33 Chinese Dinners That Make Cooking Feel Worth It Again

Long days deserve dinners that add a little excitement to your routine, and sometimes it just takes the right dish to spark new energy. Here are 33 Chinese dinner ideas, ready to make staying in and cooking a fun option again. Whether you crave something comforting after work or want to surprise someone on a quiet evening, these meals stand out.

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.

Scallion Pancakes

Crispy bites from this Scallion Pancakes recipe always bring a smile to my face. Friends are drawn in by the golden layers and gentle hint of onion. I save a few pieces for late-night snacks because they’re irresistible warm or cold. Homemade comfort like this proves kitchen time can be totally worth it.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Pancakes

Egg Drop Soup

Swirls of egg float in a bowl of hot broth, making this Egg Drop Soup a cozy treat after a busy day. Every spoonful has a calm, soothing vibe that lifts the spirits. I pour seconds for anyone who’s had a long afternoon. Simple soups never lose their magic in my kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Chinese Steamed Chicken

A bowl of steamed chicken pieces with mushrooms, garnished with chopped green onions, with chopsticks picking up a piece. — Chinese Steamed Chicken. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A little steam goes a long way with this Chinese Steamed Chicken on the table. People love how tender it is and how it feels lighter than most main dishes. I keep extras ready for lunches when I want something simple and warm. Even the busiest evenings feel calmer with meals like this.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed Chicken

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.

Crunchy with just a hint of heat, this Bang Bang Shrimp always grabs extra attention at dinner. Each bite offers something a little playful without a lot of fuss. I make enough so there’s something special left for next-day lunches. Waking up leftovers feels easy with dishes like this.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Pork Fried Rice

Close-up of fried rice with chunks of meat, peas, diced carrots, and bean sprouts mixed together. — Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Turning to comfort food is easy with this Pork Fried Rice in your recipe book. Everyone quickly piles their bowls high since it’s both filling and delicious. I tuck away leftovers for a fast meal when the fridge looks empty. Takeout favorites never feel old when they come from your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Cashew Chicken

Stir fry gets a little shine from this Cashew Chicken, which packs crunch and a touch of sweetness. People line up for seconds since the flavor keeps things interesting. I put extra in lunchboxes to get through busy days. Family dinners always feel a bit more special with this kind of meal.
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.

Pouring this Sweet and Sour Sauce over dinner transforms any meal into a treat. Bowls empty fast as everyone loves the familiar tug-of-war between sugar and tang. I keep a jar in the fridge for moments when leftovers need a pick-me-up. A great sauce seriously changes everything.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

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.

Keeping dinner exciting feels easy with this Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp. The mix of sweet and crunchy gets mentioned every time friends come over. I grab leftovers as a secret snack later in the night. Shrimp dishes like this make cooking feel fun again.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

Sweet Orange Chicken

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

Brightness lands on every plate with this Sweet Orange Chicken, perfect for busy days that just need something different. People quickly return for seconds, loving the sweet fruitiness with their chicken. I set aside leftovers for those late work nights. A creative twist makes any dinner memorable.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Orange Chicken

Egg Roll

A wooden tray with spring rolls and lime wedges lined with parchment paper sits next to a small bowl of dipping sauce on a light surface. — Egg Roll. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dinner gets crunchier and a lot more fun when this Egg Roll is part of the plan. Guests grab one, always wanting to know if they can have another. I put aside a few for lunches, knowing they’re just as good cold. Simple joys come from recipes like this every time.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

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 little sweet, a little spicy, this General Tso’s Chicken stands out at every potluck. People talk about the crispy texture and bold taste. I keep leftovers for busy evenings when I need something ready to eat. Bringing restaurant favorites home saves the day many times.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Crispy Shrimp Toast

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

Golden and packed with shrimp, this Crispy Shrimp Toast brings something new to appetizer night. Friends bite in and always comment on the flavor and crunch. I stash a few pieces for an extra treat later on. Homemade treats give any meal a lift.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast

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.

Lively color and great texture make this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry a go-to when dinner needs a boost. Plates empty quickly and people are always surprised how much flavor it delivers. I box up leftovers for a filling lunch. Easy stir fries are always a win in my book.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

A close-up of a serving of shrimp garnished with chopped green onions, red chili slices, and cilantro, placed in a bowl with chopsticks on the side. — Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Quick to cook and even quicker to disappear, this Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp always makes nights in feel special. Friends love the gentle spice balanced by a simple finish. I pair leftovers with rice for tomorrow’s lunch. Shrimp dinners have a way of bringing people together.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

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.

Flavor comes alive in this Tofu Fried Rice, a meatless choice that fills everyone up. People who usually skip tofu go back for second helpings. I keep leftovers handy for easy meals during the week. Finding new favorites can make dinner way more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Hot and Sour Soup

Piping hot and a little tangy, every spoonful of this Hot and Sour Soup perks up a tired night. Friends always comment on how filling it is. I portion out leftovers for work lunches nobody expects. Sometimes, all it takes is a great soup to feel satisfied again.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Chicken Fried Rice

Dinner feels quick and rewarding with bowls of this Chicken Fried Rice on the table. Every bite is comforting no matter how hungry you are. I like making extra so lunch is sorted without stress. Easy fried rice always does the trick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Vegetable Stir Fry

Bright veggies and big flavor make this Vegetable Stir Fry impossible to ignore. Guests often want seconds because it surprises them in the best way. I pack leftovers for meals that need an extra lift. Plant-based dinners keep things interesting for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Crispy Sesame Chicken

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

Crunch meets a sweet note in Crispy Sesame Chicken, a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Plates get cleared before you can sit down. I love having leftovers for a second easy meal. Cooking starts to feel exciting again with favorites like this around.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sesame Chicken

Caramelized Fried Banana

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

Sweet treats like this Caramelized Fried Banana end any meal on a bright note. People pass the serving plate quickly, hoping for seconds. I tuck away a piece for a late-night sugar fix. Ending dinner with something special makes every evening feel worth it.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Meals get a lift with this Sweet and Sour Chicken bringing color and comfort to any night. Seconds vanish quickly from the table. I tuck away a portion for future lunches. Creative dishes help shake up the same-old routine any day.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Candied Tanghulu

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

Crisp, glossy, and sweet, this Candied Tanghulu is a fun surprise for both kids and grownups. Curious hands always reach for another skewer right away. I store a couple extras for dessert on busy days. Simple treats like this turn any dinner into a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Candied Tanghulu

Wonton Soup

A ceramic bowl of clear soup containing dumplings, sliced mushrooms, broccolini, chopped green onions, and cilantro. — Wonton Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Calm appears in every bowl of this Wonton Soup, especially when life gets rushed. Friends dip their spoons, surprised by how gentle but filling the broth feels. I save leftovers for quiet weekend lunches. Hot soup just makes things feel better.
Get the Recipe: Wonton 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.

Dinner picks up the pace with help from this Chicken Chow Mein, balanced and ready fast. Empty plates always tell the story after noodle night. I keep a portion aside for the next day’s lunch. Quick classics like this keep cooking fresh.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Crispy Egg Rolls

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

Tucking into this Crispy Egg Rolls recipe brings back all the joy of takeout without leaving home. People immediately comment on the flaky shell and savory center. I pop a few in the fridge for grab-and-go treats. Appetizers like these make any meal a hit.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Egg Rolls

Sweet and Sour Pork

Warmth and tang come together in this Sweet and Sour Pork, making dinner feel alive again. Seconds almost always disappear before dishes are cleared. I love sneaking leftovers into tomorrow’s lunch. Mixing up classic flavors keeps dinnertime fresh.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Chow Mein

Forkfuls of noodles from this Chow Mein make everyone at the table slow down and enjoy dinner. Friends remember these flavors long after the plates are clean. I mix up the extras for an easy lunch. Simple noodle dishes never let me down.
Get the Recipe: Chow Mein

Shrimp Fried Rice

Light, savory bites from this Shrimp Fried Rice quickly win over dinner guests. Seconds get scooped up before you’ve even finished the first bowl. I store what’s left for speedy lunches. Shrimp and rice make a perfect pair every time.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

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.

Heat and crunch combine to give this Kung Pao Chicken a memorable kick. Friends line up for big servings, eager for bites that surprise. I set leftovers aside for hungry afternoons. Bold dishes like this keep dinner far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Egg Fried Rice

Oval dish filled with fried rice garnished with chopped green onions. — Egg Fried Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Turning to Egg Fried Rice as a side or main keeps dinner straightforward and filling. Plates clear quickly since everyone is happy with every forkful. I pack leftovers for the next day because they heat up so well. Simple favorites are the best medicine for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

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

Fast-food favorites feel brand-new with this Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home. People scoop generous servings, loving that it’s just as good as the original. I always prep extra for work lunches. Restaurant meals at home make everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Beef and Broccoli

Forks and chopsticks race for every piece of this Beef and Broccoli dish—it just draws everyone in. Rich sauce and tender meat give it extra appeal. I pack up leftovers for lunches that always disappear. Quick, hearty meals like this keep weeknights on track.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Lemon brings life to every bite of this Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken, making it anything but dull. Folks fill their plates and always ask about the fresh flavor. I pop the leftovers in for quick wraps later. Lively dinners prove cooking really is worth it.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded 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.