What are the best Chinese dishes?
Considered to be one of the oldest and most diverse cuisines in the world, Chinese dishes and cuisines are definitely a crowd favorite.
Chinese cuisines stem from their country’s long history and numerous styles of cooking. Chinese foods are known for their color, taste, and aroma.
A usual Chinese menu usually consists of varieties of noodles, rice, meats, and vegetables. A usual Chinese meal will consist of no more than three dishes.
Each dish has its own distinct taste and eating experience, but there are definitely some that are more well-known than others such as:
- Hotpot – a famous Chinese dish that gives you a whole dining experience. It consists of a good, flavorful broth with your chosen ingredients such as meat slices and vegetables.
- Chow mein – this dish translates to stir-fried noodles which also consists of either chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork, as well as onions and celery.
- Sichuan Pork – this dish consists of spicy slices of pork which are boiled in water with a coating made from egg white and starch. This method preserves the pork’s freshness and tenderness as opposed to stir-frying or deep-frying.
- Spring rolls – another classic and famous Chinese dish which is a rolled appetizer filled with either meat or vegetables.
- Dim sum – Usually consumed as snacks, dim sums are a small bite-sized filled-dough stuffed with either veggies or meat.
- Dumplings – consists of minced meat and chopped vegetables that are wrapped in a thin dough, which are eaten either as a dessert or appetizer.
What Chinese dishes are healthy?
If you are craving for some Chinese dishes, then your first move would probably to order Chinese takeout.
However, as much as it is tasty, it is not always the healthiest choice because some Chinese takeout dishes are loaded with oil, salt, sugar, and other processed additives.
But luckily, there are some Chinese dishes that are made from healthy ingredients which you can easily make from home:
- Steamed dumplings – steamed foods are always better than fried ones. Steamed dumplings are pockets of dough filled with meat and vegetables.
- Spring rolls – these are usually stuffed with vegetables, shrimp, or meat which you can also prepare steamed than fried.
- Chop suey – a stir-fried dish that consists of eggs, meat, and sliced vegetables.
- Beef or chicken, and broccoli – a classic healthy and filling dish that gets the job done.
How do you make Chinese food at home?
There are several Chinese dishes that you can easily make at home. You just need several ingredients that make up a Chinese food such as garlic, ginger, onions, sliced vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Of course, don’t forget the rice. Most Chinese dishes are either prepared by steaming, deep-frying, and stir-frying which only take minutes to make.
You can start by making their fried rice which usually only consists of peas, shrimp, soy sauce, egg, and frozen veggies. Then pair it up with some steamed dumplings or spring rolls.
See more Healthy Asian Side Dishes That Go With Fried Rice.
Healthy Chinese recipes
The beauty of Chinese cuisine is that they love incorporating vegetables in their dishes. If you are craving for some authentic and tasty Chinese food, then here are some healthy Chinese recipes that you can easily make on your own.
20. Tasty and Easy Chinese Scallion Oil Noodles
Chinese scallion oil noodles may seem simple, but they pack a punch of flavor. The key is slowly cooking scallions in oil to unleash their fragrance, then tossing them with your favorite noodles and a few splashes of sauce.
A straightforward yet splendid dish!
19. Lo Mai Gai – Dim Sum Sticky Rice Lotus Leaf Wraps
Lo Mai Gai is a classic dim sum dish where glutinous rice, chicken, mushrooms, and other tasty morsels are wrapped in aromatic lotus leaves. While it’s a bit time-consuming, it’s well worth the effort, and it’s perfect for freezing and enjoying later.
18. Chinese Meat Pie (Xian Bing) – Popular Sichuan Food
The traditional Chinese meat pie, or Xian Bing, features a crispy outer crust enveloping a rich and savory filling. These pies vary regionally with different fillings like pork, lamb, or beef, each offering a unique taste experience.
This version is filled with beef and onions, making it a popular choice.
17. Traditional Chinese Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce
Chinese steamed spare ribs with black bean sauce are a staple at dim sum, but this dish is also a beloved favorite in many Chinese households! It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a comforting home-cooked meal.
The ribs are packed with the robust flavors of garlic and the distinct saltiness of fermented black beans. If you’re a fan of savory, steamed meat dishes, this recipe will not disappoint.
16. Chinese Eggplants with Garlic Sauce for Vegan Dinner
For a quick, vegan dinner, give this dish a shot. Chinese eggplants come alive with a spicy garlic sauce, making it a vibrant alternative to takeout. It’s simple: sauté with oil, ginger, garlic, and chili, then serve over steaming rice for a beautiful meal.
15. Char Siu (叉燒) – Popular Chinese BBQ Pork
Char siu is a succulent, sweet, and savory dish, not just a delight on its own but also a fantastic complement to noodles, rice, and pastries like char siu bao. Dive into this juicy, flavorful pork that’s a staple in Chinese cuisine.
14. Amazing Soy Sauce Pan Fried Noodles
These Cantonese soy sauce noodles are typically served as a side, akin to fried rice, alongside meat and vegetable dishes or dim sum. But they’re just as scrumptious on their own, offering a straightforward yet satisfying dish.
13. Easy Chicken Stir Fry – Traditional Chinese Food
Whip up a quick dinner with this Easy Chicken Stir Fry— a hit for the whole family! Easily customizable with various veggies depending on the season, it follows a simple recipe formula that guarantees a delicious meal every time.
12. Try Sweet & Sour Chicken (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Allergy-Free)
Enjoy a homemade version of the classic Sweet & Sour Chicken that’s quick, easy, and healthy! This dish is gluten-free, paleo, and allergy-free, made unfried in a wok or skillet, and tossed in a naturally sweetened, sticky sauce.
11. Classic Vegetable Fried Rice (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allergy-Free) for Healthy Lunch or Dinner
Forget takeout with this super easy and quick Classic Vegetable Fried Rice. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and free from the top 8 allergens. Packed with veggies and perfect for turning leftover rice into a nutritious lunch or dinner!
10. Quick and Easy Spiralized Chinese Egg Roll in a Bowl
Enjoy all the flavors of a traditional Chinese egg roll with this quick and easy recipe! It’s a low-carb, gluten-free, and potentially soy-free alternative that captures the essence of your favorite egg rolls without the fuss.
9. Make at Home Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Say goodbye to takeout with this simple and quick Chicken Chow Mein recipe. It’s so easy to make at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with delivery. Get all the flavors of your favorite Chinese dish right in your kitchen!
8. Egg Roll in a Bowl – Vegan Chinese Food
Recreating family favorites for a new diet can be challenging but rewarding.
This vegan version of the classic “Egg Roll in a Bowl” swaps out meat for plant-based alternatives, keeping all the beloved flavors of the original with cabbage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and green onions.
7. Delicious Vegan Teriyaki Chickpea Bowl
Enjoy a vegan delight with this teriyaki chickpea bowl, reminiscent of Chinese takeout favorites but made with roasted frozen broccoli and served over fluffy rice. A perfect, quick Asian-inspired meal for any day.
6. Simple Gluten Free Stir Fry Beef and Broccoli
No need to miss out on Asian flavors if you’re gluten-free! This simple beef and broccoli stir fry is quick to whip up, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight, ready in just 20 minutes.
5. Homemade Hot and Spicy Pot Sticker
Dive into the fiery world of Hot and Spicy Pot Stickers, a standout recipe from the “Half Baked Harvest Super Simple” cookbook by Tieghan Gerard. These are sure to ignite your taste buds!
4. Healthy and Easy Chinese Vegetable Soup (From Scratch)
This easy-to-make Chinese vegetable soup offers a healthy twist on a classic comfort dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a comforting meal that outshines any canned soup.
3. General Tso’s Cauliflower with Fresh Ginger, Garlic and Red Pepper
Swap your usual takeout for this vegetarian delight—General Tso’s Cauliflower! Enveloped in a silky sauce sparked with fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish turns cauliflower into a delectable meatless wonder.
2. Vegetarian Thai Basil Tofu Stir Fry (Pad Krapow)
Dive into the flavors of Thailand with this quick and easy vegetarian Thai basil tofu stir fry, known as Tofu Pad Krapow. Enjoy a mix of ground tofu, garlic, ginger, and veggies, all stir-fried in a rich, spicy-savory soy sauce.
1. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These easy, 20-minute Asian chicken lettuce wraps are a delicious alternative inspired by PF Chang’s. Made with ground chicken and a tasty blend of hoisin and soy sauce, these wraps are perfect for a light, satisfying meal.
20 Healthy Chinese Recipes - Best Authentic Chinese Food Ideas
Explore authentic Chinese recipes, featuring the best traditional food ideas for a delicious culinary journey.
Ingredients
- Easy Chicken Stir Fry
- Chinese Cashew Chicken
- Sweet & Sour Chicken
- Classic Vegetable Fried Rice
- Spiralized Chinese Egg Roll in a Bowl
Instructions
- Choose any Healthy Chinese Recipes from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Healthy Chinese Recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I share healthy recipes, clean eating ideas, and meal plans for weight loss, as well as give you the best tips on wellness, pregnancy, and parenting advice.