15 Healthy Asian Recipes for Delicious and Wholesome Meals

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or bland. Healthy Asian recipes offer a wide range of vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients that make mealtime exciting while promoting good health. You can enjoy delicious dishes that fit your dietary needs and preferences without sacrificing taste.

From light and refreshing salads to hearty main courses, Asian cuisine provides numerous options that are both nutritious and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables or explore new cooking techniques, healthy Asian recipes can inspire you to create meals that are satisfying and good for you.

1) Spicy Coconut Shrimp

Spicy Coconut Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sea and a kick of spice to your table. This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

You will start by preparing the ingredients, which includes fresh shrimp and aromatic spices. The blend of coconut milk and curry paste adds a creamy texture and rich taste.

Cooking this shrimp is simple. You will sauté onions and garlic before adding the shrimp to cook until they are pink and tender. Serve this dish with rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (to taste)
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add chopped onions and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add the red chilies and red curry paste, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Pour in the coconut milk, then add the shrimp.
6. Cook until the shrimp are pink, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

2) Ginger Honey Salmon

Ginger Honey Salmon is a delightful dish that’s both healthy and tasty. It features salmon brushed with a sweet and savory glaze made from honey, ginger, and soy sauce. The flavors blend beautifully, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You can bake the salmon on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Enjoy this dish with steamed vegetables or over rice for a nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ginger, and olive oil.
3. Place salmon on the baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze over the salmon fillets.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

3) Vegan Pad Thai

Vegan Pad Thai is a tasty, quick dish you can make at home. It uses rice noodles, fried tofu, and lots of colorful veggies. The sauce ties everything together with simple ingredients.

You can make this dish in about 30 minutes. It’s great for a busy weeknight meal or a fun dinner with friends. You can adjust the spices to fit your taste too!

Ingredients

• Rice noodles
• Firm tofu
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Green onions
• Soy sauce
• Peanut butter
• Lime juice
• Garlic

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak rice noodles in warm water for 10 minutes.
2. While noodles soak, cut tofu into cubes and fry until golden in a hot pan.
3. Add bell peppers, carrots, and garlic to the pan, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. Toss in soaked noodles, soy sauce, peanut butter, and lime juice.
5. Mix everything well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions. Enjoy!

4) Miso Soup with Tofu

Miso soup with tofu is a simple and comforting dish you can make at home. It’s packed with flavors and is perfect for any meal. You can enjoy this soup in about 15 minutes.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. The base is usually miso paste, which gives it a savory taste. Soft tofu adds a nice texture.

You can customize the soup by adding greens like bok choy or spinach. Feel free to include mushrooms for extra flavor. This dish is warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 block soft tofu, cubed
• 1 cup greens (bok choy or spinach)
• ½ cup green onion, chopped
• Optional: mushrooms

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and whisk in miso paste until smooth.
3. Add tofu and greens; simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Serve hot and enjoy your soup!

5) Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Teriyaki chicken bowls are a delicious and healthy meal option. They are quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken and flavorful sauce, these bowls are sure to satisfy your cravings.

You can customize your bowl with your favorite veggies. Common choices include broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Serve it all over rice for a complete meal.

To make your teriyaki sauce, consider using low-sodium soy sauce to keep it healthier. Adding some sesame oil can also enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like broccoli and bell peppers)
• 4 cups cooked rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and vinegar.
4. Pour sauce over chicken and stir to coat.
5. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
6. Serve over rice. Enjoy!

6) Sesame Broccoli Salad

This Sesame Broccoli Salad is a fresh and crunchy dish that’s perfect for any meal. It features vibrant broccoli paired with a tasty sesame dressing. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare.

Start with blanched broccoli florets. This helps keep their bright color and makes them tender without losing crunchiness. Combine the broccoli with a zesty sesame ginger dressing for added flavor.

You can serve this salad as a side dish or enjoy it as a light lunch. It’s a healthy option that also fits many dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Blanch the broccoli florets for 1 minute and then transfer them to a bowl of ice water.
3. In a bowl, mix sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and minced ginger.
4. Toss the cooled broccoli with the dressing.
5. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.

7) Stir-Fried Garlic Green Beans

Stir-fried garlic green beans are a tasty and quick dish you can make at home. They are crisp, full of flavor, and perfect as a side.

Start by frying the green beans in hot oil for a short time. This helps keep them tender-crisp. You can use garlic to add a wonderful taste.

You can easily spice them up using red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Add soy sauce for an extra savory touch.

This dish pairs well with rice or noodles, making a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) green beans
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Trim the ends of the green beans.
2. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C).
3. Add the green beans and fry for about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add soy sauce and red pepper flakes, if using.
6. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
7. Serve hot.

8) Beef Lo Mein

Beef Lo Mein is a tasty and healthy dish you can easily make at home. It combines tender beef, colorful vegetables, and chewy noodles. This meal is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

To make Beef Lo Mein, you will need lo mein noodles, sliced beef, and your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. A homemade stir-fry sauce adds the finishing touch.

You can customize the recipe to fit your taste. Add more veggies or use different types of meat. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• 8 oz lo mein noodles
• 8 oz beef, sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add sliced beef and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until browned.
4. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add bell peppers and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
6. Return the beef to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
7. Mix everything well and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve warm.

9) Korean Bibimbap

Korean Bibimbap is a colorful and healthy rice dish packed with flavors. It combines warm rice with a variety of sautéed and seasoned vegetables. You can choose your favorite protein, like chicken, beef, tofu, or even chickpeas.

The dish is often topped with a fried egg and served with a spicy gochujang sauce. This sauce adds a nice kick and brings the whole dish together.

You can customize the toppings based on what you like or have on hand. Each bite is a mix of textures and tastes that make it truly enjoyable!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup assorted vegetables (like carrots, spinach, and mushrooms)
• 1 cup protein (chicken, beef, tofu, or chickpeas)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons gochujang sauce
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Sauté the vegetables in a pan with a little oil until tender.
3. Cook your chosen protein in the same pan until fully cooked.
4. Fry the eggs in a separate pan to your liking.
5. In a bowl, layer the rice, vegetables, protein, and top with a fried egg.
6. Drizzle with gochujang sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!

10) Thai Green Curry with Tofu

Thai Green Curry with Tofu is a delicious and healthy dish. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. You can make this meal in about 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.

To start, you’ll need extra firm tofu, coconut milk, and green curry paste. Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for even more taste. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

This recipe is not only vegan but also gluten-free. It offers a fragrant and spicy experience that is enjoyable to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons green curry paste
• 1 block extra firm tofu, cubed
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli)
• 2 cups cooked rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the green curry paste and stir for a minute.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and mix well.
4. Add cubed tofu and vegetables. Cook for 15 minutes.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice.

11) Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

Lemongrass chicken skewers are a delicious and healthy choice for your next meal. They are full of flavor and easy to prepare. You can grill them for a smoky taste or bake them in the oven.

To start, marinate cubed chicken in a mixture of lemongrass, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. This will add a wonderful depth of flavor. Let it sit for at least an hour or overnight for the best results.

When ready to cook, thread the chicken onto skewers and grill or bake them until they are cooked through. Enjoy them with dipping sauces or fresh veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix lemongrass, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and brown sugar.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the marinade. Stir to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
5. Thread chicken onto skewers.
6. Grill or bake until fully cooked, around 10-15 minutes.

12) Eggplant in Garlic Sauce

Eggplant in garlic sauce is a tasty and healthy dish that you can easily make at home. This recipe uses tender eggplant that’s cooked until it’s soft and flavorful. The garlic sauce adds a sweet and savory taste that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

To prepare this dish, slice Chinese eggplant into long pieces. Cook them in a hot skillet with minimal oil until they are crispy and tender. A mix of garlic, soy sauce, and a bit of sugar creates the delicious sauce!

This dish is not only easy to make, but it also works well as a main or side dish. You can adjust the flavors by adding chili flakes for some heat if you like.

Ingredients

• 2 medium Chinese eggplants
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Chili flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the eggplants into long strips.
2. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Add the eggplant and cook until tender.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add soy sauce and sugar, mix well.
6. Serve with rice or noodles.

13) Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Vietnamese summer rolls are a tasty and healthy option for a light meal or snack. They are often called Goi Cuon and are loved for their fresh flavors. You can fill them with vegetables, shrimp, or even chicken.

The rolls are made with rice paper, which is thin and easy to work with. After soaking the rice paper, you can add your favorite fillings and roll them up tightly. They can be served cold, making them perfect for warm days.

To enjoy these rolls, you can dip them in a sauce like peanut sauce or hoisin sauce. This adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with the fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• Rice paper wrappers
• Fresh vegetables (like lettuce, carrots, and cucumber)
• Cooked shrimp or chicken (optional)
• Rice noodles (optional)
• Fresh herbs (like mint or cilantro)
• Dipping sauce (peanut or hoisin)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare all your ingredients and cut them into thin strips.
2. Soak the rice paper in warm water until soft.
3. Lay the rice paper on a flat surface.
4. Add your fillings in the center of the rice paper.
5. Fold the sides over the fillings and roll tightly.
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

14) Japanese Cucumber Salad

Japanese Cucumber Salad, or Sunomono, is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s simple to prepare and tastes great with its crunchy cucumbers and tangy dressing. You can enjoy this salad as a side or a light main dish.

To make it, you’ll need thinly sliced cucumbers mixed with a dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of sugar. This balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a favorite.

Best of all, you don’t even need to peel the cucumbers, unless you want a decorative touch. This salad is light, healthy, and perfect for warm days.

Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the cucumbers thinly.
2. In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar.
3. Toss the cucumber slices with the dressing.
4. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

15) Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice is a delicious and healthy dish that combines sweet pineapple with savory ingredients. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as a side.

To make this dish, you’ll need cooked rice, fresh or canned pineapple, and your choice of vegetables like peas and carrots. Adding shrimp or chicken can make it heartier.

Start by heating oil in a skillet. Sauté onions until they soften, then add the other ingredients. Stir-fry everything until it’s well mixed.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Optional: shrimp or chicken

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).

2. Add chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes.

3. Mix in peas, carrots, and pineapple. Stir well.

4. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, and stir-fry for about 5 minutes.

5. Serve warm and enjoy!