Here are some easy Asian dinner recipes you can use to teach your kids geography and give some inspiration for cooking while you are home. Find out more about this series, or jump right in with part 1 of ‘Suppers from Around the World’ brings you easy Asian dinner recipe that your family will love. Each day we will have a new continent of family dinner recipes until all 7 continents are done.
ASIA
Being earth’s largest and most populous continent, Asia is home to many cultures, many of which have their own unique cuisine. Like Europe, Asia has a varied cultural tastes and history because it shares the landmass with Europe and Africa, which has led to cross-influences. Bordered on the east by the Pacific Ocean, the south by the Indian Ocean and the north by the Arctic Ocean, it is not surprising that many of the Asian recipes include ingredients from the ocean.
With 48 countries in Asia, that is a lot of recipes. Chinese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean are probably the most popular for their vibrant colors and flavors. However, there are some common ingredients in most Asian recipes including rice, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, onions and soy. And a lot of their food is stir-fried, steamed and deep fried. When you move into the south east you will find a lot of curry dishes.
Here are a variety of recipes that you don’t have to be an expert to make and everyone will love.
Pad Thai … from Thailand of course
Pad Thai is my vegetarian daughters go-to supper. The zangy pad thai sauce and flattened noodles coupled with a scrambled egg, peanuts and lime, makes it a popular dish among many. You can pretty much find it in most cities, and meal kits in every grocery store. Although she is a vegetarian, I like my pad thai with lots of shrimp. Feasting at home has a great 15-minute pad thai recipe.
Chinese Kung Pao Chicken
A Classic Chinese dish from the Sichuan province, Kung Pao Chicken is very versatile. Full of peppers, garlic and flavor, this is a flavorful dish served over rice. Rasa Malaysia has a great Kung Pao Chicken recipe.
Looking for something more noodlish? Try Rasa Malaysia’s Singapore noodles. https://www.instagram.com/p/B09oXPxAVj1/
Korean Barbecue Beef
This is a recipe that can easily be modified with whatever you have available in your pantry. Marvelous Munch had a great Korean Beef with Rice Recipe, that you can modify to meet your need. Thinly sliced sirloin mized with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, onions, ginger and sugar makes it not too complicated to make.
Marinated Chicken with Peanut Satay Dip from Indonesia
My kids will eat anything covered in peanut butter… and this recipe no exception. As usual Michele from Honest & Truly ‘s recipe for marinated chicken with peanut satay dip is a great crowd-pleaser and easy to make. She gives lots of hints and tips, so take a moment to read it all before you start. If you are running out of time you don’t have to marinate your chicken. If you don’t marinade it, then you have more dip!
Photo credit: www.https://honestandtruly.com/
Japanese Tonkatsu
For japan it might be easier to order in sushi, but with COVID-19 pandemic, that’s not likely to happen. If your away from stores like at a cottage that isn’t possible either. We suggest you try the breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet Tonkatsu by Taste Atlas or Just One Cookbook. On its own it’s great, but it can be used in a sandwich, with rice or great in a soup.
Although Tonkatsu may be more traditional, my kids are more likely to enjoy a Japanese Ramen Noodle Soup.
Indian Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish served in every Indian restaurant. This popular dish is quite simple. It is basically grilled chicken cooked in a creamy tomato sauce and served on rice. You marinate the meat with lemon juice and salt and then add yogurt-spice which makes it tender and tasty. Mary’s Whole Life even has a recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala you can make in your instant pot!
Vietnamese Pho with Pork Meatballs
Pho is such an easy dish that has become increasingly popular. In Vietnam it is primarily served as breakfast, which might sound odd, but broth is a source of protein and collagen which is very good for you. Check out Gimme Some Oven’s Pho recipe to take advantage of the benefits for your skin, hair, nails and to boost your immune system.
Fortune Cookie
What Asian meal would be complete without a fortune cookie?Michele of Honest & Truly has a great recipe. You may be thinking these are too difficult to make… but read her tips and you’ll be surprised at how easy they are. She even offers free printable fortunes.
Check out the other continents:
Do you have any favorite Asian dinner recipes we haven’t mentioned? Share below.
