I Keep These 23 Chinese Dishes In My Rotation Every Busy Week

The week gets chaotic fast, so dinner needs to pull its weight. That’s where these 23 Chinese dishes prove they deserve a permanent spot in the rotation. They work whether the fridge is full or running low. Plus, everyone actually finishes their plate, which saves the whole “eat something” struggle.

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.

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.

Crunchy chicken pieces and a sauce with a mix of sweet and tangy flavors make General Tso’s Chicken something you won’t get tired of. The bold flavor stands out from the first bite. Its thick coating gives it an extra texture that’s hard to ignore. It’s great when you need something that feels hearty but quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick-cooking veggies tossed together in a hot pan make Vegetable Stir Fry a smart choice for busy days. Each bite comes with a mix of textures that you can easily enjoy. It skips over heavy sauces yet remains full of flavor. Perfect for when you’re craving something simple and healthy that still fills you up.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

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.

Tossed noodles with veggies, meats, and mild flavors make Easy Chow Mein simple without sacrificing anything. It’s a quick way to feed everyone at once. The slightly chewy noodles blend well with everything else. Perfect for when you want something quick and filling that feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

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.

Tasty chicken paired with crunchy broccoli turns Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry into a balanced meal. The combination feels light but filling. It’s quick to make, making it ideal when time isn’t on your side. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this dish checks all your boxes effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

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.

Fried shrimp coated in a creamy and sweet sauce turns Bang Bang Shrimp into something worth repeating. The crispy texture stays intact underneath its rich topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together fast. Great for days when you want a seafood dish that’s easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

Combining cooked rice, eggs, and chicken makes Chicken Fried Rice an easy go-to dish. It’s versatile, quick, and always rewarding after a busy day. The mix feels hearty yet doesn’t need much to come together nicely. Great for using leftovers while still creating something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

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.

Warm broth with silky cooked egg spread throughout gives Egg Drop Soup its smooth appeal. It’s simple without overwhelming flavors, making it perfect for smaller meals. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or an appetizer, it doesn’t need much to work. Filling enough without ever being heavy.
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.

Soft noodles combined with chicken pieces make Chicken Chow Mein rich in texture without being overly complicated. It’s flexible, filling, and fits into any busy day. The noodles hold up well with lighter toppings or sauces. Easy to tweak if you ever want something slightly different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

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.

Frying shrimp while keeping its coating light is what makes Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp worth trying. The walnuts add crunch to its already balanced texture. It’s perfect when you want seafood with a mildly sweet touch without extra effort. You can make it whenever you want something special but not difficult.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

Soft chunks of chicken paired with roasted cashews give Cashew Chicken a mild but enjoyable balance. It’s great to have when you want a mix of crunch and tender texture in each bite. The simple sauce ties it all together without feeling too bold. An easy pick for any meal plan that doesn’t demand fancy ideas.
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.

Crunchy on the outside and soft shrimp filling inside make Shrimp Toast a favorite snack or appetizer. It’s easy to make and a good addition when you want something bite-sized. The mix of textures works great together. Perfect for switching things up if you need a simple but tasty idea.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

Using tofu as the protein source in Tofu Fried Rice keeps things light but filling enough after a long day. The rice forms the base as the tofu adds its own soft texture. If you want a vegetarian twist, this dish works as an easy option. Great for when you want variety without much hassle.
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.

Tender chicken, shredded and covered in a tart glaze, creates Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken as a reliable go-to. The shredded texture makes it different from regular stir-fries. It feels fresh without going too complicated. A smart choice when looking for something light but still flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Egg Rolls

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

Crispy outer shells and packed filling make Egg Rolls one of the easiest snacks or meal starters. They’re hand-held, quick to assemble, and keep messes minimal. They’re crunchy and a good option when you’re craving something simple. Works for casual meals or something light before a bigger dish.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

Bite-sized pieces of chicken covered in a sticky sweet glaze turn Sweet and Sour Chicken into something fun to eat. The balance of flavors makes the sauce stand out. It’s an easy dish to whip up quickly. Perfect for days when you don’t want something overly heavy but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Fried Banana

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

Light batter around banana slices brings Fried Banana to life as a quick dessert idea. It’s soft and sweet inside with a slight crunch outside, making it a good balance. The simplicity works when you need something quick to finish off a meal. A fast pick when you want a fast snack idea.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

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.

Small chicken pieces mixed in a slightly citrus glaze turn Orange Chicken into an easy meal for everyone. Filling but not heavy, it’s a recipe that repeats well when planning weekly meals. The orange flavor mixes evenly without overpowering everything else. Ideal for whenever you need something to switch up your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Orange 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.

Thin slices of cucumber tossed with hot flavors give Spicy Cucumber Salad a bit of a kick. It does well as a side when you need something fresh but not bland. The crunch adds life to every bite. Works with many dishes or by itself if you’re in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

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 bold flavor leads Hot and Sour Soup, making it a favorite for something fast and enjoyable. The mix of textures in each spoonful adds interest without being overwhelming. Great for chillier days or even as a quick appetizer during busier ones. Works well when time isn’t on your side.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

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 chunks of chicken paired with a slightly spicy sauce turn Kung Pao Chicken into something enjoyable every time. The mix of tender and crunchy pieces keeps it lively without going overboard. Great for lunches or dinners when speed matters. An easy addition to weekly plans without much thought.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

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.

Slightly thick and a balance of tangy flavors give Sweet and Sour Sauce endless uses. It’s great for dunking bites or drizzling over quick-made dishes. Whether paired with chicken, shrimp, or even stir-fries, it works everywhere. Keeping it handy makes whipping up something fun even quicker.
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.

Glazed chicken served with light toppings makes Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe smooth and easy to enjoy. The taste isn’t too strong, making it versatile for many meals. Perfect for whipping up a quick lunch or serving alongside rice. Easy to cook and reheats well for weeknight dinners too.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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.

Smaller pork chunks mixed with bold, tangy flavors enhance Sweet and Sour Pork to something easy yet attention-grabbing. The texture varies but it feels pleasing in each bite. It makes last-minute meals effortless while still hitting all the right notes. Great as an alternative to chicken dishes during busy weeks.
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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