19 Asian Recipes That Make You Wonder Why You Didn’t Try Sooner

ByMandy

If Asian food isn’t already part of your regular dinner rotation, these 19 recipes will have you questioning your life choices. With flavors that hit just the right notes, they’ll leave you wondering why you waited so long to try them. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these dishes will quickly become your go-to for something different.

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce.
Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sushi Rice

A bowl of steamed white rice topped with sliced green onions and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Sushi Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Have you ever wondered why sushi at restaurants tastes so good? The secret might just lie in a well-prepared base. It’s more than just rice; it’s about getting a perfect balance of texture and flavor, which underpins many sushi varieties. When you nail Sushi Rice, you unlock the door to creating various sushi dishes right in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Rice

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.

If you’re in the mood for something comforting and rich, you’re looking at the right dish. It’s a beautiful blend of spices and coconut milk that envelops your chosen ingredients in a thick, tasty sauce. Massaman Curry has roots deeply embedded in Thai cuisine but carries a gentle influence from the Indian subcontinent.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

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.

Walking down a street in Seoul, you can’t miss the enticing aroma of one of Korea’s most popular street foods. Korean Corn Dogs are a unique twist on the American classic, taking the concept to new heights with inventive coatings and fillings. What sets them apart is not just the batter, but the textures and flavors with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

Egg Drop Soup

A comforting bowl of egg drop soup elegantly garnished with fresh cilantro, vibrant chives, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

On days when you crave something light yet satisfying, this dish comes to the rescue. Egg Drop Soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine, known for its simplicity and comforting qualities. It brings together delicate eggs in a tasty broth, creating a smooth texture that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Kung Pao Chicken

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.

Fancy a bit of heat? Here’s a dish that combines spice, sweetness, and nutty flavors all in one. Kung Pao Chicken, a beloved Sichuan dish, knows how to deliver a punch with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch. It’s all about the balance of components that create a harmonious dish beloved by many.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Ever thought about deconstructing sushi and turning it into a casserole? The answer is a creative and communal dish known as Sushi Bake. It’s like having the essence of sushi in a form that’s easy to share and even easier to enjoy. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family dinners, offering a new twist on traditional sushi.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

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.

Sometimes, all you need is a dish that delivers comfort and flavor without the fuss. This Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!) promises just that, with its rich and creamy sauce that’s better than anything you’d order in. It’s straightforward but by no means plain.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

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.

For those who enjoy a bit of fermentation in their food, here’s a Korean classic that packs a flavorful punch. Kimchi Stew is all about embracing the robust flavors of kimchi in a warm, hearty stew. It’s a comforting dish that combines depth of flavor with simplicity in preparation. Each sip brings a tangy and spicy warmth.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Lemongrass Chicken

Grilled chicken with herbs on white rice, garnished with shredded carrots and cabbage.
Lemongrass Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Imagine infusing your meal with the fresh, citrusy aroma of lemongrass. That’s what you get with Lemongrass Chicken, a dish that marries simple ingredients with bold flavors. This recipe brings out the best in chicken, making it tender, juicy, and incredibly aromatic. It’s a fabulous choice for anyone looking to add a twist.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

Easy Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No need to call for takeout when you can whip up this classic at home. Easy Chow Mein is a stir-fried noodle dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. It’s all about the texture and the right combination of sauces to bring the noodles to life. You can toss in your favorite veggies or proteins.
Get the Recipe: Easy 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.

Who doesn’t love food on sticks? Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are more than just a fun way to eat chicken; they’re a flavor-packed experience that brings a bit of Thailand to your backyard. These skewers are all about the marinade, which infuses the chicken with incredible flavors before being perfectly charred on the grill.
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.

Say goodbye to the bland packets of instant noodles. Elevated Ramen Noodles transform a college dorm staple into a gourmet experience. This dish is an ode to creativity, allowing for endless customizations from toppings to broth flavors. It’s about taking something simple and upgrading it with a few fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles

Shrimp Tempura

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

Craving something crispy? Shrimp Tempura is a Japanese dish that’s both simple and elegant. It’s all in the technique, turning shrimp into a light, crispy treat wrapped in a delicate batter. Perfect as an appetizer or part of a larger meal, it’s a testament to the beauty of Japanese cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

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.

There’s something truly comforting about a good stir fry, especially when it’s Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. This dish brings together tender chicken and crisp vegetables, all coated in a sweet and tasty sauce that’s utterly addictive. It’s a fantastic way to get your fix of protein and veggies in a meal that’s both hearty and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

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.

Take your burger game international with some Korean flair. Korean Burgers are an exciting twist on the classic, incorporating unique flavors and ingredients that set them apart from your average patty. This dish is a conversation starter, mixing traditional and modern in a way that’s bound to impress at any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

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.

For a sweet and crispy meal, look no further. Sesame Chicken combines a delicious sauce with pieces of crispy chicken to create a dish that’s hard to resist. This recipe is a popular choice for good reason, offering a burst of flavor that complements the tender chicken beautifully. It’s an ideal pick for those evenings when you’re craving.
Get the Recipe: Sesame 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.

Sometimes, the best meals are the ones you can customize to your liking. Rice Paper Rolls offer just that, providing a fresh and light option that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These rolls are all about texture and freshness, inviting you to fill them with a variety of ingredients for the perfect bite.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls

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.

It’s hard to say no to a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and crispy elements. General Tso’s Chicken is a takeout favorite that’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home. This dish is known for its deeply flavorful sauce that upgrades the crispy chicken to a whole new level.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce.
Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, you’ve found it. Easy Bibimbap is a Korean classic that serves up a colorful array of vegetables atop a bed of rice, often crowned with a fried egg. It’s not just a feast for the eyes but a balanced meal that invites you to mix everything before taking that first bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

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