16 Best Chinese Food Casserole Recipes

Teriyaki Tilapia Casserole - If you're looking to try something completely unique, you should try this teriyaki recipe.

Cabbage, sesame seeds, and almonds create a dish that is truly special.

Plus, this recipe can be ready in about 30 minutes so it's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

If you like making Asian or Chinese-inspired meals at home, stocking your pantry with common ingredients will make meal planning even easier.

“A few of my must-have ingredients for Asian cooking are hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and of course soy sauce. Adding those seasonings to a simple chicken and rice casserole can give it an exciting, new international flavor!”
– Andi Gleeson, The Weary Chef

1. Soy Sauce – One of the most common flavorings in Asian food, soy sauce is used in a similar as kosher salt. Light soy sauce should be your go-to sauce for cooking. Dark soy sauce is also available, but it is usually mixed with molasses and cornstarch, so it is thicker and less salty than light soy sauce.
2. Sesame Oil – If you’re looking for an easy way to add more flavor to your Asian-inspired recipes, this aromatic oil is a great choice. Made from toasted sesame seeds, it can be used for frying or too add unique flavor to your cooking. Plus, a small amount will go a long way!
3. Hoisin Sauce – This Chinese barbecue sauce is used in pork dishes as well as recipes with noodles. It has a slightly sweet, smoky flavor and is made from fermented soybeans, sugar, garlic, and red chiles.
4. Rice Vinegar – Used in a similar manner as lemon juice, rice vinegar will add acidity to recipes and help to balance out flavors. White rice vinegar is the type that is most commonly used in cooking, but black and red rice vinegars are seasoned and are great for salad dressings.
5. Rice Wine – Rice wine is used commonly in marinades and is similar to dry sherry. It adds acidity and distinct flavor, similarly to the way red and white wines are used in Italian cooking.
6. Ginger – You can use fresh ginger or minced ginger from a jar to add heat, flavor, and help tenderize meat. It’s a healthy way to boost the flavor in your recipes.
7. Frozen Vegetables – Since it’s easier to keep frozen vegetables on hand than fresh ones, you can store carrots, broccoli, snap peas, and more to make your favorite Asian-inspired recipes.
8. Rice or Noodles – Traditional Chinese recipes are always made with either rice or noodles. You can use long or short grain white rice or even brown rice, if you’d like to add more fiber to your diet. Asian noodles come in many varieties including egg, rice, wheat, soba, soy, and much more!

The emergence of the California gold rush in the mid-1800s brought nearly 30,000 Chinese immigrants to the U.S. The first Chinese restaurants opened in San Francisco soon after the start of the gold rush, to feed themselves as well as their fellow American workers. Authentic Chinese dishes were adjusted to suit the preferences of Americans and to make use of the available ingredients.

The early 20th century saw the emergence of packaged Chinese food products from companies like La Choy and Chung King which allowed homecooks to use these ingredients in their own cooking. Some of these products included bottled soy sauce, canned Mandarin oranges, and water chestnuts.

In 1972, President Richard Nixon visited Beijing, China, and the authentic Chinese feasts he enjoyed were televised. The international visit sparked American interest in Chinese food and the cuisine became more popular in towns both big and small.

Some popular American Chinese foods like General Tso’s Chicken and fortune cookies actually have no basis in authentic Chinese culture. These foods are completely new American creations. These types of American Chinese dishes are most prevalent in places outside of major U.S. cities. In larger cities like New York and San Francisco, authentic Chinese restaurants can be found more easily.