1. Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish made with tender chicken cubes, crunchy scallions, and peanuts, all seasoned with dried chili, Sichuan pepper, and a flavorful sauce that you’ll learn to make in the recipe.

This dish follows the traditional Sichuan formula, delivering an authentic, spicy Sichuan experience.

2. One-pot Hainanese Chicken Rice

One-Pot Hainanese Chicken Rice looks simple, but it’s packed with rich flavors.

Mad with poached chicken, rice fried in chicken fat, aromatic scallions, ginger, or chili sauce. Then it is all steamed together with the chicken and finished with vegetable garnishing.

The one-pot method makes it both easy and convenient to prepare!

3. Beef and Broccoli (西兰花炒牛肉)

Beef and Broccoli is a classic Cantonese dish featuring tender beef coated in a rich brown sauce bursting with garlic, salty-sweet, and umami flavors. Paired with crisp, vibrant broccoli, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and is often served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

4. Scallion Oil Chicken (葱油鸡)

Scallion Oil Chicken is an easy-to-make dish where the chicken is infused with aromatic scallion oil, resulting in a juicy and tender flavor. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine, making it a comforting and satisfying meal often served with steamed rice.

5. Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)

My all-time favorite tofu dish.

Mapo Tofu is a spicy Sichuan specialty featuring tender tofu mixed with minced meat and drenched in a bold, flavorful sauce made with classic Sichuan condiments and spices.

6. Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)

Peking Duck is the iconic, symbolic dish of Chinese cuisine. This beloved dish features tender slices of roasted duck with perfectly crispy skin, offering a unique texture that makes it truly iconic.

7. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup has gained global popularity for its rich, thick texture and vibrant seasoning.

This comforting soup combines a delightful mix of spicy and tangy flavors with ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots, offering a burst of taste that warms and heals with every sip.

8. Mala chicken (Chongqing Laziji, 辣子鸡)

Mala Chicken is one of my all-time favorite chicken dishes. This Sichuan specialty features a numbing spiciness from dried chilies and Sichuan pepper, creating a unique flavor experience.

The fun part is hunting for the tender chicken pieces hidden beneath a mountain of chilies—it’s like a delicious treasure hunt!

9. Moo Shu Pork (木樨肉)

Moo shu pork is a savory stir-fry made with tender pork slices, scrambled eggs, mushrooms, and crisp vegetables.

This dish is typically flavored with a rich hoisin or soy-based sauce and is often served with thin pancakes or steamed rice for wrapping or pairing.

10. Kung Pao shrimp (宫保虾仁)

While Kung Pao Chicken is the most famous, Kung Pao Shrimp offers a delicious alternative that’s well worth trying.

This Sichuan dish features stir-fried shrimp, peanuts, scallions, dried chili, and Sichuan pepper, all coated in a savory, spicy sauce that balances heat with a hint of sweetness. The shrimp adds a delicate seafood twist to the classic flavors.

11. Tofu Omelet (豆腐蛋饼)

This Tofu Omelet is quick and easy to make, with ingredients like eggs, tofu, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

It’s a healthy, protein-rich dish that’s light yet satisfying, perfect for a quick meal at any time of the day.

12. Di San Xian (Stir Fried Eggplant, Potato and Pepper, 地三鲜)

I’m honestly not a fan of eggplant, but this recipe changed my mind. Di San Xian brings these simple vegetables together in a delicious way.

The eggplant, potato, and pepper are fried to perfection, and then coated in a thick brown sauce that harmonizes and elevates the flavors of each vegetable.

13. Steamed Fish (清蒸鱼)

One of my favorite ways to cook fish, Steamed Fish is a classic dish that’s a must-have at dinner tables.

This dish features your choice of fresh fish, steamed to perfection with soy sauce, scallions, and ginger. The result is an incredibly tender texture and an aromatic, savory flavor that lets the natural taste of the fish shine through.

14. Beef Chow Fun (Beef Ho Fun, 干炒牛河)

Beef Chow Fun is my go-to order every time I visit a Hong Kong restaurant.

This dish features tender beef slices, slightly thick chewy rice noodles, beansprouts, and chives, all stir-fried together to perfection. The combination of these ingredients creates a smoky, savory taste with a depth of flavor that’s simply unforgettable.

15. Tomato Egg Stir-Fry (番茄炒蛋)

Tomato Egg Stir-Fry is my favorite egg dish.

Made with eggs, ripe tomatoes, and various seasonings, this dish is easy, affordable, and incredibly tasty. The combination of sweet, tangy tomatoes and fluffy eggs creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it a versatile dish that’s great for any meal.

16. Dan Dan Noodles (Spicy Sichuan Noodles, 担担面)

Dan Dan Noodles is a classic Chinese noodle dish celebrated for its nutty, pungent, and spicy flavors.

The recipe features a rich, thick sauce made from sesame paste, chili oil, ground Sichuan pepper, soy sauce, black rice vinegar, and a blend of aromatic spices. Topped with fried minced meat, fresh vegetables, and crunchy fried peanuts or soybeans, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s truly irresistible.

17. Egg Fried Rice (蛋炒饭)

Egg Fried Rice is a simple, easy-to-make dish that’s beloved for its incredible flavor.

While it looks simple, the combination of the right seasonings and the stir-frying method infuses the rice with a smoky, savory, and rich taste. This versatile dish can be enjoyed on its own or as a perfect side to complement any meal.

18. Stir-Fried Rice Cakes (Chao Nian Gao/炒年糕)

Stir-fried rice Cakes is a fun and satisfying dish with chewy, bouncy rice cakes that offer a delightful texture with every bite.

Each mouthful bursts with a medley of flavors, especially when combined with savory mushrooms and tender chicken. This dish delivers a full, tasty meal that’s both hearty and enjoyable.

19. Char Siu (Chinese BBQ pork, 叉烧)

Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork, 叉烧) is a classic Cantonese dish known for its aromatic, sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The pork is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and sauces, then roasted. Char Siu can be enjoyed on its own, as part of a multi-course meal, or mixed into a variety of dishes, adding a rich, flavorful touch to any meal.

20. Chow Mein (Chinese Fried Noodles, 炒面)

Chow Mein is one of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes, but have you ever tried making it yourself?

This simple and easy recipe allows you to customize your chow mein with your choice of noodles, protein, and vegetables. The easy-to-make sauce enhances the flavor, giving you a delicious and satisfying dish that you can enjoy right from your kitchen.

21. Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai/豉油鸡)

Soy Sauce Chicken is a classic Cantonese dish where the chicken is braised in a richly flavored soy sauce broth. This method transfers a deep, aromatic taste to both the meat and the skin, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken. Often enjoyed with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal, this dish offers a delicious balance of savory and umami flavors.

22. Twice-Cooked Pork

Twice-Cooked Pork is a standout dish in Sichuan cuisine, renowned for its complex and savory flavors. This dish features tender yet crispy pork slices that are first boiled and then stir-fried with fermented seasonings, including bean paste and chili. The two-step cooking method deepens the flavors, resulting in a dish with a deliciously rich and spicy profile that’s both satisfying and unforgettable.

23. Chinese Egg Drop Soup

Chinese Egg Drop Soup is a simple classic dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. The soup gets its signature fluffy texture from whisked eggs that are gently poured into the simmering broth, creating delicate ribbons of egg. This super easy and tasty recipe is perfect as a light starter or a soothing, quick meal.

24. Sichuan Spicy Wonton In Chili Oil (红油抄手)

Sichuan Spicy Wonton in Chili Oil is one of my favorite ways to enjoy wontons. This dish can be made with homemade or store-bought wontons, making it versatile and accessible. The spice comes from a robust chili oil infused with Sichuan pepper, creating a numbing and tingling sensation that is balanced by other savory condiments. Each bite offers a perfect combination of heat, flavor, and the comforting softness of the wontons.

25. Wonton Soup (馄饨汤)

Two wonton recipes in a row?!

Absolutely, because wontons are incredibly versatile. This easy and healthy Wonton Soup is made with flavorful chicken stock, crisp bok choy, and tender wontons, whether homemade or store-bought. The result is a refreshing and nourishing soup that’s perfect for any time you need a comforting, healing meal.

26. Silken Tofu with Scallions and Soy Dressing

Besides Mapo Tofu, this is one of my favorite tofu dishes.

Made with silken tofu, it’s incredibly soft and delicate. The tofu is paired with a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, sesame seeds, and scallions, creating a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. The silky texture of the tofu combined with the satisfying crunch of the scallions and the rich, aromatic dressing makes this dish truly irresistible.

27. Shrimp and Egg Stir-Fry (滑蛋虾仁)

Shrimp and Egg Stir-Fry is a classic Cantonese dish where tender shrimp and fluffy eggs come together in perfect harmony. Simple yet rich in flavor, this dish offers soft, delicate textures that melt in your mouth. It’s incredibly easy to cook and pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed rice, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.

28. Chinese Spring Rolls (春卷)

This recipe will have you ditching restaurant egg rolls for good. With this homemade version, you can customize the filling to your liking and fry the wrappers to the perfect crispness. Not only is this recipe deliciously crispy, but it’s also healthier than what you’d find at a restaurant, giving you control over the ingredients and preparation.