5 Chinese Recipes That Are A Must Try

Chinese recipes are great for satisfying any salty rich craving. The simple and delicious ingredients are a great way to take your dinner to the next level without breaking your budget. Don’t know where to start? No problem! Here are 5 Chinese recipes that are a must try. 

Udon noodles is a great way to satisfy any salty craving!

1. Udon Noodles

If you’re craving tender noodles with a sweet salty kick, this recipe is perfect for you. Udon noodles are a Chinese thick noodle that has been perfected for centuries. This starchy tender treat is a must try for any Chinese food lover. 

Ingredients 

• One pack Udon noodles
• 2 chicken breast, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 dash sesame oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 pinch pepper
• 1 dash hot sauce
• 1 dash hoisin sauce

Directions 

First, we need to blanch our noodles in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes on medium high heat. Follow the instructions on the package. Drain well and rinse with cold water. Set aside as you prepare your sauce. Add your soy sauce, hot sauce and hoisin sauce, whisk together until thoroughly mixed. Next, in a medium saucepan on medium high heat, heat your olive oil and add your chicken pieces. Cook thoroughly for about 8 to 10 minutes. Add in your garlic, mushrooms, ginger and onion, cook until soft. Then, add in your udon noodles and sauce. Toss  together and make sure everything is cooked through. Garnish with your green onions. Serve and enjoy. 

Chicken dumplings are an easy way to make a soft tender dinner.

2. Chicken Dumplings 

This Chinese comfort classic is great for any dinner. If you’re craving something warm, starchy and tender, this recipe is perfect for you. And while chicken dumplings can seem intimidating to prepare, they are relatively easy. And the best part, they are absolutely delicious! 

Ingredients 

• 1 chicken cut into pieces
• 1 onion 
• 3 large carrots 
• 3 stalks of celery 
• 8 cups of chicken broth 
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• 1 ¾ cups of flour
• ⅓ cup shortening 
• 1 small pinch baking powder 
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 tbsp cornstarch 
• 1 pinch parsley 

Directions 

Combine chicken, onion, carrots and celery in a large pot. Next, add your chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil. Then, reduce heat and let simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, until chicken is tender. While this is simmering, start preparing your dumplings. In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, salt and shortening. Mix with a fork. Next, add your milk until it becomes sticky dough. Knead until the dough surface is smooth. Cut dough in 1 by 2 strips. Flour generously. Remove your chicken and vegetables from the broth and discard skin and bones. Carefully add your dumplings to the broth and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Stir your chicken and veggies into the broth and cook for another 3 minutes. Note, to help thicken up the broth,combine cornstarch to the boiling broth. Serve and enjoy. 

This classic is great for adding some texture to your next dinner.

3. Fried Rice 

This world famous dish is a great way to add some texture to your next dinner. The best part about this recipe is it’s totally customizable to what is available to you. Fried rice is a resourceful delicious way to liven up any dinner. 

Ingredients 

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 white onion, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• 4 cups rice, cooked and chilled 
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 to 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 dashes of oyster sauce
• 1 dash toasted sesame oil

Directions 

Heat up your butter in a large pan over medium high heat until melted. Next, add your egg and cook until scrambled. Remove egg and transfer to a separate plate. Then, add an additional tbsp of butter and melt it. Add in your carrots, onion, peas, garlic, salt and pepper. Saute for 5 minutes or until the veggies are soft. Then, increase heat to high and add rice, green onions, soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir thoroughly. Continue cooking for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in your eggs. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. Serve and enjoy. 

This tender treat is great for any rich Chinese food craving.

4. Braised Duck 

This tender treat is perfect if you’re looking for some duck decadence in your life. And while duck can be more expensive, it is well worth it. Duck is one of the most tender dark meats on the planet, and this Chinese recipe has perfected it. 

Ingredients 

• 1 4 to 5 pound duck
• 1 ½ pounds taro
• ½ cup olive oil
• 5 ginger slices
• 8 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cups of water

Directions 

Clean your duck thoroughly. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut the duck into 1 by 2 pieces. And remember to trim off the duck tail. Next, prepare your taro by peeling the outer skin, rinse and pat try. Cut into ½ inch pieces. Add oil to a large sauce pan or wok over medium heat. Fry your taro chunks until the edges are just starting to turn brown. Set your taro to the side on a separate plate. Next, add your ginger, garlic and scallions, letting them cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn the heat up to medium high heat and add your duck. Cook for 2 minutes on each side while adding oyster sauce, soy sauce and water. Stir until evenly coated and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Add your taro pieces and cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Serve and enjoy. 

Orange chicken is a zesty fun way to liven up your next dinner.

5. Orange Chicken 

This beloved classic is great for any weekday dinner or quick snack. Even better, orange chicken can be stored for days and still be delicious. If you’re looking for some tender chicken with the sharp zing of orange, this recipe is perfect for you. 

Ingredients 

• 2 pound boneless,skinless chicken thighs
• 1 egg
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 bottle orange chicken sauce
• 1 ½ tbsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pinch red chili pepper

Directions 

Coat your chicken with egg, salt, pepper and oil in a large bowl. In another bowl, add your cornstarch and flour. Mix well. In a large frying pan, add oil and turn on high heat. Make sure the oil is around 375F. Carefully dip your chicken pieces in the egg mixture and flour. Fry your chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain well and transfer chicken to a pan. Add in your ginger, garlic and red peppers. Add in your orange sauce and bring to a boil. Then, turn off your stove and cool slightly. Serve and enjoy. 

 

These recipes are a must try for any Chinese food craving. They are a perfect balance of tender protein, rich salt and creaminess. If you’re looking for some Chinese decadence, try these recipes out for your next dinner.