21 Asian Dinners to Skip the Takeout Menu Tonight

Takeout sounds easy until the same order starts feeling automatic. These 21 Asian dinners bring pork chops, bulgogi, chow mein, Thai chicken skewers, ramen, fried rice, Korean corn dogs, shrimp, stir fry, burgers, orange chicken, beef and broccoli, and Kung Pao chicken into one home-cooked lineup. Some cook fast in a wok or skillet, while others use a marinade, crispy coating, or sauce to bring more takeout-style energy to the table. The list gives readers plenty of ways to skip the menu tonight without settling for a plain dinner.

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds. — Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops

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

Made with 4 hours of marinating, 8 minutes of cooking, and 10 minutes of rest time, Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops serve 4 with pork chops, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, honey, olive oil, black pepper, green onions, and sesame seeds. The pork soaks in the marinade before searing for 3 to 4 minutes per side. It fits the takeout-skip title because the sweet soy-ginger flavor gives pork chops a different dinner role. Serve with rice, stir-fried vegetables, kimchi, or cucumber salad.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops

Beef Bulgogi

A bowl of cooked beef slices topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. — Beef Bulgogi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ready in 1 hour and 10 minutes with marinating time included, Beef Bulgogi serves 4 with thinly sliced sirloin or ribeye, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, onion, sesame oil, vegetable oil, black pepper, green onions, and sesame seeds. The beef marinates for at least 30 minutes before cooking quickly in batches. It fits tonight’s takeout swap because the caramelized edges and rice-friendly sauce make the dish feel restaurant-style. Serve with rice, lettuce leaves, cucumber salad, or kimchi.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi

Chow Mein

Ready in 20 minutes, Chow Mein serves 4 with chow mein noodles, cabbage, celery, red onion, carrots, green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic, beef broth, and cornstarch. The noodles soften first, then the vegetables and sauce finish in the wok. It fits the title because noodles are one of the easiest takeout habits to replace at home. Serve on its own or add chicken, beef, shrimp, or extra vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Chow Mein

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Thai chicken skewers topped with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped herbs and peanuts, served over a bed of white rice. — Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Made in 1 hour and 5 minutes, Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers serve 4 with boneless chicken thighs, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, red curry paste, lime, sesame oil, fish sauce, herbs, peanuts, and peanut sauce. The chicken marinates before going onto skewers and grilling over medium-high heat. It fits the dinner list because the peanut sauce gives the grilled chicken enough flavor to stand apart from plain skewers. Serve with rice, slaw, cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Elevated Ramen Noodles

A bowl of ramen with soft-boiled egg, vegetables, and sesame seeds. — Elevated Ramen Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ready in 25 minutes, Elevated Ramen Noodles serves 2 with eggs, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chicken broth, instant ramen noodles, baby bok choy, shredded carrot, black sesame seeds, and green onions. The broth simmers with garlic, ginger, and soy before the noodles and bok choy cook in the pot. It fits the title because instant ramen turns into a fuller bowl. Serve with extra vegetables, chili oil, or leftover chicken.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles

Pineapple Fried Rice

A plate of fried rice with peas, carrots, pineapple chunks, shredded chicken, and garnished with chopped green onions. — Pineapple Fried Rice. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ready in 25 minutes, Pineapple Fried Rice serves 6 with eggs, green onions, garlic, ginger, pineapple, red bell pepper, carrots, peas, cooked basmati rice, shredded chicken, cashews, and low-sodium soy sauce. The pineapple and vegetables cook first before the rice, chicken, cashews, eggs, and soy sauce come together. It fits the takeout-skip theme because one skillet brings sweet fruit, chicken, rice, and crunch. Serve it as a main or with spring rolls.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice

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.

Ready in 40 minutes, Korean Corn Dogs make 16 servings with flour, lukewarm water, instant yeast, sugar, salt, hot dogs, panko breadcrumbs, skewers, frying oil, sugar, ketchup, and mustard. The batter rises first, then the skewered hot dogs get coated, rolled in panko, and fried until golden. It fits the list as a street-food-style dinner option. Serve with fries, cucumber salad, kimchi, or a side of noodles.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

Panda Express Chow Mein

A close-up of cooked instant noodles mixed with sautéed cabbage and onions in a pan. — Panda Express Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ready in 25 minutes, Panda Express Chow Mein serves 4 with chow mein noodles, cabbage, celery, onion, garlic, vegetable oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, chicken broth, cornstarch, and green onions. The noodles loosen in boiling water before being hit with vegetables and sauce. It fits the title because it copies a familiar takeout side that can work as dinner. Serve with orange chicken, beef and broccoli, or cashew chicken.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Chow Mein

Shrimp Tempura

A bowl of crispy fried shrimp with slices of green onions and jalapeños. — Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Ready in 25 minutes, Shrimp Tempura serves 4 with shrimp, oil, flour, cornstarch, salt, iced water, egg whites, and a dipping sauce made with water, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The shrimp are dipped in a cold batter, then fried in small batches until crisp. It fits tonight’s list because the fried shrimp brings a takeout-style texture without ordering out. Serve with rice, miso soup, cucumber salad, or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

Black Bean Noodles

A bowl of stir-fried udon noodles with beef, cabbage, and green onion garnish, served with a pair of chopsticks on the side. — Black Bean Noodles. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Ready in 35 minutes, Black Bean Noodles serve 3 with green cabbage, onions, sesame oil, pork belly, garlic, ginger, Korean black bean paste, sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, Persian cucumber, scallions, and fresh udon noodles. The cabbage and onions cook first before the pork belly, and the black bean paste builds the sauce. It fits the takeout-skip title because the glossy noodles feel rich and filling. Serve with cucumber, scallions, kimchi, or pickled radish.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Noodles

Cashew Chicken

Ready in 40 minutes, Cashew Chicken serves 4 with chicken breasts, cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, chili garlic sauce, ginger, garlic, vegetable oil, red bell pepper, broccoli, cashews, edamame, sesame seeds, and green onions. The chicken gets coated, browned, and returned to the skillet with vegetables, cashews, edamame, and sauce. It fits the title because the sweet, nutty stir-fry can replace a delivery order. Serve with rice, noodles, or fried rice.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

A close-up of a serving of shrimp garnished with chopped green onions, red chili slices, and cilantro, placed in a bowl with chopsticks on the side. — Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Ready in 35 minutes, Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp serves 4 with shrimp, Thai chili peppers, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, flour, cornstarch, scallions, peppercorns, salt, and cilantro. The shrimp marinate briefly in fish sauce, get coated in flour and cornstarch, then fry before being tossed with garlic, ginger, chilies, and scallions. It fits the dinner list because the crisp shrimp brings a strong takeout-style bite. Serve with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

A bowl of rice topped with broccoli, chicken, red peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds, with black chopsticks resting on the side. — Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Ready in 30 minutes, Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry serves 4 with sesame oil, boneless skinless chicken thighs, onion, broccoli, red bell pepper, green beans, teriyaki sauce, green onions, and sesame seeds. The chicken sears first, then the vegetables cook in the same wok before the sauce pulls everything together. It fits the title because dinner lands fast with protein, vegetables, and sauce in one pan. Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Egg Fried Rice

Oval dish filled with fried rice garnished with chopped green onions. — Egg Fried Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ready in 25 minutes, Egg Fried Rice serves 4 with jasmine rice, eggs, vegetable oil, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The rice cooks and cools before the eggs scramble in hot oil, then everything fries together with sesame oil, green onions, and soy sauce. It fits the takeout-skip list because simple pantry ingredients turn into a fast rice bowl. Serve it with General Tso’s chicken, shrimp, beef, or vegetable stir fry.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

Chicken Chow Mein

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chicken in a pan, featuring carrots, cabbage, and green onions. — Chicken Chow Mein. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Ready in 30 minutes, Chicken Chow Mein serves 4 with chicken thighs, chow mein noodles, cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, green onions, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and brown sugar. The chicken browns first before the vegetables, noodles, and sauce finish in the wok. It fits tonight’s title because the dish gives noodles, chicken, and vegetables in one pan. Serve warm with extra green onions or chili oil.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Vegetable Stir Fry

Ready in 27 minutes, Vegetable Stir Fry serves 4 with soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, cornstarch, broccolini, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, mushrooms, green onion, and sesame seeds. The vegetables cook quickly in a wok before the sauce thickens around them. It fits the list as a lighter dinner or side for larger plates. Serve with rice, noodles, tofu, shrimp, or chicken.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

General Tso’s Chicken

Stir-fried chicken pieces in a spicy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, served in a round metal dish on an orange placemat. — General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Ready in 1 hour, General Tso’s Chicken serves 6 with chicken breast, cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, egg whites, vegetable oil, garlic powder, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, chicken stock, sugar, red pepper flakes, and green onion. The chicken marinates, gets dredged, fries in batches, and then gets coated in sauce. It fits the takeout-skip title because crispy chicken and sticky sauce are exactly what people usually order.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

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.

Ready in 20 minutes, Korean Burgers serve 3 with ground beef, garlic, ginger powder, soy sauce, black pepper, honey BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, scallions, and sesame seed buns. The beef mixture forms into patties before cooking in a pan or on the grill. It fits the Asian dinner list because the garlic, soy, scallions, and chili-garlic mayo give burger night a Korean-inspired twist. Serve with slaw, kimchi, fries, or cucumber salad.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Panda Express Orange Chicken

A plate of sesame chicken pieces covered in sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. — Panda Express Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ready in 30 minutes, Panda Express Orange Chicken serves 4 with chicken breast, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, orange juice, garlic, sesame seeds, and green onions. The chicken fries in batches before the orange sauce simmers and coats each piece. It fits the title because the dish targets a familiar takeout order with a home version. Serve with chow mein, fried rice, broccoli, or steamed rice.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Orange Chicken

Beef and Broccoli

Ready in 30 minutes, Beef and Broccoli serves 4 with flank steak, olive oil, broccoli, sesame seeds, soy sauce, water, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. The broccoli stir-fries first, then the steak sears quickly before the sauce thickens around everything. It fits the title because the pan handles a classic takeout dinner in half an hour. Serve with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Kung Pao Chicken

Ready in 30 minutes, Kung Pao Chicken serves 4 with chicken breast, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, cornstarch, chicken broth, vinegar, oil, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and green onions. The chicken marinates briefly, then cooks with vegetables and a thickened sauce. It fits the takeout-skip title because the dish brings heat, vegetables, and quick wok cooking. Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or broccoli.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken