The Best Chinese Recipes for Beginners

Chinese cuisine is loved by people all over the world for its unique flavors and variety of dishes. If you’re a beginner looking to try your hand at cooking Chinese food, we have got you covered. From simple stir-fries to flavorful dumplings, here are some of the best Chinese recipes that are easy to make for beginners.

1. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish known for its bold flavors and spicy kick. It consists of diced chicken, peanuts, and a mix of vegetables, all stir-fried in a delicious sauce. This recipe is a great starting point for beginners as it is simple yet packed with flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 cup peanuts
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup diced zucchini
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce, and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
3. Add the minced garlic, peanuts, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.

2. Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal ingredients and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and proteins. This recipe is great for beginners as it teaches you the basics of stir-frying.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice, chilled
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beaten eggs to the pan and scramble them until they are fully cooked.
3. Push the scrambled eggs to one side of the pan and add the chilled rice to the other side.
4. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil to the rice and toss everything together.
5. Add the peas, carrots, and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
6. Serve hot as a main dish or as a side with other Chinese dishes.

3. Steamed Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings, also known as Jiaozi, are a popular Chinese dish that can be steamed, boiled, or pan-fried. Making dumplings from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience for beginners. You can customize the filling to your preference and enjoy these delicious bite-sized treats.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and water until it forms a smooth dough.
2. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
3. In another bowl, mix together the ground pork, shredded cabbage, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger powder to make the filling.
4. Roll out the dough into a long log and cut it into small pieces.
5. Take each small piece and roll it out into a thin circle.
6. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle and fold it in half, sealing the edges by pressing firmly.
7. Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket and steam for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Serve hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.