5 Chinese Snack and Appetizer Recipes
Chinese appetizers and snacks are some of the most satisfying bites you can make crispy, savory, and usually gone within minutes of hitting the table. They’re also a lot more approachable to make at home than most people realize.
These 5 recipes cover everything from a savory pancake to crispy shrimp toast to a sweet fried dough you might not expect from this list. Perfect for starting a meal, serving at a gathering, or just snacking on their own.
1. Chinese Scallion Pancakes
Prep + Cook Time: ~40 minutes | Difficulty: Medium
Flaky, savory pancakes layered with scallions and pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside. This classic Chinese street food snack is surprisingly simple to recreate at home, and a great appetizer to have people tear into while the main course finishes up.
Get the Chinese Scallion Pancakes recipe →
2. Chinese Shrimp Toast
Prep + Cook Time: ~30 minutes | Difficulty: Medium
Crispy fried toast topped with a savory shrimp paste one of the most beloved dim sum appetizers. This recipe gives you that perfect crunch on the outside with a tender shrimp filling inside, and it’s easy to prep ahead for a party.
Get the Chinese Shrimp Toast recipe →
3. Chinese Steamed Eggs
Prep + Cook Time: ~20 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
A silky, savory steamed egg custard that’s comforting and simple. It’s traditionally served as a light starter or alongside other small plates, making it a great addition to a shared appetizer spread rather than a dish on its own. This recipe shows you how to get that perfectly smooth texture every time.
Get the Chinese Steamed Eggs recipe →
4. Chinese Coconut Shrimp
Prep + Cook Time: ~30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
Crispy shrimp coated in a coconut batter and fried until golden. Sweet, crunchy, and a little different from the usual Chinese appetizer spread, this recipe is always a hit at gatherings and disappears fast on a party platter.
Get the Chinese Coconut Shrimp recipe →
5. Chinese Fried Donuts
Prep + Cook Time: ~40 minutes | Difficulty: Medium
Light, slightly sweet fried dough that rounds out this list as the sweet finish to an appetizer spread. This recipe gives you that classic crispy outside and soft inside that makes these donuts so addictive, whether you serve them as a snack, a light dessert, or even breakfast the next day.
Get the Chinese Fried Donuts recipe →
Final Thoughts
Chinese snacks and appetizers prove that some of the best bites come in small packages. These 5 recipes are easy enough to make for a quick snack but impressive enough to serve when you have guests over.
