Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday 5th February — why not skip the takeout this year and cook something even better at home? Below are some of my favourite Chinese-inspired dishes that are quicker, healthier and tastier than what you’d get from a delivery box.
Updated for 2019 with some of my go-to recipes for Chinese New Year. We don’t always take part in every traditional custom, but we do love assembling a homemade Chinese banquet — and many of these dishes are straightforward enough to make any night of the week.
Whether you want a quick midweek meal or something to serve a crowd, here are the favourites I make at home:
Orange Chicken
A copycat of the Panda Express classic — sticky, sweet and tangy, ready in 20 minutes.
Chinese-Style Curry with Juicy Meatballs
A comforting curry with tender meatballs — delicious served with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce
Crispy-coated chicken with a sticky, sweet honey-garlic glaze — a family favourite.
Big Batch Chinese Beef
Slow-cooked, saucy beef that’s perfect for feeding a crowd and ideal to make ahead.
Crispy Chilli Beef Noodles
On the table in about 20 minutes — faster than ordering a takeaway and packed with flavour.
Special Fried Rice
A masterclass in perfect fried rice — step-by-step tips to get the texture and seasoning just right.
Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
Slow-cooked until meltingly tender, then finished with a sweet-spicy sticky glaze.
Oven-Baked Asian Ribs with Crispy Onions
A copycat of the ribs we loved in Chinatown — slow-cooked until tender, glazed and finished with crispy onions.
Sticky and Crispy Asian Chicken Wings
Crunchy, sticky and addictive — the best wings for parties or a special celebration meal.
Crispy Sesame Chicken with Sticky Asian Sauce
One of the blog’s most popular recipes — satisfyingly crispy with a sticky, flavorful sauce that cures any takeout craving.
Spicy Ginger Beef Stir-Fry
Tender sirloin tossed with crisp ginger and green vegetables in a simple but tasty Chinese-inspired sauce.
Crispy Chilli Plum Chicken
Crispy-coated chicken in a sticky, spicy plum sauce — plus a handy tip to cut down on washing up.
Pulled Duck with Plum Sriracha Sauce
Slow-cooked, fall-apart duck with crisp skin — an easy way to make an impressive main.
Crispy Chilli Beef
Sweet, sour, salty and spicy — a household favourite and perfect for anyone who loves bold flavours.
Crispy Orange Beef
Tangy, crunchy and delicious — ready in around 25 minutes and a great alternative to takeout.
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