63 Chinese Food Recipes Even Better Than Takeout
Updated: Jul. 23, 2024
Cooking Chinese food recipes at home might seem daunting, but thanks to some creative shortcuts, it's pretty easy to whip up restaurant-quality dishes in your own kitchen.
When you’re craving Chinese food, you have two options: Order takeout and wait for the delivery to arrive, or, in the same amount of time, you could whip up a copycat recipe with the same great flavors but less grease and sodium.
Get ready to start cooking wonton appetizers like crab rangoon and potstickers and filling Chinese chicken recipes like sesame chicken and chicken lo mein. Below are our favorite Chinese food recipes, from apps to mains to sides. As for dessert, homemade fortune cookies are a must.
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breasts, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice
Level: Beginner
Thanks to the Instant Pot, this classic Chinese food recipe is ready in only 20 minutes. Want to make it gluten-free? Swap out the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari.
Your family will love the flavorful sauce that coats this chicken, and you’ll love how quick and easy it is for a weeknight dinner! —Recipe contributor Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Garden vegetable rice, eggs, rotisserie chicken
Level: Intermediate
You only need eight ingredients and half an hour to make this takeout favorite at home. Swap out the rotisserie chicken for tofu, extra veggies or pork tenderloin to shake things up.
After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This delicious fried rice is now part of our routine dinners. —Recipe contributor Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Shrimp Egg Foo Young
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Oyster sauce, shrimp, egg whites, soy sauce
Level: Intermediate
While traditional egg foo young tends to be high in calories, this version uses egg whites and reduced-sodium soy sauce to lighten it. To make it vegetarian, skip the shrimp and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
If you love Chinese food as much as I do, you’ll appreciate this shrimp egg foo young that features all the flavor without all the fat and calories. The secret lies in using just the egg white instead of the whole egg. —Recipe contributor Quimberley Rice, Decatur, Georgia
Slow-Cooker Mongolian Beef
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef flank steak, rice, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce
Level: Intermediate
This Mongolian beef is a Taiwanese stir-fry dish that’s saucy and flavorful thanks to garlic, red pepper flakes, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and sesame oil. If you’re a spicy food fan, add a drizzle of Sriracha for an extra kick.
This dish uses inexpensive ingredients to offer big flavors in a small amount of time. The slow cooker makes easy work of it as well—easier than getting takeout! —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Cauliflower, dry bread crumbs, adobo seasoning, beer, teriyaki sauce
Level: Intermediate
This vegetarian appetizer is a bit time-intensive since the batter is made from scratch. But it’s baked, not fried, which cuts down on fat and the cleanup.
Sesame chicken is one of my favorite takeout dishes, but I’m doing what I can to cut unnecessary calories and fat. This recipe gives me an alternative that uses fresh vegetables and never compromises on flavor. —Recipe contributor Anthony Ashmore, Bohemia, New York
Crispy Crab Rangoon
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, imitation crabmeat, wonton wrappers
Level: Intermediate
Thanks to store-bought wonton wrappers, crab rangoon is deceptively easy to make at home. To prevent the filling from leaking during the frying process, freeze the filled crab puffs before you cook them.
My husband loved the appetizers we had at P.F. Chang’s so much that I was determined to make them at home. After several more trips to that eatery to taste them again, I had them perfected. I often prepare the filling earlier in the day to save time later. —Recipe contributor Cathy Blankman, Warroad, Minnesota
Cashew Chicken with Bok Choy
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breasts, stir-fry sauce, bok choy, salted cashews
Level: Intermediate
This bok choy recipe, complete with chicken, more vegetables and rice, comes together in about half an hour. Don’t have a wok? No problem! Just use your largest skillet.
With bok choy and red pepper, this light and lively entree is not only colorful but delicious as well. Your family will ask you to prepare it all year long! —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Quick Chicken Lo Mein
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Linguine, reduced-sodium soy sauce, rotisserie chicken
Level: Intermediate
Thanks to store-bought rotisserie chicken, quick chicken lo mein is ready faster than your family can shout, “We’re hungry!” The combination of oyster sauce, lime juice and chili sauce makes this dish taste just like takeout.
I can throw this chicken lo mein together on a weeknight when my kids are doing their homework. It uses frozen veggies, which I always have on hand, so I don’t need to run to the grocery store for ingredients. —Recipe contributor Natasha Kennedy, Orlando, Florida
Slow-Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef broth, beef top sirloin steak, broccoli florets
Level: Intermediate
We love slow-cooker tips that turn recipes into knock-out meals. Expert tip for this beef and broccoli: Brown the meat in a frying pan before adding it to the slow cooker for the best flavor and texture.
I love introducing my kids to all kinds of flavors. This Asian-inspired slow-cooker meal is one of their favorites, so I serve it often. —Recipe contributor Brandy Stansbury Edna, Texas
Quick Ginger Pork
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork tenderloins, garlic, ginger
Level: Beginner
Super quick dinner recipes are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, so keep this ginger pork in your back pocket. It goes from fridge to table in 20 minutes. Add sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to make it extra fancy.
My husband and I are empty nesters. It was a challenge learning to cook for just two again, but recipes like this give us delicious scaled-down dinners. —Recipe contributor Esther Johnson Danielson, Lawton, Pennsylvania
Black Pepper Chicken
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Reduced-sodium soy sauce, pepper, curry powder, chicken thighs
Level: Intermediate
While it’s tempting to use chicken breasts for this recipe, we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs to ensure maximum juiciness. Make sure to cut against the grain and keep the pieces roughly the same size for tender meat that’s evenly cooked.
I just love this black pepper chicken recipe, and the aroma is out of this world! The dish is slightly sweet and very peppery, so you may want to serve it over white or brown rice to tame the heat. —Recipe contributor Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Ginger-Pork Wontons
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground pork, gingerroot, wonton wrappers
Level: Intermediate
Yes, these wontons are fried, but don’t be too intimidated by the cooking process. With a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, each batch cooks up in less than three minutes.
A flavorful, juicy pork filling is jazzed up with a delicious touch of ginger and enveloped in crispy wrappers. These surprisingly simple appetizers are the ultimate finger food and are perfect for parties. —Recipe contributor Sandra Parton, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mandarin Pork Stir-Fry
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork tenderloin, mandarin oranges, rice, sugar snap peas
Level: Intermediate
The secret ingredient to the tangy sauce: Orange juice, plus mandarin oranges for extra flavor. Have extra mandarin oranges on hand? Here are some of our best mandarin orange recipes to keep the citrusy goodness going.
When my husband and I were dating, he told me he liked Asian food. I got a wok and discovered the joy of dishes like this pork stir-fry. —Recipe contributor Laurie Martignon, Niagara, Wisconsin
Asian Chicken Dumplings
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground chicken, Chinese five-spice powder, potstickers or gyoza wrappers
Level: Advanced
Dumplings are a lucky Chinese New Year food. Use minced fresh ginger and Chinese five-spice powder to give these chicken-filled dumplings a flavorful kick.
To celebrate my two daughters’ heritage, we occasionally make Chinese food, especially around traditional holidays like the Lunar New Year. I took a classic pork dumpling recipe and modified it using ground chicken so we can have them anytime, not just during the holidays. —Recipe contributor Joy Olcott, Millersville, Pennsylvania
Kung Pao Chicken
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breasts, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, Sriracha, dry roasted peanuts
Level: Intermediate
This one-skillet (or wok) meal only requires 15 minutes of cook time, which means less time over a hot stove and more time eating with your family. Double the hot sauce and use chile peppers instead of sweet peppers for extra spice.
My family loves the kung pao chicken from our favorite Chinese restaurant. But in less time than it takes for the delivery guy to arrive, we can be digging into a steaming platter of this copycat recipe! —Recipe contributor Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Broccoli Beef Lo Mein
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, broccoli florets, vermicelli or thin spaghetti
Level: Intermediate
Those who are short on time can prep some of this lo mein in advance. Cook and drain the noodles, slice the mushrooms and chop the broccoli up to three days ahead of time, and store them in the fridge in airtight containers until you’re ready to cook.
My family loves pasta, but I’m always looking for different ways to prepare it. This dish is better than any Chinese restaurant variety I’ve tried. —Recipe contributor Joan Crandall, Burlington, Connecticut
Crab Egg Foo Yong
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Eggs, crabmeat, flour, bean sprouts
Level: Intermediate
Although egg foo young looks complicated when you eat it at a Chinese restaurant, it’s pretty easy to whip up at home. After all, it is essentially an omelet! Just make sure to have a seasoned cast-iron pan or nonstick skillet on hand to keep the egg from sticking.
Enjoy a classic Chinese takeout without leaving your home. This makes a quick dinner and is as delicious as what you would get in any restaurant. —Recipe contributor Beverly Preston, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Malaysian Chicken
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Coconut milk, sweet potatoes, chicken thighs, creamy peanut butter
Level: Intermediate
Thanks to chicken and sweet potatoes, this dish is packed with protein. One serving contains a whopping 33 grams.
Malaysian food has influences from the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Thai, British and Portuguese. In this dish, Asian ingredients combine for maximum flavor and sweet potatoes thicken the sauce as the meal slowly cooks. —Recipe contributor Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Chicken Pot Stickers
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken thighs, pot sticker or gyoza wrappers, hoisin sauce, Sriracha
Level: Advanced
Keep the pot stickers from, er, sticking to the rack of the steamer by greasing it with oil or butter before cooking. Freeze any extra pot stickers in a single layer on a sheet of waxed paper until they are firm, then transfer them to an airtight freezer container and place them back in the freezer.
Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they’re steamed. —Recipe contributor Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada
Turkey Lo Mein
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Lean ground turkey, chicken ramen noodles, carrots, onions, cabbage, peas
Level: Intermediate
OK, lo mein with turkey probably isn’t something you’ll see at a traditional Chinese restaurant. But this creative swap—plus chicken ramen noodles instead of lo mein noodles—makes this dish a feast of fun flavors and textures.
I substituted turkey for pork in this classic Chinese recipe. It was a hit at our church potluck. My husband and two children love it, too. —Recipe contributor Leigh Lundy, York, Nebraska
Chinese Scallion Pancakes
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Flour, green onions, gingerroot, rice vinegar
Level: Advanced
If you’re a fan of scallion pancakes, learning to make them at home is a no-brainer. Save time by making the easy six-ingredient dipping sauce in advance, and you can have this satisfying appetizer whenever you crave it.
Unlike American pancakes, cong you bing (Chinese scallion pancakes) are made from dough instead of batter. The tasty appetizers are the perfect sponge for mopping up extra sauce and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Just wrap a green onion pancake in foil and reheat it in the oven. —Recipe contributor Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Almond Ginger Cookies
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Almond extract, crystalized ginger, sliced almonds
Level: Intermediate
You don’t even need a rolling pin to make these delightful almond-topped cookies. Just roll the dough into a ball, then flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
Think outside the box this season and enjoy these traditional Chinese cookies, each one topped with an almond slice. —Recipe contributor Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Garlic Chicken & Broccoli
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breasts, broccoli florets, garlic cloves
Level: Intermediate
We love a good slow-cooker chicken recipe. Prep this flavorful dish in the morning, then cook for several hours until it’s ready to serve.
This simple riff on Chinese chicken proves you can savor the takeout taste you crave while still eating right. —Recipe contributor Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Amazing Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken
Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Orange juice, orange marmalade, chicken breasts
Level: Intermediate
Saucy and flavorful with a bit of a kick, this easy slow-cooker meal looks and tastes like it’s from a restaurant, with way less fat. Just 3 grams of fat, to be exact.
I love Chinese takeout food, but I know it’s very high in sodium and fat. So I got to work at home and created a healthier version. Now I have peace of mind knowing what ingredients are in this slow cooker orange chicken and that it’s better for my family. —Recipe contributor Barbara J. Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Tofu Chow Mein
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Extra-firm tofu, whole wheat angel hair pasta, sesame oil, reduced-sodium soy sauce
Level: Intermediate
This seven-ingredient wonder is ready in just 30 minutes. Expert tip: Cut the block of tofu in half and wrap it with a kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge to absorb any excess water before you begin to cook.
This is an easy recipe for a “tofu beginner,” as it teaches people how to use it. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! —Recipe contributor Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, Oregon
Pork & Rice Meatballs
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Ground pork, shiitake mushrooms, sushi or small grain rice, teriyaki sauce
Level: Intermediate
The best part of these cute meatballs? Teriyaki sauce, ginger, rice vinegar, lemon zest and Sriracha chili sauce transform into an addictive dipping sauce you’ll want to eat on everything.
My appetizer meatballs combine two of my favorite Asian dishes—Chinese pork dumplings and steamed chicken balls. —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, Mississippi
Chinese Spinach-Almond Salad
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Baby spinach, sliced almonds, cooked pork, reduced-fat sesame ginger salad dressing
Level: Beginner
Whip up this salad for a light lunch, or serve it as a starter. Either way, you’re getting a dish packed with vitamins A and K, plus 24 grams of protein.
This recipe combines power-packed spinach with other veggies, lean meat and crunchy, heart-healthy almonds. Reduced-fat dressing adds a light Asian flavor and touch to each hearty serving. —Recipe contributor Mary Ann Kieffer, Lawrence, Kansas
Easy Pot Sticker Soup
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Reduced-sodium chicken broth, chicken pot stickers, Chinese or napa cabbage
Level: Intermediate
Frozen chicken pot stickers make this impressive-tasting soup secretly simple. Pop all the base ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, then enjoy the fragrant smell of homemade soup all day while it simmers.
Since my husband and I have soup often, I’m always coming up with something new. I saw pot stickers in the freezer and decided to feature them in an Asian soup. The results were delicious. Rice vinegar provides just the right tang, and the green onions and carrots add color. Stir in chopped cabbage or bok choy if you’d like. A little sesame oil goes a long way, but you can always add a bit more. —Recipe contributor Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Asian Slow-Cooked Short Ribs
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Stewed tomatoes, beef short ribs, honey, Worcestershire sauce, chili garlic sauce
Level: Intermediate
You might want to make a double batch of these tender, flavorful ribs. Save the leftovers for lunch the next day, and serve them on a toasted bun with cabbage slaw.
After a long day of sledding, the aroma of these beautiful short ribs says welcome home. Warm and comforting, they make a worthy low-maintenance dinner. —Recipe contributor Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
Chinese Chard with Almonds
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Swiss chard, gingerroot, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, sliced almonds
Level: Intermediate
If you don’t already have hoisin sauce in your pantry, now is your sign to pick some up at the grocery store. The Cantonese sauce is a tasty glaze for everything from meat to veggies. Next, you can try hoisin pork tenderloin.
The chard in my garden inspires all kinds of recipes. This one makes an amazing side dish, especially in spring. —Recipe contributor Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Asian Wraps
Total Time: 4 hoursMain Ingredients: Chicken breast halves, gingerroot, sesame oil, rice papers
Level: Intermediate
What’s better than ordering Chinese takeout for lunch? Whipping up these crunchy and refreshing Asian wraps the night before with leftover pulled chicken.
This recipe is just like any other Asian wrap but with more flavor, a healthy twist and the convenience of a slow cooker. Instead of ordering Chinese, try making these yourself. —Recipe contributor Melissa Hansen, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Quick Sesame Chicken Noodles
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Sesame oil, grilled chicken breast strips, chicken ramen noodles, reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce
Level: Intermediate
We’ve never met a noodle dish we didn’t like, but thanks to chicken ramen noodles, frozen grilled chicken breast strips and lots of fresh veggies, this lightning-quick recipe has now become one of our absolute favorites.
I love playing around with different ingredients and spices in my stir-fry recipes. As my children get older, I have more evenings when I need to whip up dinner quickly, and this dish with chicken strips and ramen noodles fits the bill deliciously. —Recipe contributor Heather Chambers, Largo, Florida
Healthier-than-Egg Rolls
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Lean ground chicken, coleslaw mix, sweet-and-sour sauce
Level: Intermediate
Cut down on cooking time by using instant brown rice, or even ready-to-eat brown rice, which you can find in the freezer aisle and heat up in the microwave. We love a good shortcut!
Frying anything at home is a little intimidating for me, but I love egg rolls. With this recipe, I’ve figured out a way to get the best part of the eggroll—without the mess. If you prefer a traditional egg roll made with wrappers, you can use this as the filling! —Recipe contributor Sue Mitchell, Leakey, Texas
Cashew Chicken with Ginger
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breasts, salted cashews, gingerroot, rice
Level: Intermediate
Need a meat-free entree? Our readers suggest making this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for extra mushrooms and the chicken broth for veggie broth.
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor of the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it’s easy to prepare. —Recipe contributor Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Crispy Baked Wontons
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground pork, extra-lean ground turkey, wonton wrappers
Level: Intermediate
If you’re a beginner, the easiest way to fold a wonton is a simple triangle. Place the filling in the center of the wonton wrapper, moisten the edges with water, then fold one corner diagonally over the filling to form a triangle. Press the edges to seal them together.
These quick, versatile wontons are great for a savory snack or paired with a bowl of soothing soup on a cold day. I usually make a large batch, freeze half on a floured baking sheet, then store it in an airtight container. —Recipe contributor Brianna Shade, Beaverton, Oregon
Snow Peas & Beef Stir-Fry
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Reduced-sodium soy sauce, beef top sirloin steak, snow peas
Level: Intermediate
This quick and easy Chinese classic is about to become a new family favorite. Our readers suggest adding fresh ginger to give the dish an added zing.
Skip greasy takeout food and go for this healthy and fast dinner that’s so much more enjoyable. To make it even easier, warm up ready-to-serve brown rice in the microwave and supper is ready to go (with one less pan to wash). —Recipe contributor Donna Lindecamp, Morganton, North Carolina
Crispy Orange Chicken
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Popcorn chicken, orange juice, hoisin sauce
Level: Intermediate
Believe it or not, this impressive-looking copycat dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Frozen popcorn chicken is the ingredient that makes this recipe so quick, but no one would ever know.
We enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Recipe contributor Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Five-Spice Chicken Wings
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken wings, sweet chili sauce, Chinese five-spice powder
Level: Intermediate
Chinese five-spice powder gives this flavorful chicken appetizer its name. The five spices, in case you’re wondering, include star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, fennel seeds and Sichuan pepper.
These wings are baked to a perfect golden brown and hum with mild, delicious Asian spices. Thanks to an overnight marinade, the chicken inside stays tender while the skin maintains that signature crunch. —Recipe contributor Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Spicy Beef & Pepper Stir-Fry
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef top sirloin steak, sweet red pepper, jalapeno pepper
Level: Intermediate
If you’re a spicy food fan, this spicy beef stir-fry is a must-try. Add more or less Sriracha, depending on how hot you like it.
Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Recipe contributor Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breast, wonton wrappers, jalapeno pepper jelly
Level: Intermediate
Your dinner guests will never guess how low-maintenance these tasty appetizers are. Thanks to pre-cooked chicken breast and store-bought wonton wrappers, they’re ready in less than an hour. If you have any extra wonton wrappers, we have more recipe ideas to use them up.
Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Recipe contributor Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa
Easy Chow Mein
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, Chinese vegetables, egg noodles or rice
Level: Intermediate
Using powdered brown gravy mix as a shortcut helps get the Chinese-inspired main on the table in a flash. But if you don’t have the packets on hand, a blend of dark and light soy sauce and oyster sauce works too.
Some years ago, our daughter welcomed me home from a hospital stay with this Asian dish and a copy of the recipe. Now I freeze leftovers for fast future meals. —Recipe contributor Kay Bade, Mitchell, South Dakota
Pineapple Shrimp Stir-Fry
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Unsweetened pineapple tidbits, sweet red pepper, shrimp, sweetened shredded coconut
Level: Intermediate
For the weeknight time-saving version, open a can of unsweetened pineapple tidbits. For the weekend showstopper, cut a fresh pineapple.
I came up with this recipe for a luau-themed party and served it with sliced papaya, mango and avocado. My family loved it! If you don’t care for coconut, sprinkle it with chopped macadamia nuts instead. —Recipe contributor Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Romaine, cooked pork, rice paper wrappers
Level: Intermediate
Dried cherries and wasabi-coated green peas make this recipe a total winner. If you’re confused, here’s the difference between egg rolls and spring rolls!
I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to put salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead, experiment! —Recipe contributor Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri
Chinese-Style Ribs
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Country-style pork ribs, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic cloves, gingerroot
Level: Intermediate
Your guests won’t be able to put their finger on the complex flavor of the sauce on these ribs. Believe it or not, it’s sherry, orange marmalade and pumpkin pie spice.
When I was working two jobs, slow cooking was my way of life. Sometimes I had more than one slow cooker going at a time to help me feed my family delicious home-cooked meals. It’s nice to walk in after a hard day’s work and have dinner ready. I hope you agree these ribs are quick, easy and delicious. Enjoy! —Recipe contributor Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Beef & Spinach Lo Mein
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef top round steak, spaghetti, spinach
Level: Intermediate
If you don’t have lo mein noodles on hand, whole-wheat or multigrain spaghetti adds a delicious texture. Buckwheat or soba noodles are tasty swaps, too.
If you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it’s now a favorite go-to meal. —Recipe contributor Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Quick Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Broccoli florets, cooked chicken, brown rice
Level: Intermediate
Use cooked, cubed chicken and this dish will be ready in just about 25 minutes. Before you get started, make sure you have rice vinegar, sweet rice wine and fish sauce on hand.
This Asian chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a household best bet. The spicy sauce works with chicken, seafood, pork or beef. Add whatever veggies you have on hand. —Recipe contributor Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Baked Egg Rolls
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Cooked chicken, egg roll wrappers, bean sprouts, water chestnuts
Level: Intermediate
Heat the oven to 350°F, then bake these scrumptious egg rolls until warm and crispy. Make a double batch because these crispy appetizers are great frozen and reheated. Just pop the cooled leftovers in a freezer container, separating into layers with waxed paper.
These egg rolls are low in fat, but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Recipe contributor Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska
Slow-Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Pork
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork loin chops, pineapple chunks, rice
Level: Intermediate
Ta-da: Only 15 minutes of prep time. Toss the ingredients in the slow cooker before work, then come home to a complete dinner. You can even prep it in advance; freeze the pork, onion, green pepper and pineapple in a freezer bag, then thaw in the fridge for 48 hours before adding it to the slow cooker.
Chinese food is a big temptation for us, so I lightened up a favorite takeout dish. As the pork cooks, the aroma is beyond mouthwatering. —Recipe contributor Elyse Ellis, Layton, Utah
Saucy Beef with Broccoli
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef top sirloin steak, broccoli florets, beef broth
Level: Intermediate
It’s so easy to make this entree a complete meal: Add lots of extra veggies, like red peppers, mushrooms and carrots, then serve on a bed of cauliflower rice.
When I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Recipe contributor Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Spicy Orange Chicken
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Navel oranges, chicken breasts, jalapeno pepper, crushed red pepper flakes
Level: Intermediate
Love General Tso’s chicken? This citrusy version, with some heat, includes fresh navel oranges and lemon juice for a sweet sauce that’s also packed with vitamins.
I created a citrusy version of General Tso’s chicken. Top with sesame seeds and green onions, roasted red peppers and sugar snap peas. —Recipe contributor Paula Williams, Covington, Kentucky
Shrimp Fried Rice
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Rice, eggs, shrimp, frozen mixed vegetables
Level: Beginner
Vibrant, flavorful shrimp fried rice only takes 20 minutes to make (and it will be devoured even faster). Don’t skip out on the optional crumbled bacon topping.
This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can’t get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Recipe contributor Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas
Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Pineapple chunks, chicken breasts, rice
Level: Intermediate
Pineapple, ginger, brown sugar and molasses make the most delicious glaze for chicken and veggies. If the sauce seems too thin at first, add an extra sprinkle of cornstarch until it’s as thick as you like it.
We love how the snappy veggies and pineapple make this stir-fry taste fresh and bright. Add brown sugar and you get a sweet-and-sour dish that’s packed with flavor. —Recipe contributor DeEtta Rasmussen, Fort Madison, Iowa
Baked Crab Rangoons
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Reduced-fat cream cheese, crabmeat, wonton wrappers
Level: Intermediate
If this Chinese takeout favorite is something you’d never dream of making at home, think again. It’s actually ready in less than an hour, thanks to our trusty secret weapon; store-bought wonton wrappers.
When I’m dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. —Recipe contributor Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
Egg Drop Soup
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken broth, cornstarch, egg
Level: Beginner
Why is it called “egg drop soup?” A scrambled egg is literally drizzled into the boiling broth while stirring slowly with a whisk or fork, creating beautiful egg ribbons. Add sesame oil, chiles or other spices to amp up the flavor.
We often start our stir-fry meals with this fast egg drop soup recipe— it cooks in just minutes flat. There are many versions of the recipe, but we like the easy addition of cornstarch to thicken the soup and give it a rich, golden color. I got the recipe from my grandma’s old cookbook. —Recipe contributor Amy Beth Corlew-Sherlock, Lapeer, Michigan
Healthy Steamed Dumplings
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Chinese or napa cabbage, lean ground turkey, pot sticker or gyoza wrappers
Level: Advanced
This dish is much healthier than its takeout counterpart and more fun, too. The whole family can fill and fold the dumplings together and, of course, eat them together once they’re finished!
My family loves Chinese food, but it’s hard to find healthy choices in restaurants or at the grocery store. So instead, I make these healthy dumplings into a great family activity. With many hands helping out, filling the dumplings goes by fast. When we are done, we have lots of dumplings to put in the freezer for months to come. —Recipe contributor Melody Crain, Houston, Texas
Ginger Steak Fried Rice
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef top sirloin steak, broccoli coleslaw mix, gingerroot, brown rice
Level: Intermediate
There’s a trick to cutting steak into thin, even slices. Pop the steak in the freezer until it’s partially frozen to keep the meat firmer and easier to slice.
Perfect for an end-of-the-week meal, this sensational dish comes together quickly with leftover rice. —Recipe contributor Simone Garza, Evansville, Indiana
Mushroom Pepper Steak
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Sweet red pepper, green pepper, mushrooms, beef top sirloin steak
Level: Intermediate
Marinate the steak for up to an hour to make it extra tender and flavorful. While you’re waiting for the meat to do its thing in the fridge, cook white rice or cauliflower rice to make this dish a complete meal.
Bell peppers, mushrooms and ginger provide the bulk of the flavor in this stir-fry that’s not too saucy. Hot rice makes it even better. —Recipe contributor Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Orange Ginger Chicken
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken thighs, orange marmalade, ginger
Level: Intermediate
Wondering about the ingredients that make orange ginger chicken so delightfully sweet and tangy? The mixture of orange marmalade, ground ginger and honey coats the cubes of chicken and tenderizes the meat.
This twist on a popular Chinese takeout dish is one of my husband’s all-time favorites. We spoon it over rice. —Recipe contributor Toni Schilz, Army Post Office
Almond Vegetable Stir-Fry
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Broccoli, sweet red pepper, onion, silvered almonds, sesame oil, reduced-sodium soy sauce
Level: Beginner
Save this speedy dinner recipe for a busy weeknight. The crunchy and flavorful vegetarian dish cooks in a flash—make the wok or skillet extra hot, then stir fry for just four minutes.
While broccoli florets and chunks of red pepper give these stir-fry vegetables plenty of color, it’s the fresh gingerroot, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil that round out the flavor. —Recipe contributor Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Asparagus Beef Lo Mein
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef top sirloin steak, beef ramen noodles, asparagus
Level: Beginner
Believe it or not, asparagus beef lo mein comes together with only five ingredients. Thanks to hoisin sauce, minced garlic and beef ramen noodles, it doesn’t get much easier than this!
This springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Recipe contributor Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California
Sirloin Stir-Fry with Ramen Noodles
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef ramen noodles, beef top sirloin steak, baby corn, broccoli florets
Level: Intermediate
Need to pack some extra veggies into your diet? Make this easy and delicious stir-fry for dinner, featuring four servings of vegetables, including carrots, broccoli, sweet red pepper and baby corn.
I created this recipe when I was craving good Chinese food. The leftovers taste just as yummy when reheated the next day. —Recipe contributor Annette Hemsath, Sutherlin, Oregon
Zesty Orange Beef
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef top sirloin steak, shiitake mushrooms, dried hot chiles, snow peas, rice
Level: Intermediate
Don’t skimp on the orange zest, as it really brings out the depth of flavor in the dish. If you don’t love spicy food, just skip the hot chiles.
I put this recipe together in the morning before I leave for work. In the evening, the amazing aroma greets me when I open the door. All I have to do is quickly cook some rice, and dinner is served. —Recipe contributor Deborah Puette, Lilburn, Georgia
Wonton Pot Stickers with Soy Reduction
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Ground pork, wonton wrappers, mirin
Level: Advanced
It might be tempting to use store-bought sauce instead of spending an extra 15 minutes making soy reduction sauce. But trust us; this sweet-and-salty, herb-infused dipping sauce will become a permanent fixture in your fridge.
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage with white stems and dark green leaves. In a pinch, regular cabbage will do. These appetizers—full of sausage, cilantro, ginger, and onion—freeze so well that I always make large batches. Then I have extras to pull out of the freezer at a moment’s notice. —Recipe contributor Michael Angelo, Spring, Texas
Originally Published: January 14, 2021
