Fast Chinese Dinner Ideas: Tasty and Simple Meals in Minutes

If you need a fast and easy dinner choice that is full of taste, Chinese food is an excellent option to consider. With just a few key ingredients and basic methods, you can make delicious stir-fries, noodle dishes, rice bowls, and more quickly. Whether you are new to cooking or have some experience, there are numerous Chinese recipes that are ideal for hectic weeknights.

One of the essentials of Chinese cooking is a good quality soy sauce. This versatile ingredient adds depth of flavour to stir-fries, marinades, dressings, and more. Another important ingredient is ginger, which can be used fresh, dried, or pickled to add a zesty, spicy note to dishes. Garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar are also commonly used in Chinese cuisine and can be found in most supermarkets.

When it comes to quick Chinese dinner recipes, stir-fries are a great option. Simply slice up your favourite vegetables and protein (such as chicken, beef, or seafood) and stir-fry them in a wok or large frying pan with some soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings. Serve with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal in minutes. Simple noodle favourites and rice dishes are also great options for quick and easy dinners.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese cuisine is a great option for quick and easy dinners that are packed with flavour.
• Essential ingredients for Chinese cooking include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
• Stir-fries, simple noodle favourites, and rice dishes are great options for quick and easy Chinese dinners.

Essentials of Chinese Cooking

Chinese cuisine has a rich history and a wide variety of flavours and ingredients. If you want to make quick and easy Chinese dinners at home, you need to know the essentials of Chinese cooking. Here are some tips to get you started:

Choosing the Right Wok

A wok is a versatile cooking tool that is essential for Chinese cooking. It is a deep, round-bottomed pan that is perfect for stir-frying, steaming, and braising. When choosing a wok, look for one made of carbon steel or cast iron. These materials are durable and can withstand high heat. A non-stick wok is not recommended because it cannot handle high heat and can release toxic fumes.

Key Ingredients and Flavours

Chinese cooking relies on a few key ingredients and flavours that bring out the unique taste of the dish. Some of the essential ingredients include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. These ingredients add depth and flavour to the dish. Other common ingredients include scallions, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. You can also add seafood to your dishes for a fresh and healthy twist. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are great options to try.

Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to cook meat and vegetables, while steaming is a healthy way to cook seafood and vegetables. Braising is a slow-cooking method that is perfect for tougher cuts of meat. With the right skills and inspiration, you can create delicious homemade Chinese dishes that are fresh and full of flavour.

Now that you know the essentials of Chinese cooking, you can start experimenting with different recipes and flavours. Don't be afraid to try new things and make your own homemade Chinese dinners. With a little practice, you'll be able to create delicious and healthy meals that your whole family will love.

Quick Stir-Fry Dishes

If you're looking for a quick and easy Chinese dinner recipe, then stir-fry dishes are the way to go. Here are three delicious stir-fry recipes that you can make in no time.

Classic Chicken Stir-Fry

For a classic chicken stir-fry, you'll need chicken thighs, green onions, garlic, bell pepper, and sesame oil. Cut the chicken into small pieces and stir-fry it in sesame oil until it's cooked through. Add the garlic, green onions, and bell pepper and stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender. Serve with rice or noodles.

If you're a seafood lover, you can also add shrimp or scallops to this recipe for a delicious seafood stir-fry.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese dish that's quick and easy to make. For this recipe, you'll need beef stir-fry strips, broccoli, garlic, and soy sauce. Stir-fry the beef in a hot wok until it's browned on all sides. Add the garlic and broccoli and stir-fry for a few minutes until the broccoli is tender. Add soy sauce to taste and serve with rice.

If you want to add some seafood to this dish, you can use shrimp or squid instead of beef.

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry

For a vegetarian option, try a tofu and vegetable stir-fry. You'll need firm tofu, your choice of vegetables (such as bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots), garlic, and soy sauce. Cut the tofu into small cubes and stir-fry in a hot wok until it's golden brown on all sides. Add the garlic and vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add soy sauce to taste and serve with rice.

If you're a seafood lover, you can also add some prawns or mussels to this recipe for a delicious seafood stir-fry.

Stir-fry dishes are a great way to make a quick and easy Chinese dinner. With these three recipes, you'll have a variety of options to choose from.

Simple Noodle Favourites

If you're looking for quick and easy Chinese dinner recipes, noodles are always a great option. They're versatile, filling, and can be made in a variety of ways. Here are two simple noodle favourites that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Homemade Chow Mein

Homemade chow mein is a classic Chinese dish that's perfect for a quick and easy dinner. To make it, start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Then, heat up some oil in a wok or large frying pan and add your choice of vegetables and protein. You can use anything from chicken and beef to shrimp and tofu.

Once your vegetables and protein are cooked, add in your cooked noodles and a generous splash of soy sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce and everything is heated through. Serve hot and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavour and crunch.

If you're a seafood lover, you can also add some shrimp or scallops to your chow mein for a delicious twist.

Speedy Lo Mein

Lo mein is another popular Chinese noodle dish that's quick and easy to make. To make speedy lo mein, start by cooking your egg noodles according to the package instructions. While your noodles are cooking, heat up some oil in a wok or large frying pan and add your choice of vegetables and protein.

Once your vegetables and protein are cooked, add in your cooked noodles and a splash of soy sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce and everything is heated through. For added flavour, you can also sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

If you're looking to switch things up, you can also add some prawns or crab meat to your lo mein for a seafood twist.

Rice Dishes in a Flash

When you're in a hurry and need a quick and easy dinner, rice dishes are a great go-to option. Here are two delicious Chinese rice dishes that you can whip up in no time.

Easy Fried Rice

Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that is quick and easy to make. All you need is some leftover rice, eggs, green onions, and soy sauce. You can also add some chicken breast, cashews or seafood to make it more filling and nutritious.

To make easy fried rice, start by heating some oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add some beaten eggs and scramble them until they are cooked. Then, add the chopped chicken breast or seafood, green onions, and cashews and stir-fry until they are cooked through.

Next, add the leftover rice and stir-fry until it is heated through. Finally, add some soy sauce to taste and stir-fry for another minute or two. Serve hot and enjoy!

Savoury Cashew Chicken

Cashew chicken is another quick and easy Chinese dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. To make savoury cashew chicken, you will need some chicken breast, cashews, soy sauce, and green onions.

Start by heating some oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the chopped chicken breast and stir-fry until it is browned and cooked through. Then, add the cashews and stir-fry for another minute or two.

Next, add some soy sauce to taste and stir-fry for another minute or two. Finally, add the chopped green onions and stir-fry for another minute or two until everything is heated through.

If you want to add some seafood to this dish, you can use shrimp or prawns. Simply add them to the wok or frying pan along with the chicken breast and stir-fry until they are cooked through.

These two rice dishes are quick, easy, and delicious. They are perfect for a busy weeknight when you don't have a lot of time to cook. Try them out and see how easy it is to make Chinese food at home!

Flavourful Quick Soups and Salads

When it comes to quick Chinese dinner recipes, soups and salads are a great option. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavour. Here are two recipes that you can make in minutes:

Egg Drop Soup in Minutes

Egg Drop Soup is a classic Chinese soup that is quick and easy to make. It is made with chicken broth, eggs, and a few simple ingredients. Here's how you can make it in minutes:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the eggs, salt, sesame oil, and garlic sauce.
3. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the boiling broth, stirring constantly.
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the eggs are cooked.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.

You can also add some seafood to the soup to make it even more flavourful. Shrimp or crab meat are great options.

Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad

If you're in the mood for a salad, this Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad is a great option. It's packed with flavour and easy to make. Here's how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cabbage, carrots, almonds, cilantro, and green onions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and garlic sauce.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately.

You can also add some seafood to the salad to make it even more flavourful. Shrimp or crab meat are great options.

Overall, these quick soups and salads are perfect for a busy weeknight. They are easy to make and packed with flavour. Try them out and see for yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick and easy Chinese dishes suitable for a family dinner?

If you're looking for quick and easy Chinese dishes to serve for a family dinner, stir-fries are always a great option. You can use a variety of vegetables and proteins, such as chicken, beef, pork, tofu, or seafood, to create a delicious and healthy meal in no time. Some popular stir-fry dishes include Kung Pao chicken, beef and broccoli, and shrimp and vegetable stir-fry.

Can you suggest some simple Chinese recipes for a dinner party?

If you're hosting a Chinese-themed dinner party, there are many simple and delicious dishes you can make. Some popular options include dumplings, spring rolls, fried rice, and lo mein. You can also consider making a hot pot or a Chinese-style barbecue with skewered meats and vegetables.

What are the top Chinese dishes that are perfect for kids?

If you're cooking for kids, it's best to stick with simple and familiar dishes. Some popular Chinese dishes that kids love include sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, chow mein, and egg drop soup. You can also consider making homemade chicken nuggets or crispy tofu bites with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.

Could you recommend some Chinese home cooking recipes that are both quick and authentic?

If you're looking for quick and authentic Chinese home cooking recipes, consider making dishes like mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, or Chinese-style steamed fish. These dishes are easy to make and full of flavour. You can also consider using a slow cooker to make dishes like Chinese-style braised pork belly or soy sauce chicken.

What are the best Chinese recipes for a beginner to try out?

If you're new to Chinese cooking, it's best to start with simple and easy-to-make dishes. Some popular options include stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, and dumplings. You can also consider making a simple noodle soup or a Chinese-style omelette with vegetables and shrimp.

Could you list a few vegetarian Chinese dishes that are easy to whip up?

If you're looking for vegetarian Chinese dishes, there are many delicious options to choose from. Some popular dishes include stir-fried vegetables, tofu and vegetable stir-fry, and vegetable dumplings. You can also consider making a vegetarian hot pot with a variety of vegetables and mushrooms. If you'd like to add some protein to your meal, consider using tofu or seitan.