When I Don’t Know What to Make, These 19 Chinese Recipes Always Work

ByMandy

Dinner indecision shows up way too often around here. These 19 Chinese recipes always come through when no one knows what to make. They’re easy to pull together and please the crowd every time. Having a list like this makes dinner feel simple again.

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.

Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of honey walnut shrimp topped with green onions.
Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crispy, sweet, and crunchy, this seafood dish mixes textures perfectly with just the right balance. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp is an easy option for quick meals that still feel special. Perfect for those seeking a fuss-free recipe. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, whether for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

Cashew Chicken

Close-up of Cashew Chicken featuring tender chicken, broccoli, edamame, cashews, and red bell peppers. This delightful dish is topped with sesame seeds and served over a bed of rice.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes you need something hearty without it feeling heavy, and Cashew Chicken delivers just that. The crunch of cashews brings a unique element to this dish that’s hard to resist. It’s filling and comforting, but quick to make. A smart choice for busy days when every minute counts.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Egg Drop Soup

A comforting bowl of egg drop soup elegantly garnished with fresh cilantro, vibrant chives, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cozy and comforting, this light yet rich soup is always a go-to when big flavors aren’t needed. Egg Drop Soup is a reliable choice for busy nights or when you need something quick. It’s both filling and great for mixing alongside sides. A simple soup doesn’t need anything fancy and works every time.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Close-up of a stir-fry dish with chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, and sesame seeds, coated in a soy-based sauce.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Balanced and straightforward, this hearty mix of chicken and broccoli is always a reliable pairing. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is perfect for getting a quick and easy meal on the table without hassle. The simplicity is why people love it. Plus, it’s healthy without being boring, always a win-win.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Hot and Sour Soup

Bowl of hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tofu, and sliced green onions, with a spoon on the side.
Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re after bold and balanced flavors, Hot and Sour Soup steps up with its layered elements. Perfect for those times you want something that feels unique but still familiar. Great as a starter, but can also hold its own as the main choice. It’s a flavorful option you’ll come back to often.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour 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.

Big flavors and crispy options you can count on, this popular chicken dish hits all the right notes. General Tso’s Chicken has a signature taste that works for casual meals or impressing friends. It’s less effort compared to other fried dishes. One bite feels familiar, yet always enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

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.

Looking for something light but packed with flavor? Shrimp Toast becomes an easy win for appetizers, snacks, or mixing up dinner plans. This dish brings a crispy element that’s hard to match. It’s flavorful in a way that feels both quaint and noteworthy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Orange Chicken

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

Big flavor and bright notes come together perfectly in this classic takeout favorite. Orange Chicken is perfect for adding a pop to any mealtime without going overboard. It’s easy to make while still feeling fun. Balanced taste makes it a favorite for weekday dinners or weekends.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Sweet and Sour Pork

Close-up of sweet and sour pork with chunks of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, garnished with sesame seeds and chives.
Sweet and Sour Pork. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The balance between sweet and tangy makes Sweet and Sour Pork a dependable choice for any time. It offers familiar flavors most people love without overcomplicating your menu. Great for casual gatherings or adding variety to weeknight meals. It’s a dish that’s simple but never boring.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Slightly crispy, rich, with bursts of sesame flavor in every bite; who could say no? Sesame Chicken works for meals when you want something traditional but simple. It’s the perfect middle ground between savory and sweet. Time and time again, it’s a winner at the table.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Egg Rolls

Vegan egg rolls in a wooden tray.
Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Ideal for snacks or party starters, Egg Rolls bring versatility wrapped in crispy goodness. They’re perfect for combining with other dishes or standing solo for lighter meals. Offering a crunch with every bite, they add variety to your food options without effort. Simple and a reliable classic.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

Tried-and-true noodles mixed with chicken that never fail to deliver for easy meals. Chicken Chow Mein works well for quick dinners or potluck nights when you need big portions. It’s a favorite for its mix of texture and flavor without needing extras. You’ll want this one on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Fried Banana

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

Sweet with a soft touch, Fried Banana feels like a treat without feeling too indulgent. Great for wrapping up a meal or even adding interest to snacks. Its straightforward prep makes it a quick solution for cravings. An option people rarely skip at the table.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Close-up of sweet and sour chicken with bell peppers and pineapple chunks in a thick sauce.
Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic sweet and tangy flavors pair perfectly in this easy-to-make chicken dish. Sweet and Sour Chicken is perfect for quick dinners or just mixing up ordinary chicken nights. It’s delicious without going overboard or feeling complex. Your friends or family will make this their new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Great for clean, simple meals when you’re unsure what to make but need something light. Vegetable Stir Fry mixes ease and flavor without requiring tons of time. It’s always refreshing and pairs well with so many other dishes. You’ll reach for this one often, it just works.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

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.

Tangy and vibrant without being overwhelming, this shredded chicken dish pairs so well with sides. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken is perfect for shaking up your protein options at home. It’s easy but feels like a fresh take when meals get boring. Great for quick weekday dinners or weekend gatherings alike.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Tofu Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with grilled tofu, diced carrots, peas, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of dark sauce, served on a red cloth.
Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Great for when you’re stuck for options, Tofu Fried Rice adds something filling without being overly heavy. The addition of tofu brings variety to the normal rice dishes you may be used to. It’s adaptable and always welcome to busy meal plans. A good standby dish anytime.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A spoon rests inside a glass jar filled with a thick, brown liquid.
Sweet and Sour Sauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Helpful for bringing balance to bold dishes, Sweet and Sour Sauce is the perfect pairing option for many plates. It works as the finishing touch for when you want an added dimension to meals. Simple prep and multiple uses make it versatile. A must-have for layered flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

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.

Seafood fans need this recipe in their rotation; it’s crispy, rich, and works for snacks or full meals. Bang Bang Shrimp balances texture and flavor perfectly, making it a top choice every time. It’s quick, easy, and pairs well with rice or veggies. This one’s too good not to try.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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