31 Chinese Recipes That Satisfy Takeout Cravings On A Weeknight Budget

ByMandy

Ordering in can be tempting, especially when you’re short on time or just want something familiar. So, I pulled together 31 Chinese recipes here for you to enjoy rich flavors without the delivery fee. They work well for solo nights in, casual get-togethers, or feeding a crew without stretching your wallet.

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Scallion Pancakes

Four cooked scallion pancakes on parchment paper, garnished with sliced green onions, with a small bowl of dipping sauce and a whole scallion beside them.
Scallion Pancakes. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Crisp edges and savory goodness in this Scallion Pancakes turn any day into one that feels a little special. Cutting them into wedges creates a fun snack everyone can share. I reach for this recipe when I want restaurant flavor on a tight budget. Plates always clear out faster than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Pancakes

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.

Everyone perks up when bowls of this Cashew Chicken land on the table. Tender bites deliver plenty of flavor with just the right crunch. I pull out this option for quick weeknight dinners that still feel indulgent. One batch is never enough; people always want more before the meal is finished.
Get the Recipe: Cashew 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.

Quick-cooking comfort is the best part about this Pork Fried Rice. Big portions make leftovers perfect for lunch or late-night snacks. I bring it out for hungry crowds who want something classic and familiar. This meal proves you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well at home.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

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.

Some recipes, like this Bang Bang Shrimp, almost guarantee excited chatter around the table. Crispy shrimp with bold sauce always get people interested. It’s my go-to for a quick dinner with a touch of takeout magic. Everyone is surprised when you say it didn’t come from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

Steam rises as soon as you open the lid for this Chinese Steamed Chicken, making dinner smell inviting in seconds. Moist bites bring out subtle flavors that feel lighter but still comforting. I use this dish for nights I want clean eating without giving up satisfaction. People usually ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed 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.

Hands reach out quickly for this Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp at potlucks or quiet family dinners. Crunchy and sweet flavors please both kids and adults. I love making this to stretch the takeout budget a little further. Leftovers are rare once everyone gets a taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

Light, warm, and always welcome, this Egg Drop Soup brings a smile to tired faces. Slurping up the last drizzle from your bowl feels especially good after a busy day. I pick this one for meals that need a quick boost. Somehow it always tastes like the best parts of going out, right from your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Shrimp Fried Rice

A red plate of shrimp fried rice garnished with chopped green onions, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Shrimp Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Happiness arrives hot in bowls of this Shrimp Fried Rice. Each forkful is packed with flavor and enough protein to keep everyone full. I find it’s just right for those nights when delivery sounds tempting. Everyone feels satisfied when comfort comes together so quickly.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

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.

Spicy-sweet flavor fills the plate with this General Tso’s Chicken, drawing applause before a single bite is taken. Tender pieces make dinner feel both comforting and fun. I keep this recipe handy when I want a taste of the classics without leaving home. Seconds are almost always requested.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Beef and Broccoli

A plate of beef and broccoli stir-fry garnished with sesame seeds, featuring glazed beef strips and broccoli florets.
Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Plates stack up with this Beef and Broccoli, with rich sauce weaving through every bite. Hearty portions settle hunger faster than takeout ever could. I serve this dish at gatherings and get asked for the recipe more often than not. Simple meals can still make an impression.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

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.

Warm comfort starts as soon as you scoop up this Wonton Soup. Silky dumplings and flavorful broth chase away a chill and fill you right up. I use it to feed a crowd with very little effort. Spoons keep dipping back in until there’s nothing left to share.
Get the Recipe: Wonton 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.

Moving quickly from pan to plate, this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry makes everyday dinners much easier. Bright colors and tender bites lift moods around the table. I reach for this recipe after long days with little energy left. Dishes empty fast, leaving everyone relaxed and happy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

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.

Bright flavor and crisp texture show up in every Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp. A sprinkle of seasoning makes guests notice something new in every bite. I like adding this recipe to the menu for group dinners. Everyone reaches for a second helping before they’ve sat down yourself.
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.

There’s something fun about biting into these Egg Roll halves, especially with a plate of dipping sauces. Crunchy wrappers wrap up flavorful filling, making dinner exciting. I save this recipe for parties or quick appetizers. Hands keep reaching for more as soon as they cool down.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

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.

Quick, tasty, and packed with protein, this Chicken Fried Rice proves dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Bowls disappear before you realize they were even filled. I keep extra on hand because it always finds fans at the table. Weeknight meals feel special with familiar flavors like these.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

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.

New flavors pop in every bite of this Sweet and Sour Pork, mixing familiar comfort with a bright finish. People ask for the recipe, thinking it must be harder than it looks. I serve it on nights when everyone needs a pick-me-up. You’ll notice extra forks reaching into the serving bowl.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

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.

Slurping up this Chicken Chow Mein means dinner gets eaten with excitement. Noodles and crisp veggies blend into a meal that feels just like takeout but costs less. I use this dish for easy weeknights and group dinners. Empty platters say a lot about how good it really is.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Any time I want something warm and healthy, I serve this Vegetable Stir Fry in generous portions. Colorful bites create happy faces everywhere, even among picky eaters. It helps change up the routine without making dinner a big production. There’s rarely a scrap left after everyone digs in.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

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.

Sweet crunch lines up bite after bite in this Candied Tanghulu, making dessert much more fun. Shiny coating draws plenty of attention on any treat tray. I use it for potlucks and special nights at home. People always ask how you managed to pull off a dessert that looks this unique.
Get the Recipe: Candied Tanghulu

Crispy Shrimp Toast

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

Results from this Crispy Shrimp Toast often surprise bite after bite. Crackling bread and savory seafood can turn ordinary evenings into celebrations. I reach for this easy treat when snacks need to stand out. Guests grab seconds so fast, there’s never enough left over.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast

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.

Bites from this Sweet and Sour Chicken always shine with lively flavor and bright color. Anyone who wants takeout but isn’t looking to splurge will love having this home. I make it for easy weeknight meals that still feel festive. Plates come back clean with folks hoping there’s more behind the stove.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Caramelized Fried Banana

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

Just one taste of this Caramelized Fried Banana makes dessert feel special. Warm sweetness pairs perfectly with simple family dinners or movie nights. I use it for a little change from routine treats. People find themselves asking what’s in it after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana

Sweet Orange Chicken

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.

Tangy, sweet, and filling, this Sweet Orange Chicken stands out on busy weeknights. Fast cooking makes it a favorite for those who want comfort food with a twist. I often sneak in an extra portion since leftovers just don’t last. Mouths turn up in smiles before the meal even gets started.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Orange Chicken

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.

Deep flavor and mild heat mix together in every bowl of this Hot and Sour Soup. Spoons tap the bowl, waiting for more before the first serving is done. I reach for this recipe when I need warming comfort without spending a lot. Cozy nights get easier after just one taste.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

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.

Light citrus flavor marks every bite of this Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken. Tender pieces bring out all the best parts of homemade takeout. I serve it with noodles or rice for meals that end fast, thanks to hungry crowds. You’ll want to double the batch once you taste how good it is.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Egg Fried Rice

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

Filling and reliable, this Egg Fried Rice stands up to busy nights with ease. Each forkful makes dinner quicker and happier for everyone. I rely on it for leftover nights and last-minute hosting. People return to fill their bowls without needing any extra convincing.
Get the Recipe: Egg 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.

Easy dips and bright bites perk up once you top them with this Sweet and Sour Sauce. Tangy and sweet, it turns anything on your plate into instant comfort food. I use it for everything from nuggets to dinner rolls. People want to know how it turned regular meals into something special.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

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.

Spice and peanuts make this Kung Pao Chicken a favorite at home for people wanting a twist on their weeknight dinners. Crunchy vegetables and tender chicken keep the meal filling. I pull out this dish for group meals where I don’t want anyone to leave hungry. Requests for seconds are a regular thing.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Savory 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.
Savory Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Quick and protein-rich, this Savory Tofu Fried Rice keeps you full after only a few bites. Tossing everything together gets dinner done without plenty of work. I use this recipe for relaxed nights or fast lunches. No one misses meat when the flavor is this bold and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Savory Tofu Fried Rice

Crispy Sesame Chicken

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

Crunchy bites and rich sauce fill plates with this Crispy Sesame Chicken, turning regular dinners into something worth talking about. I love how fast it comes together, especially since leftovers disappear quickly. Guests usually request the recipe right after their first taste.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sesame Chicken

Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Twisted noodles and steaming veggies make this Chow Mein the classic dish everyone expects from a great takeout night. I keep this recipe for busy times when dinner needs to appear fast. Full plates and easy cleanup make life easier. Even picky eaters seem to enjoy every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chow Mein

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