Craving Chinese food but living gluten-free? You’re not alone! For years, enjoying a Chinese takeaway was a no-go for me after being diagnosed with coeliac disease. The wheat-filled soy sauce and battered dishes meant most of the menu was off-limits. But missing out on those incredible flavors just wasn’t an option.
That’s why I embarked on a mission to recreate all my favorite Chinese dishes, completely gluten-free, right in my own kitchen. And guess what? It’s absolutely possible, and incredibly delicious! Forget feeling restricted – with a few simple swaps and smart techniques, you can enjoy all the Chinese flavors you love, safely and deliciously.
This collection features my go-to Gluten Free Chinese Food recipes that are not only easy to make but also deliver that authentic takeaway taste you’ve been missing. From crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken to flavorful Chow Mein and comforting Chicken Curry, get ready to explore a world of gluten-free Chinese cuisine that will satisfy all your cravings.
What Makes Chinese Food Typically NOT Gluten Free?
If you’re navigating a gluten-free diet, especially with coeliac disease, ordering from a typical Chinese takeaway can feel like a minefield. The main culprit? Soy sauce. Traditional soy sauce is made with wheat, which means it’s a hidden source of gluten in countless Chinese dishes.
Beyond soy sauce, many popular Chinese dishes rely on wheat flour in other ways:
- Battered Meats: That crispy coating on Sweet and Sour Chicken or Salt and Pepper Chicken? Usually made with wheat flour-based batter.
- Noodles: Many Chinese noodle dishes, like Chow Mein, traditionally use wheat-based egg noodles.
- Dumplings and Spring Rolls: Wrappers are often made from wheat flour.
- Thickening Sauces: Wheat flour or cornstarch (sometimes contaminated with wheat gluten in processing) might be used to thicken sauces.
This widespread use of gluten-containing ingredients makes it challenging to find safe options at standard Chinese restaurants and takeaways. But don’t worry, the good news is that making gluten free Chinese food at home is surprisingly straightforward.
Key to Gluten Free Chinese Cooking: Simple Swaps
The secret to delicious and safe gluten free Chinese food lies in a few clever ingredient swaps. Here’s what you need to know:
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Tamari: Your Gluten Free Soy Sauce Savior: Ditch the regular soy sauce and embrace tamari. Tamari is a Japanese-style soy sauce that is naturally gluten-free (always double-check the label to be certain, as some varieties may contain wheat). It delivers that umami-rich, savory flavor you expect in Chinese cuisine without any gluten. The taste is remarkably similar, and in many cases, even richer than traditional soy sauce.
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Gluten Free Flour & Batter: For crispy coatings, swap wheat flour for gluten-free flour blends. Rice flour, cornstarch, and tapioca starch are excellent choices for creating light and crunchy batters. You can also buy pre-made gluten-free flour blends which simplify things even further.
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Gluten Free Noodles: Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free and a fantastic base for many Chinese dishes. For a closer texture to traditional egg noodles, explore gluten-free egg-style noodles made from rice or other gluten-free grains. Or, for the ultimate homemade experience, try making your own gluten-free egg noodles (recipe below!).
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Check Your Ingredients: Always read labels carefully! Hidden gluten can sneak into unexpected places. Make sure your stock, sauces, and even spices are certified gluten-free if you are highly sensitive.
With these simple swaps in mind, let’s dive into some must-try gluten free Chinese recipes that will bring the takeaway experience right to your dinner table.
Must-Try Gluten Free Chinese Recipes
Gluten Free Chicken with Cashew Nuts
alt=”Close-up of gluten free Chicken with Cashew Nuts in a white bowl, showcasing tender chicken, cashew nuts, and vibrant vegetables in a rich sauce.”
Chicken with Cashew Nuts has always been my ultimate Chinese food craving, and this gluten-free version hits all the right notes. Tender chicken pieces are stir-fried with onions and green peppers in a savory sauce made with sesame oil and tamari. The crunchy cashew nuts added at the end provide the perfect textural contrast. Serve it with gluten-free fried rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the recipe: Gluten Free Cashew Chicken Recipe
Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Chicken
alt=”Overhead shot of gluten free Sweet and Sour Chicken with pineapple and peppers, highlighting the crispy gluten-free batter and tangy sauce.”
The holy grail of gluten-free fake-aways! Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic for a reason, and this gluten-free recipe doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. The chicken is coated in a light and crispy gluten-free batter, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a vibrant, tangy sweet and sour sauce loaded with pineapple chunks and bell peppers. It’s just like your favorite takeaway, but entirely gluten-free.
Get the recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Gluten Free Salt and Pepper Chicken
alt=”Serving of gluten free Salt and Pepper Chicken on a white plate, emphasizing the crispy, seasoned chicken pieces with visible salt, pepper, onions, and chilies.”
Salt and Pepper Chicken was always my go-to starter at Chinese restaurants, so creating a gluten-free version was a must. This recipe delivers that signature crunchy, salty exterior with tender chicken inside. It’s stir-fried with onions, chilies, and Chinese 5 spice for a unique and irresistible flavor. Perfect as a starter or part of a gluten-free sharing platter.
Get the recipe: Gluten Free Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe
Gluten Free Prawn Toast
alt=”Close up of gluten free Prawn Toast, showcasing the golden-brown fried bread topped with sesame seeds and a layer of minced prawns.”
For the ultimate side dish or starter, you can’t beat Gluten Free Prawn Toast. Surprisingly simple to make, this recipe uses gluten-free bread as the base, topped with flavorful minced prawns and sesame seeds. Fried until golden and crispy, it’s an indulgent treat that’s perfect for a Chinese feast or alongside other gluten-free dishes.
Get the recipe: Gluten Free Prawn Toast Recipe
Gluten Free Egg Noodles
alt=”Bowl of freshly made gluten free egg noodles, highlighting their texture and pale yellow color, ready to be used in Chinese dishes.”
One of the biggest challenges in gluten-free Chinese cooking is finding a good substitute for egg noodles. Rice noodles are common, but they lack that chewy texture of egg noodles. That’s why making your own gluten free egg noodles is a game-changer! This recipe is surprisingly easy, requiring just a few ingredients and no special equipment. Once you try homemade gluten-free egg noodles, you’ll never go back to substitutes.
Get the recipe: Gluten Free Egg Noodles Recipe
Gluten Free Chow Mein
alt=”Plate of gluten free Chow Mein with visible egg noodles, vegetables, and sauce, presented as a flavorful and satisfying meal.”
Once you have your gluten-free egg noodles ready, Gluten Free Chow Mein is a must-make! Traditional Chow Mein often includes Shaoxing rice wine, which can contain wheat. This recipe uses dry sherry as a gluten-free alternative, providing the same delicious flavor without any gluten. It’s a simple swap that makes all the difference, allowing you to enjoy authentic Chow Mein flavors safely.
Get the recipe: Gluten Free Chow Mein Recipe
Gluten Free Chinese Chicken Curry
alt=”Bowl of gluten free Chinese Chicken Curry, showcasing the creamy texture and vibrant color of the curry with visible chicken and sauce.”
There’s something uniquely comforting about Chinese Chicken Curry with its slightly sweet and savory flavor profile. This gluten-free version is incredibly easy to make and naturally dairy-free too. Using tamari instead of soy sauce ensures it’s completely gluten-free while maintaining that authentic curry taste. Mild enough for the whole family to enjoy, this curry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the recipe: Gluten Free Chinese Chicken Curry Recipe
Gluten Free Chicken Fried Rice
alt=”Serving of gluten free Chicken Fried Rice in a bowl, highlighting the fluffy rice, chicken pieces, vegetables, and egg, seasoned with tamari.”
For a quick and easy gluten-free meal, Gluten Free Chicken Fried Rice is always a winner. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken and transforming it into a flavorful and satisfying dish. Seasoned with tamari and a touch of chili, it’s delicious as a main course or as a side dish to complement saucier Chinese recipes.
Get the recipe: Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
King Prawn Stir Fry Noodles
alt=”Pan of gluten free King Prawn Stir Fry Noodles being cooked, showing king prawns, vegetables, and noodles being stir-fried in a wok.”
Need a fast and flavorful weeknight meal? These King Prawn Stir Fry Noodles are ready in just 15 minutes! King prawns are quickly stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and tamari, then tossed with crunchy vegetables and gluten-free brown rice noodles. Choosing the right rice noodles is key to the texture of this dish, making it a satisfying and healthy option for busy evenings.
Get the recipe: King Prawn Noodles Recipe
Singapore Fried Rice (Gluten Free!)
alt=”Close-up of gluten free Singapore Fried Rice in a pan, showcasing the vibrant yellow rice, prawns, vegetables, and spices.”
While Singapore Fried Rice isn’t strictly Chinese, it’s a beloved takeaway favorite that I had to include! This gluten-free version is just as delicious as what you’d order, and even better, it’s ready in under 15 minutes. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s a fantastic addition to your gluten-free Chinese repertoire.
Get the recipe: Singapore Fried Rice Recipe
Explore More Gluten Free Chinese Flavors
I hope this collection proves that enjoying delicious Chinese food on a gluten-free diet is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. With simple ingredient swaps and these easy-to-follow recipes, you can recreate all your takeaway favorites at home, safely and deliciously.
Are there any other Chinese dishes you’re missing on your gluten-free journey? Let me know in the comments below! I’m always up for a recipe challenge and love to help everyone enjoy their favorite foods, regardless of dietary restrictions. Let’s make gluten-free Chinese food accessible and enjoyable for everyone!
