5 Must-Try Asian Dishes You Can Cook at Home

Asia's diverse culinary landscape offers some of the most exquisite flavors in the world. From the sweet and spicy notes of Southeast Asia to the intricate flavors of East Asian cuisines, there is a wide array of dishes that are not only delectable but also quite manageable to prepare in your own kitchen. Here are five Asian dishes you can try cooking at home, which will not only expand your culinary skills but also bring a slice of Asia to your dinner table.

1. Pad Thai - Thailand

Pad Thai is a beloved stir-fried noodle dish from Thailand, known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Here's a simple recipe you can follow:

• Ingredients:
  • 200g dried rice noodles
  • 100g tofu or shrimp
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup chives, cut into 3 cm pieces
  • Lime wedges and chili flakes for serving
• Steps:
  1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water until soft, then drain.
  2. Mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, and sugar to create the sauce.
  3. In a wok, heat the oil, fry the garlic until golden, then add your protein (tofu or shrimp).
  4. Move the protein to one side and pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling them.
  5. Add the noodles and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry until the noodles are cooked.
  6. Mix in bean sprouts, chives, and half of the peanuts. Continue cooking for another minute.
  7. Serve with lime wedges, remaining peanuts, and chili flakes on the side.

🌟 Note: For a vegetarian option, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce and skip the shrimp.

2. Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce - Indonesia

Chicken Satay is a quintessential Indonesian dish where skewers of marinated chicken are grilled and served with a rich peanut sauce. Here's how to prepare it:

• Ingredients:
  • 400g boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds, crushed
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water
  • Peanut Sauce: 1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• Steps:
  1. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, kecap manis, garlic, turmeric, and coriander for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
  2. Thread the chicken onto the skewers.
  3. Grill or broil the satay until cooked through, turning occasionally.
  4. For the peanut sauce, heat all ingredients together in a small pot until smooth and well combined.
  5. Serve the chicken satay with the peanut sauce for dipping.

3. Gyoza - Japan

Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are a staple of home-cooked meals in Japan, enjoyed with soy-based dipping sauce. Here’s how you can make them:

• Ingredients:
  • 200g ground pork
  • 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
  • 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Gyoza wrappers
  • Cornstarch for dusting
  • Dipping Sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp chili oil
• Steps:
  1. Mix the pork, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil thoroughly.
  2. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each gyoza wrapper. Wet the edges with water, fold, and pleat to seal.
  3. In a frying pan, cook the gyoza until the bottoms are browned, then add 1/2 cup of water, cover, and steam until the water is gone.
  4. Serve with the dipping sauce.

4. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew) - Korea

Kimchi Jjigae is a comforting Korean stew featuring fermented kimchi, which adds a distinctive tangy flavor. Here's how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups aged kimchi, roughly chopped
  • 200g pork belly, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 cups water or kimchi juice diluted with water
  • 1 cup sliced tofu
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. In a pot, sauté the pork belly until it starts to render fat. Add the onion and garlic, cook until translucent.
  2. Add the kimchi, gochugaru, gochujang, and soy sauce. Stir well to coat.
  3. Pour in water or kimchi juice, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Add tofu and simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if necessary.
  5. Top with green onions before serving.

5. Vegetable Stir-Fry - China

Chinese vegetable stir-fry is versatile and can be made with any available vegetables. Here's a basic recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 300g mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, bok choy, etc.)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1/2 inch ginger, julienned
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup water or vegetable stock
  • Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) for thickening
• Steps:
  1. Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Sauté garlic and ginger until aromatic.
  2. Add the vegetables, starting with those that take longer to cook (e.g., carrots, broccoli).
  3. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Thicken with the cornstarch slurry, stirring until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
  5. Serve hot, preferably with steamed rice.

In this culinary exploration, we've just skimmed the surface of the rich tapestry of Asian cuisine. Each dish not only introduces flavors but also the cultural practices behind them. Cooking these dishes at home allows for personalization, dietary adjustments, and the joy of creating a diverse meal from scratch. It's an opportunity to engage with different cultures through food, offering an experience that can be shared with friends and family, fostering both culinary and cultural exchange.

Can I make these dishes vegetarian?

+

Yes, all the dishes mentioned can be adapted to a vegetarian diet. Substitute meat with tofu, mushrooms, or more vegetables for dishes like Chicken Satay and Gyoza. For Pad Thai, you can use a soy-based sauce instead of fish sauce.

What can I use if I can’t find authentic Asian ingredients?

+

Many ingredients have substitutes available in typical supermarkets. For instance, fish sauce can be replaced with soy sauce or tamari in some dishes. Kecap manis can be mimicked with a mix of soy sauce and brown sugar. Explore local markets or online stores for more specific items if needed.

How do I ensure my stir-fry is not overcooked?

+

To keep the vegetables crisp, cook them in batches if necessary, ensuring each vegetable has the right amount of time to cook. Use high heat, toss frequently, and don’t overfill the pan. Adding a bit of liquid and covering briefly can help with steaming harder veggies to the desired crunchiness.