5 Best Asian Dinner Recipes

delicious asian dinner ideas

Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? Asian cuisine is packed with bold flavors, and I've got five fantastic recipes that'll have your taste buds dancing. From zesty Szechuan noodles to sweet teriyaki chicken stir-fry, there's something for everyone. Plus, they're quick to whip up, making them perfect for those busy weeknights. So, grab your apron and let's plunge into these delicious dishes that'll make your dinner table the place to be!

Spicy Szechuan Noodles

Spicy Szechuan Noodles are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the heat and excitement of Szechuan cuisine to your dinner table. With a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, these noodles are quick to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste.

Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or a satisfying side dish, this recipe will surely delight your palate with its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. Szechuan noodles or any preferred noodles
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by cooking the Szechuan noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns, sautéing until fragrant.

Next, stir in the soy sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, and sugar, mixing well. Add the bell pepper and snap peas, cooking for a few minutes until they're just tender.

Finally, toss in the cooked noodles, ensuring they're evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Extra Tips:

For an added layer of flavor, consider marinating your protein of choice (tofu, chicken, or shrimp) in the Szechuan sauce before cooking.

You can also adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of chili paste or adding fresh chili peppers. If you prefer a milder dish, substitute some of the Szechuan peppercorns with regular black pepper.

Don't hesitate to add more vegetables like carrots or broccoli for extra nutrition and color. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

teriyaki chicken stir fry recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is a delightful and colorful dish that captures the essence of Asian cuisine. Featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, this stir-fry is packed with fresh vegetables and served over rice or noodles.

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It's quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners while still offering a taste of homemade goodness that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, and green)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions:

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until it's cooked through and slightly golden.

Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the mixed bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Pour in the teriyaki sauce, mixing everything together and allowing it to simmer for another 2 minutes. Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the chicken to absorb the sauce's sweetness and depth.

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what's in season — options like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms work beautifully too.

Finally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and add it to the stir-fry during the last minute of cooking.

Coconut Curry Shrimp

Coconut Curry Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia in a creamy, aromatic sauce. The natural sweetness of coconut milk pairs beautifully with the tender shrimp, while a medley of spices adds depth and warmth to every bite.

This dish isn't only quick to prepare but also perfect for serving over steamed rice or noodles, making it an ideal choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving
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To cook Coconut Curry Shrimp, start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Next, add the red curry paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour in the coconut milk, followed by the fish sauce and brown sugar, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shrimp, bell pepper, and snap peas, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and the vegetables are tender.

Serve the curry garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges over rice or noodles.

When preparing Coconut Curry Shrimp, it's essential to choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.

You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less curry paste according to your preference. For extra depth, consider adding vegetables like zucchini or carrots, or even a splash of lime juice for brightness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they can be enjoyed the next day—just reheat gently to preserve the shrimp's tenderness.

Beef and Broccoli

savory beef with broccoli

Beef and Broccoli is a classic Asian dish that combines tender beef slices with bright green broccoli florets, all coated in a savory, flavorful sauce. This dish isn't only quick and easy to prepare, but it's also packed with nutrients and a satisfying umami taste.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you're hosting friends, Beef and Broccoli is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and vibrant colors.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp.

Return the beef to the skillet and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch mixed with beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well-coated, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

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Extra Tips:

To achieve the most tender beef, be sure to slice it thinly against the grain.

Marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch for about 15-30 minutes before cooking can also improve its tenderness and flavor.

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the dish.

Serve your Beef and Broccoli over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal, and feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

Enjoy!

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made in a matter of minutes using leftover rice and your favorite vegetables. This meal isn't only quick to prepare, but it's also a great way to use up veggies in your fridge, making it both economical and environmentally friendly.

With the perfect balance of flavors from soy sauce and sesame oil, this dish can be enjoyed as a side or a main course, making it a staple in many Asian households.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably day-old)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, corn)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 eggs (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.

If using eggs, push the vegetables to one side of the pan, crack the eggs into the empty space, and scramble them until fully cooked. Then, combine the eggs with the vegetables.

Next, add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they're tender. Add the day-old rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, mixing everything together thoroughly.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, always use day-old rice, as it helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy. If you don't have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and let it cool completely before using.

Additionally, feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Other great additions can include bell peppers, mushrooms, or even tofu for added protein.

Adjust the soy sauce and sesame oil to your taste for a more personalized flavor profile.


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