Chinese takeout versions of dishes are popular in many parts of the world, offering a convenient and often delicious way to enjoy Chinese cuisine without cooking at home. Here are some common Chinese takeout dishes:
- General Tso’s Chicken: This is a sweet and slightly spicy dish made with deep-fried chicken chunks tossed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. It’s often garnished with green onions and served with steamed broccoli.
- Orange Chicken: Similar to General Tso’s chicken, orange chicken features crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet orange-flavored sauce. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy a hint of citrus in their dishes.
- Sesame Chicken: Sesame chicken is made by coating chicken pieces in a sauce that combines soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. It’s typically garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
- Beef and Broccoli: This dish consists of tender beef slices and broccoli florets stir-fried in a savory brown sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. It’s a classic and nutritious choice.
- Kung Pao Chicken: Kung Pao chicken features diced chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a spicy and slightly sweet sauce. It’s known for its bold and flavorful profile.
- Chicken Lo Mein: Lo Mein is a stir-fried noodle dish with a variety of vegetables and your choice of protein (often chicken). It’s tossed in a savory sauce and can be quite comforting.
- Egg Fried Rice: Fried rice is a staple in Chinese takeout menus. It’s made by stir-frying cooked rice with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and sometimes protein like chicken, shrimp, or pork, along with soy sauce and other seasonings.
- Sweet and Sour Pork: This dish features battered and deep-fried pork pieces served with a sweet and tangy sauce made from sugar, vinegar, and ketchup. It’s often accompanied by bell peppers, onions, and pineapple.
- Moo Shu Pork: Moo shu pork is a Northern Chinese dish made with shredded pork, wood ear mushrooms, cabbage, and other vegetables. It’s served with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce for wrapping.
- Spring Rolls: Spring rolls are a popular appetizer or side dish. They’re typically filled with vegetables, sometimes shrimp or pork, and then deep-fried until crispy. They’re served with a dipping sauce.
- Crab Rangoon: Crab rangoon is a deep-fried appetizer made from a cream cheese and crab filling wrapped in wonton wrappers. They’re often served with sweet and sour sauce.
- Hot and Sour Soup: This classic Chinese soup is known for its spicy and tangy flavors. It typically contains tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and sometimes meat or seafood.
These are just a few examples of the many dishes you might find at a Chinese takeout restaurant. Keep in mind that the specific menu items can vary depending on the restaurant and regional preferences.
