Hello and welcome and please just know upfront that I am very, very into these simple Asian recipes.
Who knew that torn-up tofu pan-fried into crispiness , tender chunks of slow-simmered beef , or juicy, garlic-ginger-infused chicken thighs could make a person’s life so joyful.
Like, calling from the rooftops joyful. HEY YOU! LOOK AT ME! I’M IN LOVE WITH AT-HOME TAKEOUT!
1. Cashew Chicken
This is one of those dishes that will make your heart so happy, and it all comes together in just 20 minutes!
Imagine tender chicken, crisp veggies, and crunchy cashews all mingling together. That combination is already fantastic, but this recipe takes it to another level by coating everything in a super savory garlic sauce.
The result is one unbelievably delicious dish.
2. Indian Red Lentil
Cooking for vegans tonight? This red lentil dal is a guaranteed home run. It’s a plant-based dish that is just so wonderfully rich and creamy.
And the smell? Ugh, so good. It’s all thanks to the garlic, ginger, and other spices. Since it only takes 30 minutes to make from scratch, it’s perfect for those last-minute get-togethers!
3. Lo Mein
Say hello to your new favorite weeknight meal! Lo mein is just one of those classic Chinese dishes for a reason. You’ve got those wonderfully fat noodles and a whole party of veggies.
But let’s be real, it’s the sauce that makes you want to lick the plate clean. The mix of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and sriracha creates this perfectly thick sauce that just clings to every single noodle. It’s just so good.
And the best part? It’s a total choose your own adventure situation. Go ahead and toss in whatever leftover veggies you have in the crisper!
4. Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
Don’t let the simplicity of this dish fool you. Steamed Chinese broccoli with a garlic ginger oyster sauce might seem basic, but it is absolutely loaded with flavor.
What makes this dish so outrageously good is the sauce. We’re not talking about just plain oyster sauce from a bottle. Oh no. This is a medley of oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, Mirin, sesame oil, and sugar. How amazing is that?
And don’t worry if you can’t find Chinese broccoli. You can definitely swap it out for broccolini stems.
5. Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry
Who knew you could take instant ramen and turn it into something this incredible? You guys, this is a total game changer.
We’re talking a full on restaurant quality stir fry using those familiar noodle packs.
Imagine those noodles tossed with tender ground beef and a collection of Asian seasonings. The sauce hits all the right sweet and spicy notes. It’s the kind of combo that will completely blow you away. Dinner is about to get so good.
6. Wonton Soup
Is there anything better than a steaming bowl of soup filled with meaty and tender wontons? If you’re feeling a bit down, this is the soup that gives you a hug.
Wontons are a kind of Chinese dumpling, and I’m just obsessed with them.
They’re filled with spiced ground pork, wrapped in a tender dumpling wrapper, and then steamed to perfection. Wow. Just wow.
7. Chow Mein
Chow mein is another traditional Chinese dish and a close cousin to lo mein. Really, the only thing that separates them is the texture of the noodles.
For chow mein, the noodles are fried to make them crisp. Other than that, the two are practically identical.
This chow mein recipe isn’t just ridiculously tasty, it’s also super easy to put together! All you need is one pot and about 15 minutes. It’s a weeknight win!
8. Gado Gado
Gado gado is a classic Indonesian salad made with carrots, red cabbage, eggs, rice, and a thick, nutty sauce.
This recipe puts a fun spin on it, swapping in sweet potato for carrots and using green beans instead of red cabbage. Of course, you can always stick with the original ingredients too!
Because it’s a rice based salad, it’s super hearty and is definitely a full meal all on its own. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic way to satisfy an Asian food craving.
9. Asian Slaw
Crisp, colorful, and just crazy delicious. That is the only way to talk about this Asian slaw. We’re talking bright vegetables all coated in a sauce that you just can’t get enough of. This slaw is a total standout.
It’s a mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, bell peppers, and peanuts, with scallions and cilantro for extra flavor. The whole thing is brought together with a thick, sweet, savory, and spicy sauce.
OMG. Can you just imagine all of those flavors and textures in one bite? It is the perfect medley!
10. Jasmine Rice
Rice is a staple in the cooking of most, if not all, Asian countries. It’s the number one side dish for meats, stews, and other protein dishes.
If you’re throwing an Asian-themed party, a pot of steaming rice is an absolute must. Making it might seem intimidating, but it’s actually so easy.
This recipe gives you everything you need to know to get it perfect on your very first try.
11. Thai Noodle Salad
If you’ve never had a Thai noodle salad, you are in for such a treat. It’s a beautiful mix of rice noodles, crisp veggies, and a peanut sauce that is just out of this world.
You might be wondering what makes this salad so special, especially with familiar ingredients like noodles, cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers.
Let me tell you, it’s the sauce. This peanut sauce is a game changer! It’s thick, nutty, and has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. You have to try it.
12. Sesame Salad Dressing
Want to try a new dressing for that salad? This sesame salad dressing is everything you’ll need.
Sesame salad dressing, or “goma,” is a popular sauce in Japan, and for good reason. The mixture of ground sesame seeds and mayonnaise is pure genius! It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
This recipe, however, is a cleaner version of the calorie-filled dressing. A mixture of sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil, it’s just as tasty, but a lot healthier.
13. Chinese Chicken Wings
I’ll take a dozen of these, please! We’re talking crisp and tender wings covered in a sweet, sticky, and garlicky sauce.
If you’re looking for a change from Buffalo wings, these Chinese wings are a must try. I promise, they are a total winner.
The sauce is so delicious it will blow you away. And since they’re baked instead of fried, you can feel good about reaching for one more. Go on, you know you want to!
14. Chang’s Crispy Noodle Salad
A salad with cabbage, almonds, and crispy noodles? I know it sounds a little strange, but this combination is a home run.
This salad has so much crunch! But the thing that takes it over the top is the rich and creamy sesame dressing. Its flavors are the perfect partner to all the crispy things in the bowl. It works so, so well.
15. Bok Choy
Are you trying to find the perfect way to cook and season bok choy? Your search is over, because this simple recipe is all you’ll ever need.
It’s amazing how just a little garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds can turn humble bok choy into a side dish that you just can’t get enough of.
16. Sesame Noodles
Sesame noodles that are ready in only 20 minutes? Yes, please! Forget about takeout and say hello to this speedy and simple recipe.
These noodles are coated in the most flavorful peanut sauce, making them an absolute knockout.
The sauce is a mix of sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, ginger, garlic, and sriracha. Just looking at that list, you know it’s going to be delicious.
17. Royal Milk Tea
Milk tea, or boba as many of us call it, is a hugely popular Asian drink that, you guessed it, is made from milk and tea. I remember the first time I tried it on a trip, and I was instantly hooked.
It’s served over ice, making it a super refreshing drink that’s just perfect for a hot summer day.
Royal milk tea comes from Japan and is made with milk and Lipton royal tea. It sounds so simple, but the flavor combination is totally on point.
18. Fortune Cookies
Looking for a creative way to share some good news with a friend or loved one? Say it with a fortune cookie.
Did you know you can whip up your very own fortune cookies using just basic pantry staples? All you need are flour, egg whites, butter, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract. And, of course, a special message!
19. Chinese Noodle Soup
This soup is pure art in a bowl. You have chewy noodles swimming in a savory, steaming broth, all topped with meats and veggies.
What could be better on a rainy night than cozying up with a bowl or two of this chicken noodle soup? It is the absolute definition of Asian style comfort food.
20. Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry
Chinese vegetable stir fry is a beloved dish, and it’s easy to see why. I mean, can anyone really say no to fried rice mixed with colorful veggies and a savory sauce? You just can’t!
Even though there are so many Chinese restaurants around, I don’t want you to settle for anything less than the best.
This homemade stir fry is so much more flavorful and healthier. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to takeout again!
21. Dan Dan Noodles
Dan dan noodles are another super popular dish from China. What sets them apart is the spicy sauce, which is made with chili oil, scallions, and Sichuan pepper.
This dish has four different parts: the meat, the pickled veggies, the sauce, and the chili oil. But don’t let that intimidate you; it’s still surprisingly easy to pull together.
Plus, these noodles are so out of this world delicious that every single minute you spend making them is totally worth it.
22. Peanut Dipping Sauce
On the hunt for a new dip for your veggies or a dressing for your salad? Give this rich and creamy peanut sauce a try. You’ll be so glad you did.
It’s made with creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk. This sauce is ultra thick and savory.
You get sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy all in one beautiful sauce.
23. Naan Bread
Got a craving for Indian food? This homemade naan bread is just the thing you need.
Naan is a pillowy soft and buttery flatbread that is the perfect companion for curries, thick stews, and all kinds of dips. Making it takes a bit of effort, I’ll admit, but it is so, so worth it.
24. Red Bean Ice Cream
Red beans, also known as azuki, are a go to dessert ingredient in Japan. Red bean paste is often used as a filling for mochi and other pastries, but you can also use it to make incredible ice cream.
If you’re looking for a unique dessert, just grab some red bean paste, whole milk, and sugar, and you can make your very own Japanese ice cream!
25. General Tso’s Chicken
Are you craving some crispy battered chicken drenched in a sweet and spicy sauce? There’s no need to call up your local takeout spot for General Tso’s chicken. You can just make it at home!
This copycat recipe creates chicken that is so incredibly tasty and has that restaurant quality feel. You’ll be hooked after just one bite.
The chicken is crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, with flavor in every single piece. And that sweet and spicy sauce just takes it to a whole new level.
26. Red Bean Ice Cream
Also known as azuki, red beans are a popular dessert ingredient in Japan. Red bean paste is widely used to stuff mochi and other pastries, but it can also be used to flavor ice cream.
Want something unique for dessert? Get some red bean paste, whole milk, and sugar, and make Japanese ice cream!
27. Vietnamese Coffee
Calling all coffee lovers! If you haven’t tried Vietnamese coffee, you are seriously missing out. It might not be as famous as a cappuccino, but it absolutely deserves to be.
Vietnamese coffee has a bold, rich flavor with a hazelnut note that is just so special.
What makes it even more amazing is that it’s served with sweetened condensed milk. The two together create the most perfect balance of flavors.
28. Thai Green Curry Paste
Looking for a marinade packed with umami for your chicken, pork, and other meats? You have to give this Thai green curry paste a try. It’s bursting with flavor, savory, and just mildly spicy.
This curry paste is a combination of green chilies, shrimp paste, cumin, garlic, lemon, and peppercorns.
And making this simple sauce is so easy. Just toss all the ingredients into a food processor and let it do the work.