Budget-Friendly American Chinese Takeout at Home

Key Takeaway: Enjoy classic American Chinese takeout flavors without breaking the bank. Learn how to make a full meal with step-by-step instructions.

American Chinese takeout is a beloved choice for many, but rising prices can make it less accessible. Why not recreate those iconic dishes at home, packed with flavor and affordable ingredients?

Recreating Classic American Chinese Takeout

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Rice:

• 2 cups (380g) white rice (medium grain)
• Water

Kung Pao Pork:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless Boston butt, thinly sliced
• Salt
• 1 ¼ tbsp (11g) cornstarch
• 2 tbsp (27g) sugar
• 2 tbsp (22g) white distilled vinegar
• ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 1 ¼ tbsp (11g) cornstarch

Orange Chicken:

• Sauce:
• ⅓ cup (65g) light brown sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) orange juice
• 1 tsp (2g) red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ inch knob of ginger, grated
• ½ cup (120ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp (15g) water
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Chicken:
• 1 ½ lbs (680g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp (48g) water
• Soy sauce (a splash, optional)
• Sriracha (a couple of tablespoons, optional)
• Dredge:
  • ¾ cup (112g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ tsp (6g) fine sea salt
  • ¼ cup (33g) cornstarch

Chow Mein:

• Sauce:
• 2 tbsp (32g) soy sauce
• ½ tsp (2g) toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (13g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp (6g) cornstarch
• Noodles:
• 1 lb (450g) Chow Mein noodles (fresh, boiled for 30 seconds if fresh)
• Vegetable oil
• 4 cups (200g) thinly sliced green cabbage
• 1 julienne carrot
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cooking the Rice

• Wash and cook the rice using your preferred method (rice cooker recommended).

2. Making Kung Pao Pork

• Season sliced pork with salt and coat with cornstarch.
• Mix sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl.
• Stir-fry pork until browned, then remove.
• Stir-fry bell peppers, green onions, garlic, and ginger.
• Add red pepper flakes, peanuts, and pork back in.
• Pour in sauce and stir until thickened.

3. Preparing Orange Chicken

• Simmer sugar and orange juice, then add red pepper flakes, ginger, soy sauce.
• Mix cornstarch slurry and add to sauce, thicken.
• Coat chicken in egg mixture and dredge in flour mixture.
• Fry chicken until crispy, then toss in sauce.

4. Cooking Chow Mein

• Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch.
• Boil noodles briefly, then stir-fry cabbage, carrots, green onions, and garlic.
• Add noodles and sauce, stir-fry until coated.

Serving Your Meal

• Serve each dish separately or together with rice.
• Customize with additional sauces, like soy sauce or sriracha.
• Enjoy your homemade American Chinese feast!

Conclusion: Affordable Dining at Home

Creating your own American Chinese takeout is not only cost-effective but also allows you to tailor flavors to your liking. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag. Experiment with ingredients and spice levels to make it your own. Happy cooking!