19 Tasty Chinese Takeout Dishes You Can Master at Home

The sweet and slightly charred coating on a well-made char siu makes an excellent counterpoint to the soft fluffiness of the steamed bun wrapper. A dim sum staple, BBQ pork buns can be enjoyed at any time of day — no delivery app required.

The gloopy consistency of some takeout hot and sour soup (especially if it sits too long) will have you reaching for this recipe that combines chili heat and an undertone of vinegary goodness. The wood ear mushrooms are well worth sourcing and available at many Asian supermarkets.

There are few things as warming and comforting on a winter night than congee — a savoury rice porridge that can serve as blank canvas for a variety of toppings including chopped peanuts, coriander or green onions. Making congee at home is almost easier than ordering in, but just remember to plan ahead to allow time for it to simmer away on the stovetop.

Related: 7 Ways to Make Your Soups Creamy Without Dairy

A popular item at Chinese bakeries, these coconut buns combine pillowy dough with a dense and crunchy super-sweet coconut filling. Enjoy them as an afternoon snack, simple dessert or decadent breakfast with a cup of tea.

Rolling the scallion filling right into the dough makes for a fun activity with the family — and the result is worth the effort. Flaky layers of pastry encase savoury bits of scallions and are enhanced by a simple dipping sauce of Chinkiang black vinegar.

Related: Pork Floss Scallion Rolls with Honey Butter

For a dish that’s sophisticated, but still simple, this steamed sea bass is a traditional way to let the fish be the star of the plate. Fragrant ginger and green onions, combined with soy and hot oil, come together in a sauce that’s perfect for ladling over plain white rice. It’s also one of our favourite Lunar New Year recipes.

Why wait for delivery when this stir-fried eggplant is just a toss in the pan from dinnertime? Dark soy, ginger and a little bit of sugar reduce to a sticky sweet glaze — and optional chilis bring an undertone of fiery heat.

While dumplings are popular during Chinese New Year, these chicken pot stickers are perfect any time of year. The filling is made with seasoned ground chicken and freshly grated ginger, which is then folded in a simple dough.

Related: The Fascinating Symbolism Behind Chinese Lunar New Year Dishes

A dinner main with only five ingredients? Count us in! This quick version of the Chinese classic elevates instant ramen noodles to the next level. Pickles stand in for more traditional fermented greens while the brine replaces the traditional addition of sugar.

Related: A Guide to Chinese Noodles

Whether you follow the keto plan or not, everyone will enjoy a helping of this hearty chicken dish that is brimming with asparagus, bell peppers, garlic, peanuts and toasted sesame seeds. It’s better than takeout (we promise!) and you won’t need to invest in a wok if you don’t have one — we’ve made this delicious meal in a large cast-iron pan.

What’s better than a bowl of flawlessly cooked rice? Absolutely nothing! This tender, yet fluffy Instant Pot variation will pair beautifully with any of your other takeout-inspired dinner mains.

Filled with a mixture of ground pork, garlic, ginger, cabbage, carrots, green onions and eggs cooked in soy sauce, these crispy spring rolls will disappear fast, so best make a double batch.

Related: The Fascinating Symbolism Behind Chinese Lunar New Year Dishes

If you’re not up for making the trek to your favourite hot pot restaurant, the good news is that you can make this traditional Chinese recipe from the comfort of your own home. Create a personalized dipping sauce, dunk some veggies, meat or fish into the broth and scoop it out into your bowl for a fun and engaging meal the whole family will love. It involves a little more prep than the average takeout-inspired dish, but it’s totally worth it.

If you’ve got some extra time on your hands this week, opt for these scrumptious tender chicken wings that boast a sticky-sweet Chinese-style BBQ sauce that you’ll want to introduce into regular rotation.

Like arancini, these fried rice balls are best when made with day-old rice or — even easier — leftover takeout. No matter how they start, guests will love to be greeted with their buffet favourites in bite-sized form.

Not only is this a takeout-style dish that you can make at home, it’s completely portable! Thread chunks of pork tenderloin on a skewer along with water chestnut, red pepper, snow peas, baby corn and orange before grilling to caramelized perfection. Ideal for a fast family meal or a potluck.

Related: Perfect Pork Tenderloin Recipes

Scallion pancakes AKA cong you bing are pan-fried, savoury flatbreads filled with minced green onion. They’re made with a dough instead of a batter, giving it a more chewy texture. Cut them into wedges and top them with a sweet slaw.

Related: Restaurant-Worthy Chinese Scallion Pancakes You Can Make at Home

This Canadianized mashup of sweet caramel cheesecake wontons is kept from being excessively sweet by the tartness of Granny Smith apples and the deep-fried flavours of the wrapper. A sesame or ginger flavoured iced cream would complete the marriage of ingredients and backgrounds.

For some people, both adults and kids alike, one of the joys of North American Chinese takeout is the addition of crunchy fortune cookies. Make your own at home and customize the fortunes to your own family for some instant fun.

Related: Skip Takeout With Molly Yeh’s Saucy and Spicy Kung Pao Chicken