Cook 29 Asian Recipes and Pretend You’re on Vacation

A vacation is great, but eating like you’re on one? Even better. These 29 Asian recipes bring bold flavors, rich traditions, and a whole lot of “why haven’t I made this before?” moments. Some are light, some are hearty, and all will have you planning your next meal before you finish the first. No passport required—just an appetite.

A colorful dish of shrimp stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sesame seeds, garnished with basil leaves and green onions. Chopsticks rest on the dish.
Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks.
Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re craving something cozy and unique, Birria Ramen merges two classics into one pot of joy. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in comfort from the first spoonful. Whether you’ve had a long day or just need something fulfilling, this recipe won’t disappoint. It’s where traditional meets modern in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

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.

Sesame Chicken hits all the right notes for a chill night in. It’s crunchy, it’s sticky, and above all, it’s packed with just the right kick. You won’t need to call for takeout once you’ve got this recipe under your belt. Really, it’s that good and simple to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

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 those days you’re looking for something light yet comforting, Egg Drop Soup is the ticket. This dish is all about simplicity, letting a few key components shine. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for those times you want a homemade soup without the fuss. Plus, it’s versatile enough to add your spin on it.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Close-up of sweet and sour chicken with bell peppers and pineapple chunks in a thick sauce.
Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet and Sour Chicken brings that much-loved restaurant flavor right to your kitchen. It’s got that perfect balance of sweetness and tang that hooks you from the first bite. Ideal for when you’re in the mood for something that packs a punch without being overly complicated. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, no doubt about it.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Tom Yum Soup

Close-up of a spicy tom yum soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomato chunks, lime wedge, and chopped herbs in a rich, red broth.
Tom Yum Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you need something to warm you up and awaken your senses, Tom Yum Soup is the way to go. It has a refreshing kick that makes it stand out from other soups. Every spoonful is a vivid reminder of why it’s a favorite in its home country and beyond. It’s simple, aromatic, and full of character.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Sweet and Sour Pork

Close-up of sweet and sour pork with chunks of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, garnished with sesame seeds and chives.
Sweet and Sour Pork. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet and Sour Pork is your go-to when you’re craving that classic takeout taste but want to make it yourself. It strikes the perfect balance between tender and tangy. It’s one of those meals that feels like a special treat without all the hassle. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

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.

For a quick and nourishing meal, you can’t go wrong with Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. This dish is all about fresh ingredients coming together in harmony. It’s both filling and doesn’t weigh you down, making it ideal for any day of the week. Plus, it’s a great way to get your green veggies in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Hot and Sour Soup

Bowl of hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tofu, and sliced green onions, with a spoon on the side.
Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Looking for something with a bit of kick? Hot and Sour Soup is your friend here. This recipe is a brilliant mix of textures and tastes, offering something truly dynamic. It’s great for those evenings when you want something both invigorating and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

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.

Sushi Bake is like the laid-back cousin of traditional sushi, perfect for when you’re in the mood for something fun. It’s all the flavors you love, baked together in a dish that’s meant to be shared. Whether it’s a chill weekend meal or something to impress your friends, this recipe has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Miso Soup

A bowl of miso soup with tofu cubes, seaweed, and green onions.
Miso Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

On days you’re craving something light but fulfilling, Miso Soup steps up to the plate. This dish is subtle, yet its depth keeps you coming back for more. It’s straightforward to put together, making it perfect for a solo lunch or as a starter. Essentially, it’s comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Miso 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.

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are your shortcut to a flavorful meal without the plane ticket. They’re packed with a punch and can turn any regular evening into something a bit more special. Great for when you’re in the mood for something grilled with a twist. It’s casual dining ramped up a notch.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Chickpea Curry

Bowl of chickpea stew with spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, and topped with fresh cilantro.
Chickpea Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This curry is the unrivaled champion of quick, nutritious eats. It’s hearty, it’s warming, and it comes together in no time. For those evenings when you’re rummaging through the pantry for something to make, Chickpea Curry saves the day. It’s a straightforward route to a meal that feels thought out.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Curry

Lemongrass Chicken

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

If you’re after something light but don’t want to skimp on flavor, Lemongrass Chicken should be on your radar. This dish is all about that fragrant hit of lemongrass paired with the perfect char. It’s surprisingly easy to make but tastes like you’ve been at it for hours. Definitely a must-try for a fuss-free yet tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

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.

This dish is packed with bold flavors that come together in the best way. Easy Thai Peanut Curry is the kind of meal that makes take-out seem like a waste of money. It’s creamy, rich, and has just the right kick. Once you try it, you won’t believe how easy it is to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s something about a good teriyaki glaze that just works. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken gives you that perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite. The sauce sticks to the chicken just right, making it ridiculously addictive. Skip the drive-thru because this version is just as good, if not better.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Thai Yellow Curry

Thai Yellow Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.
Thai Yellow Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some dishes just hit differently, and this is one of them. Thai Yellow Curry is packed with bold flavors and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. It’s got the perfect mix of heat and richness without being too much. If you’ve never tried making it at home, now’s the time.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry

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.

Mixing everything together is half the fun. Easy Bibimbap gives you a little bit of everything in one bowl—crispy rice, bold flavors, and a sauce that brings it all together. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve ordered from your favorite Korean spot.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s a reason Orange Chicken is a takeout favorite. It has that crispy, sticky, sweet glaze that makes every bite better than the last. The balance of sweet and savory keeps you coming back for more. Honestly, this version might just make you stop ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

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.

If you’re in the mood for something bold, this is it. Kimchi Stew is packed with deep flavors and just the right amount of heat. The longer it sits, the better it gets, making leftovers even more tempting. One bowl of this, and you’ll feel like you’re at a cozy Korean restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Shrimp Tempura

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

Crunchy, crispy, and ridiculously good—this is the way shrimp should always be. Shrimp Tempura gives you that light, airy texture with the perfect amount of crunch. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is actually easy to make. Serve it up with a dipping sauce, and it’s game over.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

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.

Sticky and packed with bold flavors, General Tso’s Chicken never disappoints. This dish has that perfect sweet-and-spicy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s got just the right amount of crunch while still being saucy. No need for takeout when you can make it exactly how you like it.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A spoon rests inside a glass jar filled with a thick, brown liquid.
Sweet and Sour Sauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A good sauce can make or break a meal, and this one delivers. Sweet and Sour Sauce is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making everything it touches better. It’s not too thick or too thin—just right for dipping, drizzling, or coating. Once you’ve had the homemade version, the bottled stuff won’t cut it.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

Cashew Chicken

Close-up of Cashew Chicken featuring tender chicken, broccoli, edamame, cashews, and red bell peppers. This delightful dish is topped with sesame seeds and served over a bed of rice.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The mix of crunch and sauce is what makes this one stand out. Cashew Chicken has that perfect combination of nutty, savory, and a little bit of sweetness. The texture from the cashews takes it to another level. If you’re looking for a meal that feels like takeout but tastes even better, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Asian Style Pork Chops

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

These aren’t your average pork chops. Asian Style Pork Chops are packed with bold flavors that make them way more interesting than the usual. They come out tender, juicy, and coated in a sauce that keeps things exciting. If you’re tired of boring dinners, this one changes the game.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

A colorful salad with shredded carrots, zucchini, chicken, orange slices, and sesame seeds on a brown plate, garnished with fresh herbs.
Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you like citrusy, tangy dishes, this one’s a winner. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken has just the right amount of zing to keep every bite interesting. The crispy texture and bright flavors make it something you’ll want to make again. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect when you want something different from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

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.

Crunchy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside—this snack is seriously good. Korean Corn Dogs take the classic corn dog to another level with an extra crispy coating. The contrast between the crispy outside and melty inside is what makes them so addicting. If you’ve never had one, now’s the time to fix that.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Close-up of a shrimp curry dish with rice, topped with black sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry brings together bold spices and a rich, creamy sauce that makes every bite worth it. This dish has just the right kick without being too much, and the sauce is something you’ll want to scoop up to the last drop. Perfect for when you want something hearty but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Chicken Tikka Masala

A close-up of chicken tikka masala served on rice, garnished with fresh cilantro, with lime wedges and naan on the side.
Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

There’s a reason Chicken Tikka Masala is a favorite no matter where you go. This recipe is packed with deep, rich flavors and a sauce that you’ll want to eat with everything. It’s got just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting but won’t knock you out. If you haven’t had it yet, you’re definitely missing out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Thai Drunken Noodles

A colorful dish of shrimp stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sesame seeds, garnished with basil leaves and green onions. Chopsticks rest on the dish.
Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you like bold, punchy dishes, this one is for you. Thai Drunken Noodles are packed with big flavors and just the right amount of heat. It’s the kind of dish that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a go-to for so many people.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

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