The 19 Chinese Recipes That Got My Kids to Try Something New

ByMandy

Convincing kids to try new food is a skill no one teaches you. These 19 Chinese recipes helped make it feel less like a chore and more like a win. One kid even called it “actually good,” which is the highest praise around here. If your dinner table needs a plot twist, this is it.

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.

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.

Kids can be picky when it comes to trying new things, but Cashew Chicken breaks that barrier. The mix of savory and crunchy textures is enough to spark interest. This dish introduces them to a great balance of flavors without being overwhelming. It’s an easy way to get your little ones to try something different.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

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.

Sweet and Sour Sauce is a great choice when you want to give a familiar dish a new twist. The balance of sweetness and tang gives a fun spin to any meal. It can be served with a variety of dishes that kids already love. This is a simple way to get them to step out of their comfort zone.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

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.

If your kids like a quick and easy meal, Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry fits the bill. It’s a great way to sneak in some healthy veggies without the fuss. This dish is packed with simple ingredients that make it both satisfying and easy to enjoy. It’s a great go-to when you want to try something different without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

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.

When you’re looking for something that balances sweet and tangy, Sweet and Sour Pork is a solid choice. The contrast between the crispy pork and the tangy sauce is irresistible. This dish helps kids get familiar with new textures and tastes without being too different. It’s a good way to mix up dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

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.

For something light and comforting, Egg Drop Soup is always a winner. The smooth texture of the soup paired with the delicate eggs is a treat for kids who are new to Chinese food. This simple dish makes it easy to introduce a new type of soup. It’s a gentle start to expanding their food horizons.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

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.

Chicken Chow Mein is a fun dish that combines familiar ingredients with a new cooking style. Stir-fried noodles and chicken make it feel comforting yet new for younger diners. This dish is a great option for introducing new flavors without being too bold. It’s a simple way to get kids excited about trying something new.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

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.

If you’re looking for a dish that kids can’t resist, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to hit the mark. The crispy shrimp, paired with a creamy sauce, will likely have them asking for more. This is a fun way to get them to try seafood without overwhelming them. It’s a good introduction to the world of shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken is a refreshing twist on a classic chicken dish. The citrusy tang gives it a nice pop, making it a great way to introduce kids to new tastes. It’s simple enough to be familiar but with just enough difference to keep things interesting. A great dish to get them trying new flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

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.

Kids are often hesitant to try shrimp, but Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp is a crowd-pleaser. The crispy coating and the sweet honey sauce make it feel like a treat. This is an easy way to show them that shrimp can be just as enjoyable as other protein-rich foods. It’s a tasty dish that gets them to branch out.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

General Tso’s Chicken has the perfect balance of crispy chicken and a rich, tangy sauce. It’s a great way to get kids to try a dish with a little more punch without it being too spicy. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a fun meal for everyone. This dish is always a hit when trying something new with the kids.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A great way to introduce a mix of veggies is through Vegetable Stir Fry. The sauce brings everything together in a way that isn’t overwhelming. Even picky eaters might find themselves reaching for seconds. It’s a quick and simple dish that works well for kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

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.

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a perfect balance of tangy and, yes, sweet. The crispy outside and sauce made my kids interested in trying something different. It feels familiar yet adds a twist that kept them curious. This one quickly became a new favorite at our table.
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.

Ever tried Fried Banana? It’s like a fun treat that feels like dessert but isn’t over the top. The slight crunch on the outside and soft inside were things my kids found exciting. They didn’t even miss the usual sweets after having this.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Chicken Fried Rice

Close-up of chicken fried rice with peas, carrots, sliced green onions, and chopsticks.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When I made Chicken Fried Rice, it felt like an all-in-one kind of dish. It’s simple, filling, and easy to put together. Even if kids are hesitant about mixed dishes, this one tends to be an easy win. It’s now a go-to in our house when we’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Egg Rolls

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

Crisp outside, warm and soft inside, these Egg Rolls became an instant hit with my family. They’re the kind of food that brings a mix of textures to each bite. My kids loved how they could hold them and dip them into a sauce. A fun way to introduce something different to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

This homemade version of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe might just replace the need for takeout. The glaze makes it something kids really enjoy, especially over rice. It’s a little sweet, a little savory, and just has that balance kids tend to love. Made at home, it’s easy to control how much sauce you use, which is always a plus.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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.

A bowl of Tofu Fried Rice is perfect for mixing things up at mealtime. It’s easy to serve and packs great texture into a simple dish. My kids didn’t even think about tofu, and just enjoyed the mix. It’s one of those meals that turns into a regular request in no time.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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.

Shrimp Toast has a crispy finish and is super fun to eat. The combination of layers makes it easy to introduce seafood in a completely new way. My kids didn’t even notice the shrimp at first, until they asked for seconds. It works well on its own or paired with a side for a fun dinner idea.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

Bowls of Sesame Chicken are always a win at my house. The little coating brings just the right texture that kids enjoy. Adding it over some rice makes it into an easy meal without much extra work. It’s become one of those recipes I can make when I want something everyone will eat without question.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

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