I Always Keep Ingredients for These 25 Chinese Recipes

The craving hits and somehow everything’s already in the kitchen. That’s what happens when a person quietly builds their survival kit around 25 Chinese recipes. No last-minute store runs, just a quick shuffle through the fridge and things get moving. Honestly, it’s less of a dinner plan and more of a life strategy.

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.

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.

You’ll love how Orange Chicken becomes a go-to dish for dinner. It’s a balance of tangy and sweet that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. Keep it in your rotation for those days when you want a quick yet flavorful meal. Stock up on essentials to always make this comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Orange 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.

It’s hard to resist Bang Bang Shrimp once you’ve tried it. The crispy texture combined with the sauce makes it a standout option for appetizers or even a light meal. Preparing this dish is surprisingly easy, so it’s worth saving space in your pantry. Make sure you always have the ingredients to whip this up when needed.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

There’s something unbeatable about Sesame Chicken for a weekday dinner. It’s ideal for when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect alongside steamed vegetables or fried rice, it’s great for sharing or enjoying alone. Keep the essentials handy to make this whenever the craving strikes.
Get the Recipe: Sesame 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.

For a quick and comforting starter, Egg Drop Soup is a classic choice. The simplicity and warmth it brings make it perfect for any meal. You’ll appreciate how fast it comes together with just a few pantry staples. Always keep what you need to serve this on busy nights or lazy days.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

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.

A must-try for any Chinese food lover, Chicken Fried Rice is incredibly versatile. You can make a whole meal out of it or serve it as a side dish. With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together fast and stays crowd-pleasing. It’s worth always having the basics to recreate this classic.
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.

Level up your seafood game with Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp on the menu. This dish combines crunchy textures with a touch of sweetness to make it truly unique. It’s an impressive choice for dinners or casual get-togethers. Store the essentials to ensure you can always prepare this treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

If you’re ever in the mood for something snack-like, Shrimp Toast is the answer. Quick and satisfying, this dish works as a light meal or party appetizer. The contrast of crispy bread and shrimp filling hits the spot every time. It’s worth keeping everything on hand to prep this whenever needed.
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.

With a mix of nutty goodness and tender bites, Cashew Chicken is worth trying. This dish works great for a quick yet filling dinner option. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice for a well-rounded meal. Stock those pantry staples to make this an easy dinner fix.
Get the Recipe: Cashew 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.

When you want something hearty yet balanced, Hot and Sour Soup fits the bill. Its bold flavors offer a great way to start any meal or enjoy on its own. This simple soup is easy to make and comes together with common ingredients. Keep your pantry stocked so it’s ready for any soup craving.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

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.

Stir-fries are a lifesaver, and Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry proves why. This dish combines protein and vegetables for a simple and complete meal. It’s versatile enough for lunch or dinner during the week. Always have the basics at home to whip up this quick favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

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.

Whether as a dipping sauce or glaze, Sweet and Sour Sauce is a staple you need. Its balance makes it perfect for pairing with everything from chicken to pork. It’s always worth having the ingredients to make this from scratch. Store those staples for a sauce you’ll want to use often.
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.

Straight from your kitchen, Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe gives you a taste of takeout at home. This savory dish works perfectly for meals with rice or noodles on the side. It’s surprisingly easy to recreate with simple pantry staples. Keep the ingredients ready to enjoy this fan favorite anytime.
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.

For an option full of bold Asian-inspired tastes, Sweet and Sour Pork hits the mark. Combining a little tang with comforting textures makes this dish unique. It’s perfect for casual dinners or feeding a crowd with easy ingredients. Always keep the supplies at home for this solid favorite meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

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.

Everyone loves dishes like Easy Chow Mein for their simplicity. This noodle dish is quick to make and pairs well with nearly anything. Filling and convenient, it’s definitely worth adding to your meal rotation. Stock the ingredients to make it ready any time you want a hearty dish.
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.

Sweet and sour dishes bring a balance of opposites. Sweet and Sour Chicken is a prime example that blends tanginess and sweetness perfectly. When craving bold contrasts, this dish doesn’t disappoint. It’s something you’ll want to have the ingredients for all the time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

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.

Desserts with a candy crunch are hard to forget. Tanghulu is one of those treats where fruit and sugary coating come together. It’s a simple way to create something fun and special. Keeping supplies on hand can make these a quick win anytime.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu

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.

Fresh bites with a little spice can keep things interesting. Spicy Cucumber Salad cools you down while kicking things up a notch. It’s a refreshing addition to any meal you’ve got on the table. Having the basics ready means you can toss this together anytime.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Fried Banana

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

Sweet treats with fruit can be surprisingly simple. Fried Banana is a go-to for something crispy that still feels natural. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t need much but makes a big impression. These are worth having what you need to whip them up.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

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.

Sometimes, you just need something quick but full of layers and texture. Shrimp Fried Rice fits that bill with its mix of grains, shrimp, and add-ons. It works well for a last-minute meal or when you’ve got leftover rice. A well-stocked pantry makes preparing this a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp 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.

Balanced dishes that pair citrus and tender textures always stand out. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken brings that blend into a simple, everyday option. It’s light and packed with that little kick you get from combining layers. This one is easy to make if you’ve got the essentials.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re ever looking for something quick with veggies, this is it. Vegetable Stir Fry checks all the boxes for an easy yet fulfilling dish. It gives you all the flexibility to work with what you have. Make sure to stock up, and you can have this ready anytime.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Egg Rolls

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

Sometimes crispy snacks hit the spot, especially handheld ones. Egg Rolls, with their crunchy wrap and tasty filling, are always a winner. They’re great as a snack or alongside a full meal. Keep the typical supplies handy, and you’re never far from making these.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

When you want something hearty but quick, this is a great choice. Chicken Chow Mein brings a mix of tender meat with noodles for a meal that feels complete. It works for dinner or even a solid lunch option. Having the essential stuff in your kitchen means you can whip this up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

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.

Dishes with plenty of options are always useful to have on hand. Tofu Fried Rice is perfect for when you want a lighter version without missing out on substance. It’s simple and blends well with different ingredients you might already have. Keeping ingredients ready allows you to toss this together easily.
Get the Recipe: Tofu 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.

If you’re in the mood for something bold and a little spicy, consider this. Kung Pao Chicken is one of those meals that bring heat and crunch in a satisfying mix. It’s a dish that can fit any dinner plan you’re working around. All it takes is keeping the basics on hand for when the craving strikes.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao 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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