Our 21 all-time favorite Asian meals for busy weeknights

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Busy weeknights, right? We’ve all been there. You come home tired, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours cooking. That’s where our favorite Asian meals come to the rescue. They’re quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. No fuss, no long hours in the kitchen, just good food on the table in no time.

What’s great about these meals is how they pack a punch of flavor with just a few ingredients. A little bit of this, a dash of that, and you’ve got a dish that’s full of flavor and ready in a jiffy. It’s all about keeping dinner simple, quick, and delicious.

So, when you’re racing against the clock and hunger is knocking, remember our 21 all-time favorite Asian meals for busy weeknights. They’re our go-to when we need something tasty and fast, making our evenings a whole lot easier!

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles

Let’s kick things off with a dish that brings a spicy twist to your table. Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles are a serious crowd-pleaser, blending heat with heartiness in a way that keeps everyone coming back for more. It’s quite the lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when you crave something packed with flavor. Definitely, an all-time favorite Asian meal for those evenings that need a pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles

Veggie Pad Thai

Now, for anyone in the mood for a taste of Thailand, you can’t go wrong with Veggie Pad Thai. This dish is a fantastic mix of tangy and crunchy, making it a massive hit for those after-work dinners. It’s all about bringing a vibrant buzz to your busy weeknights, wrapping up an all-time favorite Asian meal into a veggie-packed experience. Plus, it’s super quick to get on the table.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pad Thai

Chicken egg foo young on top of rice on a white plate.
Chicken Egg Foo Young. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Chicken Egg Foo Young

Who says you can’t enjoy a classic on a weeknight? Chicken Egg Foo Young packs all the comfort you need into an easy-to-make dish. It’s basically omelette meets stir-fry, filled with chicken and veggies. Definitely counts as an all-time favorite Asian meal that comes to the rescue on those nights when you’re after something both comforting and straight-forward.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young

Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

Here’s a game-changer for your sauce game—Vietnamese Peanut Sauce. Trust me, it’s the perfect add-on to jazz up any meal, giving it that rich, nutty kick. Whether you’re dipping or drizzling, it brings a flavor punch that transforms even the simplest dish into an all-time favorite Asian meal. Especially perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to add a quick and delicious twist.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

Overhead shot of a bowl of tamarind date chutney with samosas and cilantro mint chutney.
Tamarind Chutney. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Tamarind Chutney

Ever tried Tamarind Chutney? This tangy goodness is a must-have condiment that can elevate any meal from good to phenomenal. It’s that secret weapon you want on the table, especially during busy weeknights, adding a burst of flavor to your all-time favorite Asian meals. Plus, it’s super versatile—great on the side or as a dip.
Get the Recipe: Tamarind Chutney

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

When you think about freshening up your dinner options, Vietnamese Summer Rolls are the way to go. These rolls are all about crisp veggies and soft rice paper, coming together in a refreshingly light bite. Ideal for those warmer evenings or when you’re after something less heavy, making them an all-time favorite Asian meal for busy weeknights. And hey, they’re fun to make too!
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Szechuan Shrimp

Spicy food lovers, here’s one for you—Szechuan Shrimp. This dish is all about bringing the heat with a mouthwatering kick. It’s a hot favorite for anyone wanting to spice up their weeknight dinners, making it an unforgettable part of your all-time favorite Asian meals. And the best part? It’s quick, so you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Tanghulu

For a sweet note that won’t take all night, Tanghulu might just hit the spot. This candied fruit snack is a fun way to end any meal on a high note. It’s simplicity at its finest, combining sweet and slightly tart in each bite. A festive finish to your all-time favorite Asian meals on those busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu

A plate of tandoori chicken with a side dish of cooked rice, shot from a low angle.
Tandoori Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Tandoori Chicken

Indulge in the vibrant world of Indian cuisine with Tandoori Chicken. It’s marinated to perfection, bringing you a burst of flavors that’s hard to beat. On busy weeknights, it’s your ticket to an all-time favorite Asian meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Definitely, a treat that brings a bit of excitement to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken

Beef Yakisoba

Stir up some fun on your busy weeknights with a hot pan of noodles and beef. Beef Yakisoba is a fast favorite, tossing together some great flavors with a savory punch. When takeout isn’t an option, this one’s your hero, bringing that all-time favorite Asian meal vibe right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yakisoba

Low angle shot of a plate of burmese garlic noodles.
Burmese Garlic Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Burmese Garlic Noodles

Who doesn’t love a good noodle dish? Burmese Garlic Noodles really hit the spot with their rich garlic taste and simple charm. It’s a go-to for garlic fans and a perfect pick for adding a bit of comfort to your all-time favorite Asian meals, no matter how busy the evening gets.
Get the Recipe: Burmese Garlic Noodles

Butter Garlic Naan

Dipping, scooping, wiping up sauces—you name it, Butter Garlic Naan is up for it. This fluffy, garlicky goodness is a standby when you’ve got curry on the menu. It’s a quick fix to round out those all-time favorite Asian meals during the week.
Get the Recipe: Butter Garlic Naan

Low angle shot of a blue and white striped bowl filled with Thai chicken curry.
Thai Chicken Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Chicken Curry

If you’ve got a soft spot for curries, Thai Chicken Curry will not disappoint. It’s a creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting dish that hits all the right notes. Ideal for livening up your dinner routine, it stands out as an all-time favorite Asian meal for those busy weeknights. Just pair it with some rice, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

Black Sesame Cookies

Sometimes the sweet tooth hits, and you need a fix that’s quick and different. That’s where Black Sesame Cookies come in. They’re a twist on your usual snack, not too sweet but perfectly munchable. A kind of treat that wraps up a busy night with a touch of all-time favorite Asian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Black Sesame Cookies

Caramelized cashews and raisins in a bowl with a silver spoon being lifted.
Caramelized Cashews and Raisins. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Caramelized Cashews and Raisins

Craving something sweet and satisfying to munch on? Get a batch of Caramelized Cashews and Raisins going. They’re a great way to add a quick, sugary crunch to your night, making your all-time favorite Asian meals even more enjoyable, especially when your schedule’s packed.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Cashews and Raisins

Bombay Sandwiches

There’s nothing like a good sandwich to fill you up and keep things simple. Bombay Sandwiches pack a whole lot of taste with zesty veggies and bold spices. They’re a staple for sandwich lovers looking to jazz up their meal with that all-time favorite Asian taste—even on weeknights when time isn’t on your side.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Low angle shot of a samosa cut in half so that you can see the potato filling inside.
Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Samosas

These little pockets are big on taste. Samosas deliver that deliciously spiced potato filling in a crispy pastry—a snack that truly says “all-time favorite Asian meal.” They’re just right for those evenings when you’re looking for a little pick-me-up without putting in too much work.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Chana Aloo Masala

Let’s talk spicy, comforting goodness. Chana Aloo Masala brings the heat with chickpeas and potatoes in a tomato-based sauce. This dish never misses a beat on flavor and is a weeknight win for anyone craving those all-time favorite Asian meals without a ton of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chana Aloo Masala

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken 65.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken 65

Bring on the flavor with Chicken 65, a dish that’s all about that kick. It’s a deliciously spicy staple that’ll heat up your dinner routine in the best way. This is what those all-time favorite Asian meals are all about—bold taste that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on the busiest of weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Char Siu

Get your forks ready for some fork-tender Char Siu. This Chinese-style barbecued pork has all the makings of a night-in favorite. It’s that sweet and savory experience you look forward to, bringing a slice of those all-time favorite Asian meals to busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Last but definitely not least, Beef Bulgogi Bowls are here to win dinner. The sweet and savory marinated beef, mixed with a variety of veggies, gives you a bowlful of goodness. It’s a Korean classic that easily makes it onto the list of all-time favorite Asian meals for busy weeknights. Quick to prepare, it’s a delicious way to keep mealtime interesting.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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