Better Than Takeout: Recipes for Your Favorite Asian Dishes
There's something irresistible about Asian cuisine. The sweet, savory, and spicy flavors are a favorite among many, but heading out to a restaurant can be costly. Luckily, with a few key ingredients and some basic skills, you can replicate your favorite dishes at home.
Chinese Takeout Classics
Starting off with some classic Chinese takeout dishes, we have to mention the beloved General Tso's Chicken. Cut up some boneless, skinless chicken breasts and marinate them in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and corn starch. Fry them up in a wok or skillet until crispy, then toss them in a sweet and spicy sauce made from ginger, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili paste.
Moving on to a healthier option, try out a simple stir-fry with broccoli and beef. Slice up some flank steak and sauté it in a hot wok with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Add in some broccoli florets and a splash of chicken broth to steam it all together. Serve it over brown rice for a filling and nutritious meal.
Korean Favorites
Korean food has been gaining popularity in recent years, with dishes like bulgogi and bibimbap becoming more mainstream. For a quick and easy version of bulgogi, thinly slice some sirloin steak and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic. Sauté it in a skillet with sliced onions until brown and caramelized. Serve with some steamed rice and kimchi for a delicious meal.
If you're feeling ambitious, try your hand at making some Korean fried chicken. Coat chicken wings in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, then deep fry until crispy and golden. Toss them in a sweet and spicy sauce made with gochujang, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Thai Flavors
Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh herbs. For a classic dish, try making some pad thai. Soak rice noodles in hot water until softened, then stir-fry them with chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Add in some bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, and a tangy sauce made with tamarind paste, fish sauce, and lime juice.
If you're looking for a veggie-packed option, tom yum soup is a great choice. Simmer lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies in a pot of chicken broth. Add in some sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and shrimp or chicken. Season with fish sauce and lime juice for a tangy and fragrant soup.
Japanese Delights
Japanese cuisine is more than just sushi. For a simple meal, try making some chicken teriyaki. Marinate chicken thighs in soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Grill or broil them until tender and juicy, then serve with steamed rice and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
If you're in the mood for something a little more adventurous, try making some okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is made with cabbage, flour, eggs, and dashi broth. Top it with sliced pork belly, shrimp, or octopus, and drizzle on some okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayo.
Conclusion
Who needs takeout when you can create your favorite Asian dishes at home? With a little bit of practice and some experimentation, you can add some new flavors to your weekly dinner rotation. So put away your phone and dust off your wok, because your next restaurant-quality meal is waiting for you in your own kitchen.