Tried 19 Asian Recipes and They Were Absolutely Worth It

Trying so many recipes back-to-back should have led to a clear favorite, but instead it turned into a debate that nobody could win. Every time one option seemed unbeatable, the next one showed up just as strong. It turned into a friendly problem of having too many good choices, which is not a bad place to be.

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.

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.

Crunchy, saucy, and a little bit spicy, Bang Bang Shrimp is always a good crowd-pleaser at any table. It brings heat that is not too strong, and it has a familiar texture that people like. It gets people talking and coming back for seconds because of the unique sauce.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you haven’t had Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad at a meal, you’re missing a cool and punchy option. The crisp snap puts a unique spin on any table and balances out richer foods. People often welcome its contrast to heavier plates, and it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite in lots of Asian kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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.

There is a special warmth that comes through in Massaman Curry, mixing together different spices with a creamy texture. Even people who think they are not big fans of curry often end up liking it. It has depth without being hard to enjoy or too strong. I liked making this one as it always draws interest at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

Crispy Rice

A stack of crispy rice topped with a dollop of white sauce, red sauce, and sliced green onions, with a blurred dish of green garnishes in the background.
Crispy Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hearing the crunch from Crispy Rice makes your meal feel more complete. It’s fun to eat, with a texture you don’t find in many sides. People who usually skip rice always want a serving of this kind. I find myself wanting to make it just for the sound and the bite it adds to my food.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Rice

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.

When people order sushi, Shrimp Tempura Roll often shows up as a classic. The crunch inside the roll matches well against its softer ingredients, and it draws sushi fans for its familiar appeal. You’ll see it on nearly every sushi menu since folks can’t pass up that unmistakable bite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

Tofu Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with grilled tofu, diced carrots, peas, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of dark sauce, served on a red cloth.
Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Those looking for something filling yet lighter often pick Tofu Fried Rice. Its blend of textures gives a different experience than regular fried rice and offers a solid plant-based swap. Many who try it say it’s an easy way to change up weeknight dinners without missing the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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.

One ingredient can change a soup or base, and Dashi is often that star in many Asian recipes. Its depth is noticed immediately, giving dishes another layer that’s hard to get elsewhere. Cooks and home chefs appreciate how just a small amount makes everything richer.
Get the Recipe: Dashi

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.

Fans of quick weeknight dinners keep coming back to Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. It combines familiar flavors that are easy to enjoy while sticking close to restaurant favorites. This meal works for family dinners or solo bites when you want something predictable but with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Kimchi

A bowl of spicy, pickled kimchi cabbage on a light-colored surface.
Kimchi. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Many tables welcome a jar of Kimchi for its crunch and pickled punch. This side dish steps up to add tang and bite to everything next to it. It’s often a talking point at meals, and people ask about how it changes the usual lineup. With every forkful, you get why it’s shared in so many ways outside just Korean food.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

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

Bringing Thai Sweet Chili Sauce to meals can boost the appeal of sides, snacks, and mains. It’s used by home cooks as a dip or drizzle and pairs perfectly with everything from fries to stir fries. Even simple bites change character once they come into play. If you want something that balances sticky and tangy, keep this one on hand.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Spring Rolls

A plate of fresh vegetable spring rolls sliced in half, arranged around a dish of dipping sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Spring Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Every party platter needs some Spring Rolls to round it out. The wrap is usually light, but what sets this apart is the bundle of textures inside. Guests like dipping and sharing these at group events or as an easy starter. Fresh and easy to grab, it’s no surprise they’re a must-have at gatherings of all sizes.
Get the Recipe: Spring Rolls

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.

Most people don’t expect Asian Style Pork Chops to taste this good right out of the pan. It’s not just a simple chop; there’s more going on, thanks to its mix of sweet and salty tones. Grilled or pan-cooked, this brings a new twist to a basic dinner idea. A quick check with friends or family often brings nods of approval.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

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.

Sharing sticks of Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers at a meal is always popular. You get bite-sized portions and a unique grilled taste different from plain chicken. The smell alone draws people to the table or grill, and it fits well for casual dinners or bigger barbecues. It’s easy to see why this is such a favorite for crowds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

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.

Street food fans talk about Korean Corn Dogs all the time. The twist with texture and sweetness offers a fun alternative to regular corn dogs. Kids and adults both line up for these snacks at fairs and food stalls, and now you can bring those flavors home. Try one, and you’ll understand why they get so much attention.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

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.

Quick meals don’t get much easier than a warm plate of Easy Chow Mein. Everyone loves noodles, and this option hits the spot for a fast dinner with leftovers for lunch. The mix of noodles and classic flavors makes it versatile enough for picky eaters. You’ll end up making this often once you see how simple and comforting it is.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

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.

Every noodle lover should have Coconut Ramen on their list. Its creamy broth brings something new to regular ramen dishes and keeps people coming back for more. Restaurants mention coconut-based broths a lot lately, and fans say homemade versions hold up really well.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Ramen

Asian Slaw

A bowl of colorful coleslaw with shredded purple and green cabbage, carrots, chopped peanuts, and greens, mixed with dressing.
Asian Slaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A good crunchy side connects flavors at any meal, and Asian Slaw fills that spot with ease. People pick it for picnics and parties when they want something light but packed with texture. It’s not just for salads; this slaw goes well in wraps or on burgers, too. Variety and crunch give it a place at lots of tables.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

Strawberry Mochi

Strawberry ice cream with a slice cut out.
Strawberry Mochi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Something about Strawberry Mochi makes people smile, both for the look and taste. It is soft with a pop of fruit inside, making it a favorite for dessert fans. These treats are easy to share, and kids especially want more. When I put them out, no one can say no.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mochi

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.

When friends ask for something bold and memorable, I usually suggest Thai Drunken Noodles. The noodles have a great chew, and the flavors are always big. This one goes quickly at potlucks or family meals. It’s the kind of dish people talk about after trying it.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

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