10+ East Recipes for Delicious Everyday Meals

Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially after a long day. Easy recipes can turn your weekday dinners into stress-free occasions, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With a variety of quick options, you can make tasty dishes that please everyone at the table.

Whether you’re looking for simple dinners or speedy snacks, there are plenty of ideas to explore. Following easy recipes means you can create flavorful meals with minimal effort, giving you more time to relax and enjoy with family and friends.

Chicken Manchurian

Chicken Manchurian is a tasty dish that’s both spicy and savory. You can enjoy this Indo-Chinese classic as a snack or main course. The crispy chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful sauce, making it a favorite for many.

To make the chicken crispy, marinate the pieces in egg and a mix of flours. The corn flour helps achieve that crunch you want. After frying, toss the chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce made from soy sauce, tomato paste, and a little sugar.

Serve it hot with rice or noodles for a delicious meal. This dish is great for gatherings or when you want something comforting at home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons corn flour
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the egg, corn flour, and all-purpose flour.
2. Add the chicken and coat evenly.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/180°C).
4. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
5. In another pan, mix soy sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and stir to combine.
7. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Hakka Noodles

Hakka noodles are a popular Indo-Chinese dish that is easy to make at home. You can enjoy these flavorful noodles with a variety of fresh vegetables. They make a great vegetarian dinner option for your family.

To prepare, start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. After draining, set them aside.

In a large pan, heat some oil and add sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry until they are slightly tender.

Next, toss in the cooked noodles. Add soy sauce and your choice of spices. Mix everything thoroughly for even flavor. Cooking should take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy the delicious tastes of Hakka noodles right from your kitchen!

Ingredients

• Hakka noodles
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles as per package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large pan.
3. Add sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add cooked noodles and soy sauce.
5. Toss everything together for 5-7 minutes.
6. Serve with garnishes.

Szechuan Eggplant

Szechuan Eggplant is a tasty dish that showcases the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine. It features eggplant cooked in a savory and spicy sauce. You can enjoy it as a side or serve it over rice for a complete meal.

Start by preparing the eggplant, cutting it into wedges or slices. You’ll want to soak it in water or salt to reduce bitterness.

Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat and stir-fry the eggplant until it’s soft.

Then add a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and hot bean paste for that signature Szechuan kick. Cook this for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in any protein you like, such as shrimp or ground pork, during the last few minutes for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon hot bean paste
• Optional: shrimp or ground pork

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the eggplants into wedges and soak in water for 10 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the eggplant and stir-fry until soft, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, garlic, and hot bean paste.
5. If using, add shrimp or ground pork and cook until done.
6. Serve hot over rice.

4) Dumpling Delight

Dumplings are a delicious treat that you can enjoy any time. They come in many styles, from savory to sweet. You can boil, steam, or fry them, making them versatile for any meal.

To make dumplings, gather some simple ingredients. You will need flour, water, and various fillings such as meat, vegetables, or even fruit. The options are endless, so you can customize them to your taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 pound ground pork (or other meat)
• 1 pound Napa cabbage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour and cold water until it forms a dough.
2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
3. In another bowl, combine the filling ingredients.
4. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles.
5. Place a spoonful of filling on each circle and fold them over.
6. Cook the dumplings by boiling or steaming for about 10 minutes.

5) Thai Green Curry

Thai Green Curry is a delicious and fragrant dish that you can easily make at home. It combines fresh herbs, spices, and coconut milk for a rich flavor. You can use chicken, tofu, or even vegetables as your main ingredient.

To start, you will need green curry paste, which is the heart of this dish. You can buy it at the store or make your own. Just heat a little oil and stir-fry the paste until it’s fragrant.

Add your choice of protein, followed by coconut milk and a few kaffir lime leaves. Simmer everything together until cooked through. This dish is great served with jasmine rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons green curry paste
• 1 pound chicken or tofu
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Stir-fry the green curry paste for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the chicken or tofu and cook until browned.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth.
5. Add lime leaves, sugar, and fish sauce.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

6) Pho Noodle Soup

Pho is a delicious Vietnamese noodle soup that warms the soul. It features broth, rice noodles, and a choice of meat. Fresh herbs and vegetables add a burst of flavor.

The key to a great pho is in the broth. It’s often made from beef bones for a rich taste. A few spices like star anise and cinnamon can add depth.

For the noodles, rice noodles work best. You can customize your bowl by adding thinly sliced beef, chicken, or even shrimp. Each choice gives a unique twist to your soup.

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime. These make your pho vibrant and tasty.

Ingredients

• 8 cups beef broth
• 8 ounces rice noodles
• 1 pound beef or chicken
• Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro)
• Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges
• Spices (star anise, cinnamon)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the beef broth in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
3. Add the meat to the broth and let it cook until tender.
4. Serve the noodles in bowls, pouring the broth and meat over them.
5. Top with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime.

7) Korean BBQ Ribs

Korean BBQ ribs are a delicious choice for any gathering. They are often made with beef short ribs, also known as Galbi. The meat is tender and full of flavor.

To prepare, you will need a special marinade. This typically includes soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Marinate the ribs for at least two hours, or even overnight for more flavor.

You can cook these ribs on a grill or in the oven. If you choose to bake them, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about an hour, making sure they are cooked through and caramelized.

The result? Sweet, savory ribs that fall off the bone. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef short ribs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger.
2. Add ribs to the marinade and mix well.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Place ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour.

8) Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a delicious and popular dish you can easily make at home. It combines rice noodles with a mix of proteins, veggies, and a savory sauce.

You can customize it by adding chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Make sure to include fresh ingredients like green onions and lime for extra flavor.

The sauce usually includes soy sauce, fish sauce, or tamarind for an authentic taste. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding sriracha or chili garlic sauce.

Ingredients

• Rice noodles
• Protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
• Coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage)
• Green onions
• Lime
• Soy sauce
• Fish sauce or tamarind paste
• Chili garlic sauce
• Peanut butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak rice noodles in boiling water for 20-30 minutes until tender.
2. In a large wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat.
3. Add your protein and cook until done.
4. Stir in the coleslaw mix and cook for a few minutes.
5. Add soaked noodles and toss everything together.
6. Mix in the sauce ingredients and cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with lime and green onions.

9) Banh Mi Sandwich

Banh Mi is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich that combines flavors and textures in every bite. It usually includes a crunchy baguette filled with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and tasty sauces.

Different meats such as pork, chicken, or duck can be used. Pickled carrots and daikon add a nice crunch and tang. Meanwhile, fresh cilantro gives it an aromatic touch.

You can easily customize your Banh Mi. Add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

Ingredients

• French baguette
• Pork, chicken, or tofu
• Pickled carrots and daikon
• Fresh cilantro
• Mayonnaise or spicy sauce
• Sliced cucumbers
• Jalapeños

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare pickled vegetables by soaking sliced carrots and daikon in a mixture of vinegar and sugar.
2. Cook your chosen meat until fully done.
3. Slice the baguette in half and spread mayonnaise.
4. Layer in cooked meat, pickled veggies, cucumbers, cilantro, and jalapeños.
5. Close the sandwich and enjoy!

10) Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that you can easily make at home. It features tender chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. The flavors are rich and comforting, making it a favorite for many.

You can use simple ingredients to prepare this dish and cook it in one pan. Serve it with rice or naan to complete the meal. You’ll enjoy how quick and delicious it is, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or naan for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink.
5. Stir in tomato puree, cream, and garam masala.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot with rice or naan.