10 Budget-Friendly Chinese Dishes You Can Make at Home

Chinese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, and the best part is, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy it at home. Whether you’re craving stir-fry, noodles, or dumplings, these budget-friendly recipes are easy to make and require minimal ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, these dishes bring the taste of authentic Chinese cooking to your kitchen without the cost of takeout. Let’s dive into these affordable and delicious recipes that everyone can enjoy.

Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is one of the simplest and most budget-friendly Chinese dishes you can make at home. To prepare, cook 2 cups of rice and let it cool. In a pan, scramble two eggs with a dash of salt, then add the cooled rice. Toss in a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of sesame oil, and any leftover vegetables you have, like peas or carrots. Stir-fry everything together until hot, and serve with a sprinkle of green onions for extra flavor.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This chicken and broccoli stir-fry is both healthy and affordable. Start by marinating sliced chicken breast in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a teaspoon of cornstarch. In a hot pan, cook the chicken until browned, then add in steamed broccoli. Pour in a simple sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar, and stir-fry everything for a few minutes until well coated. Serve over rice for a complete meal.

Vegetable Lo Mein

Vegetable lo mein is a quick, tasty, and budget-friendly meal. Cook lo mein or spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. In a pan, stir-fry a mix of chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage with garlic and ginger. Add the cooked noodles and toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of hoisin sauce for sweetness. Stir everything together until the noodles are well-coated and serve hot.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken is a favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat them in a simple batter made from flour and water. Fry until golden and crispy. In a separate pan, mix together vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce to create the sweet and sour sauce. Add in cooked bell peppers and pineapple chunks, then toss in the fried chicken. Stir everything together and serve over rice.

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup is a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. Start by heating chicken or vegetable broth in a pot. Add in sliced mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and a few tablespoons of soy sauce. For the “hot” part, stir in some white pepper, and for the “sour,” add vinegar. Thicken the soup with a slurry made from cornstarch and water, and finish with a beaten egg streamed in while stirring. Garnish with green onions.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious blend of spicy and savory. To make, stir-fry diced chicken with garlic and ginger in a hot pan. Add a handful of dried chilies for heat, and toss in chopped peanuts for a crunchy texture. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar for the signature Kung Pao flavor. Cook until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce and serve over rice.

Mapo Tofu

Mapo tofu is a spicy, flavorful dish that’s budget-friendly and filling. Start by cooking ground pork in a pan with garlic, ginger, and a tablespoon of chili bean paste. Once the pork is browned, add cubed tofu and gently mix. Pour in soy sauce, chicken broth, and a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns for an authentic flavor. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens, then serve over steamed rice.

Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a fun and affordable appetizer or snack. To make, stir-fry shredded cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts with garlic and soy sauce. Let the mixture cool, then roll it up in spring roll wrappers. Fry the rolls in hot oil until golden and crispy. Serve with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.

Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken chow mein is another easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a budget meal. Start by cooking chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. In a pan, stir-fry sliced chicken with garlic and ginger until browned, then add in cooked noodles. Toss everything with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the noodles are lightly crispy and serve hot.

Dumplings

Homemade dumplings are a budget-friendly delight. To make, mix ground pork with minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chopped green onions. Spoon the filling into dumpling wrappers and fold them into half-moons, sealing the edges with water. Boil or pan-fry the dumplings until cooked through and serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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