I used to think my favorite takeout dishes were impossible to make at home, but these 28 recipes completely changed my mind. Crispy, saucy, and bursting with flavor, they're the kind of meals that make you cancel your delivery order for good. Now I can bring all those vibrant, bold tastes of Asian cooking right into my own kitchen.
1. Chinese Chicken Wings
Crisp and tender wings drenched in a sweet, sticky, garlicky sauce? I'll take a dozen, no questions asked.
If you're getting a little tired of buffalo wings, these Chinese wings are about to become your new obsession. I promise they won't let you down. They're totally game day worthy, and that sauce will absolutely blow your taste buds away.
2. Cashew Chicken
Cashew chicken is a simple 20 minute dish that makes my heart do a happy dance. Tender chicken, crisp veggies, and crunchy cashews are already amazing on their own, but this recipe takes it up a notch. Everything gets coated in a super savory garlic sauce that ties it all together into one unbelievably tasty plate.
3. Sesame Noodles
Sesame noodles ready in just 20 minutes? Time to say goodbye to takeout and hello to this quick and easy recipe.
Tossed in the most flavorful peanut sauce, these noodles are absolutely the bomb. The sauce brings together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, ginger, garlic, and sriracha. Just reading that list tells you how insanely delicious this is.
4. Chinese Noodle Soup
Imagine chewy noodles swimming in a steaming, savory broth, heaped with meats and vegetables. It's a little bowl of artistry, honestly.
On a rainy evening, I can't think of anything better than curling up with a bowl (or two) of this chicken noodle soup. It's comfort food, Asian style, and it's everything I want when I need a cozy hug in a bowl.
5. Red Bean Ice Cream
Also known as azuki, red beans are a popular dessert ingredient in Japan. Red bean paste is widely used to stuff mochi and other pastries, but it can also be used to flavor ice cream.
Want something unique for dessert? Get some red bean paste, whole milk, and sugar, and make Japanese ice cream!
6. Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
Don't be fooled by how simple this steamed Chinese broccoli with garlic ginger oyster sauce looks. It might seem humble, but it's absolutely packed with flavor.
The star here is the sauce, which isn't your average oyster sauce. It's a gorgeous blend of oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, Mirin, sesame oil, and sugar. How amazing is that?
7. Royal Milk Tea
Milk tea, or boba as I like to call it, is a wildly popular Asian drink made from, surprise, milk and tea. Served over ice, it's wonderfully refreshing and perfect for beating the summer heat.
Royal milk tea comes from Japan and is a simple blend of milk and Lipton royal tea. It might sound too simple, but the flavor combo is spot on.
8. Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry
Chinese vegetable stir fry is wildly popular in the US, and I totally get why. How could anyone say no to fried rice tossed with a rainbow of colorful veggies and a savory sauce?
You can't. It's basically impossible. With all the Chinese restaurants around, I still want you to have the best version right at home.
9. Thai Green Curry Paste
On the hunt for an umami packed marinade for chicken, pork, or any meat? Try this Thai green curry paste.
It's savory, mildly spicy, and just bursting with flavor. The paste blends green chilies, shrimp paste, cumin, garlic, lemon, and peppercorns into something truly magical.
10. Lo Mein
Lo mein is the kind of Chinese dish I crave all the time: fat noodles, a colorful mix of veggies, and an irresistible sauce. The sauce is a thick, beautifully balanced blend of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and sriracha.
It coats every noodle perfectly. And the best part?
You can toss in any vegetables you have on hand. Raid the crisper drawer and use up those leftovers.
11. Bok Choy
Looking for the perfect way to season and cook bok choy? Look no further: this simple recipe is all you'll need. With just some garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds, you can transform the humble bok choy into an irresistible side dish.
12. Dan Dan Noodles
Dan dan noodles are another popular Chinese dish. What makes them extra special is the spicy sauce made from chili oil, scallions, and Sichuan pepper.
There are four different elements to this dish – the meat, the pickled veggies, the sauce, and the chili oil – but it’s still pretty easy to make, nonetheless. Also, these noodles are so heavenly that every minute is worth it.
13. Chang’s Crispy Noodle Salad
Cabbage, almonds, and crispy noodles all together in a salad? It might sound a little unusual, but trust me, it totally works.
This salad is wonderfully crisp, and the sesame dressing takes it to a whole new level. Rich and creamy, it complements all those crunchy elements beautifully.
14. Thai Noodle Salad
Thai noodle salad brings together rice noodles, crisp veggies, and an insanely delicious peanut sauce. If you've never tried it, oh my goodness, you are in for a treat.
You've probably had noodles with cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers before, so you might be wondering what sets this one apart. The answer is all in that sauce. I'm telling you, this peanut sauce turns it into something truly special.
15. Vietnamese Coffee
If you love coffee, you absolutely have to try Vietnamese coffee. It might not have the fame of a macchiato or cappuccino, but it deserves every bit of attention.
The flavor is rich and bold with a lovely hazelnut undertone. What makes it really special is that sweetened condensed milk is served right alongside it. The two together create the most wonderful balance.
16. Jasmine Rice
Rice shows up in almost every Asian cuisine, and for good reason. It's the ultimate sidekick for meats, stews, and protein packed dishes.
If you're throwing an Asian inspired feast, a pot of steaming rice is non negotiable. It can feel intimidating, but it's actually incredibly easy, and this recipe walks you through everything so you nail it on your very first try.
17. Wonton Soup
Feeling a little blue? A bowl of steaming soup packed with tender, meaty wontons can fix just about anything.
One spoonful and that frown flips right around. Wontons are Chinese dumplings and honestly, they're one of my all time favorite Asian pork recipes.
18. Gado Gado
Gado gado is a traditional Indonesian salad made with carrots, red cabbage, eggs, rice, and a thick, nutty sauce. I love this version because it throws in a fun twist: sweet potatoes stand in for the carrots and green beans replace the red cabbage. If you want to stick with the classic combo, go right ahead.
19. Sesame Salad Dressing
Looking to shake up your salad routine? This sesame salad dressing is everything you need.
Known as "goma" in Japan, it's wildly popular for very good reason. The combination of ground sesame seeds and mayonnaise is pure genius. It's rich, creamy, and absolutely full of flavor.
20. Peanut Dipping Sauce
Need a new dip for your veggies or a dressing for that salad? This rich and creamy peanut sauce is exactly what you're looking for.
You can thank me later. It's made with creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk, making it ultra thick and savory. Sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy all in one sauce… I think it's downright beautiful.
21. Asian Slaw
Crisp, colorful, and totally crazy delicious. That's the only way I can describe this Asian slaw.
It's loaded with bright veggies all tossed in a sauce I find completely irresistible, and it beats any other slaw hands down. Shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, bell peppers, and peanuts get a fresh kick from scallions and cilantro.
22. Indian Red Lentil
Cooking for vegans tonight? This red lentil dal is a guaranteed hit.
It's wonderfully rich and creamy, and the aroma from the garlic, ginger, and spices is out of this world. Because it comes together from scratch in just 30 minutes, it's ideal for those last minute get togethers.
23. Chow Mein
Chow mein is a traditional Chinese dish and a close cousin to lo mein. The only real difference is the texture: chow mein noodles are fried until crisp, which gives them that irresistible crunch.
This recipe is ridiculously tasty and so easy. You only need one pot and 15 minutes to pull it together.
24. Scallion Pancake
A scallion pancake is the Chinese answer to the classic American breakfast. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and wonderfully savory all the way through. If you're ready for a new twist on your usual pancakes, this one is calling your name.
25. Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry
Who says instant ramen can't be the start of an incredible dinner? This recipe proves that notion completely wrong.
Just grab a few packs of ramen, some ground beef, and a handful of Asian seasonings, and you've got a restaurant quality ramen noodle stir fry. The combo of noodles, tender beef, and that sweet and spicy sauce will knock your socks off.
26. Naan Bread
Craving Indian food? Scratch that itch with homemade naan bread.
Naan is super soft, pillowy, and buttery, the perfect partner for curries, thick stews, and all your favorite dips. Yes, it takes a little effort, but I promise it's so worth it.
27. Fortune Cookies
Got some good news you want to share in a creative way? Say it with a homemade fortune cookie.
Did you know you can whip up your own fortune cookies using nothing but basic pantry staples? All you need is flour, egg whites, butter, sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and a special message tucked inside.
28. General Tso’s Chicken
When a craving for crispy battered chicken in that sticky, sweet and spicy sauce hits, I don't reach for the phone. I head straight to the kitchen.
This copycat version gives you chicken that's crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and so ridiculously good you'll swear it came from your favorite spot. That sauce sends everything right over the top in the best way.
