I Found 25 Chinese Recipes That Taste Like They Took Hours

Impress anyone with 25 Chinese meals that seem like hours went into them. Each one hits the table with bold flavors and no waiting around. It’s perfect for busy nights when shortcuts matter. People won’t guess they didn’t take all day, and you get the bragging rights without breaking a sweat.

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.

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.

Quick and loaded with rich flavors, it feels like it came from a restaurant. Stirring everything together seamlessly, Chicken Fried Rice combines hearty bites with a touch of comfort. Its balance of seasoning and texture makes it unforgettable. Perfect when you need a fast but pleasing meal.
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.

Refreshing crunch meets a bold kick in every bite. Spicy Cucumber Salad brings a simple yet vibrant combination of textures and heat. It’s the kind of dish that works as a side or a light moment on its own. No one will believe how fast it comes together.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

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 mixed with layers of flavorful additions make this undeniably good. Chicken Chow Mein pulls everything you love about simple and hearty into one dish. The different textures work in perfect harmony with each bite. Faster than takeout but with restaurant-quality taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Tanghulu

Skewers of grapes and strawberries coated in a shiny glaze are arranged on a light surface with loose fruit pieces nearby.
Tanghulu. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A shiny glaze wraps around fruits here, turning them into sweet little bites. Tanghulu is a fun treat with a satisfying crunch on the outside. It’s simple yet feels like a thoughtful dessert or snack. Great for anyone who wants a quick bite of something unique.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu

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 outside with a flavorful spread cooked perfectly into each piece. Shrimp Toast feels fancy but comes together more simply than you’d think. It’s a perfect choice for appetizers or snack moments. The texture and flavor make it stand out anywhere it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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 mixture of textures creates a nice balance of crispiness and tenderness here. Cashew Chicken builds flavor with every bite, making it impossible to stop eating. The crunchy additions pair so well with the other elements. A dish that’s enjoyable with rice or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Cashew 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.

Tangy flavors perfectly balance the sweetness here, creating something unforgettable. Sweet and Sour Sauce transforms simple dishes into something much more remarkable. It’s quick but adds depth to anything it’s paired with. Keep it ready for dipping or drizzling.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

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 texture meets comforting warmth in this quick, flavorful bowl. Egg Drop Soup always feels filling without being heavy or overwhelming. The way the flavors come together keeps things interesting with each spoonful. Great for a simple starter or light snack.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

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.

Crispy coatings wrapped in a flavorful finish make every bite memorable. Sesame Chicken offers a great mix of crunchy and savory flavors that’s hard to resist. It brings classic vibes while keeping the preparation straightforward. Something you will want to eat over rice or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Sesame 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.

Hearty, filling bites paired with a dish full of texture make it hard to overlook. Tofu Fried Rice brings together simplicity and flavor while keeping things high in protein. It’s a great option for mixing things up in your meals. Quick to make without missing out on depth.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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.

Bold flavors and a perfect balance of tanginess come through in every piece here. Sweet and Sour Pork uses crispy coatings and tender interiors for ultimate enjoyment. It’s one of those dishes that feels comforting and special all at once. Pair with steamed rice to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

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.

Light crunch topped off with sweet richness makes it stand out. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp feels indulgent yet simple to prepare at home. Balancing a crispy texture with that sweet touch makes it memorable. It’s a dish that surprises you with how fast it all comes together.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

Delicate strips cooked with bold freshness come out perfectly tender. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken is light yet deeply flavorful, blending just the right amount of tang. It brings a fresh twist to your usual chicken recipes easily. Best enjoyed as part of a larger spread or a simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded 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.

Soft, stir-fried noodles coated in flavor make this a dish worth making often. Easy Chow Mein mixes quick preparation with a classic flavor that never fails to impress. The simple textures work wonderfully with its bold seasoning. It fits as a main dish or even as a quick side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

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.

A flavorful mix of tender meat and crispy coatings makes this a favorite for everyone. Sweet and Sour Chicken gets the perfect balance between tanginess and sweetness in its sauce. The texture keeps things interesting with every bite. Enjoy it on its own or alongside steamed rice.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh, crunchy layers meet in a dish that’s both healthy and quick to make. Vegetable Stir Fry brings together simple ingredients for rich, vibrant flavors. It’s perfect for pairing with rice or noodles for a complete meal. No-fuss preparation makes it a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

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.

Sticky and bold flavors coat each tender piece. General Tso’s Chicken offers the perfect mix of sweetness and a little kick. The crispy pieces absorb everything in just the right way. It’s perfect for a pleasing meal that feels like takeout but is faster.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Shrimp Fried Rice

A red plate of shrimp fried rice garnished with chopped green onions, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Shrimp Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Flavors perfectly mixed with hearty, cooked elements make this simple yet irresistible. Shrimp Fried Rice brings together seafood and comfort in every bite. It’s full of texture and quick enough for any meal. A great mix of hearty and light flavors in one place.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Fried Banana

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

Warm sweetness enhanced through gentle frying makes this unique and addictive. Fried Banana is soft on the inside and lightly crisp on its edges for a perfect texture. It’s a simple dessert or snack that feels fulfilling after any meal. Serve as is or with a little extra flair.
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.

Sweet coatings with just a hint of tang make this chicken stand out in flavor. Orange Chicken is crispy outside but tender inside for the perfect texture. Everyone loves the balance of sweet and savory it delivers. A quick dish that feels like a takeout favorite made easy at home.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Egg Rolls

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

Crispy layers wrap around savory-packed fillings for a snack worth sharing. Egg Rolls are a perfect way to start a meal or enjoy a midday bite. Simple to prepare yet impressive in taste and crunch. They’re easy to pair with dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

A mix of tender morsels blended with a touch of heat and crunch makes it exciting. Kung Pao Chicken brings bold flavors that make it a standout at the table. It’s an easy way to upgrade your meal routine with just a little extra effort. Plenty of texture and punch in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

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 warm blend of tang and spice gives this soup its unique character. Hot and Sour Soup manages to be both hearty and light, ideal for any meal. Each spoonful brings bold flavors without feeling too heavy. Best enjoyed as a starter or comforting dish for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

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 textures paired with a flavorful coating make it unforgettable. Bang Bang Shrimp feels bold yet balanced, offering a bit of crunch with every bite. It’s just the right mix of flavor for quick snacks or entertaining guests. Quick to put together but packed with taste.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang 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.

Glazed and cooked perfectly, each piece combines simplicity with bold flavor. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe takes only minutes to feel restaurant-worthy. Its balance of sweetness and savory brings something for everyone. A quick, no-fuss dish fit for any table.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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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