15 Asian Recipes to Try for a Delicious Meal

Asian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors, ingredients, and cooking styles. From spicy to savory, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can explore a variety of easy and delicious Asian recipes that bring the taste of Asia right to your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking to try your hand at classic dishes or discover new favorites, Asian recipes are a fantastic way to spice up your meals. These recipes often highlight fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, making them a great choice for any occasion. You’ll find that preparing these dishes at home can be rewarding and fun.

1) Vietnamese Pho

Vietnamese Pho is a delicious noodle soup that warms the soul. It’s known for its fragrant broth made from beef bones, spices, and herbs. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, like fresh basil, lime, and chili.

To make Pho, you need rice noodles, which are essential for the right texture. You can use beef, chicken, or even pork for the protein. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and is enjoyed worldwide.

Ingredients

• Beef bones or chicken bones
• Rice noodles
• Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro)
• Spices (star anise, cloves, cinnamon)
• Fish sauce
• Lime
• Chili peppers
• Sliced beef or chicken

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast bones in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
2. Boil bones in a large pot with water for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse.
3. Add fresh water, spices, and aromatics to the pot and simmer for several hours.
4. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
5. Assemble noodles, protein, and toppings in bowls, then ladle the hot broth over them. Enjoy!

2) Thai Drunken Noodles

Thai Drunken Noodles, known as Pad Kee Mao, are a delicious stir-fried noodle dish. They feature wide rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein. The name reflects their popularity as a late-night snack.

The dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors. You’ll enjoy the combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy tastes. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. Add more chili if you enjoy extra heat, or keep it mild for a comforting taste.

Ingredients

• 8 oz wide rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• Protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and vegetables, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add protein and cook until done.
5. Stir in sauces, then add noodles and mix well.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

3) Korean Pulled Pork Tacos

Korean Pulled Pork Tacos bring a delicious twist to taco night. You’ll love the mix of tender pork and bold flavors. Using pork shoulder or pork butt works best for a rich taste.

To start, consider using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot for easy cooking. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste.

These tacos are perfect for sharing with friends or family. Serve them with fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, or spicy slaw for extra crunch!

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 pounds pork shoulder
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Taco shells
• Optional toppings: cilantro, lime, coleslaw

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place the pork in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
2. Mix soy sauce, hoisin, sriracha, and sesame oil.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours (slow cooker) or 65 minutes on high pressure (Instant Pot).
5. Shred the pork and assemble in taco shells with toppings. Enjoy!

4) Mango Lassi

Mango lassi is a delicious, creamy drink from South Asia. It’s made with ripe mangoes, yogurt, sugar, and a bit of milk. This refreshing drink is perfect for hot days or as a side with spicy meals.

To make your mango lassi, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need fresh mango pulp for the best flavor. Yogurt gives it a creamy texture, while a touch of sugar adds sweetness.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 cup mango pulp
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Ice cubes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a blender, combine the mango pulp, yogurt, milk, and sugar.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add ice cubes if you want it cold and blend again.
4. Pour into glasses and enjoy!

5) Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that’s both tasty and easy to prepare. This meal features tender beef slices paired with bright green broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends.

To make this dish, you’ll need fresh ingredients to ensure great flavor. You can serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. The rice absorbs the sauce nicely, enhancing each bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank or sirloin steak, sliced thin
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate beef with soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
4. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add broccoli and a splash of water, then cover for 2 minutes.
6. Pour in oyster sauce, stir to combine, and cook for another minute.
7. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

6) Japanese Tempura

Japanese tempura is a delicious dish featuring battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. You can enjoy it at fancy restaurants or make it at home for a casual meal.

To make tempura, start by creating a light and crispy batter. Use ice water in the batter for the best texture. Common ingredients include shrimp, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers.

When frying, keep the oil at around 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps achieve that perfect golden color and crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup ice water
• 1 egg
• Assorted vegetables (e.g., sweet potato, bell pepper)
• Shrimp or other seafood
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by cutting vegetables and cleaning seafood.
2. In a bowl, mix flour and ice water.
3. Add the egg and mix gently.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot.
5. Dip your ingredients in the batter and fry until golden.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

7) Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken, or murgh makhani, is a rich and creamy dish you’ll love. It combines tender chicken with a flavorful tomato-butter sauce. This dish has roots in Delhi and is perfect for serving with rice or naan.

To make it, you will start with marinated chicken. Then, cook it in a silky sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and spices like garam masala. It’s well-known for its slightly sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (240 g) yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato puree
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C) and cook onion until brown.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato puree and cream; simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.

8) Filipino Chicken Adobo

Filipino Chicken Adobo is a delicious and popular dish from the Philippines. It’s made by marinating chicken in a mix of soy sauce and vinegar. This gives the chicken a savory and tangy flavor.

You will also use garlic, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns for extra taste. The beauty of adobo is that it’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.

When cooked, the chicken becomes tender and soaks up all the flavors from the marinade. It’s often served with rice, making it a filling and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken (thighs or breasts)
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and sugar in a bowl.
2. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a pot, cook the marinated chicken over medium heat for about 30 minutes.
4. Serve hot with rice.

9) Malaysian Laksa

Malaysian Laksa is a flavorful soup made with spicy coconut milk broth and rice noodles. You can enjoy it with various toppings like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The combination of spices makes it truly unique.

To start, you need laksa paste, which you can find in Asian grocery stores or make at home. This paste includes chilies, garlic, and spices that give the soup its rich flavor.

Cooking this dish is simple. You’ll cook your protein and then add coconut milk for creaminess. Serve it hot with fresh herbs and lime for a burst of freshness.

Ingredients

• Laksa paste
• Coconut milk
• Rice noodles
• Chicken or shrimp
• Fresh herbs (like cilantro)
• Lime

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare rice noodles according to package directions.
2. In a pot, heat oil and add laksa paste, stirring until fragrant.
3. Add protein (chicken or shrimp) and cook until done.
4. Pour in coconut milk and heat through.
5. Serve soup over noodles, topped with herbs and lime juice.

10) Indonesian Satay

Indonesian satay is a delicious dish that features skewered and grilled meat, usually chicken. It is often served with a tasty peanut sauce that enhances the flavor.

You can find many variations of this recipe. Some might include beef or pork. The marinade usually has a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and spices for great taste.

To serve, pair the satay with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The combination is satisfying and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• Chicken fillets (or beef/pork)
• Soy sauce
• Peanut oil
• Garlic
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Peanut butter
• Coconut milk
• Chili peppers
• Sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix soy sauce, peanut oil, garlic, black pepper, and cumin in a bowl.
3. Add the meat to the mixture and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
4. Thread meat onto skewers.
5. Grill on medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
6. Prepare peanut sauce by mixing peanut butter, coconut milk, and chili peppers in a saucepan over low heat.
7. Serve the satay with peanut sauce for dipping.

11) Thai Green Curry

Thai Green Curry is a delicious dish that combines rich flavors with a creamy sauce. You can easily make it at home with fresh ingredients. This curry is often made with a mix of meat or tofu and various vegetables.

To start, choose your favorite protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Add colorful veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a nutritious touch.

For the curry sauce, use green curry paste and coconut milk. This will give your dish the classic creamy texture and spice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons green curry paste
• 1 pound protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup eggplant, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh basil leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add green curry paste and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in half the coconut milk and mix.
4. Add the protein and cook until done.
5. Stir in the remaining coconut milk and veggies.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes, then serve with rice.

12) Japanese Ramen

Japanese ramen is a delicious noodle soup popular around the world. It features rich flavors and a warm broth that makes it comforting and satisfying.

You can choose from different types of ramen, like Shoyu, Miso, and Tonkotsu. Each variation has its unique broth and toppings. Shoyu ramen has a soy sauce base, while Miso ramen offers a savory, hearty flavor.

You can easily make ramen at home with just a few ingredients. Fresh noodles and a flavorful broth are key to recreating this dish. Common toppings include sliced pork, green onions, and soft-boiled eggs.

Ingredients

• Ramen noodles
• Broth (chicken or pork)
• Soy sauce (for Shoyu ramen)
• Miso paste (for Miso ramen)
• Toppings: chashu pork, green onions, soft-boiled eggs

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
2. Prepare your broth by simmering meat and vegetables.
3. Mix in soy sauce or miso paste to enhance flavor.
4. Assemble the ramen in a bowl with noodles and broth.
5. Add your desired toppings and enjoy!

13) Chinese Dumplings

Chinese dumplings are a delicious treat loved by many. You can find them steamed, boiled, or pan-fried. They are usually filled with a mix of meat and vegetables.

Making dumplings at home can be fun and rewarding. Start with dumpling wrappers or make your own from flour and water. You can fill them with ground pork, chicken, or vegetables.

Once filled, cook them with your favorite method. Steam them for a soft texture or fry them for a crispy bite. They pair well with soy sauce or a spicy dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• Dumpling wrappers
• Ground pork or chicken
• Chopped vegetables (like cabbage or green onions)
• Soy sauce
• Ginger
• Garlic

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the filling ingredients in a bowl.
2. Place a spoonful of filling on each wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper and seal it by pinching the edges.
4. Cook by steaming for 15 minutes (about 100°C) or frying for 5 minutes (about 170°C).

14) Korean Bulgogi

Korean Bulgogi is a popular dish known for its sweet and savory flavor. The thin slices of beef are marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, sugar, and spices. This dish cooks quickly, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.

To enjoy bulgogi, you can grill the meat or cook it on a stovetop. It tastes amazing wrapped in lettuce leaves with rice and kimchi.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef (sirloin or ribeye)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
3. Add beef and onions; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
5. Cook beef until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Serve with rice and vegetables.

15) Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Vietnamese spring rolls are a fresh and tasty treat. They are made with rice paper and filled with various ingredients like shrimp, rice noodles, lettuce, and herbs. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a popular choice.

To make these rolls, you can include different veggies, like carrots or cucumber, to add crunch. You can also choose between shrimp or pork for protein. They are typically served with delicious dipping sauces that enhance their taste.

Ingredients

• Rice paper
• Cooked shrimp (or pork)
• Rice noodles
• Lettuce
• Fresh basil
• Fresh mint
• Carrots (optional)
• Cucumbers (optional)
• Dipping sauce (peanut or hoisin)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the shrimp or pork to prepare the filling.
2. Soak rice paper in warm water until soft.
3. Lay the rice paper on a flat surface.
4. Place lettuce, noodles, protein, and herbs on the rice paper.
5. Next, roll it tightly, tucking in the sides.
6. Serve with dipping sauce.