Chinese food is something most people order for takeout, but many Chinese restaurant favorites are surprisingly simple to make at home, saving you time and money. I've chosen a few of my easy to make Chinese food recipes to help get you started. With clear instructions and a bit of context on the key techniques and ingredients, these Chinese dishes are easy to cook, even if you're new to them. This collection of easy Chinese food makes it simple to bring bold, savory comfort to your dinner table tonight.
Black Pepper Beef
If you’re craving something quick but flavor-packed, Black Pepper Beef brings the sizzle and the spice. I use tender cubes of beef tenderloin, quickly seared to lock in the juices, then toss them in a savory sauce packed with umami and the bold hit of freshly cracked black pepper. Sautéed peppers and onions add sweetness and crunch, balancing the richness of the beef. My Black Pepper Beef hits all the right notes—and honestly, it outshines what you’ll find at most takeout joints. Serve it up with steamed or fried rice for an easy weeknight dinner that delivers.
Hunan Chicken
This classic Chinese dish highlights the bold, spicy flavors that define Hunan cuisine—thanks to a trio of pantry staples: Shaoxing wine, doubanjiang, and oyster sauce. They’re easy to stock and add layers of umami, heat, and depth that make this dish sing. You can prep everything ahead of time, so when you’re ready to cook, it’s just a quick stir-fry away from dinner. Bonus tip: set your rice cooker on a timer so the rice is hot and fluffy just as the chicken hits the plate.
Chop Suey
Chop Suey is a cornerstone of American Chinese cuisine, with roots stretching back over 150 years. It’s quick to pull together—just about 15 minutes from prep to plate—and loaded with color and crunch. Sliced pork stir-fried with a vibrant mix of vegetables gets coated in a savory, slightly glossy sauce, then served over a bed of noodles. It’s one of those easy Chinese food recipes that works for lunch, dinner, or whenever you need a fast, flavorful meal.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of those deceptively simple dishes—once you know a few key techniques for getting the texture just right, it’s easy to master. My Shrimp Fried Rice can play double duty as a satisfying main or a savory side, and it’s endlessly flexible: load it up with vegetables for a colorful one-pan meal or keep it minimal with just the essentials.
Moo Goo Gai Pan
Moo Goo Gai Pan is another American Chinese classic—mild, comforting, and a longtime staple on restaurant menus. It’s also another example of easy to make Chinese food that’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner, thanks to its quick prep and crowd-pleasing flavors. Tender slices of chicken stir-fried with a medley of crisp vegetables come together in a light, savory sauce that lets each ingredient shine. Best of all, you can have it on the table in about 15 minutes—quicker than it takes to steam a pot of rice.
Spicy Garlic Green Beans
Looking to spice things up and wake up your tastebuds? This easy Chinese food recipe comes together in minutes from just three simple ingredients. The key is a technique called oil blanching, which gives the green beans that blistered, tender-yet-crisp texture you’ll recognize from your favorite takeout spots. These also happen to be plant-based, but don't let that stop you from trying this out as a side dish. You could even toss in some pan-fried tofu, coating it with that ridiculously flavorful chili garlic sauce.
Next time a Chinese takeout craving hits, skip the wait—and the bill—and try one of these delicious, easy Chinese food recipes at home instead. Looking for more inspiration? Dive into my collections of Traditional Chinese Recipes and American Chinese Recipes to keep the ideas flowing. And if you give one a try, I’d love to hear how it went—drop me a comment and let me know how your home-cooked adventure turned out!
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