Chinese Takeout Recipes: Easy and Delicious Dishes to Make at Home

If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, you know how comforting and satisfying it can be. However, ordering out every time you crave Chinese food can quickly add up in terms of cost and calories. Fortunately, you can recreate your favourite Chinese takeout dishes at home with these easy-to-follow recipes.

Whether you're in the mood for beef and broccoli, sesame chicken, or lo mein, there's a recipe out there that can help you satisfy your cravings. By mastering the art of Chinese sauces and seasoning, you can elevate your homemade takeout dishes to a whole new level. Plus, cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the dishes to your dietary needs and preferences.

If you're a seafood lover, you'll be happy to know that many Chinese takeout recipes can be easily adapted to include seafood. Shrimp, scallops, and crab meat are popular choices that can add a delicious twist to classic dishes like fried rice and chow mein. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills?

Key Takeaways

• You can recreate your favourite Chinese takeout dishes at home with easy-to-follow recipes.
• Mastering the art of Chinese sauces and seasoning can elevate your homemade takeout dishes to a whole new level.
• Seafood like shrimp, scallops, and crab meat can be easily incorporated into many Chinese takeout recipes for a delicious twist.

Essentials of Chinese Takeout Cooking

Selecting the Right Ingredients

When it comes to Chinese takeout cooking, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Fresh and high-quality ingredients are the key to creating delicious and authentic Chinese dishes. For instance, when selecting rice, choose long-grain rice, which is the preferred variety for Chinese cooking. Similarly, when selecting noodles, choose egg noodles or wheat noodles, which are commonly used in Chinese dishes.

For sauces, soy sauce and sesame oil are essential ingredients in Chinese cooking. Ginger and garlic are also commonly used to add flavour to dishes. When selecting seafood, consider using prawns, scallops, or squid, which are commonly used in Chinese dishes.

Essential Cooking Techniques

To create authentic Chinese takeout dishes, you need to master some essential cooking techniques. One of the most important techniques is stir-frying, which involves cooking ingredients quickly in a hot wok. This technique allows you to cook food quickly while retaining its flavour and texture.

Another important technique is steaming, which is commonly used to cook rice, dumplings, and other dishes. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that helps to retain the nutrients and flavour of the food.

When it comes to sauces, it's important to know how to make them from scratch. This allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavour to your liking. For instance, you can make a simple stir-fry sauce by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.

Overall, mastering the right ingredients and cooking techniques is essential to creating delicious Chinese takeout dishes. With a little practice and experimentation, you can create your own unique dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends. So, why not try using seafood in your next Chinese takeout dish? Prawns or scallops would be a great addition to a stir-fry or noodle dish.

Popular Chinese Takeout Dishes

If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, you're not alone. These dishes have become classics for a reason, and they're sure to satisfy your cravings. Here are some of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes you can try making at home.

Chicken Favourites

Chicken is a staple in many Chinese takeout dishes, and there are a few favourites that you're sure to love. Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy dish that features diced chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a spicy sauce. Orange Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish made with battered and fried chicken, orange zest, and orange juice. Sesame Chicken is similar to Orange Chicken but with a sesame seed coating and a slightly different sauce.

If you're a seafood lover, you can also try substituting the chicken with prawns or squid in these dishes.

Beef Specialities

Beef and Broccoli is a classic Chinese takeout dish that features tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli in a savoury sauce. You can also try Mongolian Beef, which is a sweet and savoury dish made with thinly sliced beef, green onions, and a sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.

If you prefer seafood, you can also try making these dishes with shrimp or scallops.

Vegetarian Delights

If you're a vegetarian or just looking for a meat-free option, there are plenty of delicious Chinese takeout dishes to choose from. Bok Choy is a popular vegetable in Chinese cuisine, and you can stir-fry it with garlic and soy sauce for a simple and tasty side dish.

Fried Rice and Chow Mein are also great vegetarian options that can be made with a variety of vegetables. You can add tofu or tempeh for some extra protein, or substitute the vegetables with seafood like prawns or crab.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own Egg Drop Soup at home. This simple soup is made with chicken broth, eggs, and green onions, and it's a comforting and delicious dish that's perfect for a cold day.

Overall, there are plenty of delicious Chinese takeout dishes that you can make at home. Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Quick and Easy Chinese Takeout Recipes

When you're craving Chinese takeout but don't have the time or energy to go out, why not try making your own quick and easy Chinese takeout recipes at home? With just a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious meals that are perfect for weeknight dinners or even leftovers for lunch the next day.

30-Minute Meals

If you're short on time, these 30-minute meals are perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Try making a stir-fry with your favourite vegetables and protein, such as chicken, beef or prawns. Simply fry your protein in a wok or large pan until cooked through, then add your vegetables and a sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger. Serve with rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.

Another quick and easy meal is egg fried rice. Cook rice according to the packet instructions, then fry some beaten eggs in a pan until scrambled. Add the cooked rice to the pan along with some frozen peas, soy sauce and sesame oil. Fry until everything is heated through and serve with your favourite Chinese dish.

One-Pot Wonders

For an even easier meal, try making a one-pot wonder. These recipes require just one pot or pan, which means less washing up and more time to relax. One-pot wonders can be made with a variety of ingredients, including chicken, beef, vegetables and seafood.

For a seafood option, try making a prawn and vegetable stir-fry. Fry some chopped garlic and ginger in a wok or large pan, then add your vegetables and prawns. Cook until the prawns are pink and the vegetables are tender, then add a sauce made from soy sauce, honey and sesame oil. Serve with rice or noodles for a quick and easy dinner.

Overall, making your own Chinese takeout recipes at home can be quick, easy and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create meals that are perfect for weeknight dinners or even leftovers for lunch the next day.

Healthier Alternatives for Homemade Takeout

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to Chinese takeout, then homemade versions are a great option. You can control the ingredients and cooking methods to make your dishes lighter and more nutritious. Here are some tips for making healthier Chinese takeout recipes at home.

Low-Calorie Options

If you are watching your calorie intake, then there are plenty of low-calorie Chinese takeout recipes that you can make at home. For example, you can make stir-fries with lots of veggies and lean proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Use a small amount of oil and flavourful sauces like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce to add flavour without too many calories.

Seafood is also a great option for low-calorie Chinese takeout recipes. You can use shrimp, scallops, or white fish like cod or haddock to add protein and flavour to your dishes. Seafood is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health.

Gluten-Free Adaptations

If you are following a gluten-free diet, then you can still enjoy Chinese takeout recipes at home. Use gluten-free soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce to add flavour to your dishes. You can also use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or bean thread noodles in your stir-fries and soups.

Vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, and mushrooms are naturally gluten-free and can be used in many Chinese takeout recipes. You can also use gluten-free flours like rice flour or cornstarch to thicken sauces and coat proteins before cooking.

Incorporating healthier ingredients and cooking methods can make homemade Chinese takeout recipes a great option for a light, savory, and nutritious meal.

Mastering the Art of Chinese Sauces

Chinese sauces are a crucial part of any Chinese takeout dish. They provide the flavour and texture that make Chinese cuisine so unique and delicious. However, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty, thick and thin can be a challenge. In this section, we'll go over some tips to help you master the art of Chinese sauces.

Creating the Perfect Balance

The key to creating a great Chinese sauce is achieving the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavours. One way to do this is by using a combination of soy sauce and sugar. Soy sauce provides the salty flavour, while sugar adds sweetness. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste.

Another important factor to consider is the thickness of the sauce. A thick sauce will cling to your food and provide a rich, flavourful coating. Cornstarch is often used to thicken Chinese sauces. Simply mix it with water and add it to your sauce while it's cooking. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make your sauce too thick and gloopy.

Sauce Variations for Every Dish

There are many different types of Chinese sauces, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Garlic sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce are just a few examples. Garlic sauce is a great option if you're looking for a bold, garlicky flavour. Oyster sauce is thick and savoury, while fish sauce is salty and pungent.

When it comes to dipping sauces, there are endless possibilities. Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sweet chilli sauce are all popular options. You can also mix and match different sauces to create your own unique flavour. For example, try mixing soy sauce and sweet chilli sauce for a sweet and salty dipping sauce.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your Chinese takeout dish, shrimp and squid are great options. Shrimp pairs well with garlic sauce, while squid goes well with oyster sauce. You can also use fish sauce to add a salty flavour to your seafood dishes.

In conclusion, mastering the art of Chinese sauces takes practice and experimentation. By following these tips and trying out different sauce variations, you'll be able to create delicious Chinese takeout dishes that rival your favourite restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some low-calorie options from Chinese takeaways?

If you are looking for low-calorie options when ordering from a Chinese takeaway, you can go for dishes that are steamed or stir-fried with vegetables. Steamed dishes like steamed fish or steamed vegetables are great options. Stir-fried dishes like stir-fried vegetables or stir-fried shrimp are also good choices. You can also consider ordering soups like hot and sour soup or egg drop soup, which are low in calories.

Can you list some easy-to-make Chinese takeaway recipes?

If you are looking to make some Chinese takeaway recipes at home, you can try making dishes like chicken fried rice, kung pao chicken, or beef and broccoli stir-fry. These dishes are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. You can find the recipes for these dishes online and customize them to your liking.

What are the top dinner dishes from Chinese takeaways?

Some of the top dinner dishes from Chinese takeaways include sweet and sour chicken, General Tso's chicken, beef and broccoli stir-fry, and kung pao chicken. These dishes are known for their bold flavors and are popular among customers.

How can I recreate the tender beef found in Chinese takeaway meals?

To recreate the tender beef found in Chinese takeaway meals, you can try marinating the beef in soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the meat and give it a rich flavor. You can also try stir-frying the beef in a wok with vegetables like onions, peppers, and carrots.

What are the healthiest choices when ordering from a Chinese takeaway?

When ordering from a Chinese takeaway, you can choose dishes that are steamed or stir-fried with vegetables. You can also opt for dishes that are low in sodium and fat. Some healthy choices include steamed fish, steamed vegetables, and stir-fried shrimp with vegetables.

For someone new to Chinese cuisine, what would you recommend ordering?

If you are new to Chinese cuisine, you can start with dishes like chicken chow mein, vegetable fried rice, or egg drop soup. These dishes are mild in flavor and are a good introduction to Chinese cuisine. You can also ask the restaurant for recommendations or try a variety of dishes to find out what you like.