These 17 Chinese Dishes Are My Fix for Boring Dinners

ByMandy

Dinner was starting to feel way too predictable. These 17 Chinese dishes shook things up and made meals fun again. They’re easy to pull off and never stick around long on the table. Sometimes all it takes is one good swap to break the routine.

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.

Warm, simple, and light, this is the kind of soup that can round out dinner without overpowering the main dish. Egg Drop Soup offers a smooth texture and subtle flavor that feels comforting. It’s quick to make and pairs well with almost any meal. If your dinners need a little variety, this soup is perfect to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

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.

When you’re craving takeout-style shrimp with a twist, Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp delivers a perfect mix of crunch and sweetness without a lot of hassle. The walnuts pair surprisingly well for a nutty touch that stands out. A great recipe to bring excitement to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

Why settle for plain when you can mix it up? Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry brings a nice balance with juicy chicken and tender greens. A quick fix that feels well-rounded. Perfect for busy weeknights without overthinking meals.
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.

For those who love a little kick, Hot and Sour Soup offers a bold combination of contrasting flavors. It’s tangy and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Perfect for anyone looking for something comforting but with a bit of excitement. A warm option for chilly evenings or as a starter to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

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.

Sweet-yet-savory combinations are front and center here. Cashew Chicken mixes crunchy nuts with tender chicken for something that feels restaurant-worthy at home. The texture balance adds depth to your plate without much effort. Great for switching up your dinner routine without ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Cashew 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.

This dish brings together flavors that play off each other beautifully. Sweet and Sour Pork combines juicy bites with a tangy profile that keeps you coming back for seconds. The sauce’s balance is what makes it stand out. It’s a go-to choice when you’re tired of plain dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

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.

Classic and bold, General Tso’s Chicken is all you need when you’re in the mood for something with a sweet and savory kick. Crisp bites covered in a flavorful sauce make it a dinner favorite. It’s versatile enough for casual or more exciting evenings. Definitely one to bookmark for when guests are over.
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.

Bring a little energy to your dinner lineup with Bang Bang Shrimp. This dish packs a subtle punch with a creamy twist that pairs perfectly with crispy textures. Ideal for shaking up boring nights with an easy-to-love option. Great for snacks, appetizers, or light meals.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

If you’re looking for something with a bold yet familiar flavor, Sesame Chicken gets the job done. The complement of crunchy outside and soft inside feels just right on busy evenings. It’s a dependable dish with a bit of flair that works for almost any dining setup. Works well when paired with rice or noodles for simple pairing ideas.
Get the Recipe: Sesame 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.

Crunchy and rich, this appetizer doubles as a quick way to make dinner pop. Shrimp Toast offers a crisp bite that feels fresh and different without being too filling. It’s ideal for sharing, but also works as a side dish. An easy way to add variety without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

Big in texture and simplicity, Chicken Chow Mein packs a good range of tastes and substance in one dish. It’s easy to serve and even easier to enjoy, with noodles at the center. Perfect if you’re looking for something versatile for family dinners. Great on its own or as part of a larger meal spread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Egg Rolls

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

Sometimes, you just need something quick, crunchy, and dependable. Egg Rolls create perfect pockets of flavor wrapped up in crispy shells to upgrade any dinner lineup. Ideal for solo meals or sharing with friends and family. Great for adding variety without overwhelming your plate.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bold and hearty, Kung Pao Chicken lives up to its reputation with just the right amount of crunch and flavor-packed bites. Great for shaking up boring dinners without putting in tons of work. It adds an exciting option to regular dinners. Pairs well with rice or noodles for a fulfilling finish.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao 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.

Perfect for when you need a simple yet satisfying option, Tofu Fried Rice steps in with mild and versatile flavors to suit any taste. It’s easy to customize while offering good texture balance from the key components. Great for quick meals that don’t skimp on variety. A smart pick when you’re tired of heavy dishes.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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.

For lovers of balanced flavors, Sweet and Sour Chicken offers bites that combine tanginess with just a hint of comforting sweetness. Ideal for evenings when everything feels repetitive and you need something to shake things up. An easy dinner fix without stepping outside your comfort zone.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Fried Banana

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

An easy dessert option that adds fun to mealtimes. Fried Banana switches things up with soft, warm bites covered in a crispy outside. Light enough to enjoy after dinner, but rich enough to feel indulgent. It’s a perfect way to end your day on a sweet note.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A crowd favorite, Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe inspires you to skip the takeout and recreate restaurant vibes at home. The key to this dish is the sticky-sweet sauce that everyone loves. Perfect for serving alongside rice or keeping as the star of the plate. It’s an easy win for making at-home dinners more fun.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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