I Made These 29 Asian Recipes On The Night I Wanted To Give Up

The night almost ended with nothing but a spoon and a jar of peanut butter. Then 29 Asian recipes ended up being the only reason something real made it to the table. They didn’t need a big plan or extra effort, just enough to keep things moving. Honestly, that was plenty.

Several breaded and fried corn dogs on sticks, drizzled with mustard and ketchup, placed on white crumpled paper.
Korean Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When your energy’s low and you need a quick pick-me-up, Bang Bang Shrimp is the answer. It’s crispy on the outside with a tender surprise inside. The spicy, creamy sauce adds just the right kick. Easy to make and hard to forget, it’s a favorite for solo nights or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy Rice

A stack of crispy rice topped with a dollop of white sauce, red sauce, and sliced green onions, with a blurred dish of green garnishes in the background.
Crispy Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Have you ever craved something that crunches with each bite followed by a burst of tasty goodness? Crispy Rice hits that spot as a versatile treat that can wear many hats depending on what tops it. It’s not your average side dish; it’s the base of something great, whether piled with fresh veggies or your favorite protein.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Rice

Kimchi Stew

Close-up of a wooden spoon in a vibrant kimchi stew with tofu and pork, garnished with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes.
Kimchi Stew. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes comfort is found in a bowl of something warm and packed with layers of flavor. Kimchi Stew is complex, with a tangy heat that slowly builds as you dig deeper. You’ll find it’s a wonderful partner for those quiet evenings when you crave the coziness of homemade soup with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Chickpea Curry

Bowl of chickpea stew with spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, and topped with fresh cilantro.
Chickpea Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

On those nights when it seems like the world is asking too much, a heartwarming dish can be the perfect answer. Chickpea Curry mixes hearty legumes with rich, aromatic spices in a way that’s both earthy and soul-soothing. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of home-cooking, even if it’s your first time making it.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Curry

Dashi

A wooden ladle pouring fish sauce into a white ceramic bowl, with ripples visible on the liquid surface. A brown napkin is partially visible in the background.
Dashi. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For something often overlooked but essential, Dashi is the answer. It’s a simple stock that adds quiet complexity to many dishes. Easy to make, it shows how basic ingredients can bring serious depth. Think of it as the umami backbone that holds everything together.
Get the Recipe: Dashi

Miso Soup

A bowl of miso soup with tofu cubes, seaweed, and green onions.
Miso Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Craving something quick that envelops you in warmth and comfort? Miso Soup is a traditional staple that’s deceptively simple yet profoundly worthwhile. It’s light enough to serve as a starter but carries enough substance to act as a meal’s centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Cashew Chicken

Close-up of Cashew Chicken featuring tender chicken, broccoli, edamame, cashews, and red bell peppers. This delightful dish is topped with sesame seeds and served over a bed of rice.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Feel good about ditching the takeout menu once you nail down a dish with a pleasing crunch and mouthwatering sauce. Cashew Chicken nestles tender pieces of meat amongst roasted cashews, creating a textural masterpiece. It’s a tried-and-true dinner option that proves home cooking can outshine restaurant meals on any given day.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Rice Paper Rolls

Close-up of sliced spring rolls filled with rice, avocado, purple cabbage, and sesame seeds, arranged on a white plate.
Rice Paper Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Looking for something light yet substantial? Rice Paper Rolls are a go-to for when you want something that’s genuinely refreshing. They’re a customizable canvas—fill them with veggies, protein, noodles, and herbs—creating a meal that’s as varied as your imagination.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls

Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks.
Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Imagine a dish born from the fusion of two distinct culinary cultures, delivering an unexpected yet pleasing twist. Birria Ramen marries the deep, rich flavors of a traditional stew with the comforting slurp of a noodle soup. It’s a hybrid that seems adventurous but lands in familiar territory, offering coziness and zing in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When craving for something that’s sweet, tasty, and a little nutty, a classic comes to mind. Sesame Chicken is coated in a glossy sauce, speckled with sesame seeds that pop with flavor. It’s the sort of comfort food that feels special yet straightforward to put together, making any dinner occasion feel like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Tom Yum Soup

Close-up of a spicy tom yum soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomato chunks, lime wedge, and chopped herbs in a rich, red broth.
Tom Yum Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

On nights when your soul longs for a trip abroad, bring the essence of Thai cuisine to your kitchen. Tom Yum Soup is a hot and sour concoction that awakens all your senses with its complexity. Every mouthful is a testament to how a harmony of tangy, spicy, and tasty can exist perfectly in a single bowl.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Chicken Tempura

Plate of batter-fried fritters with a bowl of red dipping sauce on a white plate, viewed from above.
Chicken Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If the day calls for a golden, crispy treat that melts in your mouth, look no further. Chicken Tempura offers a light, delicate crunch which envelopes tender, juicy chicken. Dipping it in a sweet-soy sauce upgrades the experience, making a simple meal feel like a dining-out occasion right at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura

Massaman Curry

A creamy shrimp curry with peppers, chopped nuts, sliced green onions, red chili slices, and lime wedges. Metal spoon submerged in the dish.
Massaman Curry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Need to escape from the everyday without leaving the dinner table? Massaman Curry transports you with its rich, spice-infused sauce. It’s a hearty dish that combines protein and potatoes, simmering them into a flavor-packed curry that warms you to the core.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

Coconut Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with noodles, bok choy, mushrooms, half a boiled egg, sesame seeds, and lime, garnished with chili slices. Black chopsticks hold some noodles above the bowl.
Coconut Ramen. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Reinventing a classic can be a lot of fun. Coconut Ramen takes a fan-favorite noodle dish and infuses it with a tropical twist. This dish is about the pleasure of tweaking the familiar to create a whole new flavor profile that’s both exciting and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Ramen

Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

A bowl of vegetable curry with leafy greens, chunks of squash, diced tomatoes, peanuts, and cilantro, served with a spoon.
Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!). Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Have you ever stumbled upon a recipe that challenges your go-to take-out spot? Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe is it, showcasing a peanuty sauce that envelops your choice of ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of nutty and rich, with an ease of preparation that trumps waiting for delivery.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Close-up of a stir-fry dish with chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, and sesame seeds, coated in a soy-based sauce.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

On days when takeout cravings hit, but you want something with a homemade touch, whip up a quick stir-fry. With Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, you’ll get a vitamin-packed, protein-rich meal wrapped in a flavorsome sauce. It’s the epitome of a weekday meal that’s both fulfilling and won’t leave you in a food coma.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale.
Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’ve hit a wall with bland, repetitive dinners, injecting some flair into your pork chops might just be the answer. Asian Style Pork Chops bring a pleasing marinade into play, turning a simple cut of meat into something extraordinary. They’re an effortless way to add excitement to your dinner rotation and work great whether grilled or pan-fried.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Butter Chicken

A bowl of creamy curry with chicken pieces served over white rice, garnished with cilantro, and accompanied by flatbread.
Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Picture a dish so creamy and rich that it becomes a comforting embrace at the end of a long day. Butter Chicken is a beloved classic with a sauce that clings lovingly to perfectly cooked pieces of chicken. This dish is renowned for its deliciousness and is as much a treat to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Hot and Sour Soup

Bowl of hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tofu, and sliced green onions, with a spoon on the side.
Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes the tastebuds crave something that strikes a balance between piquant and tang. Hot and Sour Soup delivers exactly that, with its bold contrasts creating an addictively flavorful broth. This soup is not just a prelude to a meal; it’s an experience in itself, with each sip inviting further exploration of its complex taste.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Chicken Tikka Masala

A close-up of chicken tikka masala served on rice, garnished with fresh cilantro, with lime wedges and naan on the side.
Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

You don’t need to be a chef to whip up a dish celebrated in restaurants worldwide. Chicken Tikka Masala has a tomato-based sauce with just the right amount of spice. Its global appeal comes from the tender chicken pieces soaking up a sauce that bursts with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Intrigued by how global flavors can jazz up your regular burger night? Korean Burgers infuse the quintessential American staple with bold Korean spices and flavors. This east-meets-west tradition turns up the volume on your burger, delivering a juicy, tasty experience.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re aiming to pack more greens into your diet without skimping on flavor, Vegetable Stir Fry delivers. It’s vibrant, chock-full of your favorite veggies, all tossed together in a hot pan with a glaze that ties the freshness together. Reach for this meal when quick, healthy, and delicious are the top priorities for your dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Confront the craving for sweet and sour with a dish that balances citrus tang and sticky sweetness. Orange Chicken boasts a crispy exterior glazed in a vibrant orange sauce sure to liven up your plate. It’s comfort food with a zing that tantalizes the palate, and its punch of flavor makes it an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Even something as simple as cucumbers can transform into a dish that’s bursting with zing. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side that’s crisp, spicy, and utterly refreshing. It brightens any meal, providing a cool yet exciting contrast with its fiery dressing.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Pork Belly

Sliced roast pork with crispy, golden-brown skin on a wooden surface.
Pork Belly. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about a dish that combines melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with a caramelized crunch. Pork Belly is the epitome of indulgence, bringing a rich, decadent experience to the table. Whether you serve it on a bed of rice or in a bun, its robust flavor makes it unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce in a small bowl on a light green cloth.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those times when a condiment can make or break a meal, a good sauce becomes the hero. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce delivers a sweet heat that complements a wide range of dishes. It’s about taking a plainer fare and giving it an instant upgrade with just a drizzle.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Skip the lines at the fast-food joint and recreate a fan-favorite at home. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe brings that sticky, sweet, and tasty sauce over tender chicken pieces, mimicking the popular chain’s signature dish. It’s ideal for rewarding that fast-food craving while having full control over the ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Udon Noodles

A close-up of stir-fried noodles with green beans, red bell peppers, and carrots, garnished with sesame seeds.
Udon Noodles. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When heftier pasta is calling your name, there’s nothing like thick, chewy strands to serve as a hearty base. Udon Noodles are rewarding in their simplicity and serve as the perfect backdrop to a variety of sauces and toppings. Whether in a broth or stir-fried, they offer a comforting and filling meal option.
Get the Recipe: Udon Noodles

Korean Corn Dogs

Several breaded and fried corn dogs on sticks, drizzled with mustard and ketchup, placed on white crumpled paper.
Korean Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ever in the mood for something fun, handheld, and different from your usual snack? Korean Corn Dogs combine the American carnival classic with a Korean street food twist. This version often involves a batter with a unique texture and a variety of coatings that make each bite an adventure.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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