Are you looking to add some flavorful excitement to your next gathering? Look no further than Chinese Appetizers! With an endless variety of snacks and starters, there’s something for everyone.
These Chinese Appetizers are absolutely delish with their mix of savory, sweet, spicy, and sour flavors, bringing out the best in any get-together!
Come explore some simple yet scrumptious traditional Chinese appetizers that will have your guests talking long after they leave.
Chinese Appetizers:
1. Wonton Soup
Whenever those Chinese cravings hit, whip up this quick and easy Wonton Soup in a mere 15 minutes. No need for take-out with this incredibly delicious soup.
This magical soup is full of tender, pillowy wontons, bok choy and mushrooms. And it’s all floating in a perfectly seasoned broth containing ginger, garlic, soy, and sesame oil. Just drizzle on some chili oil to jazz it up and you’ll never need take-out again.
It’s one of our favorite Chinese appetizers!
Get the Recipe: Wonton Soup
2. Asian Cucumber Salad
Ditch your boring salad and try this crisp and crunchy one from China, Asian Cucumber Salad.
Also known as Smashed Cucumber Salad, a little bit of smashing helps to absorb the dressing. And the homemade dressing is delicious! It’s loaded with bold, umami flavors that are sweet, tangy and a little bit spicy.
Serve this cool, marinated salad as an appetizer or side dish with your Chinese mains.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad
3. Sticky Asian Wings
Looking for a great new chicken wing recipe? Then this is it! These Sticky Asian Wings are the ultimate find and super delicious.
These crispy baked wings are tossed in a super flavorful Asian sticky sauce that has perfectly sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spiciness.
Take a big batch of these appetizers to your next cookout and watch them disappear!
Get the Recipe: Asian Chicken Wings
4. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Craving for some Chinese appetizers? Then skip the take-out and try these Sweet and Sour Meatballs.
You will be amazed at how easily you can whip up your own homemade sweet and sour sauce. And this amazing sauce will give your meatballs, favorite veggies and pineapples some epic flavors.
There are so many ways you can serve these meatballs: on toothpicks as an appetizer, in a small dish as a starter or with rice or noodles as a main dish. Enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Meatballs
5. Egg Roll Soup
If you like to experiment, then you’ll love this surprising and interesting Chinese Egg Roll Soup!
Imagine taking the stuffing out of an egg roll, putting it into a broth and letting slowly simmer. It’s loaded with all Asian flavors you love in a warm, cozy and comforting bowl of soup.
Serve as an appetizer or starter with your favorite Chinese main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll Soup
6. Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Inspired by P.F. Chang’s restaurant, these Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are not only delicious, they’re healthy and nutritious too!
This is a really super easy dish! The sweet and savory Asian-infused chicken and veggies are stuffed in lettuce boats, making it a fun and effortless appetizer.
Forget the take-out guy. You can do this. Enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
7. Easy Potstickers Recipe (Chinese Dumplings)
Learn how to make this favorite Chinese take-out dish with this Easy Potstickers recipe!
These Chinese Dumplings are super easy to make and yes, it’s made from scratch. So whip up the delicious filling ,have your wonton wrappers ready and follow this amazing recipe to make it perfect every time.
Make a big batch because everyone is going to love these incredible appetizers.
Get the Recipe @ thenovicechefblog
8. Fried Shrimp Balls
Have you made crispy and crunchy Fried Shrimp Balls at home ? If not, then try this Cantonese dim sum fail-proof recipe.
These shrimp balls, a popular Chinese appetizer, are fun to make and super addictive. They’re also quick, easy and pair well with Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chow Mein or Spring Rolls.
Serve hot with your favorite chili sauce and enjoy!
9. Chinese Spring Rolls
Now you can make this classic Chinese appetizer in the comfort of your very own kitchen. Chinese Spring Rolls are an all time favorite and with this recipe, you’ll never need take-out again!
This excellent recipe will show you how to make the best filling, how to tightly wrap the wrappers, and the two different frying methods.
Uncooked Spring Rolls freeze really well, so make a large batch to freeze for later use.
Get the Recipe @ redhousespice
10. Chinese BBQ Pork – Char Siu
Skip the takeout, as this Chinese BBQ Pork- Char Siu, will mimic the taste of your favorite restaurant dish.
This recipe is loaded with delicious BBQ flavors and is super easy to recreate. Small pork bites are marinated in a hoisin-based barbeque sauce and cooked to charred, caramelized perfection.
It’s a great appetizer for potlucks and cook outs or can be served as a main with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe @ thenovicechefblog
11. Pork and Shrimp Wonton
This Pork and Shrimp Wonton recipe is so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you’ve been wasting your money on take-out.
To re-create this recipe, all you need is simple and fresh ingredients that are easily available in regular grocery stores. Plus the step-by-step instructions given are super simple to follow.
Serve these amazing Chinese wontons as an appetizer, main or add to a bowl of your homemade wonton soup.
Get the Recipe @ urbanblisslife
12. Chinese Scallion Pancakes
This popular street food from China, Chinese Scallion Pancakes, has many uses: as an appetizer, for breakfast or lunch or as a snack.
These unique and delicious pancakes are slightly crispy on the outside and tender and chewy on the inside. And all you need to make this classic dish are fresh scallions, flour, water, salt, and oil.
Serve these pancakes hot with your favorite dipping sauce or dip into soy sauce with vinegar.
Get the Recipe @ ohmyfoodrecipes
13. Chinese Sesame Balls
Chinese Sesame Balls, a traditional dessert dish, are super crispy with a yummy filling that will definitely make you happy! So why save them for dessert, eat them anytime you want!
This detailed recipe, which uses black sesame paste as a filling, is not quite traditional but delivers the best results. The ingredients are simple and easy to find and the total time for prep and cooking is quick.
Just follow the recipe tips and tricks to make it perfect every time. And one thing is sure, you’ll get obsessed with these crispy little balls! Enjoy.
Get the Recipe @ cooking-therapy
14. Crab Rangoon
Need a yummy and fun party appetizer? Well, no one can possibly resist this crispy, delicious Chinese appetizer, Crab Rangoon!
You really can’t go wrong with this irresistible recipe. The perfectly seasoned crab meat with cream cheese filling is stuffed inside wontons and then fried to golden crunchy perfection. Or, if you like, you can bake this dish and save yourself a few calories.
Serve with a side of sweet and sour sauce or sweet Thai chili.
Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo
15. Chinese Steamed Cabbage Rolls
Chinese Steamed Cabbage Rolls are very simple to make, low carb and even healthy and nutritious.
The cabbage leaves are the perfect wrapper for the tasty filling and the rolls are delicious on their own. But take them to the next level with a delicious sauce of oyster sauce, mushroom water and cornstarch.
These rolls take a mere 25 minutes to prep and cook and can serve as a main or an appetizer.
Get the Recipe @ redhousespice
16. Crispy Egg Rolls
Whenever that egg roll craving hits, try this incredibly easy and delicious Crispy Egg Roll recipe.
This classic Chinese appetizer is made with seasoned ground pork mixed with fresh coleslaw and wrapped in egg roll wrappers. You can choose to deep fry, bake, or air fry and all instructions are included in recipe.
Serve hot with a simple sesame dipping sauce and enjoy!
Get the Recipe @ spendwithpennies
17. Chinese Salt & Pepper Squid
This restaurant classic, Chinese Salt & Peppers Squid, is not only an amazing seafood dish, it also super light and simple to prepare.
This quick and easy recipe of squid, peppercorns, flour, cloves, spring onions and oil takes just 25 minutes to prep and cook. Serve with lime wedges as a main with rice or noodles or in small dishes as an appetizer.
A beautiful seafood dish to serve family and friends. Enjoy.
Get the Recipe @ marionskitchen
18. Hot and Sour Soup
Try this classic Chinese dish, Hot and Sour Soup, and we guarantee this will be your new warm and cozy Asian comfort food
This soup is an excellent example of the perfect combination of spicy and savory flavors. The pork, mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and eggs are like egg drop soup but with meat and veggies. Delicious!
Perfect for a cold winter’s night served in small bowls as an appetizer to your favorite Chinese mains.
Get the Recipe @ dinnerthendessert
19. Sichuan Spicy Wonton in Chili Oil
Considered one of the oldest type of dumplings in China, wontons are popular nationwide. And these Sichuan Spicy Wonton in Chili Oil are a favorite signature street food.
This recipe is super easy and needs a quick 30 minute to make. You just follow 3 simple steps and they’re ready to serve as an appetizer, side or main.
And the irresistible wonton sauce takes this flavorful dish to the next level!
Get the Recipe @ redhousespice
20. Chinese Spare Ribs
Wow your guests with these melt-in-your-mouth tender Chinese Spare Ribs. They’re super easy to make with your slow cooker doing most of the work!
In this fantastic recipe your ribs are smothered in a flavorful sauce of honey, hoisin, and five-spice powder. The result are ribs that fall apart with a perfectly sticky glaze.
It will be one of your favorite Chinese appetizers!
Get the Recipe @ butteryourbiscuit
21. Crispy Salt and Chili Chicken
This Crispy Salt and Chili Chicken is the perfect combination of aromatic spices, crisp chicken and vegetables. It’s tasty, addictive and the perfect appetizer or main for a get together or party.
To make this classic restaurant-style chicken, you just need to follow 4 simple steps. The result are chicken bites that are perfectly light and crispy outside and tender and juicy inside.
A great dish for a potluck or get together. Enjoy!
22. Shrimp Toast
This classic Chinese takeout, a definite fusion between Chinese and American influences, makes a great party appetizer.
This delicious dish, Shrimp Toast, is made with a flavorful mixture of ground shrimp seasoned with scallions, cilantro, and ginger. This mixture is then spread over bread with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and pan-fried.
This recipe is great to feed a large crowd, so make a big batch.
Get the Recipe @ thewoksoflife
23. Egg Drop Soup
Egg Drop Soup, another warm and cozy Chinese comfort food, is so quick and easy to make you’ll wonder why you never tried it before.
This classic takeout soup is made with minimal ingredients that are just perfect together. Beaten eggs, green onions, ginger and corn combine in a savory broth to make the perfect soup.
Enjoy as an appetizer in a mere 20 minutes, start to finish!
Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo
24. Chinese Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs
Chinese Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs are popular in Northern China and this one is the healthier version without compromising on its taste.
To make these amazingly fluffy, light, and juicy meatballs add breadcrumbs, water chestnuts, and some aromatics to your pork.
This dish makes an awesome appetizer or can make a hearty lunch by pairing with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe @ omnivorescookbook
25. Spicy Cold Tofu
This summer, introduce this cool no-cook recipe, Spicy Cold Tofu, to your vegetarian friends. It’s so cool and delicious , you might even win over the meat eaters!
This recipe is a breeze to make at home. You just have to mix spicy bean sauce, sesame oil, raw scallions, and garlic together and pour it on fresh tofu. For your non-vegan friends, you can add century eggs to to up the protein.
When you need something quick and flavorful, keep this spicy cold tofu recipe in mind.
Get the Recipe @ thewoksoflife
26. Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Give your favorite eggplant an Asian makeover by making this incredible Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce recipe!
The stir-fry sauce is the hero here and all you need is 5 easy ingredients that turn your eggplant into a star.
In just 20 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Enjoy!
27. Baked Char Siu Bao
Baked Char Siu Bao are classic pastries from China and not the sweet kind! This soft and light bun is filled with super delicious savory Chinese BBQ pork, shallots ,sauces and spices. In a word, delicious.!
These mouth watering buns make a great appetizer for entertaining or any special occasion. They also make a yummy snack or lunch with a bowl of soup. Enjoy.
Get the Recipe @ healthynibblesandbits
28. Beef Curry Puffs
Need the easiest grab-and-go snack or party appetizer? Then try this Beef Curry Puff, inspired by curry pastries in Chinese bakeries.
These puffs are shockingly easy to make and the savory beef curry stuffing is simply out-of-this-world delicious. 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to cook and you’re done.
We bet you can’t just eat one!
29. Chinese Beef Salad
Chinese Beef Salad is a super quick and easy no-cook dish that you can whip up in a mere 10 minutes.
If you have braised beef shank on hand, it’s super easy to make, Just assemble a few pantry staple ingredients to create this fantastic dish.
Serve as an appetizer, on rice for a one bowl meal or on pita bread as a sandwich.
Get the Recipe @ omnivorescookbook
30. Shumai
Shumai, a Cantonese dish, is the easiest version of dumplings in Chinese cuisine.
These steamed pork dumplings are fun and easy to make. Prep the filling, stuff the dumplings wrappers and steam. A total of 1 hour and 15 minutes and your beautiful dish will be ready to serve.
Make a big batch, because these yummy appetizers will fly off the platter!
Get the Recipe @ healthynibblesandbits
We hope you enjoyed this list of Chinese Appetizers. There’s so many yummy recipes to choose from!
Check out these other great recipe collections!
Chinese Recipes
Chinese Beef Recipes
Chinese Shrimp Recipes
Chinese Chicken Recipes
Chinese Pork Recipes
Chinese Desserts
30 BEST Chinese Appetizers
This collection of easy Chinese Appetizers includes a great variety of starters that are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Wonton Soup
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Sticky Asian Wings
- Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Egg Roll Soup
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
- Easy Potstickers Recipe (Chinese Dumplings)
- Fried Shrimp Balls
- Chinese Spring Rolls
- Chinese BBQ Pork – Char Siu
- Pork and Shrimp Wonton
- Chinese Scallion Pancakes
- Chinese Sesame Balls
- Crab Rangoon
- Chinese Steamed Cabbage Rolls
- Crispy Egg Rolls
- Chinese Salt & Pepper Squid
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Sichuan Spicy Wonton in Chili Oil
- Chinese Spare Ribs
- Crispy Salt and Chilli Chicken
- Shrimp Toast
- Egg Drop Soup
- Chinese Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs
- Spicy Cold Tofu
- Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
- Baked Char Siu Bao
Instructions
- Pick a recipe that looks good.
- Gather ingredients.
- Make your new favorite Chinese appetizer recipe!
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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