It's Time To Try Your Hand at Cooking Asian Cuisine At Home—These 67 Recipes Can Help
Wishing you were traveling the world? Looking to expand your culinary knowledge? Just craving takeout, but have a fridge full of groceries calling your name? What if we told you you can ease your wanderlust and your kitchen guilt by making all your Asian favorites at home? Whether you're looking for Indian, Chinese, Thai, or more, we’ve all got all the classic dishes guaranteed to hit the spot. Get inspired with these 67 Asian food recipes, and make all your most beloved dishes tonight!
This list is all about the classics you know and love, like fried rice, pad Thai, ramen, and butter chicken, as well as some you may not be as familiar with. We recommend starting with you and your family's favorites, like beef & broccoli, lentil dal, bánh mì, or orange chicken, then branching out into dishes you may have never encountered or cooked before, either as your main or to fill out your meal.
Speaking of, we've got tons of appetizers here too. Remembering to get samosas, wonton soup, or summer rolls can make or break a takeout order, and it’s the same at home. Going that extra step can make your homemade meal that much more special. Side dishes also make great leftovers (we love to put them in our packed lunches!)
One of the best things about these recipes is how adaptable they are. Once you’ve got a solid base recipe, like, say, the one in our chicken katsu or our kung pao chicken, turn it into a stir fry using whatever vegetables and protein you have in the fridge. Soups and grain bowls are a close second in terms of versatility—we love changing up the veggies based on what’s in season, and recommend you do the same. With these recipes as your guide, you can rely on old standbys or get creative. You never know when you’ll discover a new favorite!
For more region-specific ideas, check out our list of Mexican, Greek, and Middle Eastern dishes too.
Beef & Broccoli
In terms of popularity, this quintessential Chinese-American dish is a classic. It's right up there with orange chicken, and for very good reason: The combination of tender, seared beef and broccoli tossed in a garlicky, velvety sauce is practically impossible to resist.
Get the Beef & Broccoli recipe.
Indian Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is one of the most popular dishes at most Indian restaurants, and for good reason. This chicken recipe uses deeply flavored chicken thighs, simmered in an ultra-silky and aromatic sauce of tomatoes, cream, and cashews. Spoon this dish over steamed rice or serve with warm naan for the perfect dinner.
Get the Indian Butter Chicken recipe.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is always a must-order, which is why it’s especially disappointing to get a lackluster one. Not to worry—those days are over. With just a few special ingredients, you can make this subtly sweet, tangy, nutty, and salty Thai dish, right at home, exactly how you like it.
Get the Pad Thai recipe.
Bánh Mì
As far as Vietnamese street food goes, bánh mì earns top rankings for its irresistibly savory flavors—umami-packed pork, creamy mayonnaise, crunchy vegetables, and a light crispy baguette come together for sandwich perfection.
Get the Bánh Mì recipe.
Massaman Curry
A fusion between Thai, Indian, and Malaysian cuisines, this mildly sweet curry features tender braised beef, potatoes, and onions simmered in a richly spiced, aromatic coconut milk broth. Served over rice, there’s nothing more satisfying and delicious.
Get the Massaman Curry recipe.
Orange Chicken
If you just can't get enough of the classic Panda Express dish, our copycat recipe is a game-changer. Serve over rice (and maybe with some crab rangoons if you're feeling extra fancy) for a stay-at-home meal to impress even the biggest Panda lover in your life.
Get the Orange Chicken recipe.
Mochi
Mochi is a sweet, chewy rice treat that hails from Japan. Serve these small, sweet cakes with a matcha hot chocolate or simply green tea. Use your leftover glutinous rice flour to make tang yuan, Chinese glutinous rice balls served for Lunar New Year that are similar to mochi (and are delicious year-round).
Get the Mochi recipe.
Fried Rice
We know everyone has a soft spot in their heart for their favorite type of fried rice (we see you, shrimp fried rice-heads), so this recipe is as classic as you can get, perfect for personalizing however you like.
Get the Fried Rice recipe.
Chicken Yakitori
Though in Japan these chicken skewers are so ubiquitous almost no one makes them at home, we've re-created the recipe to the best of our ability so you can enjoy them in without having to travel across the globe.
Get the Chicken Yakitori recipe.
Bibimbap
In Korean, bibimbap literally means mixed rice. Though people will typically cook or prepare each individual item that will be placed on their own bowl of fluffy white rice, by using a sheet tray, you can eliminate half that work, and get to enjoying this comfort food quicker than ever.
Get the Sheet Pan Bibimbap recipe.
Homemade Samosas
Homemade samosas don't need to be intimidating! The spiced potato filling is fast and easy, and the dough comes together quickly using melted ghee. You may need to hunt down some spices and seeds, but it's well worth it for the best, most authentic-tasting samosas.
Get the Homemade Samosas recipe.
Tteokbokki: Spicy Korean Rice Cakes
Pungent. Spicy. Savory. Sweet. Tteokbokki is saucy, delicious comfort food in a bowl: captivating to the eye and pleasantly explosive to the taste, it will make you break into a happy sweat.
Get the Tteokbokki recipe.
Dragon Roll
Uramaki arguably reaches a peak of extravagance with the dragon roll, with its gorgeous "scales" of thinly sliced mango and avocado and drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo. The roll is wrapped in classic vinegar-seasoned rice and filled with crispy shrimp tempura, a mix of buttery avocado, and crunchy cucumber.
Get the Dragon Roll recipe.
Ginger Pork Pot Stickers
Looking for a weekend project? We suggest these super-flavorful (and surprisingly easy) dumplings! Check out the photos of our folding technique, but don't worry too much—these will taste amazing no matter how they look.
Get the Ginger Pork Pot Stickers recipe.
Pad See Ew
The combination of thinly sliced, wok-seared meat, Chinese broccoli, and the signature wide, chewy rice noodles make this Southeast Asian specialty an instant favorite. It comes together easily just like any other stir-fry too, starting with marinated protein, stir-frying the noodles and sauce, and ending with tossing it all together.
Get the Pad See Ew recipe.
Papdi Chaat
Papdi chaat can take on many variations, but this particular version is a monster of a delight with two chutneys, tender potatoes and chickpeas, tangy yogurt, a medley of eye-catching red onions, pomegranate seeds, diced tomatoes, and finished with a generous snowing of crunchy sev noodles. 😍
Get the Papdi Chaat recipe.
Homemade Shoyu Ramen
Braised pork belly, aka a little slice of heaven, is the star in this amazing homemade ramen. Making ramen from scratch is pretty darn elaborate, but we promise your patience will be more than rewarded.
Get the Homemade Shoyu Ramen recipe.
Chicken Katsu
Created in Japan but loved worldwide, chicken katsu is a simple breaded and fried chicken cutlet, served with a sweet katsu sauce. Want even more katsu? Try our tofu katsu curry or our shrimp katsu burger next!
Get the Chicken Katsu recipe.
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice is a traditional Southeast Asian dessert, originating in countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, and now it's popular all over the world. Lightly sweetened, with a warm coconut sauce that gets poured over your cooked rice, it's perfect in its simplicity.
Get the Mango Sticky Rice recipe.
Classic Tempura Batter
This simple batter is totally worth deep frying in your home kitchen. We love serving them with a punchy, garlicky mayo for dipping, but all you really need is a squeeze of lemon. (P.S. this works for way more than just veggies—shrimp would also be killer.)
Get the Classic Tempura Batter recipe.
Lentil Dal
The term dal refers to both this soup-like Indian dish and the word for split lentils. In this version, red lentils are simmered down in a tomato broth with lots of warm, bold spices. The yogurt will help balance out the spiciness and the acidity of the dish—so don't skip it!
Get the Lentil Dal recipe.
Tandoori Chicken
The real standout in this timeless recipe is the use of a masala-yogurt marinade that coats the chicken throughout the cooking process, making it exceedingly juicy and extra flavorful. You can marinate the chicken in the morning, then roast it for just 30 minutes (!) when you’re ready for dinner.
Get the Tandoori Chicken recipe.
Green Papaya Salad
Southeast Asian green papaya salad can vary in terms of ingredients as well as spice level. The one thing they all have in common is the green fruit, so make sure to choose a super unripe one. At its unripened stage, it is crunchy and a refreshingly blank canvas flavor-wise: it has none of the tropical sweetness a ripened yellow papaya has.
Get the Green Papaya Salad recipe.
Chicken Madras
If you love spice, you’ve got to try this chicken Madras recipe. Spiked with a potent blend of freshly ground spices and soothed with rich coconut milk, this chicken curry is equal parts spicy, creamy, and downright delicious.
Get the Chicken Madras recipe.
Vietnamese Braised Pork Belly
Thịt Kho Tàu is a salty-sweet dish of caramelized pork belly and soy marinated eggs. Hailing from South Vietnam (as evident by the use of coconut water in cooking), this flavorful dish is very beloved. Every family has their own take on the dish, and this is ours.
Get the Vietnamese Braised Pork Belly recipe.
Chicken Biryani
For this recipe, we were inspired by the Hyderabadi-style of biryani, where rice and a curry filled with veggies and/or a protein are cooked separately, then layered and baked into an aromatic, harmonious, and hearty dish. Serve alongside a fresh cucumber raita for a perfectly balanced meal.
Get the Chicken Biryani recipe.
Homemade Dumplings
Take your time and give this homemade dumpling process lots of love—餃子 (jiao zi) resemble Chinese gold ingots, a currency that was used during the Ming dynasty, and are meant to represent prosperity, wealth, and health. May each one bring you a bite-sized pocket of blessing!
Get the Homemade Dumplings recipe.
Hot & Sour Soup
This is an infinitely adaptable soup that you can customize to your liking. If you'd prefer a version with pork, add ground or sliced meat at the very beginning of the cooking process. For a completely vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust your spice level according to personal taste too!
Get the Hot & Sour Soup recipe.
Braised Lemongrass-Chili Chicken
Gà kho xả ởt, which translates to braised lemongrass-chili chicken in Vietnamese, is a juicy chicken recipe that will instantly transport you to Vietnam through the smells and tastes of lemongrass, chilies, and garlic.
Get the Braised Lemongrass-Chili Chicken recipe.
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Japanese chicken karaage (pronounced kah-raa-geh) is basically fried chicken, but with a twist. While most fried foods are coated with a seasoned flour, karaage is seasoned, then coated with flour. TMYK!
Get the Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) recipe.
Nabeyaki Udon
The Japanese name nabeyaki refers to a nabe or pot—this noodle soup is typically cooked and served in a donabe, or clay pot. No nabe? No problem. A Dutch oven will work just as well, just since it retains heat well, allowing everything to cook quickly and evenly.
Get the Nabeyaki Udon recipe.
General Tso's Chicken
This dish of crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and savory sauce is a Chinese-American classic. Though the typical preparation calls for deep-frying, we went for the easier stir-fry route for less mess from frying while still retaining all of the crispiness you're used to.
Get the General Tso's Chicken recipe.
Chicken Tikka Masala
A classic Indian takeout dish, chicken tikka masala is not as difficult to make at home as you may think. Packed with flavor, the creamy, spiced sauce covers tender pieces of chicken, just waiting to be served with homemade naan and perfect basmati rice.
Get the Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.
Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein
The exact origins of chow mein are not entirely clear, but historians suspect this dish was born in northern China millennia ago. Thousands of years later, it’s been popularized by a beloved chain with a cute panda mascot. This copycat means you can make it at home!
Get the Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein recipe.
Black Pepper Chicken
This savory, spicy, and saucy Chinese-American-inspired stir-fry features super-tender chicken, thanks to a technique called velveting. The bit of downtime while the chicken marinates is great for dicing veggies (like celery and bell peppers here) and for making the stir-fry sauce.
Get the Black Pepper Chicken recipe.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Our crispy, coated version of this slightly-sweet shrimp dish more closely represents the Panda Express takeout version than the traditional. The sugared walnuts are our favorite part and make the dish so special!
Get the Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe.
Saag Paneer
This robust curry is a staple in many Indian restaurants. With a manageable ingredient list, ours is easy to re-create at home. It's the perfect vegetarian meal for a weeknight (you could even try and make it vegan using extra-firm tofu and canned coconut milk).
Get the Saag Paneer recipe.
Mapo Tofu
Disclaimer: “authentic” mapo tofu is hard to perfect without a flaming hot wok above a fire and some hard-to-find ingredients. Never fear, we've made some concessions and this one is still delicious. Just make sure to serve it with rice to help sop up all that yummy sauce!
Get the Mapo Tofu recipe.
Khichdi
The most basic version of this South Asian dish (also known as kitchari) is made up of just rice, a pulse (like mung beans or lentils), turmeric, and salt, but the variations are endlessly diverse. Our version adds warming spices and garlic, ginger, and tomato, but feel free to make it your own.
Get the Khichdi recipe.
Chirashi Bowls
Chirashizushi (ちらし寿司) translates to "scattered sushi" and is a style of sushi that entails exactly what the name suggests: pieces of sashimi over sushi rice. Chirashizushi—or chirashi bowls—is probably the simplest way to enjoy what you love about sushi without having to learn how to roll maki.
Get the Chirashi Bowls recipe.
Dan Dan Noodles
Originating from Chinese Sichuan cooking, these noodles were named for the carrying pole (aka dan dan) that street vendors used to carry baskets of noodles and sauce in. American versions are usually more saucy than soupy, and often include sesame paste, peanut butter, or tahini, like our recipe here.
Get the Dan Dan Noodles recipe.
https://www.delish.com/cooking/g1740/perfect-pork-recipes/
These buns are proof it's really what's on the inside that matters here: the dough is soft but not too cake-y, tender with a slight chew, with a barely sweetened taste that pairs well with, well, almost anything. Our recipe includes three filling options—red bean paste, miso carrots, and pork.
Get the Steamed Buns (Baozi) recipe.
Congee & Youtiao
You can put seasoning in the rice porridge itself, but we keep it pure and simple until serving, which is when the fun comes in. We've served ours with a donut called 油條 (youtiao), but exercise total freedom and go wild with your own toppings!
Get the Congee & Youtiao recipe.
Sichuan-Style "Fish-Fragrant" Eggplant
Despite the name, there is no trace of fish in this delicious dish, though 魚香 (yu xiang) does describe a flavor profile that was originally used in preparing fish dishes from the region. Now it's just as likely to be found paired with vegetables, like this eggplant, too.
Get the Sichuan-Style "Fish-Fragrant" Eggplant recipe.
Summer Rolls
Gỏi Cuốn, or Vietnamese spring rolls, are usually filled with pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, and veggies, wrapped in Bánh Tráng, or rice paper wrappers. Pro tip: Soften rice paper sheets in warm—not hot—water to soften. Too hot and they'll stick to everything.
Get the Summer Rolls recipe.
Korean Fried Chicken
Nicknamed “candy chicken,” Korean fried chicken is known for its deliciously crunchy exterior and its thick sweet-and-spicy sauce. These bites pack a little capsaicin punch, so feel free to decrease the amount of dried chilis that go in.
Get the Korean Fried Chicken recipe.
Lamb Curry
This curry is typically served with baskets of hot buttered naan and white basmati rice. Indian restaurant goers almost always request slices of raw onion, fresh green chiles, and wedges of lime to go with a bowl as well, but feel free to keep things simple.
Get the Lamb Curry recipe.
Vegetable Biryani
Vegetable biryani contains yogurt-coated, spiced vegetables that are then layered between rice and steamed all together. A saffron liquid is poured over, then the dish is topped with caramelized red onions. Spices such as cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and cloves complement the dish too.
Get the Vegetable Biryani recipe.
Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
If you love rice, onigiri is a must-try: a humble rice ball accented by a variety of fillings, wrapped in roasted seaweed (nori), and perfect for snacking or a light meal. Onigiri is open to customization and experimentation—fillings popular in Japan include fish roe, karaage, various veggies, and grilled beef.
Get the Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) recipe.
Szechuan Chicken
Szechuan cuisine is known for using strong flavors and especially Szechuan peppercorns, which bring a unique herbal spice with a gentle numbing, tingly effect to the lips and tongue. Spice-lovers, this chicken is for you.
Get the Szechuan Chicken recipe.
Japanese Curry
Unlike Thai or Indian curries that are thickened with yogurt or coconut milk, Japanese curry gets its richness from a deep, dark roux. Trust us, you’re going to want to serve this with something that can sop up the delicious sauce.
Get the Japanese Curry recipe.
Miso Soup
Miso soup is one of those rare things that is super comforting while also being quite light. Making it is so simple, you can also have it any time you need something cozy alongside your Japanese food.
Get the Miso Soup recipe.
Thai Chicken Coconut Soup
The creamy coconut paired with ginger and lime gives this soup, also known as tom kha ghai, its unique and delicious flavor. This Thai soup is also traditionally topped with a chili oil to give it some heat—if you're not a spice fan, don't worry, the creamy coconut milk helps mellow it out.
Get the Thai Chicken Coconut Soup recipe.
Coconut Rice
Popular in many parts of the world, coconut rice uses a slightly different method than you would normally use to cook rice. What results is a fantastic side that can be sweet or savory, meaning it goes wonderfully with dishes from Thailand, India, and more.
Get the Coconut Rice recipe.
Mango Chutney
In India, the word chutney can refer to many different spiced dishes made with fruits, vegetables, and/or herbs. This mango version, which is spiced with fennel, mustard, cumin, and coriander seeds, plus a kick from fresh ginger, is similar to a jam or jelly, and will add flavor to nearly anything you pair it with.
Get the Mango Chutney recipe.
Tomato Chutney
From chicken tikka masala to lamb curry to tandoori chicken, you name it, every dish from the Indian subcontinent is deeply flavorful. The same goes for tomato chutney, a spiced condiment enriched with peanuts and flavored with fresh ginger, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne. Put it on everything, and thank us later!
Get the Tomato Chutney recipe.
Gobi Manchurian
The process for making gobi Manchurian is three-fold: The cauliflower is steamed until knife-tender, fried until crispy and golden, then coated in sauce, perfect for pairing with rice.
Get the Gobi Manchurian recipe.
Bateka Nu Shaak
Shaak is a Gujarati term that refers to bhajis, or as the Western world would call it, “curry.” Bateka nu shaak is a quick, comforting, homestyle meal made with a handful of spices, tomatoes, and potatoes. If you’re new to Indian cooking, this is a great starting-off dish to make.
Get the Bateka Nu Shaak recipe.
Okonomiyaki: Japanese Cabbage Pancakes
Okonomiyaki is a Japanese veggie pancake blanketed with toppings. A generous amount of sliced cabbage is folded into the batter to start, but it doesn't stop there: There are also the add-ons for both flavor and texture: pork belly, ground pork, bacon, shrimp, squid, octopus, cheese... Whatever you like!
Get the Okonomiyaki: Japanese Cabbage Pancakes recipe.
Japanese Milk Bread
This enriched Japanese loaf is perfect for eating straight or lightly toasted with a spread of butter and a sprinkle of salt or a smear of jam. It's perfect in any French toast or bread pudding recipe. It's also perfect in savory sandwiches like a croque madam. Honestly, it's just perfect, period.
Get the Japanese Milk Bread recipe.
Tang Yuan: Glutinous Rice Balls
Usually eaten on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, known as the Lantern Festival, tang yuan (湯圓) is a sweet Chinese treat that symbolizes familial unity and togetherness. If you want, you can stuff these glutinous rice balls with anything and everything!
Get the Tang Yuan: Glutinous Rice Balls recipe.
Laab Gai
Filled with fresh herbs, aromatics, and chicken thighs, laab (or Lao minced chicken salad) is the national dish of Laos and has evolved throughout history through neighboring countries. This recipe is a go-to for recipe contributor and YouTube host, Saeng Douangdara.
Get the Laab Gai recipe.
Egg Drop Soup
Too sick even for chicken noodle? This easy soup is for you—it's brothy and simple, and you've probably got the ingredients at home already.
Get the Egg Drop Soup recipe.
Homemade Naan
Naan is a traditional South Asian, yogurt-based flatbread that is usually cooked in a tandoor oven. It's perfect for soaking up all of that extra sauce from chicken tikka masala or served as an Indian appetizer along with garlic hummus or any of your favorite dips.
Get the Homemade Naan recipe.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo gobi is a classic vegetarian Indian dish translating to potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). It's a one-pot, super-simple, comforting dish that's ready quickly—serve it as a side or over rice as a main.
Get the Aloo Gobi recipe.
Wonton Soup
Wonton wrappers are squares of fresh egg noodle dough that can be boiled, fried (like everyone's favorite, crab Rangoon), or baked. If your local grocery store doesn't carry them, the nearest Asian specialty food store definitely will. When you find them, make these and freeze them!
Get the Wonton Soup recipe.
Kung Pao Chicken
This kung pao sauce is sweet and spicy, with a mild heat, perfect for serving over white rice. Don't skip the peanuts, they add a fatty nutty flavor that brings this dish together.
Get the Kung Pao Chicken recipe.
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