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    Home » Misc

    52 Easy Asian Recipes For Busy Weeknights That Can Be Prepared in 30 Minutes or Less

    joyce from pups with chopsticks
    by Joyce Lee · Updated Nov 30, 2024
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    May contain affiliate links

    Are you in need of some quick and easy meal ideas? Look no further! We've put together a collection of tasty and easy Asian recipes that can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less. Perfect for those busy days when you don't have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen.

    Pad Thai

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This easy authentic Pad Thai recipe is incredibly quick to prepare and has a perfect balance of sweet, salty and sour flavors. Ready from start to finish in 30 minutes or less! Get the Recipe: Easy Pad Thai Recipe

    Lemongrass Chicken

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, loaded with flavor from the lemongrass chicken marinade and grilled to perfection Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken recipe

    Beef Noodle Stir Fry

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    If you have spaghettini (or spaghetti), beef, onions, sugar and soy sauce then you have all the ingredients for this delicious and simple stir fried beef noodle dish. Easy, simple and a great meal to enjoy while watching tv on a lazy weekday evening.

    Get the Recipe: Beef Noodle Stir Fry recipe

    Asian Beef Bowls

    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopstick

    This Asian beef bowls with rice recipe is a savory, super quick, and easy meal that's the perfect way to elevate ground beef to a new level. With its rich flavors and tender and velvety ground beef, it's a must-try for any Asian food lover who wants a cozy one-bowl meal!

    Get the Recipe: Asian Ground Beef Bowl with Rice

    Thai Peanut Noodles

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    These quick and easy Thai peanut noodles are incredibly creamy and flavorful and only take 10 minutes to make! They’re versatile enough to customize with whatever veggies and fresh herbs you like, and this recipe uses my homemade peanut sauce that takes these noodles to the next level!

    Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Noodles

    Beef and Onion Stir Fry

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    Beef and onion stir fry features incredibly tender strips of beef stir fried with onions in a delicious savory sauce that takes everything to the next level! It’s incredibly quick and easy, and my go-to recipe for busy weeknights!

    Get the Recipe: Beef and Onion Stir Fry

    Teriyaki Chicken Yaki Udon (Stir-fried Udon Noodles)

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    If you love teriyaki chicken and a thick sweet and savory sauce with chewy noodles, this is a fantastic noodle dish to try. To make this even easier, you can use leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken and use frozen udon noodles which don't require any additional parboiling.

    Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Yaki Udon Noodles recipe

    Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

    black pepper chicken
    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This easy Chinese black pepper chicken recipe is a game-changer! It's a simple yet savory dish with a perfect balance of peppery flavor. This easy-to-make recipe is a Panda Express copycat but more flavorful!

    Get the Recipe: Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

    Rabokki (Korean Ramen and Tteobokki)

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This rabokki recipe features instant ramen noodles and rice cakes, all coated in the most delicious sweet and spicy sauce. It’s packed with flavor in each bite and is very easy to make at home. It’s the ultimate quick and delicious comfort food meal for busy weeknights!

    Get the Recipe: Rabokki (Korean Ramen and Tteobokki)

    Chinese Beef and Mushroom

    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This Chinese beef and mushroom stir fry features tender beef, with a delicious garlicky, sweet and savory sauce stir-fried with bite-sized button mushrooms. It’s easy to make, and so much better than takeout!

    Get the Recipe: Chinese Beef and Mushroom

    Asian Chili Garlic Prawns with Snow Peas

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This simple recipes uses frozen shrimp and snow peas which is tossed in a easy to make sweet and spicy sauce made with hoisin sauce. Delicious served with a side of rice!

    Get the Recipe: Spicy Garlic Shrimp recipe

    Easy Chinese Steamed Chicken

    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This Chinese Steamed Chicken recipe is a go-to for my family's weeknight dinners. From start to finish, it takes 30 minutes and it's a delicious, healthy, and easy meal option. The chicken is marinated with a delicious oyster sauce-based sauce and steamed with Chinese sausage (lap cheong) and shiitake mushrooms, making it a dish you'll want to enjoy with a big bowl of rice.

    Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed Chicken with Chinese Sausage

    Bang Bang Shrimp

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This tangy, creamy, and irresistibly juicy bang bang shrimp recipe is a must-try for those who love the combination of crispy shrimp and a sweet and spicy sauce. It's a homemade takeout favorite that's surprisingly easy to make!

    Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

    Beef and Broccoli

    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This beef and broccoli recipe is made with marinated beef slices beautifully balanced by the tender crunch of the broccoli and delicious Chinese brown stir fry sauce. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.

    Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

    Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

    nasi goreng indonesian fried rice
    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian fried rice that packs a ton of flavor in each bite, and is probably one of the tastiest fried rice out there. It features a unique dark brown color that comes from the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) caramelizing and a salty shrimp paste that gives it a lot of umami flavor. This fried rice is delicious and about to become your new favorite!

    Get the Recipe: Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

    Chinese Yi Mein

    longevity yi mein noodles
    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This longevity noodle recipe (Chinese birthday noodles) features perfectly chewy noodles, with shiitake mushrooms, Chinese garlic chives and a delicious savory umami sauce.

    Get the Recipe: Chinese Yi Mein (Longevity Noodles)

    Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

    chicken and broccoli on a white plate with grey napkin.
    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This chicken and broccoli stir-fry recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory flavors. The tender dark meat chicken pairs beautifully with the slightly crunchy broccoli, and is tossed in a Chinese stir fry sauce, making it a must-try for stir-fry lovers.

    Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

    Cheese Ramen

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This cheese ramen is a lot richer and thicker than your typical soupy cheese ramen. It's creamy, comforting and made with a simple cheddar cheese sauce cooked with thick and chewy instant ramen noodles.

    Get the Recipe: Cheese Ramen recipe

    Teriyaki Salmon

    If you're looking for a lighter meal, this delicious pan fried teriyaki salmon recipe is coated with sesame seeds (which makes it a breeze to pan fry without it sticking to the pan) which gives it a crispy crust and brushed with a sweet teriyaki sauce. Delicious on its own or served with a bit of rice.

    Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon recipe

    Garlic Chili Oil Noodles (10-Minute Recipe)

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are my go-to noodle dish when I’m craving something quick and easy! They’re the perfect comfort food and can be made in just 10 minutes! The classic flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and chili flakes combined with the chewy noodles is to die for!

    Get the Recipe: Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

    Thai Basil Chicken

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Thai Basil Chicken is a delicious and simple Thai dish made with diced or ground chicken, yardlong beans (or green beans), and lots of fresh Thai basil tossed in a savory umami sauce. If you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this would be it! You can have this ready from start to finish in about 15 minutes if you're using ground chicken, and your taste buds will love you for it!

    Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Chicken recipe

    Yeung Chow Fried Rice

    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This Yeung Chow Fried Rice recipe brings the authentic flavors of a classic Chinese restaurant right into your kitchen. It's the perfect way to use up leftovers, transforming them into a delicious, family-friendly meal that's quick and easy to prepare.

    Get the Recipe: Yeung Chow Fried Rice

    Honey Walnut Shrimp

    honey walnut shrimp on a grey flower plate.
    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    Try this honey walnut shrimp recipe for a delicious homemade version of the classic takeout dish. Crispy shrimp, creamy sweet and savory sauce, and candied walnuts make this dish a real treat! It’s the perfect Panda Express copycat recipe, but better!

    Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

    Japanese Curry Udon

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This cozy Curry Udon recipe is the perfect comfort food, featuring thick chewy udon noodles in a deliciously fragrant Japanese curry. It’s a quick and easy one-pot dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying!

    Get the Recipe: Japanese Curry Udon

    Creamy Thai Red Curry

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Thai red curry is spicy, creamy and comforting and very easy to incorporate any type of leftover into. It uses a store-bought Thai curry paste which makes it a cinch to put together. Try this delicious Thai curry if you're looking for warm and cozy meal to curl up to.

    Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry recipe 

    Turkey Udon Noodle Soup

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This udon noodle soup uses a simple miso soup that can be put together in 15 minutes. Add your leftover in place of the turkey (or use leftover turkey) and you have a cozy meal that's great for any weekday!

    Get the Recipe: Udon Noodle Soup recipe

    Kimchi Fried Rice with Spam

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    If you have any leftover kimchi you are looking to get rid of, try this kimchi fried rice recipe. The older your kimchi the better this one will taste! You can also substitute the spam with any type of meat as well, which makes this a very versatile recipe.

    Get the Recipe: Kimchi Fried Rice recipe 

    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This shrimp and broccoli stir fry recipe is a quick, healthy, and delicious alternative to your usual Chinese takeout. With its perfect blend of tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, it's a meal that's guaranteed to impress in under 30 minutes!

    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

    Xinjiang Cumin Lamb Stir Fry

    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This easy Xinjiang cumin lamb stir fry recipe is made with thin slices of tender lamb shoulder, stir fried with onions and my delicious Xinjiang spice blend.

    Get the Recipe: Xinjiang Cumin Lamb Stir Fry

    Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Stir Fry)

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    If you're looking for a simple noodle dish, this would be it. This is a excellent dish that also makes use of any type of veggies you have in your fridge, so if you're looking to clean up the fridge, try this noodle recipe!

    Get the Recipe: Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Stir Fry recipe

    Cumin Beef Fried Rice

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Fried rice is one of the simplest and quickest ways to get dinner on the table, especially if you have any type of leftover rice. Use any type of ground meat for this recipe and combine it with a bit of spice and voila! Dinner is served.

    Get the Recipe: Cumin Beef Fried Rice recipe

    Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli Noodles

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This easy to make recipe is as easy as it comes using very easy to find ingredients like sliced beef, broccoli and spaghettini. It's stir-fried in a simple sweet soy sauce made with soy sauce and sugar. Ready in 20 minutes!

    Get the Recipe: Chinese Beef and Broccoli Noodles recipe 

    Chicken Fried Rice

    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This chicken fried rice recipe is a game-changer, combining tender chicken, peas and carrots, and leftover rice into a Chinese takeout dish that's bursting with flavor. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this Chinese classic is a recipe you'll come back to time and again.

    Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

    Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Pork Chops (Thit Heo Nuong Xa)

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This juicy and moist porkchop is loaded with flavor and marinated with garlic, soy sauce and lemongrass. It can be made over a grill for a smokier flavor or a cast iron pan over a stovetop. If you have never tried this classic Vietnamese dish, then I highly encourage you to try it, especially when paired with the delicious sweet and tangy Vietnamese nuoc cham dipping sauce.

    Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Chops recipe 

    Pan Fried Lamb Shoulder Chops with Miso Butter

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    These thin lamb chops steaks are seared and cooked on a cast iron pan with garlic and sage and topped with a miso butter, which melts over everything to give it an incredible umami and salty flavor. Quick to make and definitely a must try if you love lamb chops.

    Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Lamb Shoulder Chops recipe 

    Tuna Mayo Deopbap (Korean Tuna Rice Bowl)

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This simple recipes uses a can of tuna, mixed with garlic butter and drizzled with mayo and sweet soy. If  you're looking for a easy, one bowl, flavor dinner tonight, this one is as easy as it gets!

    Get the Recipe: Tuna Mayo Deopbap (Korean Tuna Rice Bowl) recipe

    Three Cup Chicken

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Typically, chicken wings are deep fried but these ones are braised! If you love chicken wings then you definitely need to try these ones that are braised in a sweet and savory soy sauce with ginger and garlic.

    Get the Recipe: Three Cup Chicken recipe

    Shrimp Fried Rice

    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    Try this game-changing Shrimp Fried Rice recipe, that's loaded with tender garlicky shrimp, fluffy rice, and veggies, it's a better alternative to takeout and can be ready in 30 minutes.

    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

    Stir-Fried Kimchi Rice Cakes

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Having frozen rice cakes in the freezer makes it super easy to get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. You can add any type of meat or veggies (like kimchi) to it and stir fry it with a sauce and voila!

    Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Kimchi Rice Cakes 

    Spam Fried Rice

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This flavorful, easy spam fried rice recipe is incredibly delicious and simple to put together. It makes a wonderful quick one bowl cozy dinner when you're short on time.

    Get the Recipe: Spam Fried Rice Recipe

    Thai Basil Turkey Fried Rice

    This Thai basil fried rice recipe is incredibly easy to put together and a flavor bomb. You can use any type of ground meat to make it and you can also use any type of frozen veggies to keep things simple and shave off even more cooking time!

    Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Fried Rice recipe

    Easy Tom Kha Gai Soup (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This Thai soup is very similar to tom yum, but it also has coconut milk in it as well which makes it creamier and a lot more flavorful. If you're craving Thai, and you want something easy to make then definitely consider this Thai coconut soup which can be made with chicken or veggies.

    Get the Recipe: Tom Kha Gai Soup 

    Maple Curry Yaki Udon

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This chewy udon noodle recipe is very easy to put together especially if you have any leftover meat. It's tossed in a sweet and savory curry sauce, similar to the popular Japanese curry sauce.

    Get the Recipe: Curry Yaki Udon recipe 

    Chinese Tomato and Egg Stir Fry

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Similar to tomato sauce, this traditional Chinese recipe makes use of fresh tomatoes, but doesn't fully cook them down so you get delicious burst of tomatoes in every bite. The sauciness along with the bits of scrambled eggs is delicious when served with a side of rice.

    Get the Recipe: Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry recipe 

    Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    If you're looking for a warm and cozy dish, and craving something chewy then you should definitely try tteokbokki. This easy-to-make dish is made with chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy, sweet, and savory cozy sauce.

    Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Rice Cakes Tteokbokki recipe 

    Chinese Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Beans

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This simple traditional Chinese steamed spare ribs recipe is absolutely delicious and loaded with garlic and umami from the black bean sauce. The best part is it takes less than 15 minutes in the steamer to cook so you can have this on the table in less than 30 minutes.

    Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce recipe 

    Dry-Fried Long Beans and Minced Pork with Olive Vegetables

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This simple recipes stir fries minced ground pork with long beans (which can be substituted with green beans). It's simple, flavorful and can be served with rice or eaten as-is.

    Get the Recipe: Long Beans with Minced Pork and Olive Vegetable recipe

    Kani Salad (Japanese Crab Salad)

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    There's something absolutely delicious about imitation crab meat, especially when paired with a creamy mayo. This easy to make Japanese crab salad takes less than 15 minutes to make and can be served over rice to give you that sushi kick you you're craving.

    Get the Recipe: Kani Salad recipe 

    Chinese Stir-Fried Ketchup Shrimp

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This classic and traditional Chinese shrimp recipe is a must try if you love sweet and tangy flavors. Stir-fried shrimp is pan fried with garlic and onions and tossed in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy ketchup sauce.

    Get the Recipe: Chinese Stir-Fried Ketchup Shrimp recipe 

    Chinese Scrambled Eggs and Shrimp

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This classic Chinese scrambled eggs with shrimp recipe literally takes 15 minutes to put together and consist of fluffy scrambled eggs with shrimp! It's simple, and delicious and perfect for busy weekday nights.

    Get the Recipe: Chinese Scrambled Eggs with Shrimp recipe

    Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Soup (Canh Chua)

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    This easy to make Vietnamese sweet and sour soup is made with tamarind, pineapples and veggies. Traditionally, it is made with fish, but you can use simpler ingredients like frozen shrimp or chicken as well to get this one the table more quickly. It has a perfect balance of sweet and tangy and is similar to Thai tom yum soup but its not spicy.

    Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Soup (Canh Chua) recipe

    Easy Cold Soba Noodles (Zaru Soba)

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    There isn't much cooking involved in this simple Japanese noodle dish, which makes this a fantastic meal to have on any weeknight - especially if you are looking to have a light meal.

    Get the Recipe: Japanese Cold Soba Noodles (Zaru Soba) recipe

    Easy Egg Fried Rice (5 Ingredients)

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    If you have rice, eggs and salt, you can have a simple egg fried rice on your table in less than 15 minutes, especially if you're using leftover rice. You can have this on its own or serve it with store-bought rotisserie chicken!

    Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice recipe

    Black Garlic Shirataki Noodles with King Oyster Mushrooms

    © Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    If you're looking for a low carb option, then these springy shirataki noodles are it. This recipe stir fries shirataki noodles with mushrooms and tossed in a smoky savory sauce.

    Get the Recipe: Black Garlic Shirataki Noodles with Mushrooms recipe 

    30 Chinese Takeout Recipes So Good, You'll Never Eat Out Again

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    If you're craving Chinese takeout, look no further! Here are 14 Chinese takeout recipes you can make in the comfort of your home in your PJs!

    30 Chinese Take Recipes You Can Make at Home

    26 Delicious Asian Side Dishes You've Never Tried Before But Should

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Side dishes are always an after thought when it comes to a meal, but it doesn't need to be! Here are some insanely delicious side dish recipes that are so flavorful they will probably bigger hit than the main course itself!

    26 Delicious Asian Side Dishes You've Never Tried Before But Should

    This article originally appeared on Pups with Chopsticks.

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    Welcome to Pups with Chopsticks!

    Hi, I’m Joyce Lee! Welcome to Pups with Chopsticks! This cozy corner of the internet is all about my favorite things: cooking delicious Asian dishes, hanging out with my furry sidekicks, and sharing good eats with friends (that’s you!). Grab a seat and let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Here you’ll find everything from comforting traditional recipes to Asian fusion dishes, all made easy with broken-down, simple step-by-step tutorials.

    More about me

    Tried and True Favorites

    • Thai coconut chicken skewers on a wooden plate
      Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
    • Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
    • Korean japchae served in a wooden bowl
      Easy Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles Stir Fry)
    • A large bowl of Spicy Korean Pork Bulgogi (Jeyuk Bokkeum) with a plate of lettuce with some rice and pork in it for wrapping
      Spicy Pork Bulgogi (Classic Jeyuk Bokkeum Recipe)

    Takeout at Home

    • Super crispy beef tossed with a sweet and sticky sauce
      Sweet and Sticky Crispy Beef
    • Hakka, Indian Chinese chilli chicken made with crispy chicken chunks and lightly tossed in a spicy chilli sauce.
      Chilli Chicken
    • Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) thinly sliced and fanned out on a cutting board.
      Sweet and Sticky Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
    • Sweet and Sour Pork in a bowl on a wooden table
      Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe (咕噜肉)
    • bang bang shrimp on a patterned plate on a wooden table.
      Bang Bang Shrimp
    • Mongolian beef on a white plate with sesame seeds
      Easy Mongolian Beef

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