These 21 Chinese Recipes Let Me Skip Takeout Without Complaints

Say goodbye to takeout drama with these 21 Chinese recipes that keep things simple and tasty. They’re the kind of meals that show up just in time to save dinner without extra stress. Nobody’s asking for delivery when these dishes are ready to go. They make cooking feel less like a chore and more like a win.

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.

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.

Skip ordering out when you can make something that hits all the right notes at home. General Tso’s Chicken brings a bold bite in every mouthful, blending crispy pieces with just the right amount of sweetness and heat. It’s hard to miss takeout with this straightforward favorite.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Easy 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.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You don’t need takeout boxes to enjoy a quick noodle dish that keeps things effortless yet flavorful. With Easy Chow Mein, the combination of noodles and mix-ins creates a balanced plate perfect for a busy weeknight meal. It’s one of those dishes that makes home cooking worth it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

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.

If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite teriyaki spot gets its chicken so tender, this recipe has you covered. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe balances a great texture alongside savory extras that bring the meal together. It’s a homemade version of a widely-loved dish that doesn’t make you miss dining out.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cooking with plenty of options doesn’t always have to feel overwhelming. Vegetable Stir Fry uses everyday staples paired in a way that keeps it simple yet varied. It’s a versatile dish that shows off how good veggies can be when done right.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

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.

Homemade noodles come to life when paired with other dependable ingredients. Chicken Chow Mein combines those comforting flavors with a mix that doesn’t feel overly complicated. It’s ideal for those moments when you want something hearty without reaching for delivery.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

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.

Some dishes bring warmth to the table and often feel more soothing than anything else. Hot and Sour Soup is one of those classics, pulling together pieces that hit both light and bold in every bite. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for when you want something cozy but exciting.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

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.

No need to rely on takeout for a go-to sweet and savory option. Orange Chicken pairs crispy bites with bold flavors that work well with simple sides or even by itself. It’s a dish worth making again and again because of how easy it fits any homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Fried Banana

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

Sweet treats don’t always have to come from the store. Fried Banana taps into simplicity with a dessert that’s quick yet satisfying. It’s perfect for anyone who wants something fun to wrap up a homemade dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

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.

Some dishes manage to mix protein with greens without losing their balance, and this one gets it right. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry keeps everything tender yet bold, perfect for a straightforward meal at home. It’s a combination that shows homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated.
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.

Takeout sweet and sour flavors have always been a popular choice, and now they’re just as easy to make yourself. Sweet and Sour Pork strikes the perfect match between crisp textures and bold flavors. It’s hard to beat this dish when staying in feels better than ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Egg Rolls

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

Crunch and flavor meet in a way that’s hard to pass up. Egg Rolls are such a classic for good reason; all the texture and bold filling without needing to leave home. They’re exactly what you think of when appetizers need a solid hit of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

There’s something about mixing protein with a nutty crunch that tends to stand out. Cashew Chicken balances soft bites with layered textures, making it worth skipping takeout. It’s quick to pull together, and it works on a weeknight or a casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cashew 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.

Sometimes keeping it simple makes all the difference while staying interesting. Shrimp Toast hits crispy and soft in one bite, turning this into an appetizer that’s always fun to share at home. It’s an easy upgrade to homemade meals that feels restaurant-level.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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 great meal doesn’t always need to include meat to be filling. Tofu Fried Rice brings all the layers together for a dish that stays hearty while keeping things straightforward. It’s perfect for when you want something lighter but still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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.

Need a mix of bold and straightforward without overthinking it? Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken blends contrasting flavors with ease, giving a balance that always fits dinner plates. It’s useful when you want the restaurant-inspired touch without calling in for delivery.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded 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.

Classic soups always have a way of feeling reliable when you’re staying in. Egg Drop Soup combines bold yet soothing textures all in one bowl, making it comforting without feeling heavy. It’s a quick dish that works for nights when you want something light but fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

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.

Some dishes are crowd-pleasers for good reason, even when made at home. Sesame Chicken works with crispy bites coated in layers that make skipping takeout easy. It’s the type of dish that fits whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group.
Get the Recipe: Sesame 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.

Letting an appliance do the heavy lifting is always a win at dinnertime. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp mixes crispy pieces with a fun nutty twist, creating a restaurant-style favorite right in the kitchen. It’s fast, simple, and feels special without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

No need to pick up the phone for another staple of Chinese takeout. Sweet and Sour Chicken checks every box when it comes to mix-ins that bring crunch and boldness to the plate. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to revisit when takeout isn’t an option.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour 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.

Proteins don’t always have to be heavy to feel like a meal. Bang Bang Shrimp makes good use of texture and a matching sauce to keep things interesting at the table. It’s easy enough to enjoy during a weeknight but still impressive if served during a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

Finding balance between bold and straightforward flavors is key in homemade meals. Kung Pao Chicken taps into contrasting textures that work well on a plate without needing delivery. It’s an option you’ll return to when you want something hearty but made from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

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