I’m Maggie Zhu. I started Omnivore’s Cookbook in 2013. Born and raised in Beijing, now I’m a Austin based blogger, writer, recipe developer, and photographer.
Learning and sharing Chinese food became a way to connect me with my roots and the rest of the world. It reminds me of who I am. I’m proud to come from a country with so much delicious food. My mission is to help more people get to know real Chinese food. And expose less-known regional cuisines, such as Northern and Xinjiang food, to a broader audience.
My blog, Omnivore’s Cookbook, was listed by Yahoo News as one of 7 Food Blogs You Should Be Following For Asian Cuisine. I’ve also written for the Austin Statesman daily newspaper. My work has been featured on Reader’s Digest, MSN, Good Housekeeping, Huffington Post and Buzzfeed.
Everyone needs to start somewhere. If I can do it, you can do it too.
You don’t need to be Chinese to make authentic Chinese food in your own home. In fact, cooking your own homemade Chinese food is one of the best ways to get closer to Chinese culture. Just as we have comfort foods in our culture, Chinese food has plenty of comfort foods of its own.
Learning how to make these foods for your adoptive children will bring your whole family closer together. Here are some tasty, comforting, and easy Chinese food recipes to try.
Hot and Sour Soup
It’s a little sour and a little spicy, plus it’s robust with pork, mushrooms and tofu. You can adjust the level of spice for younger eaters, but most Chinese children are very comfortable with this hearty soup.
Wonton Soup
A golden broth filled with jewels of pork-filled wontons, this soup is the one you’re likely most familiar with at your favorite Chinese restaurant. Make it at home for a comforting soup everyone in the family will love.
Twice Cooked Pork
Save this recipe of tender pork simmered and then stir-fried in a rich sauce for a special occasion. It’s easy to make but takes a little more time, making it an ideal dish for a weekend dinner.
Sichuan Eggplant
American kids tend to shy away from eggplant, but not Chinese children. And this recipe will make any child gobble it up. It’s crispy and sweet, sour, and savory all in one, appealing to every sense.
Dan Dan Noodles
Traditionally, this dish from Sichuan is very spicy, but this recipe helps you adjust it to your own comfort level for spices. This noodle dish is beloved by every Chinese person, so give it a try for your children!
Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
In China, barbecued skewers of meat are one of the best summer dishes of all. They’re bursting with flavor, plus you can make them really spicy or not spicy at all. The meat stays tender and succulent and will be a hit at your next barbecue.
Steamed Ribs in Black Bean Sauce
The sauce is a savory, garlic-infused delight on these juicy ribs. Expect your kids will eat them all before you even get a bite!
Shrimp Chow Mein
Shrimp, vegetables and noodles… what’s not to love? Best of all, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a prime choice for a super-busy weeknight.
Egg Drop Soup
In Chinese households, soup is part of every meal. This egg drop soup is just like you’ll find in your corner Chinese restaurant but you can make it faster than you can have it delivered – in just 15 minutes.
Pork Dumplings
And finally, no list of Chinese comfort foods could ever be complete without pork dumplings. These are to Chinese children what mac n’ cheese is to American children.
Master these and your child is sure to feel right at home.
– guest post by Maggie Zhu – Omnivore’s Cookbook
Thank you! My children are from China, and these are some of our favorite recipes!
Fantastic!!!! I love to cook and will be adding these to my “Try these out” list!!!!
Thank you so much for the great recipes and information!
Oh my goodness… just seeing this post makes my mouth water! I can’t wait to try these recipes. Thank you so much for sharing!!! Our almost-5-year-old Henan girl has requested noodles, rice and dumplings for her birthday meal next week. You can take a girl out of China, but thankfully you can’t take China out of a girl! ☺️
Ps: I hope you share more! Though I will definitely be checking out your blog, too. However I’m thankful for you sharing here because it’s a gift to have Chinese voices guiding us as we raise Chinese children. ☺️
This looks wonderful! My girls will be so happy! ❤️
These dishes sound wonderful! Can’t wait to try them…
I’m always looking for recipes to cook for my Chinese son I just adopted.
Thanks
Yum! I grew up in China and am always looking for authentic recipes I can make for my family, including my son who we. adopted from China a year ago. Thanks!
These recipes look awesome! I am excited to add some new asian recipes into my rotation. I am so glad I discovered your blog through here! Your ingredients section is super helpful to those not familiar with some asian ingredients!
I confess I’ve not tried very hard to make Chinese dishes at home because it’s so delicious to eat out but this Post gives me confidence to try them at home. My kids ask at least once a week for Chinese but who can take a crowd of 9 our for Chinese once a week. I’m sure if we try these we will be eating Chinese way more often which will make a bunch of kiddos here super happy. Thank you SO much for sharing with us!!!!!!!!
We have always wanted to try to make wonton soup. Our boys just love it! Now since we have a recipe there really is no excuse not to make it. Thank you for sharing!
Oh my goodness. I just checked out your blog, and I pinned about 18 recipes I’m dying to try! Thank you for sharing these!
Thank you, Maggie for sharing these amazing looking recipes! I cannot wait to give them a try. I so appreciate you sharing authentic Chinese recipes for us to try out for our families.
I have a wok on my Christmas list this year! 😉
Happy cooking!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you! Can’t wait to try these out!!! We adopted our son from Beijing in June and we live right down the road in San Antonio!
we made the egg drop soup tonight. sooooo easy and delicious! we didn’t have sesame oil so I just skipped that.