Put down that menu! These easy Chinese recipes come together in 30 minutes or less. Takeout, shmakeout.
40 Chinese Dinners That Are Faster Than Takeout
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
1/40
Spicy Beef Stir Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 312 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
2/40
Shrimp Fried Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can't get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 332 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 236mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
For more delicious dishes, check out these authentic Asian recipes.
3/40
Ginger-Cashew Chicken Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I revamped an Asian-style chicken salad recipe to create this gingery, crunchy salad. Now it’s a huge success when I serve it at ladies luncheons. —Shelly Gramer, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 379 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Be sure to check out our best Chinese chicken recipes, too.
4/40
Beef Lo Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 358 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Also, check Pad see ew is a popular Thai takeout dish with saucy noodles and fresh vegetables. You’ll need to invest in some novel pantry ingredients, but then you’ll be making restaurant-style noodles in no time.
5/40
Cashew Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture: 349 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 starch.
6/40
Pork Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Casual, flavorful and low in carbohydrates, these Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a perfect and low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes and let your guests assemble their own wrap, which allows them to personalize to suit their tastes. —Gretchen Barnes, Fairfax, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 199 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
7/40
Ginger-Chutney Shrimp Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this recipe a lot when I was juggling college, work and a growing family. It tastes like you spent a lot of time making it, yet only takes minutes to pull together. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 356 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1102mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
8/40
Honey Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup stir-fry: 249 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
9/40
Chinese Pepper Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bell peppers, mushrooms and ginger provide the bulk of the flavor in this stir-fry that’s not too saucy. Hot rice makes it even better. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups beef mixture: 241 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
10/40
Sweet Chili & Orange Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves this simple sweet chili chicken dish so much he often requests it when he comes home from deployment. The sweet chili sauce adds just the right amount of heat to the bright citrusy sauce. —Jessica Eastman, Bremerton, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chicken mixture: 309 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1014mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
11/40
Quick Ginger Pork
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are empty nesters. It was a challenge learning to cook for just two again, but recipes like this give us delicious scaled-down dinners. —Esther Johnson Danielson, Lawton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 216 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
12/40
Asparagus Beef Saute
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love filet mignon, but I'm not crazy about its price, so I came up with a recipe for more affordable beef tenderloin. Now I cook it once a week. My husband loves the leftovers, too. —Linda Flynn, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups beef mixture: 328 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
13/40
Beef Orange Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups with 1/2 cup rice: 390 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/40
Pineapple Shrimp Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe for a luau-themed party and served it with sliced papaya, mango and avocado. My family loved it! If you don't care for coconut, sprinkle it with chopped macadamia nuts instead. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 301 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.
15/40
Easy Orange Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 450 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1294mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
16/40
Speedy Salmon Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Salmon is a staple where I live, so I tried it in a stir-fry. My recipe has an orange glaze, but I like it with lime, too. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup stir-fry with 2/3 cup rice: 498 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
17/40
Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone goes for this super moist, garlicky chicken, including my fussy kids. For your holiday buffet or family gathering, serve it with rice or noodles. —Carole Lotito, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 247 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/40
Chicken Stir-Fry with Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stir-fry noodles on a cooking show caught my eye. I ran with the idea and loaded mine with veggies. Now it’s our favorite hurry-up meal. —Beverly Norris, Evanston, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 434 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 9g fiber), 35g protein.
19/40
Mandarin Pork Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband and I were dating, he told me he liked Asian food. I got a wok and discovered the joy of dishes like this pork stir-fry. —Laurie Martignon, Niagara, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 473 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
20/40
Hoisin-Pineapple Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mouth waters when I think of this sweet and tangy glaze. It's a tropical treat at any time of year. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 2 tablespoons sauce: 349 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
21/40
Tropical Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we crave something sweet and spicy, pork tenderloin cooked with chipotle, barbecue sauce and pineapple really delivers. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 539 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1374mg sodium, 82g carbohydrate (72g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
22/40
Ginger Beef Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This savory stir-fry showcases tender slices of beef, while colorful carrots add crunch. For devoted meat-and-potatoes fans, replace the rice with mashed potatoes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture: 334 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 928mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
23/40
Sweet and Sour Beef
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This healthful stir-fry recipe is a family favorite. I've used a variety of meats and apples and sometimes replace the green onion with yellow onion. No matter what tweaks I make, it always tastes great. —Brittany McCloud, Kenyon, MN
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without rice): 389 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
24/40
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it's healthier! — Linda Rowley, Richardson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce wraps: 259 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
25/40
Whole Grain Chow Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 305 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
26/40
Quick Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Asian chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a household best bet. The spicy sauce works with chicken, seafood, pork or beef. Add whatever veggies you have on hand. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 387 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
27/40
Pork Ramen Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I normally serve a traditional stir-fry, but I wanted to change it up with this ramen noodle recipe. Ramen noodles are a quick sub for the rice, and we really like the crisp-tender bite from fresh broccoli and a package of coleslaw mix. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 354 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 794mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
28/40
Asparagus Beef Lo Mein
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 511 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1367mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
29/40
Asian Chicken Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love their crunchy, citrusy salad so much that once I made my husband drive an hour to the nearest Applebee's restaurant just so I could eat it! It was time to come up with my own version. I'm completely happy with the results—and my husband is, too! Find more of my recipes at my blog, mandysrecipeboxblog.com. —Mandy Bird, Holbrook, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 419 calories, 25g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 7g fiber), 12g protein.
30/40
Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lettuce forms a crispy shell that's full of possibilities, depending on what's in your fridge. Swap shrimp for cooked chicken, pork or tofu. Mix in any veggies you want: carrots, broccoli, snow peas and chopped zucchini are all fantastic add-ins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 lettuce wraps: 306 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
31/40
Firecracker Grilled Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Let this sensational firecracker salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 306 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
32/40
Green Pepper Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a delicious, fast meal, try this flavorful beef dinner loaded with tomatoes and peppers. What a perfect recipe to use garden vegetables of the season! —Emmalee Thomas, Laddonia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 259 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
33/40
34/40
Pineapple Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always on the lookout for low-fat recipes that are scrumptious, too, like this pineapple chicken recipe. Quick-cooking chicken breasts get wonderful, sweet flavor from pineapple, honey and teriyaki sauce. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 247 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
35/40
Turkey Asparagus Stir-Fry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Twenty minutes is all you'll need to make this quick stir-fry. Lean turkey, asparagus and mushrooms make it super nutritious, too. —Darlene Kennedy, Galion, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 3/4 cup rice: 343 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
36/40
Easy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The already prepared meatballs make this a very easy and quick supper. You can use your own homemade meatballs or store-bought if you're in a pinch. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 330 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
37/40
38/40
Hoisin Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm married to a marathon runner, which means dinners need to be healthy but flavor-packed. These low-carb wraps are quick and easy. He loves the health aspect, I love the taste! —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 292 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
39/40
Fresh Spring Rolls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to turn salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead—experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3 spring rolls: 356 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Discover the difference between egg rolls and spring rolls.
40/40
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This easy chicken fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 548 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 934mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.
