Authentic Chinese Non Veg Recipes for Delicious Meals

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Chinese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and impeccable balance of textures. When it comes to authentic Chinese non-vegetarian recipes, the experience is elevated by the use of fresh ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and a mastery of seasoning that brings out the best in meats like chicken, pork, and seafood.

Whether you’re craving the sweet and tangy notes of General Tso’s Chicken, the rich umami of Cantonese-style roasted duck, or the spicy kick of Sichuan beef, these recipes offer a genuine taste of China’s culinary heritage.

Cooking these dishes at home allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality meals with the comfort and satisfaction of homemade food.

In this post, we will explore some classic Chinese non-veg recipes that are straightforward to prepare but deliver exquisite results. Each recipe is crafted with authentic ingredients and clear instructions to help you capture the essence of Chinese cooking.

So, put on your apron and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that will impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These authentic Chinese non-vegetarian recipes are packed with bold flavors that are both comforting and exciting. They use simple, fresh ingredients found easily in most supermarkets.

You’ll appreciate the balance of savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that define traditional Chinese dishes.

Additionally, these recipes focus on quick cooking techniques like stir-frying and roasting, which means you get restaurant-quality dishes in less time. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, these dishes bring a touch of China’s culinary excellence right into your kitchen.

Most importantly, cooking these dishes at home allows you to customize the spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste, making each meal truly your own.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs or breast – 500 grams, boneless and skinless
  • Pork belly – 400 grams, sliced thin
  • Fresh ginger – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
  • Garlic cloves – 4, minced
  • Green onions (scallions) – 3, thinly sliced
  • Soy sauce – 4 tablespoons
  • Shaoxing wine – 2 tablespoons (Chinese cooking wine)
  • Oyster sauce – 3 tablespoons
  • Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
  • Chili paste or Sichuan peppercorns – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Cornstarch – 2 teaspoons (for coating and thickening)
  • Vegetable oil – 3 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
  • Fresh vegetables – bell peppers, bok choy, or snow peas (optional, 200 grams)
  • Chicken broth or water – 1/2 cup
  • Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon (balances the savory flavors)

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet – essential for high-heat stir-frying
  • Sharp chef’s knife – for slicing meat and chopping aromatics
  • Cutting board – preferably separate for meat and vegetables
  • Bowl – for marinating meats
  • Measuring spoons and cups – for precise ingredient measurements
  • Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring during cooking
  • Colander or sieve – for washing vegetables

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat: Slice the chicken and pork into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the meat with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Prepare aromatics and vegetables: Mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions. Wash and chop any additional vegetables you’d like to add, such as bell peppers or bok choy.
  3. Heat the wok: Place the wok over high heat until very hot. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
  4. Cook the meat: Add the marinated chicken and pork in batches to avoid overcrowding. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the meat is browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the meat and set aside.
  5. Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the wok. Toss in the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
  6. Add vegetables: Add your chosen vegetables to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.
  7. Combine meat and sauce: Return the cooked meat to the wok. Pour in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Stir vigorously to coat all ingredients.
  8. Simmer and thicken: Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Pour this into the wok and stir continuously as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Finish with seasoning: Drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and sprinkle with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Add chili paste or ground Sichuan peppercorns to taste. Give everything a final toss.
  10. Serve hot: Transfer the dish to a serving plate and enjoy immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

For an extra crispy texture, you can lightly coat the meat pieces in a mixture of egg white and cornstarch before frying.

Adjust the heat level by adding fresh chopped chilies or more Sichuan peppercorns if you enjoy spicy dishes.

Try substituting chicken with beef or shrimp for a different protein twist while keeping the same sauce base.

For a vegetarian twist, substitute meat with tofu or mushrooms and check out our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for a perfect sauce alternative.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (Approximate)
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 30 grams
Fat 18 grams
Carbohydrates 12 grams
Fiber 2 grams
Sodium 850 mg

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese non-vegetarian stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a satisfying meal. You can also serve it alongside simple vegetable dishes like garlic stir-fried greens or pickled cucumbers to balance the rich flavors.

For a complete dining experience, add a light soup such as hot and sour soup or egg drop soup. If you enjoy bread-based sides, check out our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a fusion twist that complements Chinese flavors.

Conclusion

Authentic Chinese non-vegetarian recipes bring a vibrant array of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your palate. By using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques like stir-frying and marinating, you can easily recreate dishes that taste like they came straight from a classic Chinese kitchen.

The balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements makes these recipes versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, these recipes provide a great starting point for exploring Chinese non-veg cuisine. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different proteins or spice levels to make the dish your own.

And once you’ve mastered these recipes, be sure to check out other delicious options like our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Chicken Recipe or dessert classics such as Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for a sweet finish.

More Authentic Chinese Non-Veg Recipes to Try

General Tso’s Chicken

A beloved dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce.

  • Ingredients: Chicken breast, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, dried red chilies, cornstarch
  • Cooking Method: Fry then toss in a thickened sauce

Try this recipe for a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect with steamed rice.

Cantonese Roast Duck

Succulent duck marinated with a blend of spices, roasted to crispy perfection with tender, juicy meat inside.

  • Ingredients: Whole duck, five-spice powder, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic
  • Cooking Method: Marinate then roast until skin is crisp

This recipe requires some preparation time but rewards with incredible flavor. A must-try classic.

Sichuan Spicy Beef Stir-Fry

A fiery dish rich with Sichuan peppercorn heat and bold umami flavors.

  • Ingredients: Beef strips, garlic, ginger, chili paste, soy sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, green onions
  • Cooking Method: Quick stir-fry over high heat

Great for spice lovers looking to explore Sichuan cuisine at home.

For detailed recipes and step-by-step instructions for these dishes, be sure to visit our sister recipe pages. Also, explore other exciting dishes like our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Chicken Recipe for a flavorful alternative.

📖 Recipe Card: Kung Pao Chicken

Description: A classic Sichuan dish featuring tender chicken stir-fried with peanuts, chili peppers, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It's spicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 500g boneless chicken thighs, diced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 8-10 dried red chilies
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon black vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a wok over high heat and fry dried chilies until fragrant.
  3. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry briefly.
  4. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
  5. Stir in peanuts, green onions, black vinegar, and sugar.
  6. Cook for another 2 minutes and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 32 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Marta K

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