10 Easy Asian Recipes You Can Cook in 2023

In recent years, the culinary world has seen a significant upsurge in the popularity of Asian cuisine. With its emphasis on balance, fresh ingredients, and complex flavors, Asian cooking offers a delightful experience for home chefs looking to diversify their cooking repertoire. Here, we'll explore ten easy Asian recipes that you can master in 2023. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, these dishes are approachable, flavorful, and perfect for a quick family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Let’s start with something both kids and adults love:

• Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces
• Teriyaki Sauce: ¹⁄₂ cup of store-bought or homemade (soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and sake)
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for skewering

Steps:

1. Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. Skewer the marinated chicken and vegetables alternately.
3. Grill or broil for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.

🌟 Note: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Pad Thai

The iconic Thai dish can be made at home with surprisingly little effort:

• Rice Noodles: Soak in warm water until soft
• Proteins: Shrimp, chicken, or tofu
• Sauces: Fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and lime juice

Steps:

1. Heat a wok or large skillet, scramble an egg, and set aside.
2. Stir-fry the protein until cooked, then add noodles.
3. Pour in the sauce mixture, add bean sprouts, green onions, and previously cooked egg.
4. Finish with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.

Bibimbap

Korean Bibimbap is not only visually appealing but also a fun way to experiment with flavors:

• Meat: Marinated beef or tofu
• Vegs: Carrots, zucchini, spinach, bean sprouts, kimchi
• Rice: Use short-grain or sushi rice
• Egg: Optional for topping

Steps:

1. Cook and season the vegetables and meat separately.
2. Assemble in a bowl with rice at the bottom.
3. Top with an egg cooked sunny-side up.
4. Serve with gochujang (Korean chili paste) for mixing.

Yakitori

Yakitori, or Japanese skewered chicken, is a street food favorite:

• Chicken Thighs: Cut into chunks
• Sauce: Soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar
• Negi (Japanese leek) or scallions

Steps:

1. Skewer the chicken and negi alternately.
2. Brush with sauce and grill until charred and tender.

Vegetarian Ramen

A comforting bowl of ramen without the meat:

• Broth: Vegetable broth, miso paste, soy sauce
• Noodles: Ramen or any wheat noodles
• Toppings: Shiitake mushrooms, corn, bok choy, nori, soft-boiled eggs

Steps:

1. Prepare the broth by simmering vegetables and miso.
2. Cook noodles separately, then add to the bowl.
3. Pour hot broth over, arrange toppings, and serve.

Chicken Satay

This Indonesian/Malaysian specialty is a crowd-pleaser:

• Chicken: Boneless, cut into long strips
• Marinade: Turmeric, lemongrass, coriander, garlic, shallots, kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• Peanut Sauce: Peanuts, lemongrass, chili, garlic, coconut milk

Steps:

1. Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Skewer the chicken and grill until nicely charred.
3. Serve with a side of peanut sauce for dipping.

Coconut Curry

A versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste:

• Protein: Chicken, shrimp, or tofu
• Vegetables: Any you like, typically including bell peppers and potatoes
• Curry Paste: Red, green, or yellow
• Extras: Fish sauce, palm sugar, kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil

Steps:

1. Heat curry paste in a pot, add coconut milk, and simmer.
2. Add vegetables, protein, and seasonings. Simmer until cooked.
3. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and garnish with fresh herbs.

Sushi Rolls

Making sushi at home is simpler than you might think:

• Rice: Sushi rice, seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt
• Fillings: Options like avocado, cucumber, tuna, salmon, or crab stick
• Nori: Dried seaweed sheets

Steps:

1. Spread the rice evenly on the nori, leaving a border at the top.
2. Add your fillings in a line, then roll using a bamboo mat.
3. Slice the roll and serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

Gado-Gado

This Indonesian salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors:

• Vegetables: Lettuce, bean sprouts, spinach, carrots, potatoes, cucumber
• Peanut Sauce: Crushed peanuts, garlic, chili, tamarind, palm sugar
• Tofu and Tempeh: Fried for texture

Steps:

1. Prepare all vegetables and protein, either boiled, steamed, or fried.
2. Mix the peanut sauce ingredients until smooth.
3. Arrange vegetables and pour sauce over, sprinkle with crushed peanuts.

Fried Rice

Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable:

• Rice: Day-old, cold rice
• Protein: Shrimp, chicken, or tofu
• Mixed Vegetables: Carrots, peas, corn, green onions
• Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, optional chili sauce

Steps:

1. Stir-fry aromatics in a hot wok, then add protein.
2. Add the rice and sauces, stir-fry until heated through.
3. Toss in vegetables, stir quickly, and serve hot.

From these ten recipes, it's evident that Asian cooking is not only about complexity but also about simplicity and fresh ingredients. These dishes allow you to explore various techniques like grilling, frying, steaming, and marinating, all while delivering flavors that are both nuanced and harmonious. Whether you're seeking comfort food or something vibrant and fresh, Asian cuisine provides something for every palate.

What are the key ingredients for authentic Asian flavors?

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The use of fresh herbs like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and the balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements through ingredients like fish sauce, soy sauce, tamarind, and chilies are crucial for authentic Asian flavors.

Can these recipes be adapted for dietary restrictions?

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Yes, many of these recipes can be easily modified. For vegetarian or vegan diets, substitute proteins with tofu or tempeh. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure to use rice noodles or naturally gluten-free ingredients.

How can I make these dishes spicier or less spicy?

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To increase heat, simply add more chili peppers or chili sauce. To make dishes less spicy, omit or reduce chili, and balance flavors with a touch of sweetness or acidity.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking Asian dishes?

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Overcooking noodles, overcrowding the wok, using fresh rather than day-old rice for fried rice, and not balancing flavors correctly are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Where can I find specialty Asian ingredients?

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Asian grocery stores, larger supermarket chains, or online platforms offer a wide selection of Asian ingredients. Ethnic markets can also be great sources for fresh herbs and spices.