Asian food is incredibly popular in Western culture and it’s not difficult to see why. There are many different Asian cuisines that all offer different but equally delicious combinations of flavor and texture to create exquisite dishes.
If you get a craving for Asian food, you probably reach for a takeout menu or go on your phone to order something, but you don’t have to! With the right recipes, you can cook your own tasty Asian food from the comfort of your own kitchen. Not only does this save you money, but it is also a lot healthier than getting takeout as you can control what ingredients you put into your dishes.
There are so many recipes for Asian food on the internet that it can be overwhelming to sift through them all to find the ones that are worth trying. We have made this a lot easier for you by putting together a list of the 50 best Asian recipes for you to have a go at.
There is something for everyone on this list, so keep reading to find some inspiration for your next Asian meal.
Nikuman
Nikuman – steamed pork buns – is a Japanese recipe. They are a delicious savory snack or can be enjoyed as part of a wider selection of steamed buns for a full meal.
You can make these buns without a bamboo steamer, but you will get better results if you use one. If you want to cook Asian food regularly then it will be a worthwhile investment to buy one.
Egg Rolls
These tasty egg rolls are filled with shredded pork and vegetables like cabbage and carrots. They are seasoned with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for an authentic Asian flavor. All that goodness is wrapped up in a crispy coating.
California Rolls
California rolls are one of the most popular kinds of sushi. They are rolled inside out and are filled with crab and avocado. This recipe also teaches you how to make sushi rice. They are served with spicy mayo and a spicy wasabi dipping sauce.
Chicken Chapli Kabab
This dish is thought to have originated in Afghanistan or Pakistan. It is a pan fried meat patty seasoned with plenty of herbs and spices. To really bring out the flavours, squeeze the kebabs with fresh lime juice while they are still warm. Serve them with sliced onions and your favourite condiments, like chutney or mint yoghurt.
Mongolian Beef
This recipe only takes 30 minutes to make. The recipe for the sauce is fairly simple – the main ingredients are minced ginger and garlic, dark brown sugar and soy sauce. All of these flavours mingle with the tender steak to create a treat for the tastebuds. This dish is usually served with rice.
Pad Krapow Gai
This recipe for spicy Thai basil chicken will soon become one of your favourite meals. If you can get hold of Thai or Holy basil it will lift the flavours even more, but regular basil will still give you a great result. The chillies add just the right amount of kick without being too overpowering.
Hunan Shrimp
This recipe uses hot red chilli peppers, chilli oil and chilli flakes to create an intense and fiery flavour. This makes it similar to szechuan. It is also healthier than other hunan recipes as the shrimp is shallow fried rather than deep fried.
Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
This is a simple and wholesome meal that will leave you feeling comforted and satisfied. It is minimal effort, minimal ingredients, but maximum enjoyment. The classic Asian flavours will make this dish one of your favourites, and is mild enough for all the family to enjoy.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao chicken is one of the most popular items on a chinese takeout menu, and with this recipe you can make it at home. It is healthier than a takeout, and you can control how spicy you want it. The crunchy vegetables are a lovely addition to this meal and contrast well with the soft chicken.
Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
This classic chinese dish is low carb and packed with flavour. The crunchy lettuce holds the tasty chicken, and the salty peanut sauce ties it all together. The addition of ginger adds a lovely fragrant element to this meal.
Chinese Pepper Steak Stir Fry
The thinly sliced steak in this recipe is fried with crunchy red and green peppers in a savoury, peppery sauce. It’s simple to make and the taste will blow you away. You can use flank or sirloin steak for this meal.
Pineapple and Shrimp Stir Fry
The sweet pineapple in this recipe goes perfectly with the shrimp, and the tasty vegetables make it nice and healthy for a midweek meal. The sauce clings to the shrimp and vegetables. Serve this meal with some fluffy basmati rice.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Does it get any better than crispy chicken in a sticky sweet and sour sauce? Not really, and with this recipe you can make this delightful meal at home.
The main ingredients for the sauce are ketchup, malt vinegar, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. This recipe is Hong Kong style sweet and sour, which means the chicken is cut into bite sized pieces.
Crispy Sesame Chicken
Honey and sesame are the key ingredients that make this sticky sauce so delicious. It’s sweet and salty with just the right amount of spice. It is healthier than a takeout, but with the sugar, honey and oil it is still a bit indulgent.
Teriyaki Chicken
This Japanese classic is a recipe you will want to make again and again. You can serve it with lots of different things, but it goes particularly well with rice or noodles and some crunchy, lightly fried vegetables like broccoli and carrots. You can make it for your friends, family, or just as a tasty meal for yourself.
Filipino Pork Menudo
This is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold winter evening. The soy sauce gives the tomato sauce a salty edge, and there are different versions of this recipe which add ingredients like sausages or green peas, so you can amend the recipe depending on what you prefer.
To make sure the pork is tender, take it out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before you cook it.
Chicken Asado – Kapampangan Style
This stew is so delicious because the chicken is marinated in soy sauce and citrus juice, then cooked with tomato. It is served with crispy potatoes and fluffy rice. The peppers are soft and flavoursome and complement the chicken.
Yellow Lentil Dal
This is a perfect example of a vegetarian Asian recipe. It is simple, nourishing, and wholesome, but with deep and warming flavour. If you are feeling a bit under the weather, tired, or fancy some comfort food, then this recipe is for you.
Pork Vindaloo
Vindaloo is a classic curry. People often order it with chicken or lamb, but pork is also a great option as the sweetness of the meat cuts through the spices of the curry.
Chicken Caldereta
Chicken Caldereta is a Filipino chicken stew and is easy enough to cook that it is a great recipe for beginners. The deep flavors will definitely leave you satisfied, and the better the chicken broth you use the better the stew will taste.
Filipino Chicken Adobo
This is a national dish of the Philippines and will certainly become a firm favorite. You must use chicken thighs to get the full flavor and tender chicken that is associated with this dish. The sweet glaze contrasts well with the savory peppercorns.
Bun Cha with Noodle Salad
Bun Cha is caramelized Vietnamese meatballs which are often served with a noodle salad flavored with fresh herbs and citrusy dipping sauce. This is a specialty dish from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.
Beef Rendang
Beef Rendang is one of the most popular Asian dishes and it’s not hard to see why. It is the perfect blend of spicy, creamy and rich, and is made with delicious coconut milk. The Beef in this Indonesian stew should be tender and tasty- get that right and you will have a winning meal.
Teriyaki Salmon
If you love seafood and you love Japanese food, then you will definitely love this recipe. You can serve it with whatever you fancy, but it goes very well with sesame pak choi. Make sure you don’t overbake the salmon.
Thai Red Curry
This Fragrant meal is a wonderful mix of tender chicken, coconut milk, and red curry paste. With lemongrass, galangal (ginger), and red chilies, the flavors are full and vibrant. Serve with fluffy white rice for a perfect meal.
Slow Cooker Korean Beef Short Rib
Korean cuisine is varied and exciting. One aspect of Korean cooking is beautifully cooked, top-quality meat and this recipe is no exception.
These short ribs are cooked until they are so tender the meat is falling off the bone. The meat is marinated prior to cooking which makes it even tastier. It will melt in your mouth.
Singapore Chilli Crab
This is one of the most popular crab recipes and if you love seafood then you will really enjoy this dish. You might get messy eating it, but that is part of the fun. This meal is all about the sauce – it needs to be the perfect blend of sweet and spicy.
Japanese Beef Curry
This rich, thick sauce is mildly spiced and slightly sweet. It is packed with tender meat, carrots, onions, and potatoes. It is traditionally served with fluffy white rice which soaks up the lovely gravy.
Chinese Lemon Fish
This pan-fried fish flavored with lemon is a delicious way to enjoy fish. It has a light, crispy coating with a tasty sauce on the side. Serve it with whatever you fancy- rice, noodles, salads, or some fresh vegetables.
Korean Style Ground Pork Soup
This delicious, ramen-style soup bowl is a nourishing and flavorsome meal. You won’t need to go out for ramen again when you can cook it this well at home. The recipe is easy to follow and all of the components come together to create a perfect combination of tastes.
Vietnamese Pho
Vietnamese Pho is a light yet flavorsome spiced broth packed with tender beef, noodles, and beansprouts. The cinnamon and star anise goes well with the rich, meaty flavors of this soup, but the strong spices are not overpowering.
This recipe has been tried, tested, and amended to find the perfect blend of ingredients to recreate the kind of Pho you can get from street vendors in Vietnam.
Laksa Lemak
Laksa Lemak is a Malaysian spicy noodle soup packed full of flavor. Even though it looks like tofu curry, just remember that the stock contains chicken and prawns and the paste has fish sauce and shrimp in it, so it’s not suitable for your vegetarian friends!
You need quite a lot of ingredients to make the curry paste, but if you make it in a big batch you can keep the leftover paste to make another curry.
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
This noodle soup uses beef shank cooked with fragrant ginger and spices, chilies, and spicy bean paste to create a complex and layered flavor. It is warming and nourishing and you will definitely be coming back for seconds! The soy sauce gives this dish a lovely rich color which makes it even more appetizing.
Wonton Soup
A wonton is a Chinese dumpling, and in this recipe, they are filled with juicy pork and prawns and sat in a delicious broth. The wonton filling is really quick to make, and this recipe gives excellent guidance on how to wrap the wontons so they won’t split open in the soup.
You make a big batch of wontons and freeze some of them for the next time you want to make wonton soup.
Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum Soup is a spicy and sour dish originally made in southeast Asia. It is a gluten-free recipe and is nice and light but very flavorsome, with lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilies.
The juicy shrimp and soft mushrooms create wonderful textures in your mouth. It is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand, and with this recipe, you can enjoy it easily from home.
Miso Chicken Katsu Ramen
This 30-minute meal is the perfect midweek meal when you want something quick and easy that still tastes amazing. The crispy chicken complements the soft noodles, and it is all surrounded by a delicious broth. Once you have made the crispy chicken, the rest of the dish can be cooked in one pot.
Dan Dan Noodles
This recipe for Dan Dan noodles is an authentic Sichuan recipe and it requires quite a few different ingredients to create the deep, complex flavor it is known for.
The effort is definitely worth it, and once you have tried it once you will keep coming back to this recipe as a weekend favorite. Dan Dan noodles are so popular in China that there are several different variations of the recipe, but this one is particularly good.
Quick Asian Beef Ramen Noodles
The use of beef mince rather than steak in this recipe makes it very budget-friendly. The meat is caramelized for an intense flavor and the sauce is easy to make with only four ingredients.
It is made in one pot, and the starch from the noodles helps to thicken the sauce. If you are fed up with spaghetti bolognese and want to make something else with your beef mince, give this a try!
HoiSin Chicken Udon Noodles
This dish is sweet, spicy, and a little bit sticky- sounds delicious right? And it is quick and easy to make. You can swap out the mushrooms for a different vegetable like broccoli, but the mushrooms add extra protein which will keep you fuller for longer.
Udon noodles are thicker than other noodles and are perfect for soaking up sauces. You might have tried them before, but once you do they will soon become your new favorite.
Chili Chicken Stir Fry
This is a simple but classic Asian dish that is packed full of healthy vegetables and lean chicken. Stir Frys are ideal for a quick and easy meal that tastes like a treat but is actually very good for you. So try out this recipe and enjoy it totally guilt-free!
Mayak Eggs
Mayak Eggs is a Korean recipe that involves leaving the eggs to marinate overnight. The result is a soft, jammy, delicious egg that is surprisingly addictive – so make sure you make up plenty of them!
Mayak eggs are traditionally eaten as ‘banchan’, a side dish to a larger meal like Korean BBQ meat. But the great thing about this recipe is that it is versatile- you can eat these eggs for breakfast or lunch, as a tasty snack, or use them to garnish a bowl of fried noodles or ramen.
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
This simple salad recipe uses classic Chinese flavors of sesame oil and garlic along with a kick of chili to create a refreshing and delicious side dish or snack. Pair this with some tasty meat, or enjoy it with your favorite rice dish to add a new texture to your plate.
Tomato and Cucumber Raita
This cooling yogurt condiment is the perfect accompaniment to hot curry. It takes less than 10 minutes to make and will elevate your favorite Asian currys to the next level by adding more texture and contrasting flavors to the meal, as well as cleansing your palate between mouthfuls so you get more enjoyment out of each bite.
Asian Slaw with Creamy Peanut Dressing
This Thai-inspired slaw is perfect for serving at a summer BBQ, or alongside some grilled chicken or shrimp. The creamy peanut dressing adds another layer of flavor as well as a saucy coating for the crunchy salad, creating a perfect blend of texture and taste in your mouth.
Lo Mein Noodles
Lo mein noodles are a mild and mouthwatering meal packed with peppers, carrots, green onions, and whatever kind of meat or meat substitute you prefer. If you really want to recreate the takeout style, then use fresh egg noodles rather than dried ones. You should be able to find them in the refrigerator section of your grocery store.
Asian Banana Fritters
Banana fritters are a popular dessert at many Asian restaurants and it is easy to understand why. They are crispy on the outside but soft in the middle and perfect for satisfying that sweet craving.
This recipe makes these treats even easier to enjoy on a regular basis with a lighter batter, but they still taste amazing. You can also adapt the recipe to suit a vegan diet if required.
Mango Kulfi
Mango Kulfi is a classic Indian recipe that makes the perfect treat on a hot summer day. This recipe is an adapted version that is much easier to make than the original but still tastes just as good. Make sure the mangoes you use are nice and ripe, or they won’t be sweet enough to provide the right flavor for the kulfi.
Chicken Biryani
Biryani is a very popular Indian curry that was originally introduced to the country by the Persians. It is traditionally considered to be a luxurious meal that is only enjoyed as a treat, but with this recipe, you can easily make it at home whenever you want.
Thai Green Curry
Thai green curry can be made with shop-bought paste, but if you want even more flavor then you should have a go at doing it from scratch. This recipe will take you through the process and you will not be disappointed with the end results.
Char Siu Pork
Char Siu pork is a classic Chinese dish that is very popular in Western countries. This recipe will ensure that you reproduce this delicious meat at home so you can impress your friends and make them feel like they are eating out at a Chinese restaurant.
