35 Asian Recipes That Make January Feel More Livable

January always feels a little easier when you have 35 Asian recipes to look forward to. There’s a sense of comfort in trying something new, especially when cozy nights call for fresh flavors. Anyone aiming to mix up the dinner routine could use more options in the winter months. Sometimes, all it takes is a great recipe lineup to lift your spirits.

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

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.

People keep coming back for seconds when serving this Black Bean Noodles recipe. Deep flavors mix with slurpy noodles, which somehow always make dinner more fun. There’s something comforting about a dark, glossy sauce in winter. A big bowl helps January feel a little friendlier.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Noodles

Asian Chicken Thighs

A plate of white rice topped with glazed chicken pieces, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. — Asian Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Whenever these Asian Chicken Thighs hit the table, the meal makes cold evenings feel warmer. Savory flavors blend in the most comforting way, with a cozy aroma filling the kitchen. Crispy edges offer a little crunch when everything else outside seems quiet. They practically invite gathering around the table.
Get the Recipe: Asian Chicken Thighs

Rice Pilaf

Switching up regular rice with this Rice Pilaf brings a gentle twist to any dinner. Layers of flavor unfold with each bite, making simple ingredients feel special. It pairs well with just about anything and definitely perks up plain meals. January feels much easier with something wholesome like this on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Rice Pilaf

Dashi

A wooden ladle pouring fish sauce into a white ceramic bowl, with ripples visible on the liquid surface. A brown napkin is partially visible in the background. — Dashi. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The first sip of this Dashi highlights why soups are so comforting in January. Clean flavors add depth to any dish, transforming ordinary meals into something memorable. It works as a base for other soups or can be enjoyed straight. A warm bowl always helps the day wind down.
Get the Recipe: Dashi

Thai Fried Rice

A plate of shrimp fried rice with pieces of scrambled egg, green onions, and leafy vegetables. — Thai Fried Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Opening the takeout box never feels as exciting as making this Thai Fried Rice at home. Each spoonful has a hint of brightness that breaks up the winter blues. Extra always disappears fast, since leftovers taste even better the next day. The aroma alone sparks smiles.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Chinese Steamed Chicken

A bowl of steamed chicken pieces with mushrooms, garnished with chopped green onions, with chopsticks picking up a piece. — Chinese Steamed Chicken. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A soft and tender kick-off to the year happens with this Chinese Steamed Chicken. Delicate flavors meet juicy meat, giving a gentle nudge towards lighter dinners. It is surprisingly easy to put together, ideal for evenings when energy runs low. Sometimes, simplicity is exactly what January needs.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed Chicken

Pork Fried Rice

Close-up of fried rice with chunks of meat, peas, diced carrots, and bean sprouts mixed together. — Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Weeknights get a tasty upgrade thanks to this Pork Fried Rice. Bits of juicy pork tucked into fluffy rice, with flavors that mingle to create a hearty meal. It is filling without feeling heavy, which definitely helps on chilly winter nights. Wishing for leftovers is highly likely.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried 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.

After a long day, a warm plate of this Massaman Curry brings so much comfort. Smooth, nutty notes swirl together, delivering layers of flavor in every spoonful. Turning to these gentle spices brings relief to cold January dinners. Sometimes, a bowl that hugs you back is just right.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

Spicy Tuna Bowl

A bowl of white rice topped with sliced cucumber, shredded nori, chopped green onions, and a portion of tuna, with a pair of chopsticks resting on top. — Spicy Tuna Bowl. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A bright change for dull evenings starts with this Spicy Tuna Bowl. The spicy kick wakes up your senses and keeps things interesting. People always ask how something so simple tastes so refreshing. This dish is a quick fix for monotony during long winter weeks.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Bowl

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions. — Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

One bite of this Bang Bang Shrimp brings a thrill to dinner, especially in the slower pace of January. The combination of crispy shrimp and creamy sauce draws instant attention. This dish always disappears faster than expected at gatherings. Every bite feels like a mini celebration.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Scallion Pancakes

Looking for something different this month? Turn to these Scallion Pancakes for a crispy, chewy treat. Each piece offers subtle flavor and a satisfying texture, perfect for snacking between meals. Friends keep reaching for more, making these a reliable hit for any table.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Pancakes

Kimchi

Getting through winter without the crunch and kick of this Kimchi just isn’t the same. Tangy layers cut through richer foods and wake up everything on the plate. Adding a spoonful to plain dishes or enjoying it solo makes a big difference. Some flavors seem made for cold months.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi

Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice with peas, eggs, and diced vegetables being stirred with a wooden spatula. — Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A lighter take that never feels boring awaits in this Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice. Bright shrimp mingles with tender cauliflower, offering big taste in a veggie-packed bowl. It is filling without weighing anyone down, which is great for January. Nobody guesses how quick it is to make, making it even better.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Chicken Tikka Masala

Stepping inside to the aroma of this Chicken Tikka Masala makes any wintry evening easier. Creamy and spiced in just the right way, it’s rich but never overwhelming. Serving this when something special but cozy is needed is always a hit. Even the leftovers seem to get warmer with time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Shrimp Tempura Roll

Close-up of sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, and rice, topped with sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo on a beige plate. — Shrimp Tempura Roll. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crunchy outside, soft inside, this Shrimp Tempura Roll is pure joy in January. Every bite delivers excitement, balancing flavor and texture. Curiosity always sparks at potlucks with this roll. Dull winter lunches get a little upgrade with one of these.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

Butter Chicken

A bowl of creamy curry with chicken pieces served over white rice, garnished with cilantro, and accompanied by flatbread. — Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

This Butter Chicken is all about creamy comfort and gentle spice for slow evenings. Rich flavors blend smoothly, making it perfect when warmth is craved. A piece of naan or a scoop of rice turns it into a complete meal. By the next day, leftovers might taste even better.
Get the Recipe: Butter 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.

Lighter eating doesn’t mean less flavor, especially with these Rice Paper Rolls. Crisp vegetables and savory fillings keep every bite interesting. People constantly want to know what’s inside, sparking plenty of conversation. January feels more colorful when these are on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls

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.

Crispy and bold, this Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp proves winter evenings can be exciting. The aroma lifts everyone’s spirits while frying them up. Serving these breaks up plain dinners and offers a little kick. They pair perfectly with simple sides for easy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

Wonton Soup

A ceramic bowl of clear soup containing dumplings, sliced mushrooms, broccolini, chopped green onions, and cilantro. — Wonton Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Chilly nights call for soup, and this Wonton Soup never fails to comfort. Each plump wonton hiding in steamy broth is a tiny present on the spoon. There’s something special about settling into a big bowl after a cold day. Soup always seems to disappear faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Wonton Soup

Shrimp Spring Rolls

Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, purple cabbage, carrots, greens, and topped with chopped peanuts and peanut sauce, served on a plate. — Shrimp Spring Rolls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fresh and crunchy, these Shrimp Spring Rolls brighten up January meals. Layers of flavor are wrapped perfectly inside each roll, offering a mix of soft and crisp. Guests dig right in, looking for the next surprise ingredient. Suddenly, winter lunches have something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Spring Rolls

Vegetable Fried Rice

Shaking off winter’s gray is easy with this Vegetable Fried Rice. Colorful veggies tucked into fluffy rice transform simple ingredients into an exciting dish. Making extra is smart since it’s great for easy lunches throughout the week. Sometimes a super quick meal is all you need.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fried Rice

Sweet Teriyaki Sauce

A spoon of brown liquid sauce with garlic bits is held above an open glass jar. A green cloth and garlic cloves are in the background. — Sweet Teriyaki Sauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Good meals become great when this Sweet Teriyaki Sauce is in the mix. A drizzle over stir fry or grilled chicken changes everything, adding big flavor without much work. People always ask what makes dinner so special when it appears on the plate. Sometimes, little touches make the month smoother.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Teriyaki Sauce

Vegetable Stir Fry

For busy nights, a big pan of this Vegetable Stir Fry always works just right. Fast, colorful, and full of crunch, it turns weekday dinners into something to look forward to. Having leftovers packed in the fridge makes meals even easier. Cold months don’t have to be boring with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Egg Roll

A wooden tray with spring rolls and lime wedges lined with parchment paper sits next to a small bowl of dipping sauce on a light surface. — Egg Roll. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Biting into a crispy Egg Roll at home makes anyone feel like a dinner winner. The crunch gives way to warm filling that sparks joy instantly. People often ask how they get so golden. Wishing for a second batch usually happens.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Thai Yellow Curry

A bowl of this Thai Yellow Curry helps winter’s chill feel miles away. Fragrant spices blend with tender veggies or meat, packing each spoonful with flavor. Turning to this recipe is perfect when the weather feels especially cold. Every bite seems to warm things up from within.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry

Beef and Broccoli

Moving between comfort and excitement, this Beef and Broccoli finds a perfect middle ground. Tender beef meets crisp broccoli while a savory sauce brings everything together. This dish works for rushed or slow, relaxing meals. Both kids and adults might name it as a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Spicy Udon Noodles

Close-up of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, including carrots, green beans, and chopped red peppers, garnished with sesame seeds. Chopsticks are picking up some noodles. — Spicy Udon Noodles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A little heat goes a long way in this Spicy Udon Noodles bowl. Thick noodles swim in broth that wakes you up, making slow winter evenings feel more alive. Resisting this bowl is nearly impossible, especially on low-energy nights. One slurp and the meal is instantly enticing.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodles

Japanese Cheesecake

A slice of sponge cake topped with powdered sugar and a raspberry, served on a plate with two black plastic forks. — Japanese Cheesecake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soft and fluffy, this Japanese Cheesecake brings gentle sweetness just when it’s needed most. The airy texture sets it apart, leaving everyone guessing what makes it unique. Slices disappear quickly, especially when January feels extra long. Trying something new like this can brighten up the season.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cheesecake

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.

Cozy dinners get an upgrade with these Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops. Glazed with a tempting sauce, they bring rich, satisfying flavor to the table. Guests always wonder about the secret behind the taste. Having recipes like this makes winter feel more like home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops

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.

Breaking the boredom of regular burgers happens when these Korean Burgers are served. Bold flavors and crunchy toppings create true excitement at dinner. People stack their plates tall, unable to resist another bite. Winter cookouts don’t have to be dull with this dish nearby.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Coconut Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with noodles, bok choy, mushrooms, half a boiled egg, sesame seeds, and lime, garnished with chili slices. Black chopsticks hold some noodles above the bowl. — Coconut Ramen. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chilly evenings become much cozier with this Coconut Ramen steaming up the kitchen. Creamy broth mingles with noodles, offering a comforting bowl and promised warmth. Making this feels like a treat during a slow month. It deserves a spot in the winter dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Ramen

Crispy Pork Belly

Sliced roast pork with crispy, golden-brown skin on a wooden surface. — Crispy Pork Belly. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The crunch of this Crispy Pork Belly becomes a highlight when the weather cools off. The sound turns dinner festive instantly. Rich layers fill every bite, making it hard to stop with just one piece. Sharing plates with this always draws rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Belly

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.

Testing out these Korean Corn Dogs shakes up snack time in the best possible way. Sweet batter hugs savory sausage, combining to create a craving-inducing treat. Bite-sized pieces liven up January afternoons. Watching friends reach for these is always entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

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.

Big flavors and quick cooking make this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry a top choice for busy nights. Savory sauce and juicy chicken combine to make dinner feel special but simple. Extra holds up well in the fridge, so nothing goes to waste. This recipe is a real time-saver during hectic weeks.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Lemongrass Chicken

Fresh, bright aromas fill the kitchen with this Lemongrass Chicken sizzling away. The flavor is unexpected, lively, and completely suited for the winter slump. Making this is a breeze when something delicious is needed without fuss. A dinner like this helps January feel less gray.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken