for busy nights. Perfect for mixing with rice to get every bit of its bold taste. It’s a sure way to keep something tasty at hand.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao 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.

Pork cooked to a tender finish with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that keeps things exciting. Sweet and Sour Pork is a timeless dish that’s easy to have on rotation. Pair it with steamed rice or veggies for a balanced dinner. Great for fast dinners when you want big flavors without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Fried Banana

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

Bite-sized treats that are crispy on the outside and soft inside add fun to your mealtime. Fried Banana brings a unique sweetness to your plate. It’s quick to whip up for a fast dessert option. Great as a side or snack when you’re craving something different.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

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.

A mix of crunch and tender bites makes dinner exciting and balanced. Cashew Chicken pairs well with rice or noodles for a simple meal. The subtle nutty touch blends perfectly with the sauce. This is great for nights when you need a quick but flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Cashew 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.

Crisp and golden slices with a juicy seafood filling inside make for a fun option. Shrimp Toast is perfect for adding variety without much effort. It’s handy when you want a quick appetizer or something light. A great way to sneak more seafood into your meals.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

A quick way to enjoy bold flavors with just the right bit of sweetness and spice. General Tso’s Chicken can make any meal pop with excitement. Perfect for serving alongside steamed veggies or rice. Great for busy nights when time is tight but flavor matters.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

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.

Tossed rice gets a fun twist with a protein-packed touch you’re not expecting. Tofu Fried Rice is an easy meal option loaded with flavor. It’s simple to prepare and works well for lunch or dinner. A dish you’d want to keep around for quick recipe ideas.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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.

Sticky, crunchy bites come together in no time for a quick meal fix. Sesame Chicken matches rice perfectly, making it a go-to option. It’s easy to make when your schedule is packed but still delicious. Something different to try on a weeknight rush.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Egg Rolls

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

Crispy rolls packed with tasty fillings give you something fun to munch on. Egg Rolls are great for serving as a snack or appetizer before dinner. They’re quick to fry up and always hit the mark when variety matters. A simple way to make something special.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

Fresh citrus notes mix with tender bites in a way that feels unique yet speedy. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken is just what you need for fast dinners. It pairs well with steamed veggies or noodles without being overcomplicated. A recipe that surprises with its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

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.

Cool and crunchy bites meet a hint of heat to keep things interesting. Spicy Cucumber Salad is perfect alongside rich dishes as an easy side. It’s fast to throw together when you need a pop of flavor on your plate. Great for those moments when simplicity matters most.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

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.

A tangy addition to your meals that’s quick to stir together and always a hit. Sweet and Sour Sauce can be used to change up veggies, or seafood. It’s handy to keep on hand for meals needing a flavor boost. A must-try for mixing things up at dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

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.

Sticky bites with a hint of sweetness marry well with a simple side. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe makes dinner decisions easier on busy days. It’s ready in no time and fits almost any plate you pair it with. A quick fix for adding variety to your routine.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Hot and Sour Soup

Bowl of hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tofu, and sliced green onions, with a spoon on the side.
Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A comforting bowl with punchy notes is ready quicker than you’d think. Hot and Sour Soup makes a side or main dish in minutes. Perfect for adding warmth and flavor to your table without much effort. It’s something you’ll be glad to have on hand for fast meal ideas.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

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.

Tangy bites coated in rich sauce make family meals more interesting. Orange Chicken is quick to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser. Great for pairing with rice or noodles on busy evenings. A simple go-to that feels special but is easy to make anytime.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

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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