Chinese takeout is a popular option for those looking for quick and delicious Chinese cuisine. While the dishes served at Chinese takeout restaurants may vary depending on the region and the restaurant itself, here are some common Chinese takeout dishes:
- General Tso’s Chicken: This is a deep-fried chicken dish served in a sweet and slightly spicy sauce, typically garnished with broccoli or steamed vegetables.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: Crispy pieces of chicken are coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, often accompanied by bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks.
- Kung Pao Chicken: A stir-fried dish featuring diced chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a savory, spicy sauce. It’s often garnished with whole dried red chilies for extra heat.
- Orange Chicken: Deep-fried chicken pieces are coated in a zesty orange-flavored sauce, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
- Beef and Broccoli: Slices of beef are stir-fried with broccoli florets in a savory brown sauce. It’s a simple yet popular dish.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: This dish features stir-fried rice with shrimp, eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce. It’s a staple of Chinese takeout menus.
- Egg Drop Soup: A classic Chinese soup made from a savory chicken or vegetable broth with beaten eggs stirred in, creating silky egg ribbons throughout the soup.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy, deep-fried rolls filled with vegetables, sometimes with added ingredients like shrimp or pork, served with dipping sauce.
- Crab Rangoon: Deep-fried wonton wrappers filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and imitation crab meat.
- Lo Mein: Stir-fried egg noodles with a variety of vegetables and your choice of protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu), all tossed in a flavorful sauce.
- Moo Goo Gai Pan: A mild stir-fry dish featuring sliced chicken, mushrooms, and assorted vegetables in a light, white sauce.
- Sesame Chicken: Similar to General Tso’s chicken, but with a distinctive sesame flavor and a nutty crunch from sesame seeds.
- Vegetable Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles with a medley of vegetables and often tofu or seitan, all tossed in a savory sauce.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A spicy and tangy soup made with mushrooms, tofu, and sometimes meat, seasoned with vinegar and hot chili pepper.
- Fortune Cookies: Crisp, sweet cookies often served as a dessert, each containing a small piece of paper with a message or fortune inside.
Remember that the availability of these dishes may vary from one Chinese takeout restaurant to another, and some restaurants may offer regional specialties or fusion dishes as well. Additionally, many Chinese takeout places offer vegetarian or vegan versions of popular dishes to accommodate different dietary preferences.
