When it comes to satisfying your cravings for Chinese food, there’s nothing quite like ordering in from your favorite takeout spot. But what if we told you that you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own kitchen to get those delicious flavors? With these 18 irresistible Chinese takeout recipes, you can bring the heat right to your doorstep.
From spicy Szechuan dishes to sweet and sour treats, these recipes will transport your taste buds to the Far East without ever leaving home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a quick and easy meal solution, this collection has something for everyone. So why wait? Dive in and discover the secrets to making mouthwatering Chinese dishes that are sure to become new family favorites.
Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts and Chilies
This classic Sichuan dish combines crispy chicken, peanuts, and chilies in a spicy sauce. Perfect for those who love bold flavors and textures!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup peanuts
– 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
– 1-2 Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and crushed
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add chicken, garlic, and ginger; cook until chicken is browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add peanuts, scallions, Sichuan peppercorns, and red pepper flakes; stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
5. Pour the mixture into the wok or skillet and stir-fry until thickened, about 2 minutes.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
General Tso’s Crispy Chicken
This recipe yields a mouthwatering General Tso’s-style crispy chicken dish with a sweet and spicy kick. With just the right balance of crunchy exterior and juicy interior, this dish is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tsp General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken pieces into the mixture, coating evenly.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; fry chicken until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes per side).
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, General Tso’s sauce, garlic, and ginger.
6. Toss fried chicken with the sauce mixture and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes.
Honey Walnut Shrimp with Crispy Coating
Sweet and savory, this dish combines succulent shrimp with a crunchy coating and a drizzle of honey and walnut goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and chopped walnuts.
3. Dip each shrimp into olive oil, then coat with the walnut-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle honey over the shrimp, followed by a sprinkle of grated ginger.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional chopped walnuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This recipe is a great option for a weeknight dinner that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the broccoli and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Return the beef to the pan and stir in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple
This sweet and sour pork with pineapple recipe is a classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar. Add the pork pieces and toss to coat.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the pork mixture and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for 1 minute to combine.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mapo Tofu with Ground Pork
This classic Sichuan dish is a staple of Chinese cuisine, combining the creamy texture of tofu with the bold flavors of ground pork and Sichuan pepper. With its spicy kick and savory undertones, Mapo Tofu is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1/4 cup Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and crushed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch mixture; stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Add the tofu cubes and Sichuan peppercorns; stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the flavors are well combined.
5. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Egg Foo Young with Gravy
Egg Foo Young with Gravy: A Classic Chinese Omelette Recipe
Egg Foo Young is a popular Chinese dish made with eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood. This recipe yields a fluffy omelette wrapped in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Beat eggs with a fork. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour egg mixture into the skillet and cook until eggs start to set.
3. Flip the omelette and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate.
4. To make gravy, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and chicken broth in a small bowl.
5. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Szechuan Dan Dan Noodles
Dan dan noodles are a classic Chinese dish originating from Sichuan Province. This recipe combines the numbing heat of Szechuan peppercorns with the savory flavor of ground pork and fermented soybeans.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup ground pork
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4-6 Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and crushed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fermented soybeans (doubanjiang)
– 1/2 cup noodles (preferably fresh or frozen)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a wok or large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add ground pork and cook until browned, breaking apart with spatula as needed.
3. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixture. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Add toasted Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, and fermented soybeans. Stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Combine cooked noodles with the pork mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lo Mein with Vegetables and Chicken
Quickly cook a flavorful Lo Mein dish packed with chicken, vegetables, and savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 1 cup cooked lo mein noodles
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
7. Combine the cooked noodles with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fried Rice with Eggs and Scallions
This classic Chinese dish is a staple for many, and for good reason – it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This recipe adds the richness of scrambled eggs and the crunch of scallions to make it a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: soy sauce, oyster sauce, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Scramble the eggs and cook until they’re just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add more oil if necessary, then add the chopped scallions and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through.
5. Push the rice to one side of the pan. Crack in the remaining eggs and scramble them until they’re fully set.
6. Mix the eggs into the rice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Orange Chicken with Sticky Glaze
This Chinese-inspired dish combines crispy chicken with a sticky orange glaze that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While the chicken is baking, heat the sticky glaze ingredients (orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey) over low heat until warm and syrupy.
7. Brush the warm glaze over the baked chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Dim Sum Pork Dumplings (Potstickers)
This traditional Chinese recipe yields tender, juicy dumplings filled with a savory mixture of pork and spices. Perfect for snacks or as part of an Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for pan-frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until just combined.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a tablespoon of the pork filling in the center.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges to seal.
5. Heat 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pan-fry dumplings until golden brown on the bottom (about 3-4 minutes).
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until crispy and cooked through.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total
Sesame Chicken with Honey Sauce
This sweet and savory recipe combines crispy chicken with a sticky honey sauce and toasted sesame seeds, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this flavorful dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger.
3. Add chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and brush with the honey sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Wonton Soup with Bok Choy
Wonton Soup with Bok Choy: A Delicious and Easy Chinese-Inspired Recipe
This comforting wonton soup recipe is a staple of Chinese cuisine, featuring tender wontons filled with pork and served in a savory broth with crisp bok choy. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this flavorful and nutritious meal at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper into a triangle, pressing edges together to seal.
3. Bring chicken broth and water to a boil. Add wontons and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
4. Stir in bok choy and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
A classic Cantonese dish, Char Siu is a sweet and savory BBQ pork that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into thin strips
– 1/4 cup Char Siu sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Char Siu sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
3. Add the pork strips to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove pork from marinade and shake off excess.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork for 3-4 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Garlic Eggplant Stir-Fry
This flavorful stir-fry combines tender eggplant with spicy garlic and savory soy sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Served over rice or noodles, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the eggplant and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes; stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Salt and Pepper Shrimp with Crispy Shells
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors and textures with this simple yet impressive dish. Succulent shrimp are coated in a savory salt and pepper crust, served atop crispy shells that add a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 12 shells (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with melted butter.
5. Bake shells for 10 minutes, or until crispy.
6. Meanwhile, bake coated shrimp for 8-10 minutes, or until pink and cooked through.
7. Serve shrimp atop crispy shells and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu
A classic Chinese soup that’s both soothing and stimulating, this Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu is a staple of many Asian cuisines. This recipe makes a big batch perfect for sharing or storing in the fridge for later.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bok choy, carrots, and bean sprouts)
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixture. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until soup thickens slightly.
6. Add tofu and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to satisfy your Chinese takeout cravings without leaving home! This collection of 18 mouthwatering recipes will transport you straight to the Far East. From classic dishes like General Tso’s Crispy Chicken and Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple, to savory noodle bowls like Lo Mein with Vegetables and Chicken, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget the sweet treats, like Orange Chicken with Sticky Glaze. With this diverse range of recipes, you’ll never have to order in again.
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