These 23 Chinese Recipes Are My Go-To For No-Fuss Family Meals

Dinner stops being a juggling act when the answer’s already picked. These meals don’t ask much but somehow still pull the family to the table. With 23 ways to make it happen, things just flow better around dinnertime. No extra groceries, no panic, just food that everyone agrees on fast.

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.

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 piping hot bowl that’s simple but still flavorful with its smooth and comforting texture. Egg Drop Soup has a unique silky finish that makes it perfect for anytime cravings. You’ll appreciate the balance of light textures in every sip. It’s one of those dishes that feels like it belongs at every table.
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.

Stir-fried noodles mixed with hearty chunks turn into a favorite in just minutes. Chicken Chow Mein is a workhorse meal that’s quick to make and easy to love. It’s a dish that brings both flavor and satisfaction without too much effort. Anytime you want something filling and straightforward, this is hard to beat.
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.

The combination of crunchy and sweet sets this apart. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp gives a great contrast between its texture and sweetness without being overwhelming. Its balance makes it feel worth serving whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or anything bigger. If you’re after something that feels special and still easy, this is a go-to.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut 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 about crispy chicken bites paired with a rich, flavorful sauce that always works. Sesame Chicken sticks out because of its hearty mix of texture and boldness. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why pairing crunchy and saucy is always a winner. Perfect as a stand-alone or alongside plenty of other favorites.
Get the Recipe: Sesame 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.

Packed with shrimp that have an unexpected kick you’ll love right away. Bang Bang Shrimp sets itself apart with its bold flavors paired with a slight crispiness. It feels like it’s meant for casual snacking or the centerpiece of a meal. Easy to prepare but the boldness always feels rewarding.
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.

Filling, simple, and adaptable to anything you’re in the mood for that day. Chicken Fried Rice has everything you need in one pan, from protein to carbs to flavor. It’s a throw-it-together meal that never fails to work in every situation. Perfect for serving family-style or saving leftovers with ease.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A one-skillet dish filled with a mix of textures that feels hearty without overthinking it. Vegetable Stir Fry makes eating something good feel simple every time. It’s an easy favorite whether you’re keeping things lighter or serving up a quick main dish. Perfect for pairing with rice or noodles without much trouble.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable 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.

Sweetness balanced against the tangy makes this stand out as a must-have option. Sweet and Sour Sauce is one of those extras that can turn the simplest dish into something unforgettable. Whether it’s for dipping, drizzling, or tossing over a stir fry, it brings something unique to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

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.

Cashew Chicken goes hand-in-hand with easy weeknight meals where you need something filling. The added layer of crunch makes this simple dish stand out from other options. A mix of tender chicken mixed with crunchy pieces that feels effortless but pleasing. Whether served on top of rice or by itself, it never feels boring.
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.

A clever mix of flavors that leans into the tangy with hearty bites throughout every scoop. Hot and Sour Soup shines because it’s such a great balance of richness without feeling heavy. Served often at big meals or casual lunches, it holds up well by itself or paired with other dishes.
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.

With tender chicken and crisp pieces of broccoli tossed together, this works every time. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is straightforward but reliable for endless occasions. It’s the perfect addition to busy weekday meals or something worth scaling up for gatherings. It’s hearty, delicious, and fits practically anywhere it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

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 on the outside with bites of shrimp inside make this an unmistakable appetizer favorite. Shrimp Toast is a classic that plays well for small family dinners or bigger special occasions. You won’t miss the effort it takes to bring this dish to life once it hits the table. Simple to make and quick to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

Stir-fried chicken mixed with something flavorful makes for good meal memories. Kung Pao Chicken creates layers of flavor that stay bold without much work to bring it together. It’s another one of those staples that works perfectly alongside rice or noodles. Plenty hearty without needing many extras during prep.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Fried Banana

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

A quick snack or dessert that turns bananas into something crispy and tasty. Fried Banana flips the usual sweet fruit into something fun that feels special when served fresh. Works well by itself or as a side dish for other meals you already love. Definitely something memorable when you’re after simple and quick options.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

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.

Shredded chicken with hints of freshness makes this stand apart when plated. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken is excellent when you’re after something lighter but still packed with flavor. It’s perfect on its own or joined with simple sides like rice. This dish always delivers without too much prep effort.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Egg Rolls

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

Crunchy outside with a filling inside makes this an irreplaceable choice every time. Egg Rolls fit well as snacks, starters, or a big part of the main meal lineup. They’re easy to plate, always enjoyed, and leave room to mix up what you serve alongside them. Great for small dinners, big gatherings, or any day you want something fun.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

The blend of crispy bites and bold flavor turns this into a crowd favorite. Sweet and Sour Pork makes mixing textures with tangy flavors work perfectly. It’s ideal for pairing with simple rice or veggies or just enjoying on its own. No matter what you serve it with, it fits right in.
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.

Noodles stir-fried together until everything feels just right create an instant favorite. Easy Chow Mein is dependable, filling, and doesn’t take much time at all to whip up. Perfect for adding extras if you’ve got them or keeping it simple when things are busy. Works for dinner, lunches, or last-minute meals alike.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

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.

Crispy bites of chicken combined with a touch of sweetness make this stand out. Orange Chicken is easy to spot as one of those dishes that works for any occasion. Great for sharing around family meal tables or pairing with side dishes like stir fry. Always keeps it simple but full of flavors people love.
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.

Cool slices paired with a surprising spicy kick turn this into something fresh and exciting. Spicy Cucumber Salad works well for serving as a side dish to bigger meals or keeping as a snack. Great for adding balance to plates that need something light without losing interesting flavors. It’s always quick to make and highly refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

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.

Tangy when paired with sweetness lets this dish feel balanced and ready to go. Sweet and Sour Chicken takes center stage for quick family meals when things need simple prep. Best served with side options like rice or noodles to round out the plate. Its bold flavors always make this an easy choice to add to dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour 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.

Mixing fried rice with bursts of tofu makes this version light but still dependable. Tofu Fried Rice feels great as a primary meal option with whatever else you decide to add to it. Works well when keeping ingredients simple yet still whipping up something hearty. Minimal effort but still plenty rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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.

Bites of tender chicken tossed in bold flavors always make this stand out. General Tso’s Chicken belongs on meal tables where people want something filling yet full-on with texture. Served easily with sides like rice or greens, you can’t go wrong with this pick. The combination of sauce and crispy chicken keeps this topping favorite lists.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s 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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