Delicious Budget-Friendly Chinese Dinner Recipes Under $20

Chinese cuisine captivates food lovers worldwide with its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas. From sizzling stir-fries to comforting rice dishes, these culinary treasures have become beloved staples in many households.

In today’s economic climate, creating delicious meals while staying within budget has become essential for many families. The good news? Chinese cooking naturally embraces cost-effective ingredients and simple cooking methods.

This collection of Chinese dinner recipes under $20 brings you the best of both worlds – authentic flavors and wallet-friendly options. Each recipe serves 4-6 people, making them perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Get ready to discover how affordable ingredients can transform into mouthwatering Chinese-inspired dishes that won’t strain your budget.

Table of Contents

1. Chicken Stir Fry

This budget-friendly chicken stir fry brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen with simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Base Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts ($6)
1 broccoli crown ($2)
2 carrots ($1)
1 red bell pepper ($1)
1 onion ($0.50)

Homemade Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 garlic cloves
1-inch ginger piece
1 tbsp cornstarch
Optional: sriracha for heat

Quick Preparation Steps:

Slice chicken into thin strips
Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces
Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl
Heat oil in wok or large pan
Cook chicken until golden
Add vegetables, stir-fry until crisp-tender
Pour sauce, cook until thickened

Customization Ideas:

Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh
Use frozen vegetable mix to save time
Add mushrooms or snow peas
Serve over steamed rice or lo mein noodles

This versatile dish adapts to your preferences while keeping costs under $15 total. The leftovers taste even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.

2. Turkey Rice Taco Skillet with a Chinese Twist

This fusion dish brings together the best of Chinese and Mexican flavors in one budget-friendly meal. The secret lies in combining traditional taco seasoning with Chinese five-spice powder and a splash of soy sauce.

Ingredients ($15 total):

1 lb ground turkey ($8)
2 cups cooked rice ($1)
1 can pinto beans ($1)
Basic taco seasoning ($0.50)
Chinese five-spice powder ($2)
Soy sauce ($1)
Green onions ($0.50)
Garlic and ginger ($1)

Quick Preparation Method:

Brown the turkey in a large skillet
Add minced garlic and ginger
Stir in both seasonings
Mix in cooked rice and drained beans
Finish with a splash of soy sauce

Pro Tips:

Cook rice ahead and refrigerate for better texture
Double the recipe and freeze portions for later
Use leftover rice from Chinese takeout

Garnish Options:

Sliced green onions
Crushed wonton strips
Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with stir-fried bok choy or a simple Asian slaw. For extra heat, add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil.

3. Lentil Tacos with Potatoes Inspired by Chinese Flavors

Lentils are a great source of protein and much cheaper than meat, making them perfect for this unique fusion dish. A cup of dried lentils costs under $2 and when cooked, it makes enough for three generous servings.

Key Ingredients for 4 Servings:

1 cup red lentils ($1.75)
2 medium potatoes ($1.50)
Chinese five-spice powder ($0.50 per serving)
8 corn tortillas ($2.00)
Basic pantry items: oil, garlic, salt

The Chinese Twist:

The magic happens when Chinese five-spice powder meets these humble ingredients. This aromatic blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel transforms ordinary lentils into an exotic filling.

Quick Preparation Guide:

Rinse lentils and cook with diced potatoes until tender (15-20 minutes)
Season with five-spice powder, minced garlic, and salt
Mash mixture slightly while keeping some texture
Warm tortillas and fill

Suggested Chinese Condiments:

Chili oil for heat
Chopped green onions
Black vinegar for tang
Sesame seeds for crunch

This protein-rich meal costs approximately $6-7 total and serves a family of four.

4. Cabbage Stir-Fry with Mixed Veggies

This nutrient-packed dish combines vitamin-rich cabbage with colorful frozen vegetables. Cabbage stands out as a powerful antioxidant source, supporting immune health and digestion. A single head of cabbage costs around $2-3, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious cooks.

Ingredients ($8-10 total):

1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
2 bags mixed frozen vegetables
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Quick Cooking Method:

Heat sesame oil in a large wok
Add minced garlic, stir for 30 seconds
Add shredded cabbage, cook for 3-4 minutes
Mix in frozen vegetables, cook until heated through
Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper

Flavor Variations:

Add protein: diced tofu ($2), canned chickpeas ($1)
Enhance with: oyster sauce, chili oil, or black vinegar
Mix in scrambled eggs for extra protein
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions

This versatile stir-fry maintains its crisp texture when cooked quickly over high heat, preserving essential nutrients and natural flavors.

5. Rice, Chicken, and Veggie Skillet

This budget-friendly one-pan meal transforms simple pantry staples into a delicious Chinese-inspired dinner. Canned chicken serves as a time-saving protein option, ready to absorb the rich flavors of Asian seasonings.

Essential Ingredients:

2 cans chicken breast, drained
2 cups cooked rice
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder

Quick Preparation Method:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat
Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant
Mix in canned chicken, breaking into smaller pieces
Add frozen vegetables, stir until heated
Incorporate cooked rice
Season with soy sauce and five-spice powder

Storage Tips:

Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months
Reheat in microwave with a splash of water

Flavor Enhancement Ideas:

Add a drizzle of sesame oil
Sprinkle with chopped green onions
Include a dash of chili oil for heat
Top with toasted sesame seeds

6. Hearty Turkey Chili with Cornbread

Transform your traditional chili into an Asian-inspired masterpiece with this budget-friendly recipe. Ground turkey, priced at around $4-5 per pound, creates a lean base while ginger adds an unexpected twist to this comfort food classic.

Essential Ingredients ($15-18 total):

Ground turkey (1 lb)
Black beans (2 cans)
Diced tomatoes (1 can)
Fresh ginger root
Chinese five-spice powder
Basic cornbread mix

Flavor-Building Method:

Brown turkey with minced ginger
Add beans, tomatoes, and five-spice
Simmer for 30 minutes
Prepare cornbread according to package

The secret lies in blooming the five-spice powder with the meat, allowing the aromatic blend to infuse deeply. A touch of soy sauce brightens the entire dish while maintaining its Chinese-inspired profile.

Cornbread Pairing: Brush your freshly baked cornbread with sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions. This simple twist creates a perfect harmony between Eastern and Western flavors while keeping the meal under $20.

Storage Tip: This chili tastes even better the next day – perfect for meal prep and freezes well for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Creating affordable Chinese dinners doesn’t mean compromising on taste or authenticity. These recipes serve as a starting point for your culinary adventures – mix and match ingredients, adjust seasonings, and discover new flavor combinations that work for your taste buds and budget.

We’d love to hear about your kitchen experiments! Share your favorite budget-friendly Chinese dinner recipes or creative twists on these dishes in the comments below. Your unique variations might inspire other home cooks to try something new.

Ready to start cooking? Pick up these simple ingredients and transform your weeknight dinners into delicious Chinese-inspired meals without breaking the bank. The possibilities for culinary creativity on a budget are endless.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are some budget-friendly Chinese dinner recipes under $20?

This article provides several delicious Chinese dinner recipes that can be made for under $20, including Chicken Stir Fry, Turkey Rice Taco Skillet with a Chinese Twist, Lentil Tacos with Potatoes Inspired by Chinese Flavors, Cabbage Stir-Fry with Mixed Veggies, Rice, Chicken, and Veggie Skillet, and Hearty Turkey Chili with Cornbread.

How can I customize the Chicken Stir Fry recipe?

The Chicken Stir Fry is a versatile recipe that allows for customization. You can substitute chicken breasts with other proteins like tofu or shrimp, and you can also adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies or plant-based protein.

What unique flavors are in the Turkey Rice Taco Skillet with a Chinese Twist?

This one-pan meal combines traditional taco flavors with Chinese spices. The unique blend of ground turkey, rice, beans, and a mix of taco seasoning along with Chinese spices creates a delicious fusion dish that’s both easy to prepare and budget-friendly.

What makes Lentil Tacos with Potatoes an economical choice?

Lentils are an economical source of protein, making Lentil Tacos with Potatoes a budget-friendly vegetarian meal. By incorporating five-spice powder for flavor, this dish provides a nutritious and affordable option for those looking to explore fusion cuisine.

How do I make Cabbage Stir-Fry healthy and cost-effective?

Cabbage Stir-Fry is both healthy and cost-effective due to its use of cabbage and mixed frozen vegetables. These ingredients are affordable and packed with nutrients. Quick cooking methods help preserve their health benefits while variations like adding proteins or different sauces can enhance flavor.

What are some serving suggestions for the Hearty Turkey Chili?

Hearty Turkey Chili pairs well with cornbread for a comforting meal. You can also serve it with rice or over baked potatoes for added heartiness. Garnishing options include green onions or cilantro to elevate the dish even further.