10+ Easy Quick Asian Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Cooking Asian dishes at home can be simple and satisfying. You can create delicious meals quickly by using easy recipes. These recipes require minimal ingredients and time.

Whether you are a beginner or just looking to whip up something fast, these recipes can help you enjoy the flavors of Asia in no time.

From stir-fries to noodle dishes, there are plenty of options to choose from. These quick Asian recipes allow you to explore various tastes without the hassle of complicated cooking techniques. You can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills while keeping it easy and enjoyable.

1) Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein is a tasty, quick meal that’s perfect for busy nights. You can make it in one pan, which means easy cleanup too. It’s filled with tender noodles, juicy chicken, and colorful veggies.

To start, cook your noodles as directed on the package. While they cook, slice your chicken and chop your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots work well.

Next, heat some oil in a pan. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned. Then toss in the vegetables and stir-fry them for a few minutes. Once everything is cooked, mix in the noodles and a savory sauce.

This dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight recipe.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz lo mein noodles
• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the lo mein noodles as directed.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned.
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
5. Mix in the drained noodles.
6. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
7. Serve hot.

2) Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a delicious and spicy dish from Sichuan, China. It’s made with soft tofu in a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is easy and quick, perfect for dinner.

You can enjoy it with rice for a filling meal. If you prefer a milder version, you can adjust the spices to your taste. This dish is great for anyone looking to try Asian flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 block of soft tofu
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons of doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)
• 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the doubanjiang and cook for another minute.
4. Add the broth and soy sauce. Bring it to a simmer.
5. Gently add the tofu and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
7. Cook for 2 more minutes, then garnish with green onions. Enjoy!

3) Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken is a quick and tasty dish you can make in just 20 minutes. It combines boneless chicken thighs with a delicious sauce made from garlic, soy sauce, and honey. This combo gives the chicken a sweet and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.

To prepare, just brown the chicken in a pan, add the sauce, and let it simmer. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.
4. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 5 more minutes.
6. Serve warm with your choice of rice or vegetables.

4) Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)

Bulgogi is a flavorful Korean BBQ dish made from marinated beef. The beef is typically thinly sliced sirloin, which cooks quickly and becomes very tender.

You can serve bulgogi with rice, lettuce leaves, and sides like kimchi. It’s a great dish for any easy weeknight meal.

To make it, you’ll need a simple marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. This gives the beef a sweet and savory taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon scallions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic.
2. Add the sliced beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Cook the marinated beef until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Serve with rice and lettuce leaves. Enjoy!

5) Szechuan Chicken

Szechuan Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings a spicy kick to your meal. You can make it quickly using simple ingredients found in your pantry. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

To start, you’ll need chicken, garlic, and vegetables. A mix of sweet and spicy sauces will give it that classic Szechuan taste. You can serve it over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and broccoli)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili paste (optional)
• Cooked white rice (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss the chicken cubes in cornstarch until coated.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/180°C).
3. Stir-fry the chicken and garlic until browned.
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
5. Pour in soy sauce and chili paste; mix well.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice. Enjoy!

6) Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu

Spicy gochujang sesame tofu is a delicious and easy dish to make. It features crispy tofu tossed in a flavorful gochujang sauce. The hint of sesame adds a nice touch.

In just about 30 minutes, you can prepare this dish as a main course or a side. It’s a great option for those busy weeknights.

You will love the balance of heat and sweetness in the sauce. Serve it over rice or with vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons gochujang
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture.
2. Cut the tofu into cubes.
3. In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil.
4. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the tofu.
5. Cook until all sides are golden brown.
6. Pour the sauce over the tofu and stir to coat.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions. Serve warm.

7) Tomato and Egg Noodle Soup

Tomato and Egg Noodle Soup is a quick and tasty meal. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. You can enjoy this comforting dish any time you need a warm bowl of goodness.

To make it, gather fresh ingredients like tomatoes, eggs, and noodles. This soup is nourishing and satisfying. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

This dish is not only simple but also healthy. It’s a great way to include vegetables and protein in your diet. Plus, the flavors blend beautifully to create a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 2 servings of noodles (like ramen)
• 2 cups of vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and cook the noodles according to the package instructions.
2. In another pot, heat broth or water.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Beat the eggs and slowly pour into the soup, stirring gently.
5. Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

8) Pad See Ew

Pad See Ew is a delicious Thai stir-fried noodle dish. You’ll love its chewy rice noodles, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables. The sweet and savory soy sauce ties all the flavors together.

It’s quick to make and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. You can customize it with your choice of protein, like shrimp or beef.

To prepare this dish, start with wide rice noodles, eggs, and some Chinese broccoli. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty meal in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz wide rice noodles
• 1 cup chicken (or other protein)
• 2 cups Chinese broccoli
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the noodles in hot water for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until done.
4. Push chicken to one side and add eggs. Scramble them.
5. Add noodles and sauces, mixing well.
6. Stir in Chinese broccoli and cook until tender. Enjoy!

9) Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Stir Fry

Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Stir Fry is a delicious and easy dish to make at home. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and chili makes it flavorful and exciting.

You will need chicken, Thai basil, and a few simple sauces. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights since it cooks quickly.

Serve it over jasmine rice for a complete meal. The spicy and savory notes come together to create a dish that feels like restaurant-quality.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) finely chopped chicken
• 2 cups Thai basil leaves
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 fresh chilies, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and chilies, and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add the chicken and cook until it is no longer pink.
4. Mix in the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
5. Stir in the Thai basil and cook for 1 more minute.
6. Serve hot over jasmine rice.

10) Chinese Chicken and Corn

Chinese Chicken and Corn is a delicious and simple dish to make at home. It combines tender chicken and sweet corn, giving you a comforting meal in no time. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

You can prepare this meal in about 25 minutes. It’s packed with flavor and can be served with rice or noodles. Your family will love this tasty and hearty soup.

Ingredients

• 1 large chicken breast (boneless)
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 300 g canned corn kernels
• 300 g canned creamed corn
• 1 tablespoon cornflour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breast into small pieces.

2. In a pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil.

3. Add the chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the corn, creamed corn, and cornflour mixed with water.

5. Then, season with salt and pepper.

6. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

7. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.