Embarking on a culinary journey across Asia doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a rich tapestry of flavors and techniques, Asian cuisine offers a plethora of simple dishes that are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned home cook, mastering these dishes is within your reach. Let’s explore these 22 simple and delicious Asian dishes that you can whip up in no time, bringing the vibrant flavors of Asia straight to your kitchen.
1. Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken is a savory and sweet delight. The chicken, often thighs for juiciness, is cooked in a luscious sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Easy to prepare, this dish requires minimal ingredients and time. The secret is to let the sauce thicken to a sticky glaze that coats each piece.
Serve it over rice, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions for a touch of freshness. This dish is perfect for those seeking a quick, satisfying meal.
2. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a quintessential street food from Thailand. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
Made with rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, crushed peanuts, and a lime wedge, it’s a well-rounded meal. Cooking it in a hot wok ensures the noodles are perfectly cooked and each ingredient retains its texture.
The dish is finished with bean sprouts and fresh cilantro, adding a refreshing crunch. Whether using shrimp or chicken, it’s a satisfying, quick meal option.
3. Sushi Rolls
Sushi rolls offer a delicate balance of taste and texture. Using vinegared rice and nori, or seaweed sheets, wrap your favorite fillings.
Common ingredients include fresh fish, avocado, and cucumber, providing a refreshing bite with every piece. The key is evenly spreading the rice and not overstuffing.
Once rolled, slice with a sharp knife and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Making sushi rolls at home is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, perfect for gatherings.
4. Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul. Originating from India, it features a rich, spiced sauce that envelops tender chicken.
The base usually consists of onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices like cumin and coriander. Adding coconut milk gives the sauce a creamy texture.
Serve it over basmati rice or with naan for a comforting meal. Adjust the spice level to your preference, making it as mild or fiery as desired.
5. Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi fried rice is a punchy, spicy dish that brings life to leftovers. The star of the dish, kimchi, offers a tangy and spicy flavor profile.
Fry the rice with a bit of oil, incorporating the kimchi and any leftover vegetables or proteins you have. The dish is best topped with a fried egg, yolk runny for extra richness.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and aroma. It’s an ideal quick meal with bold flavors.
6. Miso Soup
Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine, renowned for its simplicity and depth of flavor. The base is dashi, a Japanese stock, combined with miso paste.
Tofu cubes and seaweed add texture, while green onions give a fresh finish. It’s a meal starter or a light snack, balancing savory and umami notes.
Preparing miso soup is about respecting the balance of ingredients, ensuring the miso paste isn’t boiled to preserve its delicate taste. It’s warm, comforting, and nourishing.
7. Pho
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that’s as aromatic as it is delicious. It features a clear broth, often beef, with rice noodles and thinly sliced meat.
Essential spices like star anise and cinnamon infuse the broth with warmth and depth. Toppings include bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Pho is a beloved dish for its soothing qualities, perfect for any time of day. Making pho at home is a rewarding endeavor, offering a taste of Vietnam.
8. Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a refreshing Vietnamese favorite, perfect for light snacking. Rice paper wraps hold a variety of fresh fillings.
Common ingredients include shrimp, lettuce, and mint, providing a crisp bite with each roll. The key is to keep the rolls tight and the ingredients fresh.
Serve with a side of peanut sauce for dipping, adding a nutty and savory contrast. Ideal for hot days or as a healthy appetizer, they’re simple, fun to make, and delicious.
9. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao chicken is a spicy Sichuan dish known for its bold flavors and textures. Diced chicken is stir-fried with peanuts, dried chilies, and garlic.
The sauce combines soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, creating a sweet, tangy, and savory glaze. It’s all about balancing heat with sweetness.
Serve it hot with steamed rice to soak up the sauce. The dish is vibrant and satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals.
10. Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a Korean mixed rice dish that offers a symphony of flavors and colors. It features rice topped with vegetables, beef, and a fried egg.
Each ingredient is prepared separately to keep its unique flavor and texture. The dish is brought together with gochujang, a spicy red pepper paste.
Mix everything before eating to enjoy the harmony of flavors. It’s visually stunning and offers a delightful mix of textures, from crunchy vegetables to tender beef.
11. Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum Soup is a hot and sour Thai favorite. It’s celebrated for its bold, aromatic flavors.
The broth is infused with lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal, giving it a distinct aroma and taste. Shrimp or chicken adds protein, making it a hearty soup.
Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing finish. This dish warms you with its spicy and tangy notes, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
12. Dim Sum Dumplings
Dim sum dumplings are a Cantonese delicacy, offering bite-sized morsels of joy. Typically served in bamboo baskets, they come steamed or fried.
Popular fillings include shrimp, pork, and vegetables, each offering a unique flavor profile. The key to great dumplings is the wrapper, which should be thin yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Enjoy them with soy sauce or chili oil for dipping. Dumplings are a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one meal.
13. Ramen
Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup that’s both comforting and customizable. The broth, often pork-based, is rich and flavorful.
Toppings like pork slices, a soft-boiled egg, and seaweed add depth and texture. Each bowl is a personal creation, with endless topping possibilities.
The noodles are the heart of ramen, and achieving the perfect chewiness is key. Whether you prefer spicy or mild, ramen is a versatile dish that satisfies.
14. Satay Skewers
Satay skewers are a popular street food across Southeast Asia. Marinated meat, usually chicken or beef, is grilled to perfection.
The marinade often includes soy sauce, turmeric, and lemongrass, imparting a fragrant aroma. Serve with a side of peanut sauce for dipping, which enhances the savory flavors.
These skewers are easy to prepare and make for a great appetizer or main course. They’re flavorful, thanks to the charred, smoky taste from the grill.
15. Gyoza
Gyoza are Japanese dumplings known for their crispy bottoms and tender filling. These dumplings are typically filled with pork, cabbage, and garlic chives.
The cooking technique involves pan-frying, steaming, and then frying again to achieve the perfect texture. Serve them hot with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and vinegar.
Gyoza are great as an appetizer or a main dish, offering a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the juicy interior.
16. Tempura
Tempura is a Japanese dish loved for its light, crispy texture. It involves battering and frying seafood and vegetables.
Common items include shrimp, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers. The secret to great tempura is in the batter’s consistency, which should be cold and lightly mixed.
Serve with a side of tentsuyu sauce for dipping. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course, offering a delightful crunch in every bite.
17. Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup with a rich coconut curry base. This Southeast Asian dish is known for its complex flavors.
It typically includes rice noodles, shrimp, and tofu, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The broth is enriched with spices like lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric.
Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for added freshness. Laksa is perfect for those who love a creamy yet spicy dish that warms the soul.
18. Green Curry
Green curry is a Thai delicacy celebrated for its vibrant color and bold flavors. The curry paste is made from fresh green chilies, giving it a spicy kick.
Chicken, eggplant, and basil are common ingredients, each contributing to the dish’s complexity. Serve with jasmine rice to soak up the rich, aromatic sauce.
The balance of spicy, sweet, and savory makes green curry a favorite for those seeking exotic and flavorful dishes.
19. Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is a spicy and flavorful Sichuan dish. Soft tofu cubes are simmered in a sauce made with fermented black beans and chili paste.
Ground pork adds depth, while Sichuan peppercorns provide a unique numbing sensation. The dish is best served hot with steamed rice.
Mapo tofu offers a rich, fiery taste that excites the palate, making it a great option for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors.
20. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese chicken rice is a beloved dish in Singapore, known for its simplicity and taste. The chicken is poached until tender and served with fragrant rice.
The rice is cooked in chicken broth with garlic and ginger, infusing it with rich flavors. Accompany it with a trio of dipping sauces: chili, ginger, and soy.
This dish is a testament to the beauty of simple, well-executed cooking, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
21. Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s take on fried rice, characterized by its smoky flavor. The rice is stir-fried with kecap manis, a sweet soy sauce, and served with a fried egg.
Additions like chicken, shrimp, and vegetables make it a hearty meal. Often accompanied by prawn crackers and pickled vegetables.
The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes nasi goreng a favorite across Indonesia, offering a comforting and filling dining experience.
22. Samosas
Samosas are a popular snack across South Asia, loved for their crispy pastry and flavorful filling. The filling typically includes spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat.
Frying the pastry gives it a golden, crunchy exterior. They’re often served with mint chutney, adding a refreshing contrast.
Samosas are perfect for parties or as a mid-day snack, offering a delightful mix of spices and textures in every bite.