Skip Takeout and Try 17 Chinese Recipes at Home

Ordering takeout is easy, but cooking at home can be just as rewarding. These recipes cover a range of classic Chinese dishes you can make yourself. They cut down on the wait and let you control the ingredients. From noodles to dumplings, there’s something here for every mood and skill level. If you’ve been thinking about skipping the delivery app, these picks make it worth the effort.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure.

Scallion Noodles

Scallion Noodles keep things simple but never boring, with noodles tossed in fragrant scallion oil and a touch of soy. This recipe captures that takeout staple with fresh ingredients and easy steps. It’s a quick way to get a comforting, savory dish on the table without reaching for the phone. These noodles remind you how good simple can be.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Noodles

Chinese Steamed Egg

Chinese Steamed Egg offers a smooth, silky texture that’s unlike any scrambled egg you’ve had. The gentle steaming softens the eggs into a delicate custard that holds subtle seasoning. This dish is a quiet but satisfying contrast to heavier meals, and it’s surprisingly easy to master at home. It’s a must-try when you want something comforting but light.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed Egg

Cold Sesame Noodles

Cold Sesame Noodles bring bold nutty flavor and a hint of heat that’s perfect for warm days or quick dinners. The sauce clings to tender noodles, mixing sesame paste, soy, and chili oil into a balanced whole. This recipe nails the cool, refreshing side of Chinese takeout without any fuss. It’s an easy, reliable way to keep noodles interesting at home.
Get the Recipe: Cold Sesame Noodles

Spicy Egg Fried Rice

Spicy Egg Fried Rice proves that a few simple ingredients can deliver serious flavor. Eggs add richness while garlic and chili provide the kick that lifts the dish above standard fried rice. This recipe is a great starting point when you want to skip takeout but still get a spicy, filling meal. It’s both approachable and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Egg Fried Rice

Sesame Noodles with Beef

Sesame Noodles with Beef combine tender slices of beef with a rich, savory sauce that clings to chewy noodles. The sesame and soy-based sauce carries plenty of flavor, making this a step up from basic takeout. This recipe is an easy way to get protein and bold taste on your plate with little effort. It’s a solid choice when you want more than just noodles.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Noodles with Beef

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Air Fryer Pork Belly delivers crispy skin and tender meat with far less mess than traditional methods. This recipe lets you recreate that indulgent texture at home, cutting down on time without losing flavor. It’s a handy way to get that rich, porky taste that usually means takeout. This method simplifies an otherwise complicated dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Crystal Dumplings

Crystal Dumplings show you how to make delicate dumplings with translucent wrappers and savory filling that don’t require hours in the kitchen. These steamed parcels hold just the right balance of chew and tenderness. This recipe proves homemade dumplings don’t have to be complicated or take all day. It’s a fresh take on a classic you can make yourself.
Get the Recipe: Crystal Dumplings

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Air Fryer Orange Chicken brings that familiar tangy, sweet sauce and crispy chicken with less oil and mess. This recipe turns a takeout favorite into a quicker, lighter meal without sacrificing flavor. It’s a straightforward way to satisfy the craving for orange chicken at home. The air fryer adds crispness that holds up to the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Har Gow

Har Gow are traditional shrimp dumplings known for their delicate, translucent wrappers and tender filling. This recipe breaks down the technique so you can get that iconic texture at home. Making Har Gow yourself lets you skip delivery and enjoy freshly steamed bites that balance chew and flavor. It’s a worthwhile skill for Chinese food lovers.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Char Siu

Char Siu delivers sweet, sticky pork with a smoky edge that defines Cantonese barbecue. This recipe simplifies the process so you can get tender, flavorful pork without specialty equipment. It’s a key dish to master if you want to bring authentic flavors from the takeout box to your own kitchen. The marinade does the heavy lifting here.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup balances spicy heat and tang with tender chicken and silky tofu in a rich broth. This recipe recreates the complex flavors of the takeout staple while being easy enough for weeknights. It’s a good option when you want soup that warms you up and keeps your palate engaged. This version doesn’t shy away from the classic punch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Air Fryer Wontons

Air Fryer Wontons crisp up quickly with minimal oil, making them a lighter alternative to deep-fried versions. This recipe keeps the filling juicy while getting a satisfying crunch on the outside. It’s a straightforward way to bring a favorite appetizer home without the usual cleanup. These wontons work as a snack or part of a bigger meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons

Hoisin Beef

Hoisin Beef features tender strips of beef glazed in a rich, slightly sweet sauce that’s unmistakably Chinese takeout. This recipe keeps the flavor punchy without being complicated to make. It’s a reliable dish when you want something meaty and saucy to pair with rice or noodles. The hoisin adds depth without overpowering the beef.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Chicken Potstickers

Chicken Potstickers offer a crispy, pan-fried exterior with juicy filling, perfect for anyone who loves dumplings but wants to make them at home. This recipe keeps the process approachable while delivering the texture and flavor you expect from takeout. It’s a great way to add hands-on cooking without a long time commitment. These potstickers hold their own at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu gets the crunchy exterior and spiced punch of takeout tofu with less oil and faster cooking. This recipe uses the air fryer to crisp tofu without deep frying, making it easier to get that addictive texture at home. The seasoning is straightforward but effective, balancing salt, pepper, and chili. It’s a reliable vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken pairs crispy chicken with a sticky sesame glaze in a quick, less messy way. This recipe lets you recreate that takeout classic with fewer steps and less oil. It’s an accessible dish when you want something sweet and crunchy without fuss. The air fryer helps keep the texture light while locking in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken features tender chicken pieces coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’s perfect for serving over rice. This recipe keeps the balance of soy and garlic that defines the dish without extra complications. It’s a solid choice when you want a quick, flavorful dinner that hits the right notes of takeout style at home.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken