I Kept The Grocery Bill Low With These 29 Asian Meals All Week

Stretching the weekly budget doesn’t have to mean bland meals or repeats. With a list of 29 affordable Asian meals, there’s something different on the table every night. It’s a practical mix that keeps dinner interesting. Turns out, saving money can still mean full plates and zero complaints.

Shrimp Tempura Roll

This combines fried shrimp with a soft seaweed wrap. Shrimp Tempura Roll is a simple mix of crispy and chewy textures. You’ll also get the soft rice in every bite, making it stand out from regular rolls. Perfect for mixing up your meal plan without going over budget.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

Tofu Fried Rice

Skipping meat for tofu in Tofu Fried Rice makes for a quick, affordable option. It’s great for using up leftover rice and turns out filling every time. This meal packs a punch in each forkful without feeling too heavy. You get the familiarity of fried rice, but the tofu gives it a fresh take.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is crisp and pairs well with any main dish. Its balance of crunch and spice makes it refreshing but not boring. You can throw it together quickly when you don’t have time or cash to spare. Works great as a side dish or even on its own when you want something light.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Bang Bang Shrimp

The appeal of Bang Bang Shrimp is all in the unique sauce coating tender shrimp. It’s quick to whip up and doesn’t need a lot of ingredients or effort. Offers just the right kick without being overwhelming, making it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as an appetizer or with rice to fit your meal plans better.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Thai Drunken Noodles

No fancy ingredients are needed to get the chewy noodles in Thai Drunken Noodles. It’s an easy meal with bold flavor, perfect for weeknights. Leftovers, if any, taste just as good for lunch the next day. You’ll be glad you made it, one of the more versatile dishes for a low-cost meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

Sushi Bake

If rolling sushi feels too time-consuming, Sushi Bake is an affordable replacement. It’s a dish you can scoop onto your plate, layering on flavors without the hassle. Budget-friendly and easy to stretch for several meals. You won’t have to sacrifice variety for cost.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce doesn’t disappoint as an all-purpose dip or topping. It adds just the right balance to enhance other dishes without being complicated to make. You can store it and bring it out whenever your meal feels like it’s missing something. Great for stretching meals without feeling repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Shrimp Tempura

Light, golden, and satisfying, Shrimp Tempura is all about simplicity. The shrimp is the star of the dish without unnecessary additions. It pairs amazingly well with rice, veggies, or just on its own. The crispiness holds up even if you’re short on time and need to reheat.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken always hits the right spot. It’s a straightforward recipe that feels restaurant-style but works perfectly for home cooking. No need for extras to enjoy it fully, just a bowl and you’re set. A budget-friendly dinner that doesn’t skimp on portions.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

The creamy broth steals the show in Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry. It works as either a warming meal or a laid-back dinner choice. Pair it with rice or slurp it solo, it’s versatile. You don’t have to stretch your pocket to enjoy this comforting option.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Kimchi

If you need a flavorful side, Kimchi is your go-to. It keeps well in the fridge and can be added to make any meal better. Even a small serving adds new life to plain dishes. Tangy and bold, it’s worth the effort to keep on hand.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi

Thai Yellow Curry

Made with a mild and creamy sauce, Thai Yellow Curry brings everything together on the plate. It pairs well with any carb or protein, so it’s flexible and meal-prep friendly. A simple pot of this can feed several without running up the grocery bill. A great option for all-in-one cooking.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry

Lemongrass Chicken

Lemongrass Chicken stands out with its aromatic flavors, easy on the wallet, without feeling plain. The mix of tender meat and bold spices makes it enjoyable with simple rice or a vegetable side. It’s efficient and doesn’t take a lot of preparation steps. You get big flavors without a big price tag.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

Massaman Curry

When you want bold and rich flavors, Massaman Curry is one to try. It combines hearty options like potatoes and proteins in an affordable way. Serve with rice to stretch servings without compromising quality. Perfect for batch cooking to save time and money throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

Coconut Ramen

A simple treat for ramen lovers, Coconut Ramen uses creamy broth to amp up basic noodles. It’s filling without getting too fancy and makes great use of pantry staples. Turn a quick meal into something a little more special. You’ll appreciate how adaptable it is when you’re on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Ramen

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

The smooth base in Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!) makes it a standout dish. It feels comforting and pairs well with almost any grain or bread you prefer. A reliable recipe that turns a few ingredients into a great meal. Plus, leftovers taste just as flavorful the next day, stretching your dollar further.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

Birria Ramen

Take ramen to the next level with Birria Ramen. It’s a simple way to combine two beloved dishes into one hearty bowl. You’ll find it an often-requested option once everyone tries it. Layered, filling, and worth including in your weekly meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Asian Slaw

Asian Slaw makes for a quick side, adding crunch to any plate. It’s affordable and comes together fast, perfect when you’re running low on time. This could also work as a light main meal option during a busy week. Packs well for lunches too, without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

A practical dinner option, Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is made for easy weeknight cooking. It’s economical while still delivering on texture and flavor. You can adjust portions based on what’s in your kitchen without much hassle. A reliable dish to keep on rotation when you need options.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Hot and Sour Soup

Simple to make, Hot and Sour Soup brings a balance of spice and tang. Great as a starter or stand-alone meal, depending on your appetite. It’s a cost-friendly option when compared to ordering takeout. A warm and filling soup that’s good to have all year round.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Chicken Tikka Masala

The creamy base in Chicken Tikka Masala makes it a popular and wallet-friendly option. Serve with rice to round out the meal, which can stretch for lunches too. It’s a good blend of flavor without becoming too messy or involved. A hit with almost anyone dining at your table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Kimchi Stew

When ingredients are running low, Kimchi Stew is an easy option to make something flavorful. The stew’s broth does most of the work, creating a hearty meal feel. It’s excellent for leftover kimchi that needs to be used up. Budget and kitchen-friendly without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Orange Chicken

A better takeout fix, Orange Chicken comes through with crispy pieces coated in a tangy sauce. Budget-friendly and quick, it’s a crowd-favorite that’s also easy to recreate at home. You won’t feel like you’re settling for anything less. Just a bowl of rice makes it a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Easy Bibimbap

For when you have random bits of leftovers, Easy Bibimbap is an ideal meal for mixing them seamlessly. Layer a warm rice base, and let whatever you have on hand shine through. It’s practical, flexible, and makes spending less feel intentional. A creative, no-waste idea for the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Sesame Chicken

The balance of crunch and flavor in Sesame Chicken makes it one of the easiest Asian dishes to whip up. Coated pieces are a good pair for rice or simple greens. You won’t feel like you need any extras on the side to round out the dish. Budget-friendly without feeling like you’re eating leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Dashi

A base for many meals, Dashi is quick and useful for adding depth to your food. It can be stored for multiple-day use and makes other dishes feel a little more special. Whether for soup or something else, you’ll reach for it often when cooking Asian meals. Minimal ingredients but a big impact on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dashi

Miso Soup

Cozy up with Miso Soup, one of the easiest Asian dishes to prepare. It’s warm, comforting, and doesn’t require too many steps. Pair it as a starter or sip it on its own; it’s versatile. A bowl of this doesn’t hit the wallet hard, and it can really stretch mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Butter Chicken

Smooth and rich, Butter Chicken delivers hearty meals without much cost. It’s easily paired with rice or simple bread to complete the plate. Great for batch cooking, which gives you extra portions for lunches or a busy weeknight. Big flavor, small effort, and no added hassle in making it.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry is a back-pocket recipe for any budget. Use what’s leftover in the fridge and throw it together in minutes. It’s fresh yet fuss-free, making it a great option to fit in your greens. One of the most adaptable meals for low-cost eating success.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry