Must Try Asian Dishes That Are Better Than Takeout

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Are you craving bold, vibrant flavors that transport you to your favorite Asian restaurant? From spicy salads and crispy bites to savory stir-fries and rich curries, this roundup of 20 irresistible Asian-inspired recipes brings authentic taste to your own kitchen — no takeout menu required.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, experiment with new ingredients, or just try something fresh and delicious, these recipes are packed with umami, crunch, heat, and comfort. Get your chopsticks ready.

Asian Spicy Cucumber Salad

Close-up of chopped cucumber tossed in a creamy dressing and topped with sesame seeds, served in a white bowl—a must try for fans of Asian dishes. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

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Cool, crisp, and spicy — this refreshing cucumber salad is the perfect starter or side to any Asian-inspired meal. The chili-garlic sauce and sesame oil bring a punch of flavor to every crunchy bite.

GET THIS RECIPE: Asian Spicy Cucumber Salad

Asian BBQ Chicken

Grilled pieces of chicken with visible char marks are stacked on a white plate—an Asian dish that's a must try and definitely better than takeout. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Tender, juicy chicken gets slathered in a sticky, savory-sweet Asian barbecue sauce that’s finger-licking good. Perfect for grilling season or weeknight baking.

GET THIS RECIPE: Asian BBQ Chicken

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Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

A white bowl filled with white rice topped with pieces of saucy chicken and sprinkled with sesame seeds—this is a must try for anyone who loves Asian dishes. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

This easy, flavorful chicken teriyaki is made in the Instant Pot for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s sweet, salty, and perfect over rice or veggies.

GET THIS RECIPE: Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Quick Roast Pork Chow Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with shredded vegetables, sliced lime, and sauce, garnished with chopped green onions—a must try for fans of Asian dishes. — Image Credit: It is a Keeper

Stir-fried noodles tossed with roast pork and fresh veggies make this chow mein a fast and filling dinner option. Better than takeout and done in a flash!

GET THIS RECIPE: Quick Roast Pork Chow Mein

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Red Curry Shrimp

Shrimp in a creamy orange sauce served over rice with diced red and green bell peppers—this is one of those Asian dishes that's better than takeout and a must try for anyone craving bold, delicious flavors. — Image Credit: It is a Keeper

This Thai-inspired dish features juicy shrimp simmered in a creamy red curry sauce. Spicy, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes — a dinner win!

GET THIS RECIPE: Red Curry Shrimp

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken pieces, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, with chopsticks on the side—a must try for fans of Asian dishes and better than takeout. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Crispy, golden bites of sesame chicken made right in your air fryer — no deep frying needed! Sweet and tangy, this dish is always a family favorite.

GET THIS RECIPE: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

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Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)

A serving of cooked beef with sliced onions and green onions on a bed of white rice—one of those Asian dishes that’s better than takeout and a must try for any food lover. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory Korean BBQ sauce — bulgogi is a classic for good reason. Grill it, pan-fry it, and serve it up with rice.

GET THIS RECIPE: Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)

Korean Pork Chops

Four glazed pork chops, garnished with sliced green onions, are arranged in a white dish on a green surface—a must try for anyone who loves Asian dishes. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

These juicy pork chops are glazed with a bold, garlicky Korean sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and totally addictive. Serve with steamed rice or veggies.

GET THIS RECIPE: Korean Pork Chops

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Instant Pot Vietnamese Pork

A plate of white rice topped with ground beef, sliced red chili, green onions, and sesame seeds, served with a lime wedge. This must-try dish is better than takeout—chopsticks rest beside the plate for the full Asian dishes experience. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Infused with lemongrass, garlic, and soy, this Vietnamese pork is incredibly aromatic and melt-in-your-mouth tender thanks to the Instant Pot.

GET THIS RECIPE: Instant Pot Vietnamese Pork

Chicken Drunken Noodles

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with sliced bell peppers, pieces of meat, and fresh basil leaves as garnish—this must-try dish brings the bold flavors of Asian dishes right to your table, better than takeout. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Wide rice noodles tossed with chicken, Thai basil, and spicy sauce — drunken noodles are bold, spicy, and perfect for noodle lovers.

GET THIS RECIPE: Chicken Drunken Noodles

Asian Pork Meatballs

Close-up of several browned meatballs garnished with chopped green onions—these must try Asian dishes are better than takeout. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

These juicy pork meatballs are glazed in a sticky Asian sauce and packed with garlic, ginger, and green onion. A great app or dinner option with rice or noodles.

GET THIS RECIPE: Asian Pork Meatballs

Korean Beef and Broccoli

A close-up of a bowl containing cooked ground beef, broccoli florets, white rice, and sprinkled sesame seeds—this is a must try for fans of Asian dishes. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

This Korean-inspired version of a takeout favorite pairs tender beef with crisp broccoli in a flavorful gochujang-based sauce. Simple and satisfying.

GET THIS RECIPE: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

A plate with grilled salmon fillets, white rice, and a mixed green salad with chopped vegetables—this is a must try dish that's better than takeout and reminiscent of vibrant Asian dishes. — Image Credit: A Paige of Positivity

Perfectly baked salmon topped with a rich, homemade teriyaki glaze makes this dish feel restaurant-quality — but it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

GET THIS RECIPE: Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

Chinese Sticky Chicken Wings

A hand holds a glazed chicken wing garnished with sliced green onions, with more wings and green onions in the background—this must-try dish is perfect for fans of Asian dishes. — Image Credit: Ask Chef Dennis

Crispy baked wings coated in a finger-licking sticky sauce with garlic, soy, and honey. These wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

GET THIS RECIPE: Chinese Sticky Chicken Wings

Pork Fried Rice with Chinese Barbecued Pork

A white dish filled with fried rice, mixed with vegetables and scrambled eggs, and topped with chopped green onions sits on a wooden surface—a must try for fans of Asian dishes. — Image Credit: Ask Chef Dennis

Classic pork fried rice gets an upgrade with flavorful Chinese BBQ pork. It’s savory, satisfying, and a fantastic way to use up leftovers.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pork Fried Rice with Chinese Barbecued Pork

Singapore Vermicelli Noodles with Chicken

Three black bowls filled with stir-fried noodles, chicken, red bell peppers, and leafy greens are arranged on a gray surface; a hand holds one bowl. These Asian dishes are a must try and taste even better than takeout. — Image Credit: Recipe Tin Eats

These curry-infused noodles are stir-fried with chicken and veggies for a vibrant and spicy dish that’s bursting with Southeast Asian flavor.

GET THIS RECIPE: Singapore Vermicelli Noodles with Chicken

Scallion Pancakes (Shallot Pancakes)

A plate of sliced scallion pancake with a dipping sauce in a small bowl, and another pancake in the background—this must-try treat rivals your favorite Asian dishes and is better than takeout. — Image Credit: Recipe Tin Eats

Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, these Chinese scallion pancakes are the ultimate savory snack or side dish. Serve with soy dipping sauce!

GET THIS RECIPE: Scallion Pancakes (Shallot Pancakes)

Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry

A bowl of white rice topped with stir-fried chicken, bell peppers, pineapple, onions, and sliced green onions—this must try dish is one of those Asian dishes that's better than takeout, with chopsticks resting on the bowl's edge. — Image Credit: Recipe Tin Eats

A quick stir-fry that hits all the right notes: tangy, sweet, and savory. Packed with colorful veggies and saucy chicken, it’s weeknight gold.

GET THIS RECIPE: Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Vegetable Ramen Noodles

Close-up of stir-fried noodles with sliced carrots, red bell peppers, green onions, and pieces of chicken in a savory sauce—a must try for fans of Asian dishes. — Image Credit: Recipe Tin Eats

This stir-fried ramen noodle dish is loaded with juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and savory sauce. Comfort food at its quickest.

GET THIS RECIPE: Chicken Vegetable Ramen Noodles

Pork and Mushroom Egg Rolls

A close-up of a stack of golden-brown fried spring rolls, showing their crispy texture and tightly wrapped edges—a must try for fans of Asian dishes. — Image Credit: Natasha’s Kitchen

Crispy, golden egg rolls filled with seasoned pork and mushrooms — a classic appetizer that’s easier to make than you think!

GET THIS RECIPE: Pork and Mushroom Egg Rolls

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Meet Christina

Woman in red blouse slicing lemons in a kitchen setting.

Hi there, it’s nice to meet you! I’m a recipe developer, author, TV contributor and recipe hoarder that shares tried and true recipes anyone can make. It Is a Keeper started in 2010 as a hobby that quickly grew. Spending time in the kitchen has always made me happy – whether I’m making an old favorite that I know by heart or trying a new recipe. You can learn more about me here.