My Chinese takeout recipes taste even better than the restaurant versions, and you can make them from the comfort of your home. You'll find favorites like lo-mein and crab rangoons, fried rice, and more. You could even discover some new Chinese recipes to love!
If you're a fan of Panda Express, I have a whole page of homemade versions of their recipes you should try.
Jump to:
- 1. Sweet & Sour Pork
- 2. Kung Pao Shrimp
- 3. Moo Shu Pork
- 4. General Tso’s Shrimp
- 5. Chicken with Garlic Sauce
- 6. Sweet and Sour Chicken
- 7. Honey Walnut Shrimp
- 8. Beijing Beef
- 9. Mushroom Chicken
- 10. Kung Pao Chicken
- 11. Orange Chicken
- 12. Peanut Butter Chicken
- 13. Pineapple Chicken
- 14. Honey Sesame Chicken
- 15. Teriyaki Chicken
- 16. Lo Mein
- 17. Cream Cheese Wontons
- 18. Coconut Chicken
- 19. Hunan Beef
- 20. Panda Express Fried Rice
- 21. Crab Rangoons
- 22. Crab Egg Drop Soup
- 23. Chicken Manchurian
- 24. Chinese Beef Meatballs
- 25. Air Fryer Spring Rolls
- 💭 Tips For Making Chinese Takeout At Home
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Chinese Takeout Recipes: 25+ Favorites To Make At Home!
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
I love Chinese takeout as much as the next person, but since I live in a rather rural area, it isn't something I can pick up at a moment's notice. Instead, I've learned to satisfy my Chinese food cravings by recreating these classic takeout recipes at home.
It's more than worth stocking up on common Chinese ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger(frozen cubes are great), and red chili paste. You'll never run out of recipes you can make.
1. Sweet & Sour Pork
If you're craving Chinese food and you prefer pork to chicken, this sweet and sour pork will certainly hit the spot. The crispy fried chunks of pork tenderloin are always delicious, then add in some juicy pineapple and wok-fried veggies.
2. Kung Pao Shrimp
Kung pao shrimp features marinated shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and tender veggies in an addictive kung pao sauce. It has a sweet and salty umami flavor that will have you wanting to lick your plate clean.
3. Moo Shu Pork
This classic Chinese pork dish comes complete with thin, tender pancakes you can use to soak up all of the delicious sauce. If you're short on time, you can make the pancakes in advance and keep them in your fridge.
4. General Tso’s Shrimp
General Tso's shrimp can be found on takeout menus everywhere because it has an addicting sauce that is sweet, salty, and a little spicy.
If you prefer chicken, I have an equally tasty recipe for General Tso's chicken and General Tso's chicken wings.
5. Chicken with Garlic Sauce
Chicken with garlic sauce is a favorite for all garlic lovers. The tender chunks of chicken are wok-fried with broccoli, carrots, and celery, so you can enjoy it as-is and keep things low-carb, or serve it over rice.
6. Sweet and Sour Chicken
What's not to love about crispy breaded chicken with veggies and pineapple in a classic sweet and sour-sauce? You can serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies to round out the meal.
If you prefer to meal prep and make your dinners in advance, I have an incredibly simple and delicious sweet-and-sour chicken meal prep recipe, too.
7. Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey walnut shrimp is a premium entree at Panda Express, and it's easy to see why. The tender, tempura-fried shrimp is tossed in a sweet sauce with crispy walnuts for a downright delectable combination of flavors and textures.
8. Beijing Beef
Beijing beef combines crispy strips of wok-fried flank steak with peppers and onions in a sweet and sour 'Beijing' sauce. It's a family-favorite dinner that is always a popular choice at takeout restaurants.
>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<
9. Mushroom Chicken
Mushroom lovers will be head over heels for this flavorful Chinese mushroom chicken. Zucchini, mushrooms, and tender chunks of chicken are all wok-fried together in a savory and satisfying ginger and garlic sauce.
10. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung pao chicken is the perfect entree for those who like a little spice. It has crunchy peanuts and a ton of tender stir-fried veggies to enjoy.
11. Orange Chicken
Kids and adults love orange chicken for its sweet and savory flavor. Orange chicken is beloved for its bold, bright flavors, often served over a bed of jasmine rice or with vegetables, making it a staple in many Chinese cuisine-inspired meals.
Plus, the crispy breaded chicken underneath all that sauce is perfectly tender and oh-so-tasty.
12. Peanut Butter Chicken
A rich and creamy dish that features breaded wok-fried chicken tossed in a savory peanut butter sauce. Yum!
The sauce includes ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, adding depth and a hint of spice to the mild, sweet flavor of the peanut butter. If you love peanut sauce when you order takeout, this chicken will definitely hit the spot.
13. Pineapple Chicken
Pineapple chicken is a tasty dish that combines tender chicken with the sweet tang of pineapple, creating a perfect sweet and savory balance. The chicken is typically cooked until golden and then simmered in a sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and aromatic spices.
This dish is a popular choice for its vibrant flavors and the delightful contrast between the juicy chicken and the fruity, zesty pineapple. Serve your pineapple chicken over fried rice for a satisfying meal.
14. Honey Sesame Chicken
Honey sesame chicken is a delightful, classic dish that combines the sweet, slightly sticky flavors of honey with the nutty, aromatic taste of sesame.
This popular dish is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine and is known for its deep golden-brown chicken pieces that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, you can have it on the table in only 30 minutes.
15. Teriyaki Chicken
This 15-minute recipe for teriyaki chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners, and kids love it. Not to mention, my homemade teriyaki sauce is incredibly easy to make from scratch.
See my page on what to serve with teriyaki chicken to help complete your meal.
16. Lo Mein
Lo-Mein is on every Chinese takeout menu and makes a great base for any of your favorite proteins. The ingredients are incredibly flexible, but I like to add in some colorful veggies to really beef up these noodles.
17. Cream Cheese Wontons
These super simple cream cheese wontons are perfect for dipping in your favorite takeout condiments. They only take about 25 minutes from start to finish, and they are more than worth the little effort they take.
>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<
18. Coconut Chicken
Creamy coconut chicken is a sweet and savory masterpiece that is perfect over a bed of white rice.
The chicken is fried until crispy before being tossed in the coconut cream sauce, which makes for the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
19. Hunan Beef
If you enjoy a little heat, this spicy stir-fried beef with veggies never disappoints. My Hunan shrimp has the same signature spicy garlic flavor if you prefer seafood.
20. Panda Express Fried Rice
Most people opt for either fried rice or noodles when ordering Chinese takeout, and this simple recipe from Panda Express is my go-to.
You could always try my hibachi fried rice, too (even though hibachi is technically Japanese).
21. Crab Rangoons
Crab rangoons are one of the most beloved appetizers when it comes to Chinese takeout. The creamy and somewhat sweet filling consists of tender crab meat and rich cream cheese with a crispy wonton shell on the outside.
Dip your rangoons in some homemade sweet and sour sauce for a true takeout experience. And if you love these, you're sure to enjoy my shrimp rangoons, too.
22. Crab Egg Drop Soup
This crab egg drop soup makes an incredible appetizer, or you can serve a big bowl of it with crispy wontons as the main course. If you don't have wontons, crackers are just as tasty.
23. Chicken Manchurian
Chicken Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that is beloved for its perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
This delectable recipe features deep-fried chunks of chicken coated in a glossy, thick sauce made from a harmonious mixture of soy sauce, chili sauce, and ketchup, often accompanied by hints of garlic and ginger.
>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<
24. Chinese Beef Meatballs
These Chinese Beef Meatballs with Hoisin Ginger Sauce is a simple yet delicious dish featuring seasoned meatballs made from ground beef, Panko, and spices, baked to perfection.
These are served with a savory Hoisin Ginger Sauce, a blend of Hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This dish is easy to make and is perfect as a party appetizer or a family meal.
25. Air Fryer Spring Rolls
This Frozen Spring Rolls in Air Fryer recipe is a quick and easy method to achieve crispy spring rolls. Simply preheat your air fryer, place the frozen spring rolls inside, and cook for about 8 minutes, flipping once.
This hassle-free process results in delightfully crispy spring rolls, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. Dip in my sweet and sour sauce.
💭 Tips For Making Chinese Takeout At Home
Chinese takeout recipes require some specific ingredients and tools, but they are more than worth the investment, in my opinion. Here's how I make my Chinese takeout recipes at home taste better than the original versions.
- Gather ingredients: Stock up on sauces and condiments specific to Chinese cuisine, like soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, plum sauce, Chinese rice wine, rice vinegar, and my favorite, mirin.
- Get the right pan: I recommend investing in a large wok if you like to cook Asian cuisine. A large skillet works too, and most Chinese recipes will require one or the other.
- Prep: I always chop all of my ingredients before I start cooking. Chinese cooking is often quick, so having everything ready prevents overcooking.
- Use the right oil: You want to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like peanut or vegetable oil.
- Rice and noodles: I use jasmine rice for a quick, fragrant side dish, or choose noodles for stir-fries. Ideally, you want to cook your rice a few hours ahead (or even the day before) and let it cool before stir-frying.
Were your favorite Chinese takeout recipes on this list? If not, be sure to let me know in the comments so I can give them a try.
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
Chinese Takeout Recipes: 25+ Favorites To Make At Home!
Ingredients
- 1½ lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tablespoon cornstarch (or almond flour)
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce (or teriyaki sauce)
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- ⅔ cup water
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil (for frying)
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon green onions (chopped, optional for topping)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- In a small-sized mixing bowl, add your 1½ lb chicken breast and 3 tablespoon cornstarch and toss until well coated. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together your ¼ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 3 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon garlic, and ⅔ cup water.
- Place a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoon cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cornstarch-coated pieces of chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until no longer pink.
- Pour the peanut butter sauce into the skillet and stir until the chicken is fully coated. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately garnished with the optional ½ tablespoon sesame seeds and 1 tablespoon green onions.
Notes
- For this recipe, you'll want to use peanut butter that has no added sugar or salt.
- Coating your chicken in cornstarch helps the sauce stick to it so that it doesn't slide off.
- If needed, you can cook your chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly, rather than steams and becomes soggy.
- You can taste and adjust your sauce before adding it to the pan with the chicken.
- To store: Let your chicken cool completely and then keep it stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze: Freeze your peanut butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- To reheat: Reheat small portions in the microwave, or larger portions in a skillet over medium heat.
Nutrition
Originally published August 28, 2023
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