Easy Chinese Recipes: A Comprehensive Guide to Quick and Delicious Meals for Beginners

Chinese cuisine is beloved worldwide for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and versatility. From savory stir-fries to comforting soups, Chinese dishes are rich in variety and offer endless possibilities for both beginners and experienced cooks. Contrary to what some may think, preparing easy Chinese recipes at home is not difficult—many classic Chinese dishes can be made with just a few ingredients and simple techniques.

Whether you’re new to cooking or simply looking for quick, delicious meals, this guide will walk you through a collection of easy-to-make Chinese recipes that are perfect for beginners. We’ll cover everything from essential ingredients and cooking tools to step-by-step instructions for creating restaurant-quality meals in your own kitchen.

1. Must-Have Ingredients for easy Chinese recipes

Before diving into the recipes, it’s important to stock your kitchen with a few essential ingredients that are commonly used in Chinese cuisine. These ingredients will not only make your dishes more authentic but will also help you create the bold, flavorful profiles typical of Chinese cooking.

1.1. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is one of the most basic and essential ingredients in Chinese cuisine. There are two main types:

• Light Soy Sauce: This is the most commonly used soy sauce for flavoring dishes. It has a lighter color and a saltier taste.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Dark soy sauce is thicker, darker, and slightly sweeter than light soy sauce. It’s used primarily for color and flavor in slow-cooked dishes.

1.2. Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce adds a deep umami flavor to stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. It is thick, slightly sweet, and salty, making it perfect for enhancing the richness of meat or vegetable dishes.

1.3. Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar is milder and sweeter than regular vinegar, and it’s used to add a touch of acidity to dishes like stir-fries, dumplings, and dipping sauces.

1.4. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce made from fermented soybeans, garlic, and various spices. It’s commonly used in Chinese barbecue dishes and is an excellent dipping sauce for appetizers.

1.5. Sesame Oil

Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor to dishes. Because of its strong flavor, it’s usually used as a finishing oil rather than a cooking oil.

1.6. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is often used in Chinese cooking to thicken sauces and soups. It’s also used to coat meat before stir-frying, giving it a light, crispy texture.

1.7. Shaoxing Wine

This Chinese cooking wine is made from fermented rice and adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor to stir-fries, soups, and marinades.

Tip: These basic ingredients can be found in most grocery stores or Asian markets. Having them on hand will make it easier to create a wide range of Chinese dishes at home.

2. Quick and easy Chinese recipes: Stir-Fry Recipe

A classic chicken stir-fry is one of the easiest and most versatile Chinese dishes you can make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. The key to a good stir-fry is high heat and a quick cooking time, which keeps the chicken tender and the vegetables crisp.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• Optional: green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce and cornstarch. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
2. Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir in the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and water. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Tip: You can use different vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms depending on what you have on hand.

3. Easy Egg Fried Rice: A Classic Chinese Recipe

Egg fried rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main meal. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice, and you can customize it by adding different proteins or vegetables. For the best results, use cold, day-old rice, as fresh rice tends to be too soft and sticky for frying.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked and cooled white rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Scramble the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining oil and sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes. Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Fry the Rice: Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice for 3-4 minutes until it is heated through.
4. Combine and Serve: Stir the scrambled eggs back into the pan. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors. Garnish with green onions and serve.

Tip: You can add protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make this a more substantial meal.

4. Sweet and Sour Chicken: An easy Chinese recipes for Beginners

Sweet and sour chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its crispy chicken and tangy sauce. This easy recipe allows you to recreate this classic takeout favorite at home. The combination of sweet pineapple and tangy vinegar in the sauce creates a delicious contrast to the savory fried chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Batter the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then coat them in the cornstarch-flour mixture.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, mix together the ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In a separate pan, stir-fry the bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks for 3-4 minutes until softened.
5. Combine and Serve: Toss the fried chicken and vegetables in the sweet and sour sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then serve with steamed rice.

Tip: You can bake the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version of this dish.

5. Kung Pao Chicken: A easy Chinese recipes

Kung Pao chicken is a spicy and flavorful stir-fry dish originating from the Sichuan province of China. It’s made with tender chicken pieces, peanuts, vegetables, and dried chili peppers. The dish has a unique balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a favorite in Chinese cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 3 dried red chilies
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Stir-Fry the Chicken: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the bell pepper, onion, dried chilies, and garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and roasted peanuts back into the pan. Pour the sauce over the ingredients and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes, then serve with steamed rice.

Tip: Adjust the number of dried chilies depending on how spicy you like your dish. For a milder version, reduce the number of chilies or omit them.

6. Hot and Sour Soup: A Quick and easy Chinese recipes

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful soup, hot and sour soup is a classic option. This traditional Chinese soup balances the heat of white pepper with the tang of vinegar, creating a delicious broth filled with mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button)
• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
• 1/4 cup tofu, diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the Broth: In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Season the Soup: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Thicken the Soup: Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the soup, stirring continuously until the soup thickens slightly.
4. Add the Egg: While stirring the soup in one direction, slowly drizzle in the beaten egg. This will create beautiful egg ribbons.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Tip: For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the soup.

7. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef and broccoli stir-fry is another Chinese takeout favorite that’s simple to make at home. The dish features tender beef and crisp broccoli florets in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix the soy sauce and cornstarch. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the broccoli.
2. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli: In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the broccoli florets and garlic, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the beef to the pan. Stir in the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and water. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve with steamed rice.

Tip: Slice the beef as thinly as possible to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender.

Conclusion: easy Chinese recipes

Making easy Chinese recipes at home is both fun and rewarding. With just a few essential ingredients and simple techniques, you can recreate your favorite takeout dishes in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving stir-fries, soups, or fried rice, these beginner-friendly recipes will help you create delicious meals in no time. So, grab your wok and get cooking!

Want more easy Asian-inspired dishes? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Beginner Asian Recipes for more quick and flavorful meals.