What Helped Me Get Everyone to the Table Were These 23 Chinese Recipes

No one asked how it happened, but everyone showed up, and not just for the gossip. That stack of 23 Chinese-inspired dishes managed what group chats and calendar invites couldn’t. Something about the mix kept even the pickiest eaters from making excuses. Honestly, if food could negotiate peace talks, this bunch would lead the meeting.

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.

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.

Meals that bring together fresh combinations don’t need much to be a hit. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry lets everyone enjoy pieces of chicken paired with broccoli in a simple, cooked style. It’s one that’s great for when you want something fast but still hearty. This one works for all kinds of eaters without any complaints.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

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.

Switching things up with seafood is always a plus. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp brings shrimp to the table with a touch of sweetness and crunch that stands out. The air fryer method makes this one feel lighter without losing any appeal. It’s perfect for anyone ready to try something special with shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut 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.

Big flavors don’t have to feel heavy when portions are just right. Chicken Fried Rice offers quick bites with chicken added for that extra protein you need. A crowd favorite, it’s simple enough to get anyone to grab a plate and keep going back for more. It’s easy when everyone already loves rice and chicken.
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.

Sometimes all you need is a warm bowl to bring everyone in. Egg Drop Soup fits nicely into moments when you want something quick yet full of texture. Easy to serve, and people rarely argue with soup at the table. This one doesn’t take long and gets people ready for the next dish in no time.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

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.

Dishes with a slight crunch are always fun. Cashew Chicken brings together pieces of chicken with just the right consistent texture to balance things out. It’s a good fit for dinner nights when you need variety but still want something familiar. The cashews bring that bit of crunch without being too much.
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.

Small snacks that stand out make meals more fun. Shrimp Toast mixes seafood with crispy bread, creating a bite that’s hard to resist. This option feels classic but still hits differently for smaller plates or gatherings. It’s one of those dishes you’ll keep grabbing more of before realizing it’s all gone.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

Noodles never get old, especially when cooked right. Chicken Chow Mein brings tender chicken with stringy noodles for that dish everyone looks forward to. It’s a safe bet when you’re feeding different people who may not agree on every meal. Simple to love, it’s a mix of textures that works for almost everybody.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

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.

Sauces that do more than coat food are always welcomed during mealtime. Sweet and Sour Sauce strikes that perfect balance of boldness that pairs well with plates across the board. It pulls people in with its flavor contrast that catches attention immediately. Great for dipping or adding to larger setups.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

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.

Bold chicken dishes make family meals better. General Tso’s Chicken appears on plates as an easily recognizable crowd-pleaser that gets eaten fast. Known for its pop of style, it works for big groups or smaller dinners without missing the mark. Moments are better when plates are left empty because of this pick.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s 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.

Depth in soups keeps everyone reaching for more. Hot and Sour Soup pulls flavors together that feel like a full meal with each spoonful. It’s a fan favorite for cold days or when you crave something warm. This soup sticks around as a must-have for those who never skip it on a restaurant menu.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour 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.

Adding seeds gives dishes a pop of texture you may not expect at first. Sesame Chicken shows up well in both its look and taste, presenting itself as special without being hard to enjoy. Great for a crowd and easy to plate, it’s a frequent choice for those who enjoy chicken with a twist. Kind of a go-to option.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

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.

Mixing flavors in meat-focused offerings helps break boring patterns. Sweet and Sour Pork creates interest on the plate while delivering a hearty option for guests. Easy on the eyes and loved by many, it’s a comfy choice that still feels bold. Families love reaching for this dish during dinner without question.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

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.

Bringing citrus into meals in unique ways grabs attention. Orange Chicken coats tender pieces well, bringing out something unexpected yet familiar. Kids seem to love this dish along with others joining the table. It always finds its way in whenever chicken needs a small upgrade for dinner or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Fried Banana

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

Something different can set meals apart while keeping it simple. Fried Banana adds a touch of softness to heavier spreads with its lightly crispy outside. It’s quick to serve and pairs easily with other lighter options. Often a conversation starter while maintaining a laid-back presence on the table.
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.

Lighter flavors paired with familiar comfort can win over groups easily. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken feels like a fresh twist for chicken lovers. It works as a middle-ground dish for people who want a mix of something new and familiar. This one keeps everybody happy with a reliable and clean-cut feel.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Non-meat dishes still bring solid options for variety. Vegetable Stir Fry provides plenty of bite while staying simple enough for everyone to enjoy. It’s a lighter choice but still fits well in larger spreads where green dishes are needed. Goes well with rice or noodles without feeling extra or forced.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

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.

Contrasting flavors make plates interesting without too much effort. Sweet and Sour Chicken combines bold tastes into bites that can work as a main or side. Always in rotation since folks rarely complain about it being served often. One of those plates you don’t overthink but still love every time it’s around.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Egg Rolls

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

Small wraps of goodness make big meals more fun. Egg Rolls bring crispy satisfaction in compact bites that work for both kids and adults. Perfect for dipping into sauces or eating as they are, these rolls never stay on the plate too long. Always a favorite when big spreads are present for the family.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

Familiar food often wins everyone over quickly. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe calls back flavors people recognize and enjoy without hesitation. This dish brings home a taste that feels both nostalgic and modern. It’s easy to finish a meal when everyone already knows they love this one completely.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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.

Cold dishes bring refreshing bites into bigger meals with ease. Spicy Cucumber Salad balances mild with bold to quickly add variety to the table. It works well as a starter or side for bigger dinners, keeping things simple yet interesting. Great to pair with heavier hot meals without too much focus on conflict flavors.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

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.

Bigger and sharper flavors work in bigger gatherings well. Kung Pao Chicken brings a spin to meaty offerings that make meals hard to forget. A clear favorite when crowds want a bit of energy in their food. Works well when paired with other dishes that might offset its bold bite nicely.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao 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.

Proteins don’t always have to be meat to make meals great. Tofu Fried Rice combines hearty bites without feeling heavy or overdone. It’s a top pick for anyone trying non-meat dishes while staying close to rice options everyone already knows. Easy to show off while keeping the whole table interested with the choice.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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.

Seafood dishes can turn heads without requiring much focus. Bang Bang Shrimp offers a balance of flavor and texture that works perfectly for smaller crowds or larger spreads. Shrimp gets shown off with this dish easily while drawing compliments right away. Pairs nicely with other setups without feeling left out.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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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