I wish I had some fascinating story to tell about China that would explain my love and connection to it. In reality, the closest I ever got was laying half delusional from a 42 hour flight in the grass outside a Beijing airport. However, I still find myself bargaining with real-estate agents for even a possibility that they can find me a place in the city above a Chinese noodle shop. The heart wants what it wants. And I’m absolutely not to proud to say that while I love authentic Chinese dishes, I am also a big fan of the Chinese-American dishes that have been popularized. Who doesn’t want to lay on the couch watching Friends reruns eating a box of take-out Orange Chicken while screaming “you were NOT on a break!” at Ross Gellar.
Chinese Takeout Dishes
When I first started living a vegan lifestyle, I realized how important it was to not deprive ourselves from the things we enjoy. Going vegan should never feel like a punishment. If you start eliminating all the dishes you once loved, then you are punishing yourself and that’s not what this is about. The fried cauliflower in this recipe would work with so many classic Chinese-American dishes…
- Sesame Cauliflower
- Sweet and Sour Cauliflower
- General Tso’s Cauliflower
- Orange Cauliflower
- Kung Pao Cauliflower
Chinese Side Dishes
I am a true believer in having a simple side of rice with my Chinese takeout. In that same breath, I also enjoy laying out a smorgasbord of side dishes. Who doesn’t enjoy options? Maybe one day I will even be so bold as to make some homemade fortune cookies. Some of my favorite Chinese takeout sides…
- Garlic Brocoli
- Fried Rice
- Egg Rolls
- Low Mein Noodles
- Fried Bok Choy (ALL TIME FAV, why is Bok Choy so refreshing?)
- Chinese Green Beans
- Chinese Fried Eggplant
Next time you’re getting off work and thinking about calling delivery to your favorite Chinese takeout place, maybe instead give cooking your own feast a try. Cooking Chinese food is one of my favorite date night in ideas, and it is aesthetically so beautiful to look at when you’re finished too.
“To be truly happy and contented, you must let go of what it means to be happy or content.”
