12 Easy Chinese Recipes

Chinese cuisine is beloved around the world for its bold flavors, vibrant ingredients, and comforting dishes.

Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s a Chinese recipe for every taste.

But many people think you need to be a seasoned chef or have a kitchen full of specialty tools to make authentic Chinese food.

The truth? You can create delicious Chinese meals right at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 12 easy Chinese recipes that are perfect for beginners and still satisfying for seasoned home cooks.

From stir-fries to noodles to classic takeout favorites, each dish is packed with flavor and simple to prepare.

1. Savory Chicken Fried Rice

A quick and satisfying one-pan meal that’s better than takeout.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Scramble the eggs until cooked, then set aside.
3. Add chicken, vegetables, and rice to the skillet; stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil.
5. Add scrambled eggs and green onions. Stir well and serve hot.

2. Sweet & Sour Chicken Bites

A tangy and crispy favorite with a glossy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 egg
• Oil for frying
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken cubes in egg, then cornstarch to coat.
2. Deep-fry or pan-fry until golden and crispy. Set aside.
3. Stir-fry vegetables for 2–3 minutes.
4. Mix sauce ingredients in a pan and simmer until thickened.
5. Combine chicken and veggies in the sauce, toss to coat, and serve.

3. Garlic Green Beans Stir-Fry

Crisp, vibrant green beans tossed with fragrant garlic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes; drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic until golden.
3. Add green beans and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
4. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil before serving.

4. Beef and Broccoli Deligh

A classic combo of tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Marinate beef in 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
2. Stir-fry beef in hot oil until browned. Remove from pan.
3. Stir-fry broccoli with a splash of water until tender.
4. Return beef to pan, add sauces and sugar. Simmer until thickened.

5. Egg Drop Soup Simplicity

A comforting and easy soup ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil.
2. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into broth to slightly thicken.
3. Slowly drizzle in beaten eggs while stirring to create ribbons.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions.

6. Classic Chow Mein Noodles

Crispy noodles tossed with veggies and savory sauce.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package and drain.
2. Stir-fry vegetables for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add noodles, sauces, and toss over high heat for 2 minutes.
4. Serve hot with extra soy sauce if desired.

7. Kung Pao Chicken Lite

A spicy-sweet Sichuan-inspired dish toned down for everyday cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 dried red chilies (optional)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken in cornstarch and set aside.
2. Stir-fry garlic, chilies, and chicken until browned.
3. Add bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Mix sauces, sugar, and vinegar. Pour into pan and stir in peanuts.

8. Steamed Egg with Scallions

Silky smooth, savory custard-style eggs.

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups warm water or broth
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Chopped scallions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Beat eggs gently with warm water and a pinch of salt.
2. Strain the mixture and pour into a heatproof bowl.
3. Steam gently for 10–12 minutes until just set.
4. Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with scallions.

9. Mapo Tofu (Mild Version)

Soft tofu in a rich, savory sauce with optional heat.

Ingredients:

• 1 block soft tofu, cubed
• 1/4 lb ground pork or beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) or substitute with hoisin
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown meat with garlic in a pan.
2. Add doubanjiang and stir for 1 minute.
3. Gently add tofu and soy sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken. Garnish and serve.

10. Scallion Pancakes Crunch

Crispy, flaky flatbreads loaded with green onions.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, water, and salt into a soft dough. Let rest 30 minutes.
2. Roll into a thin circle, sprinkle scallions, roll into a log, coil, and flatten.
3. Pan-fry on medium heat until golden and crisp on both sides.

11. Sesame Cucumber Salad

A refreshing side with crunch and tang.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Toss cucumbers with salt and let sit 10 minutes. Drain excess water.
2. Mix vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Toss with cucumbers.
3. Sprinkle sesame seeds before serving.

12. Shrimp and Egg Stir-Fry

A soft, savory scramble loaded with plump shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp milk or water
• 2 tbsp oil
• Chopped chives or green onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Beat eggs with salt and milk for fluffiness.
2. Cook shrimp in a pan until pink. Remove.
3. Add oil, pour in eggs, scramble until half set.
4. Add shrimp back in and cook together until eggs are done.

Conclusion: Make Chinese Nights a Tradition

Cooking Chinese food at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these 12 easy recipes, you can create everything from comfort-food soups to bold-flavored stir-fries using everyday ingredients.

Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, these dishes bring the warmth and variety of Chinese cuisine right to your table.