We all know the feeling: it's Friday night, you're craving savory, sticky General Tso's chicken, and you are just about to open a delivery app. But before you pay those high restaurant markups and delivery fees, stop! Skip the restaurant and learn how to master easy homemade Chinese food recipes.
Cooking your favorite Asian takeout dishes at home is surprisingly simple, drastically cheaper, and allows you to control the exact amount of sodium and sugar in your meal.
The Staples of the Chinese Pantry
To successfully make takeout-style food at home, you don't need a massive commercial wok, but you do need a few essential pantry staples. Once you have these on hand, you can make almost any dish:
- Soy Sauce: Both light (for flavor) and dark (for color) if possible.
- Oyster Sauce: The secret ingredient that adds deep, savory umami to stir-fries.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken sauces into that glossy, sticky texture and to "velvet" meat.
- Sesame Oil: Added right at the end of cooking for an incredible nutty aroma.
- Aromatics: Fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions are non-negotiable!
Asian Fusion Night Menu
Why settle for just a meal when you can create an experience? We partnered with allrecipes to design an "Asian Fusion Night" mock menu to elevate your homemade dinner.
While your General Tso's chicken is getting crispy, you can serve a fun, cross-cultural starter. A Gluten-Free Queso Fusion Appetizer served with crispy wonton strips (instead of standard tortilla chips) is a massive crowd-pleaser and brings a modern, fusion twist to your dining room!
Figure 1: Our "Asian Fusion Night" Menu Card. Elevating homemade takeout to a premium dining experience.
The Secret Technique: Velveting
Have you ever wondered how Chinese restaurants get their chicken and beef so incredibly tender? The technique is called velveting.
Chef's Tip:
To velvet your meat, toss your sliced chicken or beef in a mixture of 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of oil. Let it sit for 15 minutes before stir-frying. The cornstarch creates a protective barrier that seals in juices and prevents the meat from overcooking!
If you're looking for more ways to skip the restaurant and save money, be sure to check out our Easy Chicken Pot Pie for classic comfort, or try our Budget-Friendly Garlic Pasta for an Italian night in!
Wok On!
With these essential techniques and pantry staples, you'll never need to wait 45 minutes for delivery again. Master these easy homemade Chinese food recipes and enjoy a healthier, cheaper, and faster meal tonight!