There's nothing like being home on a Friday night, having the most-anticipated movies picked out for rent, and getting into cozy clothes while waiting on takeout. But when it comes to takeout, there's really only one ultimate in dining perfection, and that's Chinese food.
While Chinese food most know in the US isn't what it traditionally looks like in China, there is a way to experience authentic Chinese cuisine. It might take a bit more work than simply just calling and ordering, but trust us - it's absolutely worth it, and is occasionally healthier than the takeout version.
Making Chinese dishes at home is really not much more of a challenge than cooking anything else, although it does seem like a daunting cuisine. Everyone's favorite meals, from wonton soup to beef and broccoli, can be brought to life with the simplest of ingredients. Plus, it tastes pretty satisfying when you can pat yourself on the back afterward!
Hot And Sour Soup
At the heart of Asian cooking lies the perfect balance of seasoning and spices. Asian food is full of flair and robust flavor profiles, any of which can go horribly wrong if the incorrect ratios are used.
Luckily, each recipe has been tailored and perfected to avoid that - including this one for hot and sour soup. A popular takeout favorite, the balance of chilies, and a fresh burst of ginger combined with veggie and tofu make this dish sing so much that you'll think you're on an authentic Asian food tour.
Beef And Broccoli
Another popular favorite, possibly the most popular favorite, is beef and broccoli.
There's something about the slight crunch of freshly-steamed broccoli and tender beef cooked in brown sauce that makes everyone's mouth water and, luckily, this stir-fry is totally easy to recreate at home. The key is to use a tender cut of meat such as tenderloin that holds up well to both marinating and frying, but getting the sauce correct is also imperative. A simple blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce (found in the international aisle of most supermarkets), sesame oil, sugar, starch, and water is all it takes to bring this dish to life.
Wonton Soup
This classic comfort food takes a bit more time and patience than the rest, but it's completely worth it for the end result. For a silky, delicious broth filled with the most tender wontons you've ever had, this is the recipe to use.
This is also a really fun recipe to make with family, kids, or friends because there's something so satisfying about creating tiny pouches of flavor that will be enjoyed in soup later on. This recipe also has two versions - a spicier version for the daring, and a mild version for those wanting something a bit tamer.
There's also a helpful guide for how to wrap wontons to create those authentic folds and shapes, which is something foodies can be proud of when it's time to dish this soup up.
Thai Chicken Sauté
While Thai food isn't always necessarily on the Chinese food menu, this recipe was too good to pass up. It's also incredibly easy and pretty self-explanatory, making for a great weeknight go-to.
The most complicated thing about this dish is, funny enough, making the rice - which can be a challenge to many people. We won't tell anyone if a foodie chooses to use pre-cooked rice, however. This dish is also a one-pan meal, making clean up a serious breeze... to really eliminate dishes, it's more fun to just eat right from the pan itself!