35 Asian Recipes People Cook Instead of Ordering Takeout

Every once in a while, these 35 new ideas for Asian recipes come in handy, especially when you want to mix things up at home. Ordering takeout is convenient, but cooking your own meal can feel just as rewarding. With straightforward directions and easy prep, these recipes fit nicely into busy schedules or relaxed nights in.

Close-up of a stir-fry dish with chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, and sesame seeds, coated in a soy-based sauce. — Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

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.

At dinner, serving this Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice makes everyone pause. It manages to keep things light without missing any flavor. People return for seconds, wondering what makes it so simple yet special. Extra batches are helpful because it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

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.

You wouldn’t expect how juicy these Asian Chicken Thighs turn out every time. After the first bite, things get lively around the table. The aroma grabs your interest before you even settle in. Restaurant-style fun lands on any weeknight plate.
Get the Recipe: Asian Chicken Thighs

Scallion Pancakes

The crunch from these Scallion Pancakes always surprises anyone nearby. While the layers flake apart, it’s hard to resist grabbing another piece. Often served as a snack, these never last long. Sharing them guarantees empty plates.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Pancakes

Yakisoba

A close-up of cooked stir-fried noodles with pieces of chicken, sliced carrots, green onions, and a savory sauce in a black pan. — Yakisoba. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stirring up this Yakisoba gives an easy way to add variety on busy nights. As noodles tumble with veggies, cravings for a second bowl follow soon after. Everyone loves the quick comfort it delivers. That warm feeling helps any hectic day feel like a win.
Get the Recipe: Yakisoba

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.

The gentle aroma from this Chinese Steamed Chicken fills the kitchen. Since it’s so tender, each bite feels calm and inviting. Those who try it mention how light yet flavorful it tastes. Perfect for evenings when something mellow and soothing is all you need.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed Chicken

Kimchi

Opening a jar of this Kimchi brings a burst of tang and crunch. There’s a kick that lingers, catching you off guard in the best way. Some dishes just become instant favorites without much introduction. Surprises like this deserve a spot in any fridge.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi

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.

The richness in these Black Bean Noodles stands out as soon as you start swirling your fork. Every mouthful presents a unique taste that’s different from what is expected. It feels like a treat even on ordinary nights. That deep, savory flavor always keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Noodles

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.

You might notice how quickly this Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp vanishes from the plate. Crispy edges and a gentle heat make it hard to resist. This makes a great dish for guests who want something just a little bold. Conversations tend to start around this one.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

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.

Scooping up this Spicy Tuna Bowl makes lunch feel fun and fresh. While the flavors blend, there’s a gentle kick that wakes things up. It’s easy to crave this as an energizing mid-day meal. Each bite encourages you to keep searching for more.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Bowl

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.

When a routine needs to be switched up, this Thai Fried Rice is a go-to solution. Its aroma and color bring excitement to the table instantly. This is the answer whenever things start feeling boring at dinner time. Waiting for leftovers will become a challenge!
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Seaweed Salad

A bite of this Seaweed Salad surprises with its bright, briny flavor. While it’s simple, the texture always grabs your interest. Many mention having not tried anything like it before. Bringing this to potlucks leads to lots of recipe requests.
Get the Recipe: Seaweed Salad

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.

Pouring this Dashi over rice or noodles adds depth without any fuss. Subtle flavors come through and turn something plain into something memorable. This is a comforting go-to when just enough warmth is needed for a chilly evening. Its aroma brings peace to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Dashi

Lemongrass Chicken

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

The scent of this Lemongrass Chicken sets the mood right away. Although it’s lighter than expected, each bite is full of fresh flavor. Every time this hits the table, the platter empties faster than drinks can be refilled. That gentle citrus note lingers and makes it hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

Rice Pilaf

Sometimes it seems that this Rice Pilaf is all you need next to something hearty. The fluffy grains and just enough flavor make it stand out. It acts as the perfect background star at mealtime. Dinners feel so much more complete with this bowl nearby.
Get the Recipe: Rice Pilaf

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.

The deep aroma pulls anyone in at once with this Massaman Curry. Creamy sauce and gentle spices bring comfort to every palate. This works beautifully whenever a more unforgettable dinner is desired. Smiles and empty plates are the usual result.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

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.

Filling the pan with this Pork Fried Rice offers instant meal satisfaction. Every forkful combines chewy rice and savory pork for easy crowd-pleasing. Never expect the serving bowls to be full enough, since everyone wants more. It’s incredibly helpful on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Chicken Tikka Masala

Serving this Chicken Tikka Masala feels like a special treat any evening. Rich sauce wraps around tender chicken, creating flavors that stick in your mind. Folks quickly notice how comforting it is. Returning to this meal will be hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

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.

You’ll notice the fluffiness from this Japanese Cheesecake as soon as you take a bite. The texture stands out from any cheesecake experienced before. Once served for dessert, plates seem to clear without effort. Its gentle sweetness completes any meal.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cheesecake

Chow Mein

Having this Chow Mein ready saves last-minute dinner plans with ease. The noodles are tossed quickly with what you have on hand. It’s simple and surprisingly filling, making it a dependable staple everyone should have. Fast, flavorful, and always a hit in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chow Mein

Vegetable Fried Rice

A quick stir in the pan brings out everything good in this Vegetable Fried Rice. Bright colors and crunch make it appealing to anyone at the table. When something lighter but still hearty is needed, this fits the mood perfectly. A welcome dish after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fried Rice

Chicken Tempura

Plate of batter-fried fritters with a bowl of red dipping sauce on a white plate, viewed from above. — Chicken Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crisp coating and juicy chicken come together in this Chicken Tempura. The contrast is what makes each bite so memorable. Diners often note how light everything is, never too heavy or greasy. It’s a fun recipe for any evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura

Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce in a small bowl on a light green cloth. — Sweet Thai Chili Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The balance of sweet and gentle heat in this Sweet Thai Chili Sauce lifts anything you dip. While usually a small detail, the sauce brings every meal to life. Keeping a jar handy is smart since it adds extra flavor at just the right time. Meals feel more exciting with a spoonful of this.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

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.

The smooth richness of this Butter Chicken brings a meal to new heights. Soft chunks in creamy sauce tempt eaters, so this one disappears quickly. It truly tastes like a restaurant dish made at home. One dinner with this will have you planning the next.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

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.

Looking for something cozy? This Wonton Soup answers that need without being too heavy. The warmth and soothing taste fit any moment. Each bowl offers the comfort that comes in handy, especially on cold days.
Get the Recipe: Wonton Soup

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.

Smoke rising off these Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers draws everyone close. Every juicy bite is packed full of flavor. These are perfect for any backyard hangout. The bold taste keeps folks coming back for more. They’re the kind of skewers that disappear from the platter almost as soon as they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Vegetable Stir Fry

Tossing this Vegetable Stir Fry makes fresh dinners happen without fuss. Fast in the pan, this keeps all the color and crunch you crave. It’s great for staying on track for healthy eating. Simplicity like this often ends up being the best.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Chicken Fried Rice

Bringing this Chicken Fried Rice out at dinnertime solves the meal puzzle fast. Familiar flavors meet variety in a way that keeps things interesting. Each forkful is a mix of comfort and convenience. Expect a clean plate every single time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

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.

The pop of flavor from these Spicy Udon Noodles livens up bland days in an instant. With chewy noodles and bright seasonings, every bite feels exciting. Relying on this midday offers the pick-me-up everyone needs. Meals seem more fun with this on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodles

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.

Crunching into this Egg Roll brings a smile, thanks to the crisp shell and savory filling. Perfect as a snack, these are just right for when a light bite is needed. At any gathering, they vanish fast. Handy to pass around and always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Crispy Rice

The firm crunch of this Crispy Rice makes each bite a little adventure. Not many dishes can offer simplicity and memorability all at once. Used as an appetizer or the main event, it keeps things fresh. The surprise factor never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Rice

Sesame Soba Noodles

Two bowls of soba noodle salad with carrots, edamame, and radish slices, placed on a patterned cloth with wooden chopsticks beside them. — Sesame Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For a lightning-fast lunch, these Sesame Soba Noodles are always handy. It’s cool, refreshing noodles suit warm days or post-workout hunger. Make some ahead of time, and it waits in the fridge for you. Bowls tend to get emptied before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Naan Bread

A stack of flatbreads garnished with chopped parsley sits on a cloth, with a white pepper grinder, fresh herbs, a lemon wedge, and a bowl of yellow sauce nearby. — Naan Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The warmth radiating from this Naan Bread is inviting right from the start. Soft and just chewy enough, it’s perfect for scooping up anything saucy. Extra pieces are always a smart move since it disappears first. This bread fits with every dish on the table.
Get the Recipe: Naan Bread

Crispy Baked Tofu

Crispy tofu cubes piled on a plate with a dish of green dipping sauce in the background. — Crispy Baked Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Often, it’s surprising how well this Crispy Baked Tofu stands in for meat at dinner. Every bite features a crunchy shell over a tender inside. This dish is perfect for anyone interested in tofu but unsure where to begin. Quick and easy, it supports busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Tofu

Panda Express Beijing Beef

A bowl of stir-fried beef with red bell peppers, onions, and chopped green onions, served on a white plate. — Panda Express Beijing Beef. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Takeout loses its magic after experiencing this Panda Express Beijing Beef cooked at home. Sweet and savory flavors come together in just the right balance. When bold cravings hit, this recipe answers every one. It even makes weeknight dinners feel a bit more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Beijing Beef

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Whipping up this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry makes healthy eating simple. The bright green broccoli and juicy chicken turn any dinner into a success. Preparation is quick, which fits packed schedules. This meal often slides right into the regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry