Ditch the takeout with these 21 easy Asian meals

Photo of author

| Published:

Bringing the rich flavors of Asia into your kitchen has never been easier with these 21 recipes designed for simplicity and taste. Each dish offers a unique journey through the diverse cuisines of the continent, from the comfort of home. Say goodbye to the hassle of takeout and hello to quick, wholesome meals that satisfy cravings for authentic Asian flavors without leaving your kitchen.

Low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Onigiri

Two Asian-inspired wraps on a plate with chopsticks.
Onigiri. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These Japanese rice balls are a simple yet delightful snack, filled with your choice of ingredients like salmon or pickled plum. They’re perfect for on-the-go eating or as part of a home-cooked meal, showcasing the versatility of rice. Onigiri proves that sometimes the most satisfying dishes come in the smallest packages, offering a taste of Japan in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Onigiri

Pickled Daikon and Carrots

Low angle shot of a jar of pickled daikon radish and carrots.
Pickled Daikon and Carrots. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A vibrant side dish that adds a crunch and tang to any meal, these pickled vegetables are a staple in many Asian cuisines. They’re incredibly easy to prepare and can elevate dishes like banh mi or rice bowls. This pickling recipe is a gateway to exploring the world of homemade condiments, bringing a burst of flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Daikon and Carrots

Korean Hot Dogs

Overhead shot of Korean hot dogs on parchment paper.
Korean Hot Dogs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Take a street food classic and bring it into your kitchen with these batter-coated, deep-fried hot dogs. They’re a playful and delicious way to enjoy a familiar favorite with a Korean twist. Korean hot dogs are sure to be a hit, offering a crunchy outside and a juicy inside that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Korean Hot Dogs

Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono

A black bowl of Japanese cucumber salad garnished with sesame seeds.
Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This refreshing salad is a light complement to any meal, balancing the richness of dishes with its crisp texture and tangy dressing. It’s an example of how simple ingredients can create a memorable side dish. Sunomono is a testament to the elegance and subtlety of Japanese cuisine, offering a palate-cleansing experience.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono

Palak Paneer

Low angle shot of a bowl of palak paneer on a fancy silver tray with a fancy silver serving spoon.
Palak Paneer. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A beloved Indian dish that combines creamy spinach with paneer cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s rich in nutrients and can be served with rice or naan for a complete dinner. This dish is a perfect introduction to homemade Indian cuisine, proving that complex flavors can be achieved with ease.
Get the Recipe: Palak Paneer

Mongolian Chicken

Two bowls of chicken curry with spices and rice.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Offers a tasty alternative to takeout, featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Mongolian chicken brings the experience of dining out into your kitchen, with flavors that are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Kachumber Salad

Kachumber salad in a white bowl with fancy silver spoons on the side.
Kachumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A fresh, diced salad that brings a burst of color and flavor to the table, combining tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions with a zesty dressing. It’s an ideal accompaniment to heavier meals, offering a refreshing balance. Kachumber salad is a celebration of simplicity, highlighting the natural goodness of its ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and can be made in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them traditionally. The Instant Pot transforms this dish into a feasible weeknight dinner, smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce. Spare ribs have never been easier, or more delicious, making this recipe a must-try for meat lovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Kerala Fish Curry

Fish curry in an earthenware baking dish.
Kerala Fish Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This curry is a deep dive into the flavors of Southern India, featuring fish simmered in a coconut milk-based gravy with a kick of tamarind. It’s a dish that’s both exotic and comforting, perfect for when you’re looking to try something new. Kerala fish curry is a flavorful journey, inviting you to explore the richness of Indian coastal cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Kerala Fish Curry

Miso Glazed Salmon

Miso glazed salmon on a plate with rice and spinach.
Miso Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A dish that combines the umami of miso with the natural sweetness of salmon, creating a main that’s both healthy and packed with flavor. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, requiring minimal effort for maximum taste. This salmon recipe is ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

Kung Pao Chicken

Low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Brings the heat with its perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory notes, featuring chicken, peanuts, and vegetables. It’s a stir-fry that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, offering a homemade twist on a classic Chinese dish. Kung Pao Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Mantou

Low angle shot of two mantou buns filled with char siu filling.
Mantou. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These steamed buns are a staple in Chinese cuisine, offering a soft, fluffy texture that’s perfect for dipping or stuffing. Making them at home is surprisingly simple and provides a fresh alternative to store-bought bread. Mantou is a versatile dish, serving as a blank canvas for both sweet and savory fillings.
Get the Recipe: Mantou

Miso Caramel

Brownies and ice cream with miso caramel being drizzled over the top.
Miso Caramel. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A unique twist on traditional caramel, adding depth and complexity with the addition of miso. It’s a fusion of flavors that creates an unforgettable topping for desserts or a sweet addition to savory dishes. This recipe is a culinary adventure, inviting you to experiment with the sweet and umami combination.
Get the Recipe: Miso Caramel

Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

A bowl of wonton soup with shrimp in it.
Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A comforting bowl of homemade soup featuring delicate wontons filled with a tasty mixture of pork and shrimp. It’s a soothing meal that’s perfect for any day, bringing warmth and comfort with every spoonful. This wonton soup recipe is a labor of love that pays off in rich, flavorful broth and tender dumplings.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

Paneer Rolls

Hand holding paneer roll.
Paneer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These rolls are a delightful vegetarian option, stuffing spiced paneer and vegetables into a wrap for an easy-to-eat meal. They’re perfect for lunches or light dinners, offering a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. Paneer rolls are a testament to the versatility of Indian cheese, proving it can be the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Rolls

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Hawaiian-inspired chicken dish is marinated in a sweet and savory mixture, then coated in mochiko flour for a crispy exterior. It’s a unique take on fried chicken that’s both tender and flavorful. Mochiko chicken is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or a family-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Japanese Pickled Daikon

Overhead shot of pickled daikon on a plate.
Japanese Pickled Daikon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Adds a tangy crunch to any meal, with its refreshing taste and crisp texture. This pickled daikon recipe is a simple way to introduce a traditional Japanese condiment into your meals, enhancing dishes with its bright flavor. It’s an easy entry into the world of pickling, offering a condiment that’s both healthful and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Pickled Daikon

Pancit Bihon

Pancit noodles on a plate with veggies and chicken.
Pancit Bihon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A Filipino noodle dish that’s both light and satisfying, featuring rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat. It’s a complete meal in one pan, making it perfect for quick dinners or large gatherings. Pancit Bihon is a celebration of flavors and textures, bringing a piece of Filipino cuisine to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon

Mulligatawny Soup

Bowl of mulligatawny soup with a hand lifting a spoonful of soup.
Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A rich, spicy soup that combines elements of Indian and British cuisine, offering a hearty and comforting dish. It’s packed with lentils, vegetables, and spices, making it a nutritious and flavorful option. Mulligatawny soup is a culinary hug, perfect for those days when you need a bit of warmth.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup

Onion Samosas

Low angle shot of fried onion samosas ready to serve.
Onion Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These samosas are a crispy, savory snack filled with a spicy onion mixture. They’re perfect for appetizers or snacks, offering a bite-sized treat that’s hard to stop eating. Onion samosas are a fun way to bring a bit of Indian street food into your home, promising flavors that dance on the palate.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas

Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

A bowl of pad kee mao with chicken shot from above.
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Also known as “Drunken Noodles,” this dish features wide rice noodles stir-fried with chicken, vegetables, and a bold sauce. It’s a spicy, savory meal that’s perfect for satisfying cravings for Thai cuisine. Pad Kee Mao offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a must-try for lovers of spicy food.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.