Chinese cuisine is loved worldwide for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse ingredients. When it comes to non-vegetarian main courses, Chinese recipes offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition that can satisfy any palate.
From succulent chicken dishes to spicy pork and seafood delights, these recipes bring authentic Chinese flavors right to your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a special occasion, mastering Chinese non-veg main courses will elevate your cooking game and impress your guests.
In this post, we’ll explore some classic and beloved Chinese non-vegetarian dishes, sharing detailed recipes that are easy to follow and guaranteed to delight.
Get ready to dive into a world of savory sauces, tender meats, and aromatic spices that come together in these traditional Chinese recipes. Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make your meals even more memorable.
Let’s embark on this delicious journey and bring the taste of China to your dining table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chinese non-veg dishes are renowned for their perfect harmony of flavors—sweet, salty, sour, and umami all come together in every bite. These recipes use simple, fresh ingredients paired with bold sauces to create mouthwatering dishes that are both comforting and exciting.
You’ll love how versatile these dishes are: they can be adapted to whatever protein you prefer, whether it’s chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. The cooking techniques like stir-frying and braising are quick and preserve the natural juiciness and texture of the meat.
Additionally, these recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. They bring authentic, restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen without requiring complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients
General Ingredients for Chinese Non-Veg Main Courses
- Chicken thighs or breasts – 500 grams, boneless and skinless
- Pork loin or shoulder – 500 grams, sliced thinly
- Shrimp – 300 grams, peeled and deveined
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry – 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 2 inches, minced
- Green onions – 3 stalks, chopped
- Vegetable oil – 3 tablespoons, for frying
- Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons, for coating and thickening sauce
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili flakes or fresh red chilies – optional, for spice
- Chicken broth or water – 1/2 cup
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon (balances flavors)
Equipment
- Wok or large non-stick skillet
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
- Serving plates
Instructions
General Preparation
- Prepare the protein: Rinse and pat dry your choice of meat or seafood. Cut into bite-sized pieces or thin slices for even cooking.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add the meat and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare aromatics: Mince garlic and ginger, chop green onions, and slice any additional vegetables you want to include, like bell peppers or snow peas.
Cooking Process
- Heat the wok: Add vegetable oil and heat over medium-high flame until shimmering.
- Cook the protein: Add the marinated meat or shrimp to the wok in a single layer. Stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from wok and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in garlic, ginger, and the white part of green onions. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add vegetables: If using, add sliced vegetables now and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return protein to wok: Add the cooked meat or shrimp back to the wok. Stir everything together.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and remaining cornstarch to create a slurry.
- Pour sauce over: Add the sauce mixture to the wok and stir continuously as it thickens and coats the ingredients beautifully.
- Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle sesame oil and toss to combine. Garnish with green onion greens and chili flakes if desired.
- Serve hot: Plate the dish immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, always pat your meat dry before marinating to avoid sogginess, and use a hot wok for quick stir-frying to seal in juices.”
- Protein swaps: Try beef or duck instead of chicken or pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Vegetable add-ins: Broccoli, baby corn, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts add both texture and nutrition.
- Spice level: Add fresh chili peppers or chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Make it sweet & sour: Add pineapple chunks and a splash of rice vinegar with some ketchup for a classic twist.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 12 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sodium | 850 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Chinese non-veg main courses are best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauces. You can also serve alongside stir-fried vegetables or a simple egg drop soup for a balanced meal.
For a more festive meal, pair your dish with crispy spring rolls or dumplings as appetizers. Finish with a light dessert like Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe to refresh the palate.
For a wholesome home-cooked dinner, check out more hearty options like the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe or add some spice with the Pcos Chicken Recipes.
Conclusion
Mastering Chinese non-vegetarian main courses opens up a world of aromatic spices, mouthwatering sauces, and tender proteins that are both satisfying and nutritious. These recipes bring the authentic flavors of China into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
By following the tips and variations, you can customize these dishes to your liking and impress family and friends with your culinary skills. Whether you’re craving classic chicken stir-fry, spicy pork, or succulent shrimp, these recipes provide a reliable and delicious framework.
Don’t forget to explore other fantastic recipes on the blog like the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a vegetable side or the unique Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to add a tangy twist to your meals. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Chicken Stir Fry
Description: A flavorful and quick Chinese non-vegetarian main course featuring tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner packed with protein and vibrant flavors.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken breast, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with soy sauce and oyster sauce for 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add cornstarch mixture and stir until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 40 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 15 g
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