Chinese Non Veg Starters Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Chinese non-vegetarian starters are a perfect way to kick off any meal, party, or gathering with bold flavors and irresistible aromas. These starters combine tender meats with fragrant spices, vibrant sauces, and crisp textures, making them a crowd-pleasing delight.

Whether you prefer succulent chicken wings, spicy prawns, or crispy lamb skewers, Chinese starters offer a rich variety of tastes that excite your palate. The best part?

These dishes are surprisingly easy to prepare at home, allowing you to bring authentic Chinese flavors to your table without the need for a takeout order.

In this post, we’ll explore some classic Chinese non-veg starters recipes that are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. From the tangy and spicy to the sweet and savory, these recipes showcase the diversity and depth of Chinese cuisine’s appetizer offerings.

Let’s dive into these delicious starters that will elevate your next meal to a whole new level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese non-veg starters are beloved for their vibrant flavors and textures. These recipes highlight the use of fresh ingredients, bold spices, and classic sauces that create a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes.

They are incredibly versatile, suitable for quick weeknight meals or special celebrations. Plus, many of these starters can be made ahead, making them convenient for entertaining.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are straightforward and rewarding.

Finally, these starters pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and sides, making them an essential part of your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

  • Chicken wings: 500 grams, skin-on for crispiness
  • Prawns: 300 grams, deveined and peeled
  • Lamb cubes: 400 grams, boneless
  • Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
  • Chili paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Hoisin sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Spring onions: 3, chopped
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
  • Honey: 1 tablespoon
  • Cornflour: 2 tablespoons for coating
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Vegetable oil: for deep frying
  • Skewers: if making lamb skewers

Equipment

  • Deep frying pan or wok
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife and chopping board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Grater for ginger
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Serving plates or platters

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken wings: Rinse and pat dry. In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon chili paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Marinate the wings for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Coat the chicken wings: Toss the marinated wings in cornflour until evenly coated. This will give them a crispy exterior when fried.
  3. Fry the chicken wings: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 180°C (350°F). Fry the wings in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Prepare the prawn marinade: In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a little honey. Add the prawns, toss to coat, and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  5. Sauté the prawns: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  6. Make the lamb skewers: Thread lamb cubes onto skewers. In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, minced garlic, chili paste, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Marinate lamb skewers for 1 hour.
  7. Grill the lamb skewers: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 4-5 minutes each side until charred and cooked to your liking.
  8. Garnish and serve: Arrange the chicken wings, prawns, and lamb skewers on a large platter. Garnish with chopped spring onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for added aroma.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness on chicken wings, double coat them with cornflour and a little rice flour. To add more heat, sprinkle some crushed red chili flakes before frying.

If you prefer baking over frying, bake the chicken wings at 220°C (425°F) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Try swapping lamb for beef or pork on the skewers, adjusting marination time accordingly.

For a different twist, add a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 3 pieces (approx.)
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 25g
Fat 15g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 1g
Sodium 450mg

Serving Suggestions

These Chinese non-veg starters are perfect when served with a side of chilled cucumber slices or pickled vegetables to balance the rich flavors.

Pair them with classic dipping sauces like sweet chili, soy garlic, or spicy mustard for added zest.

They also make an excellent appetizer before a main course of fried rice, noodles, or a hot pot.

Conclusion

Chinese non-vegetarian starters bring an exciting burst of flavor to any meal, combining tender meats with bold spices and aromatic sauces. They are ideal for entertaining or simply treating yourself to restaurant-quality dishes at home.

By following these recipes, you can create a variety of delicious starters that satisfy different tastes, from spicy and tangy to sweet and savory. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, these dishes are accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

Whether it’s the crispy chicken wings, succulent prawns, or flavorful lamb skewers, these starters will surely become favorites in your recipe collection. For more inspiration on meat dishes, check out our Pcos Chicken Recipes or the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe.

And if you love pickles, don’t miss the tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to complement your starters perfectly.

📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Non-Veg Starters

Description: A flavorful assortment of classic Chinese non-vegetarian starters perfect for any occasion. Crispy, spicy, and packed with authentic flavors.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp chili sauce
  • 1/2 cup cornflour
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Oil for deep frying
  • 2 spring onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger-garlic paste, chili sauce, salt, and black pepper for 15 minutes.
  2. Beat the egg and mix with cornflour and all-purpose flour to make a batter.
  3. Dip marinated chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are coated evenly.
  4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
  5. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes each batch.
  6. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
  7. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot with chili sauce.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 15 g

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Marta K

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