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

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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.

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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 dishes are usually 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.

What sauce from the Chinese is gluten free? ›

Hoisin Sauce: Find a gluten-free equivalent such as Lee Kum Kee GF Hoisin. Sweet Bean Sauce, Chee Hou Sauce, Ground Bean Sauce: Substitute a gluten-free hoisin sauce such as Lee Kum Kee GF Hoisin. Note that you may have to adjust the sweetness level of the recipe, as hoisin is quite sweet.

What are lo mein noodles gluten free? ›

Traditional lo mein noodles are made with wheat, so they are not gluten free. Feel free to sub in rice noodles or your favorite GF spaghetti noodles to make this gluten-free! Why did you use two different types of soy sauce? It adds more depth and flavor to the dish – especially the dark soy sauce (affiliate link).

Does duck sauce have gluten in it? ›

Typically speaking, duck sauce should be gluten free, because it doesn't contain wheat or wheat products of any kind. However, it is possible that some duck sauces, especially those made in-house at a restaurant, could contain some cross-contamination from other gluten-filled products in the kitchen.

What Chinese food can celiacs eat? ›

10 gluten free Chinese takeaway recipes you won't believe you can...
  • Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Chicken. ...
  • Gluten Free Chicken Chow Mein. ...
  • Gluten Free Crispy Chilli Beef. ...
  • Gluten Free Singapore Noodles. ...
  • Gluten Free Chinese Chicken Curry. ...
  • Gluten Free Char Siu Pork. ...
  • Gluten Free Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken.
Feb 4, 2019

Can you eat Chinese if gluten-free? ›

Hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce and wheat noodles all contain gluten and should be avoided. Noodles used in takeways such as egg noodles or ramen noodles contain wheat and are unsafe for coeliacs. Rice noodles are a safe alternative! Seitan is often used to make mock meat dishes, and it is not gluten free.

Why is hoisin sauce not 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.

Do Chinese pancakes contain gluten? ›

The pancakes sold in the freezer section at Asian supermarkets or in restaurants are made with wheat flour, also gluten! It is possible to enjoy a Peking duck meal completely gluten-free by following my recipes.

Are Chinese dumplings gluten-free? ›

Dumplings (especially Chinese ones) are usually wrapped in a wheat dough. If you are gluten-free, be cautious; the dough used for making crystal shrimp dumplings (har gow) contains wheat starch in addition to tapioca flour. The batter used to make rice noodle rolls (cheong fun) sometimes contain wheat starch too.

Is Panda Express lo mein gluten-free? ›

Honestly, no menu item is gluten free at Panda Express, nor is any menu item vegetarian, besides maybe the rice and chow mein. This is due to the vegetables and appetizers all being deep fried in the same oil as the meat entrees.

What kind of Chinese noodles are gluten-free? ›

  • Rice Noodles. Yes, most rice noodles are gluten-free because they contain rice flour and water, although as always, please check the ingredients, just in case. ...
  • Soba Noodles. Warning! ...
  • Shirataki Noodles. Shirataki noodles are made from konjac starch, a Japanese root vegetable. ...
  • Kelp Noodles. ...
  • Brown Rice Noodles.

Does hoisin sauce have gluten? ›

Is hoisin sauce gluten-free? Commercial hoisin sauce often contains wheat flour as a thickener and also soy sauce (which contains wheat). So, these shop-bought hoisin sauce is often not a suitable choice for those with celiac disease or those who are sensitive to gluten.

What is hoisin sauce made of? ›

Ingredients. The key ingredient of hoisin sauce is fermented soybean paste. Some hoisin sauce ingredients include starches such as sweet potato, wheat and rice, and water, sugar, soybeans, sesame seeds, white distilled vinegar, salt, garlic, red chili peppers, and sometimes preservatives or coloring agents.

Are most mashed potatoes gluten-free? ›

The simple answer is yes — potatoes are gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. Potatoes aren't grains, they're a type of starchy vegetable. That's good news for people who can't tolerate gluten because they have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Why is oyster sauce not gluten-free? ›

It depends. Traditionally, oyster sauce only contained oysters, sugar, and salt, but today soy sauce is commonly added. Soy sauce is usually made with wheat and is not suitable for those with celiac disease unless it is explicitly labeled gluten-free.

Can celiacs eat Chinese curry? ›

Things to watch out for are, seasoning mixes for example curry blends or powders as they may have gluten containing ingredients or may contain statement. Also on the "need to check" list should be curry pastes or jarred curry sauces and if you're using meats that have been marinated or had ingredients added to them.

Do Chinese dumplings have gluten? ›

Dumplings (especially Chinese ones) are usually wrapped in a wheat dough. If you are gluten-free, be cautious; the dough used for making crystal shrimp dumplings (har gow) contains wheat starch in addition to tapioca flour. The batter used to make rice noodle rolls (cheong fun) sometimes contain wheat starch too.

Does Chinese rice have gluten? ›

Rice itself is gluten-free. However soy sauce which is ubiquitous in most fried rice dishes, is usually made with wheat, which contains gluten. The process of making the soy sauce breaks down the gluten, but the components are still there.

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