23 Chinese-Inspired Dinners for the End of a Long Day

When the day has taken everything out of you, a homemade dinner still needs to be worth the effort. These 23 Chinese-inspired recipes cover quick stir-fries, fried rice, noodle dishes, soups, crispy chicken, shrimp, appetizers, and a few sweet finishes. Some cook in 20 to 30 minutes, while others are better for an evening when you have time to fry, simmer, or prepare the components.

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce. — Sweet Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Caramelized Fried Banana

A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce. — Caramelized Fried Banana. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Made in one skillet, Caramelized Fried Banana turns ripe banana slices into a warm, glossy treat in 10 minutes. Brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and butter or oil form the caramel-style coating as the fruit cooks. Spoon the bananas and pan juices over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or oatmeal. The recipe makes 2 servings and works well as a quick finish after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana

Scallion Pancakes

Rolled into spirals before pan-frying, Scallion Pancakes develop crisp surfaces and tender layers filled with chopped green onions. The dough uses boiling and cool water, then rests for 30 minutes before being brushed with peanut oil and shaped. A soy and vinegar dipping sauce adds a salty, tangy finish. Total time is 1 hour 10 minutes, including resting time, and the batch serves 4.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Pancakes

Chinese Steamed Chicken

A bowl of steamed chicken pieces with mushrooms, garnished with chopped green onions, with chopsticks picking up a piece. — Chinese Steamed Chicken. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Steamed rather than fried, Chinese Steamed Chicken cooks boneless chicken thighs with sliced shiitake mushrooms in 30 minutes. A warm sauce of ginger, green onions, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and hot vegetable oil is spooned over the sliced meat. The gentle cooking method keeps the chicken ready to absorb the savory topping. Serve the 4 portions immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed Chicken

Pork Fried Rice

Close-up of fried rice with chunks of meat, peas, diced carrots, and bean sprouts mixed together. — Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Built around cold day-old jasmine rice, Pork Fried Rice combines diced pork tenderloin, eggs, carrots, peas, bean sprouts, and green onions in 35 minutes. Hoisin sauce coats the pork, while soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil season the rice. The grains fry until heated through with lightly crisp sections. It makes 4 servings and turns leftover rice into a full skillet dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Panda Express Super Greens

A plate of stir-fried kale, broccoli, and sliced onions, served with a pair of chopsticks on the side. — Panda Express Super Greens. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ready in 20 minutes, Panda Express Super Greens stir-fries broccoli and cabbage before steaming them briefly with chopped kale. Garlic, soy sauce, vegetable broth, and sesame oil season the vegetables without covering their fresh texture. The recipe makes 4 servings and keeps the vegetables tender with some bite. Plate them beside rice, noodles, chicken, beef, or shrimp to round out dinner.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Super Greens

Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread. — Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Seasoned with rosemary, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic, and chili seasoning, Shrimp Toast cooks large shrimp in coconut oil before arranging them over toasted bread. Shredded carrots, romaine, sprouts, Parmesan, lime, and sesame seeds add color and texture. The recipe is ready in 25 minutes and serves 4. Put it out as an open-faced starter or pair it with soup for a lighter dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Panda Express Black Pepper Sirloin Steak

A bowl of stir-fried beef strips with red and green bell peppers, topped with sesame seeds. — Panda Express Black Pepper Sirloin Steak. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Finished in a glossy skillet sauce, Panda Express Black Pepper Sirloin Steak cooks sliced beef, red and green bell peppers, and onion in 25 minutes. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper coat each piece. The recipe makes 4 portions with only 10 minutes of cooking. Spoon the beef and vegetables over hot steamed rice for an easy takeout-style plate.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Black Pepper Sirloin Steak

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

A colorful salad with shredded carrots, zucchini, chicken, orange slices, and sesame seeds on a brown plate, garnished with fresh herbs. — Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Served cold or at room temperature, Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken pairs cooked and shredded drumstick meat with cucumber, carrots, and thinly sliced onion. Its dressing contains lemon juice and zest, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, cilantro, sesame, and chili. The recipe takes 25 minutes and yields 4 servings. Prepare it for a lighter dinner when a hot stir-fry sounds like too much work.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Shrimp Fried Rice

Cooked in one wok or skillet, Shrimp Fried Rice brings together large shrimp, cold rice, egg, onion, mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and green onions. The shrimp cook first, followed by the egg, vegetables, and rice, which fries long enough to develop a light crust. Dinner is ready in 25 minutes and feeds 4. Serve it alone or add a simple vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Panda Express Orange Chicken

A plate of sesame chicken pieces covered in sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. — Panda Express Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Coated in flour and cornstarch before frying, Panda Express Orange Chicken delivers crisp chicken pieces covered with a sweet, tangy sauce. Fresh orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic form the thick coating. The recipe takes 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4. Add sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then bring it to the table with steamed rice.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Orange Chicken

Chicken Chow Mein

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chicken in a pan, featuring carrots, cabbage, and green onions. — Chicken Chow Mein. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tossed with a savory sauce, Chicken Chow Mein combines sliced chicken thighs, chow mein noodles, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and garlic. Oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, brown sugar, and cornstarch coat the chicken and vegetables. The dish cooks in 30 minutes and makes 4 servings. It is substantial enough to serve on its own after a packed day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Beef and Broccoli

On the table in 30 minutes, Beef and Broccoli sears thin flank steak and cooks 4 cups of broccoli until bright and tender-crisp. A sauce of soy, vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch thickens around the beef and vegetables. The recipe serves 4 and finishes in one skillet or wok. Ladle it over rice to catch every bit of sauce.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Panda Express Chow Mein

A close-up of cooked instant noodles mixed with sautéed cabbage and onions in a pan. — Panda Express Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stir-fried over high heat, Panda Express Chow Mein coats chewy noodles with cabbage, celery, onion, and garlic in 25 minutes. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch create a sauce that clings to the strands. The recipe serves 4 and uses only 10 minutes of cooking time. Serve it as dinner or beside homemade orange chicken or beef.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Chow Mein

Egg Fried Rice

Oval dish filled with fried rice garnished with chopped green onions. — Egg Fried Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Using jasmine rice and four eggs, Egg Fried Rice makes a simple 25-minute dish with green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and vegetable oil. The eggs provide richness while the seasoned rice carries the savory flavor through each spoonful. One batch feeds 4 and can be prepared with ingredients commonly kept at home. Eat it as a quick dinner or serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

Panda Express Beijing Beef

A bowl of stir-fried beef with red bell peppers, onions, and chopped green onions, served on a white plate. — Panda Express Beijing Beef. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

After a one-hour marinade, Panda Express Beijing Beef fries cornstarch-coated flank steak and tosses it with red bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Hoisin sauce, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes form the sticky coating. Total time is 1 hour 40 minutes, and the recipe serves 4. Save this one for a night when crispy beef is worth the extra preparation.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Beijing Beef

Egg Drop Soup

Swirled into simmering chicken broth, Egg Drop Soup creates delicate egg ribbons in only 20 minutes. Ginger, garlic, sesame oil, black pepper, and Sichuan pepper give the broth more depth, while cornstarch helps shape the eggs. The recipe makes 4 light servings. Top each bowl with green onions, cilantro, or chili oil and serve with egg rolls or fried rice.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

General Tso’s Chicken

Stir-fried chicken pieces in a spicy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, served in a round metal dish on an orange placemat. — General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Marinated for 30 minutes, General Tso’s Chicken coats chicken breast cubes in flour and cornstarch before frying them until crisp. A sauce made with hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, chicken stock, sugar, and red pepper flakes adds sweetness and heat. The full recipe takes 1 hour and serves 6. Set it over rice when dinner calls for something bold and substantial.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions. — Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Ready in 20 minutes, Bang Bang Shrimp coats peeled shrimp with cornstarch before cooking them with a small amount of oil. Mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice form the creamy sauce. The recipe serves 4 and includes basmati rice, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro for plating. Divide everything into bowls for a quick dinner with cool, crisp contrast.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Candied Tanghulu

Skewers of grapes and strawberries coated in a shiny glaze are arranged on a light surface with loose fruit pieces nearby. — Candied Tanghulu. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Covered with a hard sugar shell, Candied Tanghulu turns strawberries, grapes, kiwi, apples, or other fresh fruit into a crisp dessert. The fruit is threaded onto bamboo skewers, dipped in a hot syrup of sugar and water, and allowed to set. The recipe takes 40 minutes and makes 12 servings. Bring out the skewers after a savory dinner for a bright, crunchy finish.
Get the Recipe: Candied Tanghulu

Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

A close-up of a serving of shrimp garnished with chopped green onions, red chili slices, and cilantro, placed in a bowl with chopsticks on the side. — Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Seasoned and quickly fried, Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp is ready in 35 minutes and produces 4 servings. The shrimp develop a crisp exterior before being finished with the recipe’s salt, pepper, and aromatic seasonings. Serve them as a main course with hot rice and vegetables, or place them in the center of the table for sharing. Any remaining shrimp can be reheated for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

Egg Roll

A wooden tray with spring rolls and lime wedges lined with parchment paper sits next to a small bowl of dipping sauce on a light surface. — Egg Roll. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fried until crisp, Egg Roll wraps a savory filling inside thin wrappers for a batch of 12. Preparation and cooking each take 15 minutes, bringing the total time to 30 minutes. The rolls can be assembled ahead, stored, frozen, and reheated when needed. Serve them beside wonton soup or fried rice, or pass them around as the first bite before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Wonton Soup

A ceramic bowl of clear soup containing dumplings, sliced mushrooms, broccolini, chopped green onions, and cilantro. — Wonton Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simmered in a ginger and garlic broth, Wonton Soup combines 16 frozen wontons with shiitake mushrooms, broccolini, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It takes 30 minutes from start to finish and makes 4 bowls. The frozen wontons keep the preparation manageable without leaving the soup plain. Finish each serving with sliced green onion and eat it while the broth is hot.
Get the Recipe: Wonton Soup

Sweet Orange Chicken

Fried until golden, Sweet Orange Chicken coats cubed chicken breast in cornstarch, egg, and corn flour before adding the sauce. Fresh orange juice and zest combine with honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper paste. The recipe takes 40 minutes and serves 4. Scatter green onions and sesame seeds over the top, then serve it with steamed rice.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Orange Chicken