Are you tired of having to order in to enjoy the taste of Asian cuisine? Fortunately, many of our favorites are easy to prepare at home as well. Here are the five most popular recipes you should try, straight from representative countries such as China, India, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. With their help, you won’t crave takeout anytime soon.
The 5 Best Recipes
1. CHINA: Chow Mein
Chinese cuisine is the most popular Asian variety in the Western world. Chow mein is perhaps its most iconic dish, and it can be easily cooked in the comfort of your own home as long as you have the right ingredients. Say goodbye to takeout and prepare it yourself.
Ingredients
- 225g egg noodles;
- 100g shredded skinless chicken breast;
- 50g shredded mangetout;
- 50g shredded cooked ham;
- 2 finely chopped garlic cloves;
- 2 finely chopped spring onions;
- 2 ½ tbsp groundnut oil;
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine;
- 2 tsp dark soy sauce;
- 2 tsp light soy sauce;
- ½ tsp golden caster sugar;
- and ½ tsp ground white pepper.
To prepare the marinade, you will also need the following:
- 2 tsp light soy sauce;
- 2 tsp Shaoxing rice wine;
- 1 tsp sesame oil;
- and ½ tsp ground white pepper.
Directions: Boil the noodles for 5 minutes, then drain and place them in cold water. Toss with 1 tsp sesame oil and set aside. Prepare the marinade and leave the chicken in it for 10 minutes. Stir-fry in a wok for 2 minutes and transfer, then clean the wok thoroughly. If you find that this traditional Asian cookware is a bit hard to handle, you can use the Scanpan instead.
This type of pan combines the durability and thermal transfer power of a wok with the accessibility of a traditional non-stick container. According to TheKitchenAdvisor, it is easier to clean than its cast iron counterparts, yet it manages to prepare the food just as well.
To proceed with the cooking process, stir fry the mangetout, garlic and ham for 3 more minutes, then add all the other ingredients and continue until chicken is cooked. Serve warm and enjoy the classic tastes of China.
2. INDIA: Rogan Josh
When it comes to Asian cooking, nothing quite beats the flavors and spices of Indian cuisine. Try this hearty recipe for Rogan Josh straight from the heart of Kashmir to enjoy the traditional taste of India on your plate.
Ingredients
- 1 kg mutton meat;
- 1 cup mustard;
- 3 tsp fennel powder;
- 3 tsp chili powder;
- 3 tsp brown cardamom powder;
- 2 tsp ginger powder;
- 2 tsp cumin powder;
- 1 tsp asafetida;
- 1/3 tsp saffron;
- 4 pcs green cardamom;
- 2 bay leaves;
- 2 cloves;
- and 2 cinnamon sticks.
Directions: Wash the meat thoroughly, then add into a preheated pressure cooker with the bay leaves, cloves, green cardamom, and 1 tsp salt. Fry until nicely browned, then pour in one cup of water. Add the chili and saffron, then stir continuously for another minute. Add the rest of the spices. The stew should now have a savory reddish tinge. Simmer for a few minutes, then serve on rice.
3. THAILAND: Coconut Soup
Thailand isn’t the preferred holiday destination of Western tourists due to its sights alone. The beautiful country also has plenty of amazing dishes to offer. The country’s desserts are its most popular culinary treat. And if an easy and delicious meal is what you’re after, Thai coconut soup is your best bet.
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp;
- ½ fresh shiitake mushrooms;
- 3 cans coconut milk;
- 4 cups chicken broth;
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro;
- 1 minced stalk of lemongrass;
- 3 tbsp fish sauce;
- 2 tbsp grated ginger;
- 2 tbsp lime juice;
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil;
- 1 tbsp brown sugar;
- 2 tsp red curry paste;
- and salt to taste.
Directions: Using a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat, then add the curry paste, ginger, and lemongrass. Pour the broth, then the fish sauce. Add the sugar and let simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk, and then the mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, or until soft, then add the shrimp for 5 minutes until it is no longer translucent. Season and garnish, then serve.
4. JAPAN: Sashimi and Rice
When we think of Japanese food, the first thing to come to mind is sushi, of course. However, it can be rather tricky to prepare at home. If you want to enjoy the aromas of the dish without the hassle of putting it together, try this sashimi and rice bowl.
Ingredients
To prepare the rice and toppings, you will need:
- 10 oz sushi rice, short grain;
- ½ oz chopped tamago;
- 3 tbsp salmon roe;
- ½ cup mixed sliced seafood;
- mixed sliced veggies (cucumber, asparagus, avocado);
- and 1 ¼ cups of water.
For the vinegar mixture, you will require:
- ¼ cup rice vinegar;
- 1 tbsp mirin;
- 1 tbsp Kosher salt;
- and 3 tbsp granulated sugar.
Directions: Prepare the vinegar mixture, then wash the rice and cook it accordingly. A rice cooker works best for this purpose. Then, take a bowl and spread it evenly across the bottom. Pour the seasoned vinegar on top while it is still freshly cooked. Add the desired toppings and enjoy.
5. VIETNAM: Hot & Sour Fish Soup
It’s no secret that Vietnamese cuisine is known for its soups. Known as pho in the country’s native language, the hot and sour fish variety is perhaps the most representative one to date. And it’s easy to prepare as well, so why not give it a go?
Ingredients
- 850ml chicken stock (fish works too);
- 300g raw tiger prawns;
- 200g skinless salmon fillet;
- 175g thin rice noodles;
- 4 chopped spring onions;
- 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves;
- 2 deseeded thinly sliced red chilies;
- 1 small sliced piece of ginger;
- 2 tbsp fish sauce;
- handful torn mint and coriander leaves;
- and the juice of 2 limes.
Directions: Pour the stock into a pan alongside coriander and ginger, then simmer for 5 minutes. Let it then sit for 10 minutes while you cook the noodles. Turn the heat back on the stock and add the garlic, chilies, and fish sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes, then add the salmon and prawns. Cook gently, then add the rest of the ingredients.
Divide the noodles between bowls and add the cooked seafood on top. Season the soup well, then pour on top. This traditional dish is best served hot alongside a fresh serving of spring rolls, but you can also enjoy it on its own.
Final Thoughts:
If you want to spice up your next meal and try something deliciously new, Asian dishes are the way to go. Whether you want something fresh and tangy, or a hearty and meaty stew, the continent’s kitchens have you covered. Give any of these five recipes a try anytime you are craving exotic flavors.
For more information, visit thekitchenadvisor.com
