Best Gluten Free Chinese Food: Recipes & Dining Tips (2024)

Are you looking for delicious gluten free Chinese food recipes?

If yes, then you've come to the right place. This article contains some of the best gluten free Chinese dishes you'll ever eat.

Chinese cuisine has become very popular over the years. It offers a wide variety of flavors and ingredients. There are also many health benefits associated with Chinese food.

But if you have celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten, you may be wondering what Chinese food is gluten free?

This article covers common ingredients in Chinese food that may contain gluten, tips for eating gluten free at Chinese restaurants, and 15 of the best gluten free Chinese food recipes to make at home!

Keep reading for more information or use the Table of Contents below to jump to the section of your choice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS show

Are you new here? Here's tips to live gluten-free without the stress!

  • How to eat out SAFELY when you’re gluten-free
  • How to make ANY recipe gluten-free
  • How to TRAVEL gluten-free and still have fun

…get valuable support in my EXCLUSIVE Facebook community“Stress-Free Gluten-Free” by clicking here!

The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs.Additionally, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting,but you can find ithere.

Take this quick quiz and uncover the secrets to making your gluten-free lifestyle not just manageable, but truly enjoyable with custom recipes and tips!

Best Gluten Free Chinese Food: Recipes & Dining Tips (1)

>> Click here to take the quiz! <<

Ingredients to Watch Out For:

When ordering Chinese food at a restaurant, there are a few items to watch out for as they typically contain gluten. Either stay away from these items altogether, or ensure that the restaurant has a gluten free version.

soy sauce

Soy sauce is, unfortunately, an item that typically contains fermented wheat and thus, contains gluten. Instead, look for tamari or gluten free soy sauce.

Learn more about soy sauce and gluten free substitutes in this post.

brown sauce

Brown sauce is a popular flavor enhancer in restaurant Chinese food–especially stir fry or beef & broccoli. This popular sauce typically contains soy sauce (which has wheat), so avoid any items made with brown sauce unless it is specifically gluten free.

fried items

Fried items are typically coated in a wheat-based flour. However, some restaurants will use rice flour or cornstarch. If you verify that the recipe uses a gluten free batter, be sure that the restaurant uses a dedicated gluten free fryer for these items.

noodles

The noodles typically used for lo mein or chow mein are wheat based. Either stay away from noodle dishes, or verify that a gluten free noodle is being used.

If making your own Chinese food at home, check out these noodle options.

The good news is, if you are wanting to make your own gluten free Chinese food at home, there are SO many delicious options and you can substitute just about any ingredient to make it gluten free!

Eating Gluten Free at Chinese Restaurants

When going out to a Chinese restaurant on a gluten free diet, here are a few questions you may be wondering:

What Chinese food is gluten-free?

Unfortunately, there is not a clear cut answer to this question. Produce, rice, meat, and seafood are all naturally gluten free. However, many of the sauces and flavorings in Chinese cooking commonly contain gluten and this will vary by restaurant.

When ordering Chinese food, be sure to ask questions (like the ones in this guide to eating out gluten free) and stay away from the foods to watch out for listed above unless it has been verified to be gluten free.

Is most Chinese food gluten-free?

While there are many Chinese food options that are gluten free; unfortunately the amount of options at specific restaurants for individuals with celiac disease will vary greatly.

What can celiacs eat from Chinese restaurants?

Your safest bet if you go out to a restaurant that doesn’t clearly identify specific items as gluten free is to order items that are steamed (such as steamed seafood, veggies, and rice) and avoid anything with a dark sauce.

Best Gluten Free Chinese Food Recipes to Make at Home

These are some of the BEST recipes for homemade Asian food that you are absolutely sure to love! Not only are all of these recipe gluten free, but there are gluten free vegan Chinese food recipes as well.

Plus, making them at home with gluten-free ingredients can give you the safety and assurance that the meal meets your dietary needs.

Gluten Free Chinese Soups and Appetizers

These gluten free Chinese appetizers and soups are so delicious, they're definitely sure to please!

Simple Edamame Salad

This simple and easy Edamame Salad Recipe is quick to throw together and makes the perfect start to a homemade Chinese meal.

Easy Egg Drop Soup

Egg group soup couldn’t be easier to make yourself! You can prepare this take out favorite at home with this super simple recipe.

Gluten Free Steamed Bun Recipe

This gluten free steamed bun recipe is steamed to soft and fluffy perfection after being shaped around a flavorful and savory meat filling.

Vegan Miso Soup Gluten Free

If you’ve been looking for a way to make miso soup gluten free, then look no further!

This Vegan Miso Soup can be enjoyed all year long as a starter or a complete meal. It's light, healthy and packed with umami flavors. It requires 5 ingredients and will be on your table in 15 minutes!

Be sure to use gluten-free miso paste, you can see my top choices for gluten free miso here.

Hot and Sour Soup

If you’ve been wondering: is hot and sour soup gluten free? Often it’s not, but you can totally make it gluten free at home!

The classic hot and sour soup that is so popular at Chinese restaurants is a quick, easy soup to make yourself! It tastes so good, you'll have a hard time stopping at one bowl.

Gluten Free Chinese Main Dishes

These options for main dishes contain some of your favorite takeout options as some more classic dishes as well.

Gluten Free Sesame Chicken Recipe

This Sesame Chicken is gluten-free, but you'd never know it by the taste OR texture. Great for the whole family - Gluten-free or not!

Keto Kung Pao Chicken

Better than take-out! This Keto Kung Pao Chicken is low-carb & gluten-free with all the sweet, spicy, & salty flavors you love.

Best Gluten Free Chinese Food: Recipes & Dining Tips (8)

Get the full recipe for Gluten Free Kung Pao Chicken here.

Healthy Orange Chicken

This healthy orange chicken is such an easy and flavor packed dish that tastes even better than takeout. Be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and serve it over rice or quinoa and a side of veggies for a balanced weeknight meal!

Beef & Egg Over Rice

This hearty and delicious beef and egg over rice recipe is a traditional Chinese recipe that is so easy it only takes about 10 minutes to put together! This must-try recipe is seriously the perfect weeknight dinner. Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari!

Gluten Free Chinese Side Dishes and Chinese Sauces

These gluten free side dishes and sauces will elevate your meal to perfection!

Easy Gluten Free Fried Rice

This gluten free chicken fried rice is simple and easy to make–and a great way to use up leftovers! Even faster than takeout, this dish is sure to please the whole family.

Best Gluten Free Chinese Food: Recipes & Dining Tips (11)

Get the full recipe for Easy Chicken Fried Rice here.

Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious recipe for homemade gluten free sweet and sour sauce, this one is it! The best part is that it uses ingredients you likely already have at home making this one easy sauce to whip up.

Air Fried Spring Rolls

Egg roll wrappers may not be gluten free, but rice paper is! These vermicelli and vegetable filled spring rolls are gluten free, vegan and delicious. It takes less than 10 minute to cook in an air fryer.

Vegetable Lo Mein

You can have this side dish on the table in 10 minutes! A quick & easy 10-Minute Gluten-Free Vegetable Lo Mein recipe that's better than Chinese take-out, is vegan, and allergy-free! Great for dinner and perfect for using as healthy leftover lunches!

Gluten Free Chinese Desserts

These gluten free dessert recipes will take your gluten free Chinese food to the next level!

Mango Cream Mochi

This recipe for Mango Cream Mochi is a delicious sweet frozen treat with a taste of the tropics. It features a chewy glutinous rice skin and an aromatic, creamy mango filling.

(and yes! Glutinous rice is gluten free!)

Black Sesame Dessert Soup

Soup for dessert? Yes! Black sesame soup is a sweet and creamy Chinese recipe that is quick & simple to make. With nutty overtones, this easy black sesame soup is a dessert with a complex depth of flavor.

This 3-ingredient traditional Chinese tong sui is naturally vegan, gluten-free, delicious & very nutritious.

Did you love this post on the best Gluten Free Chinese food options?

Then be sure to share it on social media or Pinterest using the social sharing buttons below. Also--comment and let me know which one of these delicious dishes are you going to try first!

Other gluten free posts you will love:

  • Gluten Free Guide to Sushi
  • Best Gluten Free Mochi to Buy
  • The Best Gluten Free Ramen Noodles
  • Best Gluten Free No Bake Dessert Recipes
Best Gluten Free Chinese Food: Recipes & Dining Tips (17)

Best Gluten Free Chinese Food: Recipes & Dining Tips

Best Gluten Free Chinese Food: Recipes & Dining Tips (2024)

FAQs

What Chinese food is typically gluten-free? ›

  • Chinese Dining: Gluten-Free.
  • Steamed Chicken/Shrimp or Seafood: Chicken, shrimp, or seafood usually steamed with.
  • Egg Drop Soup: Beaten eggs in boiled chicken broth with condiments (pepper, scallions)
  • Fried Rice: White rice, egg, scallions, carrots, and usually meat, pork, or tofu.

Is General Tso's sauce gluten-free? ›

Ying's hits the flavor of General Tso Sauce on the head: zesty, tangy, spicy... lots of bold flavor with personality. On top of that, it's all Natural and Gluten Free!

What Chinese noodles are gluten-free? ›

Which Asian Noodles Are Gluten Free – And Which Are Not?
  • Ho Fun/Lai Fen: Yes. Hokkein Noodles: No. Hong Kong Noodles: No. Lo Mein: No.
  • Lo Shee Fun: Yes.
  • Mei Fei: Yes. Ramen: No.
  • Sha He Fan: Yes. Shanghai Noodles: No. Soba Noodles: No. Udon: No.
  • Vermicelli Sheets: Yes. Wonton: No.
Jun 5, 2011

Which cuisine has the most gluten-free options? ›

Here are some of the top cuisines around the world that are very gluten free-friendly:
  • Mexican.
  • Latin American.
  • Thai.
  • Japanese.
  • Indian.
  • Greek.
  • Middle Eastern.
  • Italian.

What sauce in Chinese food is gluten-free? ›

Unless you're absolutely certain you're being understood by the restaurant staff, avoid any brown sauces because they may include soy sauce. Instead, ask for a white sauce made with cornstarch. Many Asian restaurants will use gluten-free soy sauce to make your food if you request it.

What Chinese rice is gluten-free? ›

Even Asian or sticky rice, also called “glutinous rice,” is gluten-free, despite its name. In this case, the “glutinous” term refers to the sticky nature of the rice and not the gluten protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

Does Yum Yum sauce have gluten? ›

The Terry Ho's Yum Yum Sauce provides the flavor you want for various meals. It's ideal for putting on shrimp or steak. This Terry Ho sauce comes in a pack of 6, allowing you to have enough on hand in your pantry. It's also free of gluten and doesn't contain any trans fat.

Does Szechuan sauce have gluten? ›

San-J Szechuan Sauce has earned these certifications: Non-GMO verified by the Non-GMO Project. Certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.

Is Panda Express kung pao sauce gluten-free? ›

This product has 1 ingredient with gluten and 3 ingredients that may have gluten.

What is gluten Chinese ingredient? ›

We explore traditional plant based foods. Chinese gluten is a spongy type of wheat gluten. and one of the original forms of seitan. Today we're using it in a Chinese dish called kaofu, which also consists of soaked shiitake mushrooms, black wood ear mushrooms, Lily flowers and peanuts.

Is hoisin sauce gluten-free? ›

Traditional hoisin sauce recipes are gluten-free, but today most commercially available hoisin sauces are made with wheat, either to thicken the sauce or in added soy sauce. If you have celiac disease, only eat hoisin sauce labeled gluten-free.

Which oyster sauce is gluten-free? ›

Chang's Oyster Sauce is a traditional sauce widely used in Cantonese cooking. Complex flavours make it suitable for stir-fried beef, pork or chicken as well as being very tasty as a dipping sauce for steamed fish. *This product is gluten free.

What is surprisingly not gluten-free? ›

Here are some foods likely to contain gluten:
  • Beer, ale and lagers.
  • Bouillon cubes.
  • Brown rice syrup.
  • Candy.
  • Chips.
  • Communion wafers.
  • Couscous.
  • Deli meats.
Aug 7, 2020

What country eats the least gluten? ›

The Top Gluten-Free Friendly Countries to Visit
  • Spain – Many classic Spanish dishes are gluten-free, like paella. ...
  • Mexico – From tacos to enchiladas, much of Mexico's cuisine is corn- or rice-based. ...
  • Israel – Many traditional Israeli dishes are gluten-free, including shawarma.

What's the best gluten-free food to eat? ›

Grains, starches or flours that can be part of a gluten-free diet include:
  • Hominy (corn)
  • Millet.
  • Quinoa.
  • Rice, including wild rice.
  • Sorghum.
  • Soy.
  • Tapioca (cassava root)
  • Teff.

Is Chinese chicken and vegetables gluten-free? ›

Chinese chicken and vegetables can be gluten-free if no soy sauce or other gluten-containing sauces are used in the preparation.

Does Panda Express fried rice have gluten? ›

Most soy sauces contain gluten, moreover Panda Express prepares its entrees fresh with shared kitchen utensils, which is why allergens can be present in the dish. Therefore Fried Rice from Panda Express is not gluten-free.

Is Szechuan sauce gluten-free? ›

Our Szechuan Sauce is versatile for use in any recipe, from chili to spring rolls and scrambled eggs. It is also suitable for individuals who are on a special diet such as gluten-free and vegan.

Do Chinese have gluten intolerance? ›

Celiac disease (CD) is a type of intestinal malabsorption syndrome, in which the patients are intolerant to the gliadin in dietary gluten, resulting in chronic diarrhea and secondary malnutrition. The disease is common in Europe and the United States, but only sporadic reports are found in East Asia including China.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rob Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 6064

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rob Wisoky

Birthday: 1994-09-30

Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452

Phone: +97313824072371

Job: Education Orchestrator

Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building

Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.