When it comes to exploring the world of cuisine, few cultures are as rich and diverse as that of China. With a history dating back thousands of years, Chinese cooking has evolved into a wide range of regional styles and techniques, each with its own unique flavor profiles and ingredients. From spicy Sichuan dishes to delicate Cantonese fare, there’s something for every palate in the vast world of Chinese cuisine.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 18 flavorful Chinese recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve at your next dinner party, these recipes are sure to impress. From classic dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and Peking Duck to modern twists on traditional favorites like Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) and General Tso’s Chicken, there’s something for everyone in this collection of mouth-watering Chinese recipes.
Kung Pao Chicken
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this classic Kung Pao Chicken recipe, featuring crispy chicken, peanuts, and a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
– 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
– 1/4 cup chili peppers, sliced
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add chicken, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from wok; set aside.
4. Add peanuts, scallions, and chili peppers to wok; stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, wine, and cornstarch; add to wok and stir-fry until sauce thickens.
6. Return chicken to wok; stir-fry until coated in sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is a classic Sichuan dish that combines silken tofu with a rich, spicy sauce and crunchy ground pork. This recipe serves 2-3 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 block silken tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 1/4 cup ground pork
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– 1-2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1-2 tablespoons chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame 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 to combine.
4. Add the tofu cubes and stir-fry until they’re well coated with the sauce.
5. Add the chili bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for another minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peking Duck
A classic Chinese dish, Peking duck is a must-try for any food enthusiast. This recipe yields a crispy-skinned, savory duck with a delicious pancake wrap and dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole duck (3-4 lbs)
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Chinese five-spice powder
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Pancake ingredients:
+ 1 cup all-purpose flour
+ 2 tbsp cornstarch
+ 1/4 tsp salt
+ 1/4 cup water
– Dipping sauce ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup soy sauce
+ 1/4 cup Chinese vinegar
+ 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, five-spice powder, sugar, and Shaoxing wine.
3. Rub the mixture all over the duck, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Roast the duck in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the pancake batter by mixing together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add water to form a smooth batter.
6. Cook the pancakes according to package instructions.
7. Serve the roasted duck with pancakes, dipping sauce, and your choice of stir-fried vegetables.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Hot and Sour Soup
This Chinese-inspired soup combines the creamy richness of tofu and eggs with the bold flavors of mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and a tangy soy sauce-based broth. Serve as a starter or main course for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
– 1/4 cup diced bamboo shoots
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon white vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine broth, tofu, cornstarch, and beaten eggs. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
This iconic Chinese dish is a staple of Cantonese cuisine, with its sweet and savory flavors that tantalize the taste buds. With this simple recipe, you can bring the authentic flavors of Char Siu to your table.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder or butt, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches ginger, peeled and minced
– 1/4 cup water
– Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, and cornstarch.
2. Add pork strips to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Remove pork from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Brush a baking sheet with vegetable oil and arrange pork strips in a single layer.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Dan Dan Noodles
A classic Sichuan dish, Dan Dan Noodles is a flavorful and spicy noodle dish that combines the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and numbing flavors. This recipe brings you a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 200g noodles
– 1/2 cup ground pork
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the garlic, ginger paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sichuan peppercorns, and red pepper flakes to the wok. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spring Rolls
A classic Asian-inspired snack or appetizer, spring rolls are a delicious combination of vegetables, herbs, and sometimes meat or seafood, wrapped in a thin dough wrapper. This recipe yields 12-15 spring rolls that can be served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section or international aisle)
– 1/2 cup finely chopped vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts)
– 1/4 cup cooked and shredded chicken or pork
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro, mint, or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Thaw the spring roll wrappers according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped vegetables, cooked meat or seafood, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Lay a spring roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the vegetable mixture in the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Cook spring rolls by deep-frying until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes) or pan-fry with a little oil until crispy.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Wonton Soup
A classic Chinese comfort food, Wonton Soup is a simple and flavorful dish that warms the heart. This recipe uses store-bought wontons to make cooking a breeze.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wontons (about 20-24 pieces)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the vegetable oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Carefully add the wontons to the pot, making sure not to overcrowd it.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the wontons float to the surface.
5. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Pork
This classic Chinese dish combines crispy pork with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, perfect for serving as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork tenderloin, sliced into thin strips
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss pork strips in the cornstarch mixture until coated.
3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned and crispy (about 5 minutes).
4. Remove pork from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add onion and garlic and stir-fry until softened.
5. Pour sweet and sour sauce into the pan and stir to combine with the onion mixture.
6. Return pork to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and easy meal option that’s perfect for any day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Add the garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef strips to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
6. Cook for an additional minute, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Egg Fried Rice
A simple and satisfying Chinese-inspired dish that can be made with leftover rice, eggs, and your favorite vegetables. This recipe is a great way to use up day-old rice and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until they’re translucent.
3. Push the onion mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
4. Mix the eggs with the onion mixture.
5. Add the mixed vegetables, cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Experience the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine with this classic recipe for Xiaolongbao, also known as soup dumplings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 pound ground pork
+ 1/2 cup chopped scallions
+ 1/4 cup soy sauce
+ 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Roll out each ball into a thin circle.
6. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, making sure to seal the edges tightly.
8. Cook Xiaolongbao in boiling water for 10-12 minutes or until they float to the surface.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken
This iconic Chinese-American dish is a staple of takeout menus everywhere. Crispy-fried chicken bites smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce will satisfy your cravings for a taste of the Far East.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions and toasted peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
4. Add soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, and sesame oil to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Serve hot, garnished with scallions and peanuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ma Po Eggplant
Ma Po eggplant is a classic Sichuan dish that combines the rich flavors of soy sauce, chili peppers, and fermented beans with tender eggplant. This recipe is a simplified version of the original, but still packs plenty of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized eggplants
– 1/4 cup Ma Po bean paste (or substitute with fermented bean paste)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggplants into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Ma Po bean paste, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add 2 tablespoons of water to form a smooth paste.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion, and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant.
4. Add the eggplant cubes and Ma Po bean paste mixture. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and slightly browned.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Scallion Pancakes
These Scallion Pancakes are a popular Chinese street food that combines the sweetness of onions with the crunch of a perfectly fried pancake. This recipe yields a batch of 8-10 pancakes, perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large scallion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup warm water
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
4. Place a few slices of scallion in the center of each pancake, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the pancake in half to enclose the onions, and press edges together to seal.
6. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry pancakes until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Red Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)
A classic Chinese dish that requires patience and yields a tender, fall-apart pork belly smothered in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 star anise
– 1 cinnamon stick
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
3. Add the pork belly, making sure it’s covered with the braising liquid.
4. Cover the pot and braise for 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating overnight or up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: 2 hours + chilling time
Sichuan Spicy Wontons
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with these spicy wontons filled with savory pork and chili peppers. This recipe combines traditional wonton-making techniques with a modern twist, adding heat and excitement to your Chinese cooking.
Ingredients:
– 1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine pork, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture in the center.
3. Moisten edges with water, then fold the wrapper into a triangle, pressing edges together to seal.
4. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry wontons until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions
This simple yet flavorful recipe showcases the delicate flavor of fish paired with the warmth of ginger and the crunch of scallions. A perfect dish for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (white or dark meat, about 6 oz each)
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a steamer basket in a large pot or wok with about an inch of water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and water.
3. Place the fish fillets on a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some space between each fillet.
4. Arrange sliced ginger and chopped scallions on top of the fish.
5. Drizzle the soy sauce mixture evenly over the fish and aromatics.
6. Steam the fish for 8-10 minutes per pound, or until cooked through and flaky.
7. Serve hot with additional scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Summary
Discover the flavors of China with these 18 mouth-watering recipes, perfect for every occasion. From spicy Kung Pao Chicken to savory Peking Duck, and from comforting Hot and Sour Soup to sweet Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings), this collection has something for everyone. Try making Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) for a delicious takeout-style dish or whip up some Scallion Pancakes as a tasty snack. Whether you’re in the mood for noodles, stir-fries, or dumplings, these recipes will guide you through every step to create authentic Chinese flavors at home.
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