China has one of the world’s most sophisticated cuisines. It has given birth to numerous cooking techniques, and its traditional dishes and baked goods have been embraced by people worldwide. Chinese cuisine is celebrated for its diverse flavors, unique cooking techniques, and a rich culinary heritage that spans thousands of years. Despite this, many of us are only familiar with a fraction of the vast Chinese culinary space.

If you’re a restaurateur looking to diversify your menu and explore the depth of Chinese culinary delights, this guide is your gateway to a world of irresistible flavors. Below is a selection of 15 recipes for Chinese food that range from beloved classics to hidden gems, ensuring your restaurant menu offers delectable dishes. All you need is an Asian ingredients supplier nearby, and you are good to go.

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved staple of American-Chinese cuisine, offering a harmonious blend of crispy and tender textures. This dish features chunks of chicken bathed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. The crispy coating and tender meat create a satisfying contrast that captivates taste buds. This classic is a crowd-pleaser, making it a must-have on your Chinese restaurant menu.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a flavorful Sichuan dish that tantalizes with its bold combination of flavors. Tender chicken pieces, crunchy peanuts, and the zesty notes of Sichuan peppercorns come together in a harmonious dance of savory and spicy. The umami-rich sauce, made from soy sauce, vinegar, and other secret ingredients, elevates this dish to a culinary masterpiece that will leave diners craving more.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork is a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Succulent pieces of pork are combined with colorful bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks in a vibrant, sweet, and tangy sauce. The crispy coating of the pork, coupled with the tender meat and the interplay of sweet and sour flavors, creates a truly irresistible dish.

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu, originating from the Sichuan province, is a dish that packs a fiery punch. Soft tofu cubes swim in a spicy, aromatic sauce infused with ground pork. This Sichuan classic is beloved for its bold flavors and is a great choice for those seeking a culinary adventure.

Peking Duck

Peking Duck, with its crispy skin and succulent meat, is a celebrated Chinese dish known for its meticulous preparation. Typically served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh scallions, this dish invites diners to create their own wraps. The combination of textures and flavors makes Peking Duck a delightful experience that’s sure to impress.

Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice is a versatile and satisfying Chinese dish that serves as a staple in many restaurants. It combines fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, an assortment of vegetables, and a dash of soy sauce. This simple yet delicious recipe can be served as a side or a main dish, making it a versatile addition to your menu.

Dim Sum Selection

Dim Sum is a delightful assortment of bite-sized Chinese dishes that includes dumplings, buns, spring rolls, and more. Originating from the Cantonese culinary tradition, dim sum offers a diverse array of flavors and textures. By introducing a dim sum selection, your restaurant menu can cater to those who crave variety and enjoy sharing small, flavorful bites.

Lo Mein

Lo Mein is a Chinese noodle dish renowned for its comforting qualities. It pairs well with an array of ingredients such as vegetables, chicken, beef, or shrimp. The noodles are stir-fried with a savory sauce, resulting in a dish that’s not only delicious but also deeply satisfying.

Szechuan Shrimp

Szechuan Shrimp is a spicy and flavorful dish that’s a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. This dish features plump shrimp cooked with Sichuan peppercorns and a fiery sauce that adds a bold kick of heat to the dish. The complexity of flavors in Szechuan cuisine shines brightly in this recipe.

Beef with Broccoli

Beef with Broccoli is a simple yet deeply satisfying stir-fry dish that’s adored by many. It features tender beef slices combined with crisp broccoli florets, all bathed in a savory brown sauce. This classic Chinese-American favorite never goes out of style.

Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions

Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions is a Cantonese delicacy that celebrates the natural flavors of the fish. This dish features a delicate balance of textures and tastes, with the ginger and scallion sauce enhancing the fish’s freshness and aroma.

Ma Po Eggplant

Ma Po Eggplant is a vegetarian-friendly Sichuan dish that’s not for the faint of heart. Soft eggplant pieces are bathed in a spicy, flavorful sauce, creating a dish that appeals to those who appreciate a balance of heat and umami. The dish embodies the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine.

Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Char Siu, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork, is a sweet and savory dish that’s incredibly flavorful. Succulent strips of pork are marinated in a signature sauce and roasted to perfection, resulting in a dish that captivates diners with its bold and delectable taste.

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a tangy and comforting Chinese soup that combines various ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Its unique blend of flavors, including the tanginess of vinegar and the spiciness of pepper, makes it a warm and soothing appetizer.

Chinese Five Spice Ribs

Chinese Five Spice Ribs are a culinary treasure that marries tender ribs with the fragrant and aromatic blend of Chinese five-spice powder. This dish offers a depth and complexity of flavors, appealing to those who savor the bold and aromatic essence of Chinese cuisine.

These 15 irresistible Chinese food recipes unveil a world of diverse flavors that will captivate your customers’ taste buds. Whether you’re introducing classic dishes or exploring hidden gems, your restaurant menu is set to become a go-to destination for those seeking the delicious and diverse world of Chinese flavors. Each dish is a testament to the depth and variety of Chinese cuisine, ensuring that your restaurant leaves a lasting impression on diners looking for an extraordinary culinary experience.