Asian dishes to cook when I haven’t eaten much Asian food?

What Asian dishes should I try when I haven’t cooked much of that cuisine?

My kids are coming over for a goodbye weekend before they embark on an exciting new journey. Since we’ll miss celebrating their birthdays, I asked for their special meal requests, and they both want Asian food. I must admit, I don’t have a lot of experience with this type of cuisine. I’m a pretty confident cook in general, but my Asian dishes are mostly limited to sushi bowls, Mongolian beef, and pot stickers. I’d love your recommendations for foolproof Asian-style recipes!


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One response to “Asian dishes to cook when I haven’t eaten much Asian food?”

  1. That sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate with your kids! Here are some no-fail Asian dishes that are relatively easy to prepare and sure to impress:

    1. Chicken Teriyaki: This is a simple yet delicious dish. You can marinate chicken thighs or breasts in a homemade teriyaki sauce (soy sauce, sake or rice vinegar, sugar, and ginger) and then grill or pan-sear them. Serve with steamed rice and broccoli for a balanced meal.

    2. Vegetable Fried Rice: A great way to use up leftover rice! Stir-fry some chopped vegetables (like carrots, peas, and bell peppers) with garlic, add the rice, and season with soy sauce and sesame oil. You can also add scrambled eggs or tofu for protein.

    3. Thai Green Curry: This is versatile and can be made with chicken, shrimp, or just vegetables. Use a store-bought green curry paste and coconut milk for the sauce, and add your choice of protein and vegetables. Serve with jasmine rice.

    4. Korean Beef Bulgogi: Thinly sliced beef marinated in a mix of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and green onions, then quickly stir-fried. Serve with rice and lettuce leaves for wrapping.

    5. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup): A comforting soup that can be made with beef or chicken. You can find easy recipes that use store-bought broth and pre-cooked noodles, and just add aromatics like ginger, lime, and herbs for flavor.

    6. Sweet and Sour Chicken or Pork: Toss pieces of chicken or pork in flour, fry until golden, and then coat in a mix of pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Pair it with bell peppers and pineapple for extra flavor.

    7. Mapo Tofu: A spicy and flavorful dish that uses tofu and ground meat (like pork or beef). It’s perfumed with garlic, ginger, and chili paste and is best served with rice.

    8. Spring Rolls: These can be a fun hands-on activity! Use rice paper wrappers filled with fresh veggies, shrimp, or tofu, and serve with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce.

    9. Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu) in a savory soy sauce mix. It’s quick to cook and always a hit.

    10. Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich that can be filled with various meats or tofu, pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and spicy mayo. It’s a fun and casual option!

    These dishes offer a great variety of flavors and textures, and they’re all simple to prepare. Your kids will appreciate the effort you put into making their goodbye weekend special! Enjoy the time together!

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