10 Asian Recipes to Cook in 30 Minutes or Under 

Asian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and quick cooking methods. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty stir-fry or a refreshing salad, there are plenty of delicious Asian dishes that you can whip up in no time. Here are 10 Asian recipes that you can cook in 30 minutes or less, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something tasty and fast.

1. Pad Thai: Sweet, Savory, and Tangy

The Pad Thai recipe is a classic Thai noodle recipe that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. This stir-fried noodle dish features rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, tofu, scrambled eggs, and a mix of tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Garnish with fresh lime, crushed peanuts, and bean sprouts for a delightful crunch. 

Quick Tip: Use a Pad Thai meal kit to save time on sauce and other ingredients.

2. Teriyaki Chicken: Sweet and Savory 

Teriyaki chicken is a popular Japanese dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Serve it over steamed rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for a complete meal.

Quick Tip: Use pre-cut chicken breast or thigh pieces to speed up the cooking process. 

3. Chinese Egg Fried Rice: Simple and Satisfying

Egg fried rice is a versatile Chinese dish that can be made quickly with leftover rice. Simply stir-fry the rice with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce for a satisfying meal. 

Quick Tip: Use day-old rice for the best texture, as it’s less likely to clump together.

4. Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi: Bold and Flavorful

Spicy pork bulgogi is a Korean favorite featuring thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy and sweet sauce. Stir-fry the pork quickly and serve with steamed rice and kimchi.

Quick Tip: Ask your butcher to thinly slice the pork to save time.

5. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken: Fresh and Zesty

Lemongrass chicken is a vibrant Vietnamese dish that’s quick to prepare. Marinate chicken in lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, then stir-fry until cooked through. Serve with rice or noodles.

Quick Tip: Use a food processor to quickly chop the lemongrass and garlic.

6. Thai Basil Beef: Spicy and Aromatic 

Thai basil beef, or “Pad Krapow,” is a spicy and aromatic dish that’s quick to make. Stir-fry ground beef with garlic, chilies, and fresh Thai basil, then serve over rice with a fried egg on top.

Quick Tip: Use ground beef for faster cooking and easier preparation.

7. Japanese Miso Soup: Light and Comforting

Miso soup is a simple Japanese dish that can be made in minutes. Combine dashi broth with miso paste, tofu, and seaweed for a light and comforting soup.

Quick Tip: Use instant dashi granules to quickly prepare the broth.

8. Chinese Garlic Bok Choy: Healthy and Delicious

Garlic bok choy is a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal. Quickly stir-fry bok choy with garlic and a splash of soy sauce for a nutritious addition to your dinner.

Quick Tip: Use baby bok choy for a quicker cooking time and a more tender texture.

9. Indonesian Fried Noodles (Mie Goreng): Savory and Sweet

Mie Goreng is an Indonesian fried noodle dish that’s both savory and sweet. Stir-fry noodles with vegetables, shrimp, and a sweet soy sauce for a quick and delicious meal.

Quick Tip: Use pre-cooked noodles to save time.

10. Malaysian Chicken Satay: Grilled to Perfection

Chicken satay is a popular Malaysian dish featuring marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. Serve with a quick peanut sauce for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Quick Tip: Use wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning, and pre-marinate the chicken for even faster preparation.

Get Cooking with These Quick Asian Recipes

With these 10 quick and easy Asian recipes, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. From the sweet and savory taste of Pad Thai to the bold and spicy flavors of Korean pork bulgogi, these dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a delicious meal in a hurry. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking – dinner will be ready in no time!