32 Chinese Takeout Dishes You Can Master at Home

Posted by Melissa Girimonte. Last Updated on February 28, 2020 by Laura Grande

Put down the phone and recycle that takeout menu, because these traditional Chinese dishes are easier – and more cost-effective – than you might think. From traditional chow mein noodles and wonton soup to lo mein spring rolls and keto kung pao chicken, there's something for everyone in this scrumptious collection of simple takeout-inspired recipes.

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Crispy Tofu with Sweet and Sour Sauce

 Vegetarians can go ahead and recycle that takeout menu and opt for this lightly crisped tofu doused in traditional Chinese tangy sweet and sour sauce! It’s perfect served over steamed rice or sautéed with broccoli or bok choy. Speaking of quick meals, check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/wall-of-chefs/photos/chef-kitchen-staple-ingredients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ingredients that chefs always have in their kitchen for last-minute meals</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/crispy-tofu-and-sweet-and-sour-sauce-38198/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crispy Tofu with Sweet and Sour Sauce</a>
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Chicken Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce

While dumplings are popular during Chinese New Year, these chicken pot stickers are perfect any time of year. The filling is made with seasoned ground chicken and freshly grated <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/30-healing-ginger-recipes-for-cold-and-flu-season/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ginger</a>, which is then folded in a simple dough. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-pot-stickers-with-dipping-sauce-/22074/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Molly Yeh's Chicken Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce</a>
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Shortcut Dan-Dan Noodles

 A dinner main with only five ingredients? Count us in! This quick version of the Chinese classic elevates instant ramen noodles to the next level. Pickles stand in for more traditional fermented greens while the brine replaces the traditional addition of sugar. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/back-to-school/photos/ramen-noodle-recipe-hacks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">genius ways to hack a pack of ramen noodles</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shortcut-dan-dan-noodles/23127/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shortcut Dan-Dan Noodles</a>
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Keto Kung Pao Chicken

 Whether you follow the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/keto-chicken-dinner-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">keto</a> plan or not, everyone will enjoy a helping of this hearty chicken dish that is brimming with asparagus, bell peppers, garlic, peanuts and toasted sesame seeds. It's better than takeout (we promise!), and you won’t need to invest in a wok – we’ve made this delicious meal in a large cast-iron pan. Find more of our <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/best-keto-recipes-for-beginners/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">best keto recipes for beginners that taste heavenly</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/keto-kung-pao-chicken-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Keto Kung Pao Chicken</a>
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Best-Ever Instant Pot Crispy Rice

 What’s better than a bowl of flawlessly cooked rice? Absolutely nothing! This tender yet fluffy Instant Pot variation will pair beautifully with any of your other takeout-inspired dinner mains. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/healthy-instant-pot-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healthy Instant Pot recipes you'll wish you'd discovered sooner</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/instant-pot-sticky-rice/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best-Ever Instant Pot Crispy Rice</a>
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Sichuan-Style Dumplings with Peanut Dipping Sauce

The possibilities are endless when making dumplings. You can fill the wrappers with almost anything, and serve them with an array of dipping sauces. This recipe calls for a shiitake mushroom and ground pork filling, and pairs the cooked dumplings with a spicy peanut sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sichuan-style-dumplings-with-peanut-dipping-sauce/14064/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sichuan-Style Dumplings with Peanut Dipping Sauce</a>
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Chinese Crispy Beef and Broccoli Noodles with Kung Pao Chili Oil

This flavour-packed noodle dish relies mostly on pantry staples and stretches a small portion of beef into an entire meal. Find more inspiration with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/photos/ina-garten-recipes-using-store-bought-ingredients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina garten's quick recipes using store-bought ingredients</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/chinese-new-year/blog/chinese-crispy-beef-broccoli-noodles-with-kung-pao-chili-oil/33933/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chinese Crispy Beef & Broccoli Noodles with Kung Pao Chili Oil</a>
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Spring Rolls

Filled with a mixture of ground pork, garlic, ginger, cabbage, carrots, green onions and eggs cooked in soy sauce, these crispy spring rolls will disappear fast, so best make a double batch. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spring-rolls/17431/" target="_blank">Spring Rolls</a>
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Skirt Steak with Bok Choy

 Pair a cut of delicious marinated skirt steak with vibrant, crunchy bok choy, meaty mushrooms and a drizzle of Sriracha mayo for an additional kick in this takeout-inspired recipe. You'll never reach for the phone again once you've had one bite of this flavourful dish. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/skirt-steak-with-bok-choy/22632/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Skirt Steak with Bok Choy</a>
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No-Pain Lo Mein

This <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/one-pot-comfort-food/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">one-pot</a> wonder is packed with fresh mushrooms, thin lo mein noodles, shredded pork (or tofu cubes), and takes a total of 20 minutes to make. Now that's an easy weeknight meal! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/no-pain-lo-mein/18360/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rachael Ray's No-Pain Lo Mein</a>
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Cream Cheese Wontons

These crunchy wonton parcels are filled with Sriracha-spiced cream cheese and green onions for a hot and zingy kick. Serve with a flavourful dipping sauce of honey, soy, vinegar, sesame oil and an extra dash of Sriracha. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cream-cheese-wontons/15555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Cream Cheese Wontons</a>
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Perfect Chinese Hot Pot

 If you're not up for making the trek to your favourite hot pot restaurant, the good news is that you can make this traditional Chinese recipe from the comfort of your own home. Create a personalized dipping sauce, dunk some veggies, meat or fish into the broth and scoop it out into your bowl for a fun and engaging meal the whole family will love. It involves a little more prep than the average takeout-inspired dish, but it's totally worth it. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/this-is-how-to-make-the-perfect-chinese-hot-pot-at-home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Perfect Chinese Hot Pot</a>
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Wonton Ravioli with Apple Cider Glaze

 Add a sweet twist to this Chinese takeout staple. Ground turkey, ground pork and cheese wrapped in wontons is generously drizzled with a sweet apple cider glaze that will have you licking your chops and reaching for seconds. Perfect for potlucks or larger gatherings, this recipe makes up to 30 individual wontons so there's plenty to go around. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/wonton-ravioli-with-apple-cider-glaze/11195/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roger Mooking's Wonton Ravioli with Apple Cider Glaze</a>
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Wings with Chinese BBQ Sauce

 If you've got some extra time on your hands this week, opt for these scrumptious tender <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/most-amazing/chicken-wing-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chicken wings</a> that boast a sticky-sweet Chinese-style BBQ sauce that you'll want to introduce into regular rotation. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-wings/23008/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow-Cooker Chicken Wings with Chinese BBQ Sauce</a>
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Chicken Fried Rice Balls

Like <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/-stuffed-arancini-/17554/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">arancini</a>, these fried rice balls are best when made with day-old rice or – even easier – leftover takeout. No matter how they start, guests will love to be greeted with their buffet favourites in bite-sized form. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/chicken-fries-rice-balls/19743/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chicken Fried Rice Balls</a>
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Pork Wonton Soup

This classic Chinese comfort food is nourishing, tasty and simple to make. Green onions add crunch to the shrimp and pork dumplings, which are served in a delicious chicken broth. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pork-wonton-soup/15272/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pork Wonton Soup</a>
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Beef Stir-Fry with Chow Mein Noodles

 Let's start with a Chinese takeout classic: beef stir-fry with chow mein noodles. Not only does this recipe require minimal basic ingredients, but you can have this hearty main on the table within 20 minutes. We're all about a cost-effective weeknight gem. For more international cuisine, try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/popular-filipino-dishes-you-need-to-try/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">popular Filipino dishes to try, from chicken adobo to hal-halo</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/beef-stir-fry-with-chow-mein-noodles/8073/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Beef Stir-Fry with Chow Mein Noodles</a>
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Chinese Chicken Salad

Asparagus, bell pepper, scallions and chicken are dressed with a peanut sauce-style vinaigrette in this better-than-takeout Chinese main. Expand your horizons further with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/thai-recipes-to-make-at-home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thai takeout recipes to make at home this week</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chinese-chicken-salad/16048/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ina Garten's Chinese Chicken Salad</a>
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Chow Mein

This classic Chinese staple can be whipped up in 15 minutes flat – less than the amount of time it takes for a delivery order. Bonus: it <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/weeknight-dinners-taste-better-as-leftovers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tastes even better as leftovers</a> the next day, when all the savoury flavours have had more time to mingle and develop. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chow-mein/15547/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Chow Mein</a>
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Chinese-Takeout Skewers

Not only is this a takeout-style dish that you can make at home, it's completely portable! Thread chunks of pork tenderloin on a skewer along with water chestnut, red pepper, snow peas, baby corn and orange before grilling to caramelized perfection. Ideal for a fast family meal or a potluck. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chinese-takeout-skewers/20000/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chinese-Takeout Skewers</a>
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Orange Chicken

Sweet, tangy and citrus-y, this simple and wholesome take on the classic Chinese-American dish can't be beat. If you're looking to brighten your table to combat the lousy weather, pair your dinner main with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/tropical-inspired-desserts-for-winter-blues/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tropical desserts that'll make you forget it's still winter</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/orange-chicken/15552/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Orange Chicken</a>
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Lo Mein Summer Rolls

While crispy spring rolls are a popular Chinese takeout item, cool summer-inspired rolls are a great way to shake up the menu. This recipe takes seasoned ramen noodles, carrot and bell peppers, and bundles them together in rice paper wrappers. If you've got leftover noodles, consider these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/easiest-ramen-noodle-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy ramen recipes to make when you're in a pinch</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lo-mein-summer-rolls/19744/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lo Mein Summer Rolls</a>
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Mapo Tofu

One of the quickest and most satisfying dishes you can prepare at home is mapo tofu. All you need is ground pork, tofu, chili sauce, garlic, ginger and either black bean or hoisin sauce. It's even easy enough to make for a weeknight main on its own or with some steamed rice. Find more quick and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/12-quick-dinner-recipes-ready-in-15-minutes-or-less/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy dinner recipes ready in 15 minutes or less</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mapo-tofu/12814/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson's Mapo Tofu</a>
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Sweet and Sour Tofu Dumplings

These tasty dumplings are made with crumbled tofu and a homemade sweet and sour sauce folded in wonton wrappers. Prepare them in a steamer basket, and serve with more sweet and sour sauce for dipping. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-and-sour-tofu-dumplings/19746/" target="_blank">Sweet and Sour Tofu Dumplings</a>
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Pork and Pineapple Fried Rice

Fried rice is the ultimate meal for combining your leftovers. Add some brightness to the rest of your pulled pork with this pineapple fried rice! Get the recipe for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pork-and-pineapple-fried-rice/14335/">Pork and Pineapple Fried Rice</a>
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Chinese Chicken Balls

These chicken balls are fried until golden, and are best served hot with a creamy, refreshing dip. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chinese-chicken-balls/9566/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Chinese Chicken Balls</a>
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Scallion Pancakes with Maple Syrup Slaw (Cong You Bing)

Scallion pancakes, also known as cong you bing, are pan-fried, savoury flatbreads filled with minced green onion. They're made with a dough instead of a batter, giving it a more chewy texture. Cut them into wedges and top them with a sweet slaw. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/scallion-pancakes-with-maple-syrup-slaw/22077/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Molly Yeh's Scallion Pancakes with Maple Syrup Slaw</a>
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Beef with Broccoli

It doesn't get more classic than this! Go from stove-top to dinner table faster than any delivery service and place on top of a bowl of steamed white rice for a filling, nutrient-rich meal. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/beef-with-broccoli/15551/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Beef with Broccoli</a>
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Chinese Chicken Salad with Red Chile Peanut Dressing

Bobby Flay offers his take on Chinese chicken salad with an additional bit of heat. Chipotle pepper and chili oil are nice additions in this meal with Napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, julienned snow peas, shredded carrots and cilantro. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chinese-chicken-salad-with-red-chile-peanut-dressing/15863/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Flay's Chinese Chicken Salad with Red Chile Peanut Dressing</a>
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Crispy Pork Wontons with Chili Oil Sauce

These little pouches of savoury pork and shrimp dumplings paired with a chili oil sauce for dipping will please any Chinese food aficionado. Get the recipe for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crispy-pork-wontons-with-chili-oil-sauce/15271/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crispy Pork Wontons with Chili Oil Sauce</a>
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Shrimp Siu Mai

 These gorgeous little gems will save you money and impress your dinner guests. The dumplings are filled with scrumptious ingredients such as shrimp, bell peppers, fresh ginger, chives and carrots for a warm and satisfying taste. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shrimp-siu-mai-dumplings/19502/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Shrimp Siu Mai</a>
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Stir-Fried Vegetables

Bell peppers, bok choy, water chestnuts, bean sprouts – and anything your heart desires – are cooked up in minutes and served warm. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/high-protein-vegetarian-meals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">high-protein vegetarian meals that will keep your energy up</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/stir-fried-vegetables/8720/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stir-Fried Vegetables</a>
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