Simple Chinese Dinner Recipes for Two: Romantic Meal Ideas for a Cozy Night In

If you are searching for uncomplicated and delicious Chinese dinner recipe for two, you have come to the right place. Chinese cuisine is famous for its rich flavours and distinctive ingredients, and it is simpler than you might imagine whipping up delicious dishes in your own kitchen. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned chef, these recipes are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Essential ingredients for Chinese cooking include soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ginger. These ingredients are used in many Chinese dishes and can be found at most supermarkets. You can also add some seafood to your dishes, such as shrimp, crab, or scallops, for a delicious twist.

Popular Chinese dishes for two include stir-fry, noodle dishes, and dumplings. Stir-fry is a quick and easy option that can be made with any protein, such as chicken, beef, or tofu, and your favourite vegetables. Noodle dishes, such as chow mein or lo mein, are another great option that can be made with a variety of proteins and vegetables. And who can resist dumplings? These bite-sized delights can be steamed or fried and filled with your favourite ingredients.

Key Takeaways

• Essential ingredients for Chinese cooking include soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ginger.
• Popular Chinese dishes for two include stir-fry, noodle dishes, and dumplings.
• Seafood, such as shrimp, crab, or scallops, can be added to Chinese dishes for a delicious twist.

Essential Ingredients for Chinese Cooking

If you want to cook Chinese food at home, there are a few essential ingredients that you should have in your pantry. These ingredients will allow you to create a range of dishes, from stir-fries to soups to noodle dishes, and more. Here are some of the key ingredients you'll need:

• Garlic: Garlic is a staple in Chinese cooking, used in many dishes to add flavour and aroma. Fresh garlic is best, but you can also use garlic paste or pre-chopped garlic if you're short on time.

• Ginger: Like garlic, ginger is a key ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It adds a spicy, fragrant flavour to dishes and is often used in marinades and sauces. Fresh ginger is best, but you can also use ginger paste or ground ginger.

• Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a salty, umami-rich sauce that is used in many Chinese dishes. It adds depth of flavour and can be used as a marinade or a finishing sauce. There are many different types of soy sauce available, but for most recipes, you can use regular or light soy sauce.

• Green onion: Also known as scallions, green onions are used in many Chinese dishes to add a fresh, oniony flavour. They can be used as a garnish or added to stir-fries and soups.

• Sesame oil: Sesame oil is a fragrant oil that is used to add flavour to dishes. It has a nutty, toasted flavour and is often used as a finishing oil. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.

• Oyster sauce: Oyster sauce is a thick, savoury sauce made from oysters, soy sauce, and other seasonings. It adds depth of flavour to stir-fries and noodle dishes and can be used as a marinade.

• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken sauces and soups in Chinese cooking. It's also used to coat meat before stir-frying, giving it a crispy texture.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your Chinese dinner for two, consider using shrimp or scallops. These can be added to stir-fries or noodle dishes and pair well with many of the ingredients listed above. Alternatively, you can try making a simple seafood soup with ginger, green onion, and soy sauce.

Popular Chinese Dishes for Two

If you are looking for simple and delicious Chinese dinner recipes for two, then you'll love these popular dishes that are easy to make at home. They are perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is spicy, savoury, and sweet. It is made with chicken thighs, bell peppers, mushrooms, and peanuts. This dish is easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes. You can adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less chilli flakes.

Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli is another classic Chinese dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. It is made with tender beef, broccoli, and a savoury sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. This dish is healthy and delicious, and you can serve it with rice or noodles.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a popular Chinese takeout dish that you can easily make at home. It is made with chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a sweet and sour sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, and sugar. This dish is perfect for those who like a balance of sweet and sour flavours.

If you are a seafood lover, you can also try adding shrimp or fish to these dishes. For example, you can substitute the chicken in Kung Pao Chicken with shrimp or use fish in the sauce for Sweet and Sour Chicken. Make sure to use fresh seafood and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Overall, these popular Chinese dishes are perfect for a simple and delicious dinner for two. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Enjoy!

Quick and Easy Noodle Delights

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe for two, why not try making some delicious Chinese noodles? These dishes are perfect for a cosy night in and are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that is both quick and easy to make. To prepare this dish, you'll need some spaghetti noodles, chicken breast, vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, and onions, and some soy sauce.

First, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the instructions on the packet. While the noodles are cooking, slice the chicken breast into small pieces and stir-fry them in a pan with some oil. Add the vegetables and cook until they are slightly tender. Once the noodles are cooked, add them to the pan with the chicken and vegetables and stir in the soy sauce. Serve hot.

Beef Stir-Fry Noodles

Beef Stir-Fry Noodles is another simple and tasty Chinese noodle dish that you can make at home. For this recipe, you'll need some lo mein noodles, beef, vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and onions, and some oyster sauce.

First, cook the lo mein noodles according to the instructions on the packet. While the noodles are cooking, slice the beef into thin strips and stir-fry them in a pan with some oil. Add the vegetables and cook until they are slightly tender. Once the noodles are cooked, add them to the pan with the beef and vegetables and stir in the oyster sauce. Serve hot.

Dan Dan Noodles

If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, why not try making Dan Dan Noodles? This spicy Chinese noodle dish is perfect for those who like their food with a bit of heat. For this recipe, you'll need some Chinese noodles, minced pork or beef, vegetables such as bok choy, and some Sichuan peppercorns.

First, cook the Chinese noodles according to the instructions on the packet. While the noodles are cooking, brown the minced pork or beef in a pan with some oil. Add the vegetables and cook until they are slightly tender. Once the noodles are cooked, add them to the pan with the pork or beef and vegetables and stir in the Sichuan peppercorns. Serve hot.

If you're a seafood lover, you can also add some shrimp or squid to any of these dishes for an extra burst of flavour. Just make sure to cook the seafood thoroughly before adding it to the pan.

Stir-Fry Favourites

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner for two, stir-fries are always a great option. They're simple to make and can be customized to your liking. Here are a few of our favourite stir-fry recipes that are sure to be a hit.

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that is both delicious and easy to make. To make this dish, you'll need cooked rice, chicken, eggs, and a few vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions. You can also add in some soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavour. Simply stir-fry everything together in a wok or large frying pan, and you'll have a tasty meal in no time.

Sesame Beef

If you're a fan of beef, then sesame beef is a must-try. This dish is made with thinly sliced beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a few other ingredients. The beef is stir-fried until it's browned and crispy, and then tossed with a sweet and savoury sauce. You can serve this dish with rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry

For a vegetarian option, try this tofu and vegetable stir-fry. This dish is made with firm tofu, broccoli, bell peppers, and onions, and is flavoured with soy sauce and ginger. You can also add in some mushrooms or snap peas if you like. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also packed with protein and vitamins.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding seafood to your stir-fries. Shrimp or scallops work well in most stir-fry recipes, and can add a unique flavour and texture to your dish. Just be sure to cook them properly to avoid any food safety issues.

Stir-fries are a great way to get a quick and easy dinner on the table. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a delicious meal that is sure to satisfy. So why not give one of these recipes a try tonight?

Sweet Endings and Sides

When it comes to Chinese dinner recipes for two, sweet endings and sides are just as important as the main course. You want to end your meal on a high note, and these dishes will do just that.

Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese soup that is perfect for a light and satisfying end to your meal. It's made with eggs, chicken broth, and a few simple seasonings. You can also add some seafood like shrimp to give it an extra boost of flavor.

To make egg drop soup, simply whisk together some eggs and slowly pour them into hot chicken broth while stirring. Add some cornstarch to thicken the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with some chopped green onions and serve hot.

Dim Sum Selections

Dim sum is a popular Chinese dish that consists of small, bite-sized portions of food. It's perfect for sharing and trying a variety of different flavours. Some popular dim sum selections include steamed dumplings, spring rolls, and shrimp dumplings.

You can easily make your own dim sum at home using pre-made wrappers and a variety of fillings. For a seafood twist, try making shrimp dumplings by mixing chopped shrimp with some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Wrap the mixture in a dumpling wrapper and steam until cooked through.

Steamed Buns

Steamed buns, also known as baozi, are a popular Chinese side dish that can be filled with a variety of different ingredients. They are soft and fluffy on the outside and filled with a savoury or sweet filling on the inside.

For a seafood option, try filling your steamed buns with some crab meat and cream cheese. Simply mix the two ingredients together and fill your steamed buns before steaming until cooked through.

Overall, sweet endings and sides are an important part of any Chinese dinner for two. With these simple recipes, you can easily create a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling happy and full.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy vegetarian dishes for a Chinese-style dinner for two?

If you're looking for vegetarian options, you can try preparing dishes like stir-fried vegetables with tofu or eggplant in garlic sauce. Chinese-style vegetable fried rice is also a great option. You can add some mushrooms or water chestnuts to the dish for added texture and flavour.

Could you suggest simple Chinese chicken recipes suitable for a couple?

For a simple Chinese-style chicken dinner for two, you can try making kung pao chicken or sweet and sour chicken. Both dishes are easy to prepare and are full of flavour. You can also try making chicken stir-fry with vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers and carrots.

What traditional Chinese beef dishes can I prepare quickly for two people?

If you're looking for traditional Chinese beef dishes that can be prepared quickly, you can try making beef and broccoli stir-fry or Mongolian beef. Both dishes are easy to make and are packed with flavour. You can also add some sliced onions and peppers to the dishes for added texture.

What's a common Chinese meal that's simple to make for a beginner?

One of the most common Chinese meals that's simple to make for a beginner is fried rice. You can use leftover rice and add vegetables like carrots, peas and onions. You can also add some diced chicken or shrimp for added protein. Another easy dish to prepare is stir-fried noodles with vegetables and your choice of protein.

Can you recommend some straightforward recipes for a Chinese dinner party?

For a Chinese dinner party, you can try making dishes like sesame chicken, shrimp and vegetable stir-fry or beef and broccoli stir-fry. You can also prepare some vegetable fried rice or lo mein noodles. For appetizers, you can serve spring rolls or potstickers.

What's the most popular Chinese dish that's easy to cook at home?

One of the most popular Chinese dishes that's easy to cook at home is stir-fried vegetables with your choice of protein. You can use chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu. You can also add some cashews or peanuts for added texture. Another popular dish is sweet and sour chicken or pork. If you like seafood, you can try making shrimp stir-fry with vegetables or seafood fried rice with prawns, squid and mussels.