12 Homemade Chinese Dishes That Are Better Than Takeout (Slideshow)
Cantonese Sticky Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaves
Sticky rice is always such an exciting dish! Peeling back the steamed lotus leaf can feel like unwrapping a birthday present any day of the week. If you feel like a low-key dim sum experience, then make these and enjoy them from the luxury of you own home.
For the Cantonese Sticky Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaves recipe, click here.
Chicken and Chinese Long Beans With Lemongrass
Chicken and Chinese Long Beans With Lemongrass
Aromatic lemongrass, pungent fish sauce, and ground coriander come together in this recipe by Mark Bittman. With fewer than 10 ingredients, this is a great recipe to make the night before for a satisfying lunch the next day.
For the Chicken and Chinese Long Beans With Lemongrass recipe, click here.
Chive and Pressed Tofu Turnovers
These tofu and scallion turnovers are a great snack, appetizer, or a light meal if served with a salad or soup. They are crispy and stuffed full of cellophane noodles, baked tofu, and scallions. Make these turnovers a day ahead and heat them gently in an oven to make them crispy and delicious once more.
For the Chive and Pressed Tofu Turnovers recipe, click here.
Crackling Scallion and Garlic Sauce
Make this spicy and garlicky sauce at home and you can use it to add some Chinese flavor to your favorite vegetables. This sauce is all about freshness and should be used as soon as it is made — sizzing, hot, and poured over anything from grilled fish or steak to roasted potatoes or even fresh and crunchy romaine.
For the Crackling Scallion and Garlic Sauce recipe, click here.
Ground Beef Egg Dumpling
These steamed egg dumplings are naturally gluten-free and paleo. These dumplings are filled with ground beef, ginger, garlic, and green onions, rolled up inside an omelet (made from free range eggs) and lightly steamed. Delicious!
Meyer Lemon Chicken
Forget all about orange chicken — this chicken recipe uses Meyer lemon to create a dish that is bursting with citrus flavor. This recipe calls for Meyer lemon marmalade with ginger, but you can substitute fresh ginger and lemons if you prefer — just add a touch honey or sugar for added sweetness.
Peking Duck for Chinese New Year's
If you're feeling adventurous and in the mood for celebration, why not make your own Peking duck? Though ordering Peking duck from a restaurant might be more convenient, the satisfaction of slicing into loudly crispy skin at home is incomparable.
For the Peking Duck for Chinese New Year's recipe, click here
Pork Lo Mein
Make this pork lo mein recipe at home and discover a dish that is better than takeout!
Roast Chicken Buns With Scallion and Spicy Hoisin Sauce
Who doesn't love a good bun? This recipe is light and fluffy and filled with tender meat, crunchy cucumber, and sweet, tangy sauce. You can even buy pre-made buns, which means there's no excuse not to make these!
For the Roast Chicken Buns With Scallion and Spicy Hoisin Sauce recipe, click here.
Spare Ribs
These Cantonese barbecue ribs, or char siu, are marinated in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and spices. Make these at home for delicious finger-licking food that won't make you miss take out.
Tofu Chop Salad With Orange Sesame Miso Dressing
If you're craving food full of Chinese flavors but want to stick to something healthy, this salad is a great choice. It is packed with fresh vegetables, and the tofu provides a boost of healthy protein.
For the Chinese Tofu Chop Salad With Orange Sesame Miso Dressing recipe, click here.
Vegetable Chow Mein
Make this classic takeout dish at home and cut out a bunch of unnecessary calories. Add your choice of fresh vegetables, roast chicken, braised pork — whatever you fancy! Being a stir-fry, this dish comes together very quickly, so you can have dinner on the table in no time!