100+ Healthy Asian Recipes That Are Better Than Takeout
These healthy Asian recipes hit the spot when you are craving your favorite Asian take-out but want to eat a healthy meal at home.
Craving takeout but want something healthier? These 100+ healthy Asian recipes deliver all the bold, delicious flavors you love without the extra grease or guilt. From stir-fries and noodle bowls to flavorful curries, there's something for everyone.
Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring, and Asian cuisine proves it. These dishes are naturally packed with fresh veggies, lean proteins, and tons of flavor. Plus, they're super easy to customize! Swap the protein, add more veggies, or turn up the heat if you like it spicy.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this list has you covered. Let's make takeout night even better at home!
Table of Contents
- Asian Beef Recipes
- Asian Chicken and Turkey Recipes
- Asian Pork Recipes
- Asian Seafood Recipes
- Asian Vegetarian Recipes
- Asian Side Dish Recipes
- Easy Ways to Make Any Asian Recipe Healthier
- Better Choices When Ordering Asian Food
- Must-Have Pantry Staples for Healthy Asian Cooking
Asian Beef Recipes
From sizzling stir-fries to slow-cooked comfort meals, these healthy Asian beef recipes pack rich flavors without the excess oil or sodium. Lean cuts of beef, vibrant veggies, and lighter sauces make these dishes a nutritious take on your favorite classics.
Thai Basil Ground Beef Bowl
This Thai Basil Ground Beef Bowl makes the perfect twenty-minute weeknight meal and you won't believe the flavor! Served with cauliflower rice, it's a healthy meal you will make again and again.
Slow Cooker Korean Beef Tacos
These Slow Cooker Korean Beef Tacos are sweet, spicy, and completely addicting. Piled high with crunchy slaw, this is a dinner you will seriously love!
Moo Shu Beef Stir Fry
Easy Moo Shu Beef with cabbage is an easy stir fry dish that tastes just as good as Chinese takeout but is actually good for you.
Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Beef
This Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Beef is full of flavor and makes the perfect protein for lettuce wraps, rice bowls, and Asian inspired tacos.
Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry
Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that is packed with flavor from a homemade stir fry sauce.
Easy Pepper Steak
Pepper Steak made with thinly sliced sirloin beef, bell peppers, sliced onions, and a peppery stir fry sauce is a 15 minute dinner that tastes better than take out.
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is made with tender lean beef, crispy green cabbage, and a delicious sweet and spicy stir fry sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes.
Asian Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
In just 15 minutes, make the most amazing Asian Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps! They taste just like the delicious PF Chang's lettuce wraps with the most delicious sauce. Easy to make and healthy.
Healthy Beef and Broccoli
This Healthy Beef and Broccoli is a lightened-up twist on an iconic Chinese take-out dish. It’s easy to make, beyond flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Serve this dish on its own or alongside a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls
In just 20 minutes, make the best Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls with sweet and spicy ground beef, fresh veggies, and steamed rice. It's a quick and easy dinner the whole family will love.
Mongolian Beef
This healthier spin on Mongolian Beef tastes better than your favorite take-out version with a good-for-you spicy and garlicky sauce and plenty of flavor.
Korean Beef Bowls
These easy Korean Beef Bowls come together in less than 20 minutes! Packed with the most delicious Korean-inspired ground beef, tons of fresh vegetables, and rice.
Slow Cooker Sesame Beef
Slow cooker sesame beef is the perfect comfort food—tender, flavorful beef infused with a rich sesame-ginger sauce. It takes 5 minutes to prep for a flavorful, fuss-free dinner.
Beef Stir Fry
This Beef Stir Fry is a healthy 20-minute meal loaded with tender beef and tons of fresh vegetables in the best sweet and savory stir fry sauce. Serve it with rice or quinoa for a fast, easy dinner.
Asian Chicken and Turkey Recipes
Chicken and turkey are perfect for lighter, protein-packed Asian meals. Whether you're craving a zesty stir-fry, a warming soup, or a flavorful marinade, these recipes keep things healthy with lean meats, fresh herbs, and wholesome ingredients.
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki with Vegetables
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki with Vegetables is made with pantry staples and comes together in the crockpot for a meal that will make the whole family happy and is perfect for meal prep.
Healthy Kung Pao Chicken
This Healthy Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a lighter take on the classic Chinese dish, offering tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and bold flavors in a quick, easy, and healthier meal.
Honey Soy Glazed Chicken
Honey Soy Glazed Chicken is marinated in soy sauce, honey, garlic, sesame oil, and green onions and can be cooked in a skillet, on the grill, or quickly broiled for an easy and healthy dinner.
Grilled Sriracha Barbecue Chicken
This healthy Sriracha Chicken is packed with sweet and spicy flavors from a quick homemade barbecue sauce spiked with plenty of Sriracha. Make it on the grill or in the oven for a drool-worthy grilled chicken dish.
Thai Chicken Larb
Fifteen minute Chicken Larb is the Thai dish that you need to make immediately! This easy to make, healthy dish is the perfect balance of salty, spicy, sour, and sweet.
Thai Chicken Skewers
Thai Chicken Skewers that taste as good as take-out but can be made at home on the grill. Served with a simple homemade peanut sauce, these Thai chicken skewers are a healthy dinner option your whole family will love.
Spicy Peanut Chicken
This easy Spicy Peanut Chicken made with chicken breast, fresh veggies, and a lightened up peanut sauce that will leave you licking the plate.
Easy Spicy Barbecue Chicken Thighs
These sweet and spicy Barbecue Broiled Chicken Thighs cook in ten minutes and make an easy weeknight meal.
Sheet Pan Asian Chicken Stir Fry
Sheet Pan Asian Chicken Stir Fry cooks in 15 minutes for a healthy dinner packed with chicken, veggies, and a homemade stir fry sauce.
Healthy Sesame Chicken
This Healthy Sesame Chicken covered in a sticky sweet sesame sauce tastes just like Chinese takeout but is actually good for you.
Asian Ground Turkey Stir Fry
This easy Asian Ground Turkey Stir Fry takes less than 20 minutes to make and is the perfect healthy weeknight dinner.
Korean Chicken
These easy Korean Chicken are packed with tons of sweet and spicy flavors but make a surprisingly light dinner with just 250 calories.
Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is crispy chicken tossed in a creamy sweet and spicy sauce is a dish you can't stop eating. Great for dinner and also makes an amazing appetizer.
Slow Cooker Curry Chicken and Vegetables
This easy slow cooker Chicken Curry is packed with the flavors of curry, coconut, and plenty of veggies. An easy, flavorful dinner you will make again and again.
Chicken Coconut Curry Soup
This quick and easy Chicken Coconut Curry Soup comes together in less than 30 minutes with Thai curry, chicken breast, lots of fresh veggies, and a delicious coconut broth.
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken will be an instant family favorite with its creamy peanut butter and coconut sauce. Easy to make and so tasty.
Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry
This easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is ready in just 15 minutes and made with the most delicious homemade stir fry sauce.
Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps made with a tasty sweet and spicy ground turkey filling and topped with carrots, cilantro, and peanuts are a restaurant style meal that's easy to make at home.
Sheet Pan Honey Sriracha Chicken and Vegetables
Honey Sriracha Chicken and Vegetables cooked on a single sheet pan is the perfect dinner for any Sriracha lover. This easy meal is packed with sweet and spicy flavors.
Thai Basil Ground Turkey
Thai takeout lovers need to make this easy Thai Basil Ground Turkey dish made with just a few simple ingredients. Ready in fifteen minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
Spicy Skillet Hoisin Chicken
This hoisin chicken skillet recipe isn't just delicious, it's super fast and easy to make! With just 4 simple ingredients, dinner will be ready in less than 20 minutes.
Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry
Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. This flavorful dish is made with chicken breast, pineapple, and veggies, all coated in a vibrant stir fry sauce. It’s the ultimate family dinner or healthy meal prep!
Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chicken
This Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chicken is the perfect at-home Asian dish with tender chicken thighs cooked in a slightly sweet, spicy sauce made with soy, garlic, ginger, and Asian chili paste.
Sesame Chicken with Broccoli
Make delicious Chinese takeout inspired Sesame Chicken with Broccoli at home in less than 30 minutes! This healthier spin on Sesame Chicken is a family favorite and has all the same flavors as the classic dish.
Thai Red Coconut Curry with Chicken
A simple and quick spicy Thai Red Coconut Curry with Chicken dish that is healthier and tastier than take-out. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a meal that's ready in just 15 minutes.
Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice
Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors with fresh pineapple, veggies, and aromatics. It’s healthy, easy to make, and makes the perfect lunch or dinner for any occasion!
Easy Orange Chicken
Made simply with wholesome ingredients, this delicious Healthy Orange Chicken is way better than the classic take-out dish. It’s beyond easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes for the perfect healthy weeknight dinner recipe!
Basil Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli
This Basil Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli is a lightened-up version of your favorite take-out dish. It’s easy to make, full of delicious flavor, and comes together in less than 30 minutes! Serve this dish on its own or over a bed of rice or quinoa for a meal.
Teriyaki Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Quinoa Bowls made with chicken breast, tons of vegetables, and homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve it over quinoa or swap in favorite grain for a quick and healthy meal or meal prep.
Asian Turkey Burgers
These Asian Turkey Burgers with Sriracha Lime Yogurt Sauce are anything but boring and may be the best turkey burgers you have ever had. Plus they are healthy and low carb/Paleo friendly.
Chicken Stir Fry
This Chicken Stir Fry recipe is the ultimate quick and easy dinner full of fresh vegetables and tender chunks of chicken in a delicious homemade sauce. It couldn't be easier to prepare!
Slow Cooker Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs
Meatballs aren't just for spaghetti and tomato sauce—they're a perfect canvas for bold flavors like curry, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk. These Slow Cooker Thai Green Curry Meatballs are packed with all the best Asian-inspired flavors and are seriously delicious.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken made with just 8 ingredients that are already in your pantry is just as easy as takeout with all the sticky and sweet flavor you're craving.
Sheet Pan Spicy Peanut Chicken and Broccoli
This Sheet Pan Spicy Peanut Chicken and Broccoli dinner is the perfect weeknight meal with bold flavors, easy-to-find ingredients, and minimal clean up.
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken packed with sweet and spicy flavors is perfect for a healthy and easy dinner. Stuff them into lettuce wraps, serve it over rice, or make Asian style tacos for a dinner you will crave.
Spicy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir-fry
This Spicy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir-fry is an easy, healthy dinner that's ready in just 20 minutes. It's packed with protein and is both Paleo and low-carb friendly.
Bang Bang Chicken Tacos
These creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang Chicken Tacos with crunchy cabbage slaw are ready in less than 30 minutes! Taste just like the restaurant version, but healthier!
Asian Quinoa and Turkey Stir Fry
This Asian Quinoa and Ground Turkey Stir Fry is easy to make, packed with fresh veggies and lean protein, and a great option for meal prep. It's delicious, filling, and healthy.
Spicy Turkey, Green Bean, and Mushroom Stirfry
This Spicy Turkey, Green Bean, and Mushroom Stirfry with a homemade stirfry sauce is full of flavor, healthy, and ready in less than 20 minutes!
Asian Ground Turkey Bowls
These 15-minute Asian Ground Turkey Bowls are inspired by the flavors of lettuce wraps! Made with ground turkey, mushrooms, bell peppers, and water chestnuts tossed in a delicious Asian sauce with rice and tons of crunchy veggies.
Mandarin Chicken Salad
This delicious Mandarin Chicken Salad packed with Romaine lettuce, red peppers, cilantro, and mandarin oranges tossed in homemade seaame dressing is everything you want in a healthy salad. It's crunchy, full of fresh veggies, and packed with flavor.
Asian Pork Recipes
Pork is a staple in many Asian cuisines, and these recipes show how to enjoy it healthily. Opt for leaner cuts like pork tenderloin, and try steaming, grilling, or stir-frying with minimal oil to keep things light yet delicious.
Moo Shu Pork
Moo Shu Pork is a popular Chinese takeout dish made with pork and fresh veggies cooked in a simple yet flavor packed sauce. This delicious and healthy take on a classic take-out dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your home!
Grilled Hoisin Pork Tenderloin
With just four ingredients, this Grilled Hoisin Pork Tenderloin is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Pork Fried Cauliflower Rice
The easy Pork Fried Cauliflower Rice is a delicious low carb and keto friendly Chinese inspired meal. Ready in less than 20 minutes and tastes as good as the traditional version.
Pork Fried Rice
Pork Fried Rice made healthier with lean pork tenderloin, lots of veggies, and brown rice. Easy to make and just as good as your favorite takeout.
Slow Cooker Char Siu Pork
Slow Cooker Char Siu Pork is the Chinese barbecue pork cooked low and slow in the crockpot until it is fork tender and delicious.
Asian Seafood Recipes
Seafood lovers, rejoice! These recipes highlight fresh fish, shrimp, and shellfish, bringing out their natural flavors with fragrant spices and light sauces. Plus, seafood is packed with omega-3s, making these meals both nutritious and satisfying.
Sesame Soy Grilled Tuna
Sesame Soy Grilled Tuna that tastes just like your favorite restaurant but is made at home. Don't be intimidated to cook this easy grilled or pan seared tuna at home for a healthy and delicious dinner.
Shrimp Sushi Bowls
Shrimp Sushi Bowls are a healthy and easy way to have sushi at home. This delicious dish is made with tons of veggies, brown rice or cauliflower rice, shrimp, and homemade spicy mayo.
Creamy Coconut Shrimp with Tomatoes
Creamy Coconut Shrimp with coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and basil is a delicious Whole30 and Paleo-friendly meal that comes together in less than 20 minutes.
Broiled Soy Honey Salmon
This 5 ingredient Honey Soy Salmon cooks in less than 10 minutes in the broiler. It is the ultimate quick, healthy, and easy meal.
Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice
This easy Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice is a lightened up, low carb version of the classic Chinese dish and is packed with veggies and even more flavor.
Coconut Curry Shrimp
This easy Coconut Curry Shrimp made with sweet shrimp, tons of fresh vegetables, Thai green curry paste, and coconut milk tastes just like takeout but is healthier and ready in less than 20 minutes.
Thai Basil Shrimp Stir Fry
Thai Basil Shrimp Stir Fry that's ready in just 10 minutes with the most delicious spicy basil stir fry sauce and fresh zucchini.
Grilled Salmon With Honey & Lime
This light grilled salmon is the perfect main dish for a warm summer night. Get the grill out, and whip up a sweet and sour marinade for this simple recipe.
Teriyaki Salmon
This easy Teriyaki Salmon is baked in the oven with a homemade teriyaki sauce and marinade. It comes out perfectly flaky with the most amazing crispy outside.
Sesame Shrimp
Easy sesame shrimp tastes just like takeout and is ready in less than 10 minutes! The homemade sesame sauce is sweet and savory and the snow peas add lots of crunch.
Teriyaki Shrimp with Green Beans
Teriyaki Shrimp is made with shrimp and green beans tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this delicious and easy meal is the perfect easy weeknight dinner!
Firecracker Shrimp and Broccoli
Firecracker Shrimp is wholesome, easy to make, and beyond delicious. Best of all? It’s ready in under 15 minutes. Serve this slightly spicy shrimp and broccoli dish with some steamed rice or quinoa for a delicious dinner.
Fish Curry
This savory Fish Curry recipe is fragrant, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, this delicious dish makes for an incredible weeknight meal that the whole family is guaranteed to fall in love with.
Quick and Easy Salmon Sushi Stacks
Make these delicious and healthy Salmon Sushi Stacks in less than 5 minutes for the ultimate quick and easy meal. Made with brown rice, salmon, avocado, and cucumbers, these sushi stacks have all the flavor of sushi without the work.
Sesame Crusted Tuna
Sesame crusted tuna is crispy on the outside, yet perfectly rare on the inside. This fresh and delicious seared tuna recipe is an easy way to impress your guests in just a few minutes. Serve with steamed rice and veggies for an easy, healthy meal you’ll love!
Crispy Asian Salmon Bowls
These Crispy Asian Salmon Bowls are a quick, flavor-packed meal featuring honey-soy glazed salmon bites, fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in 30 minutes and is perfect for meal prep!
Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and easy Asian dish that comes together in less than 20 minutes. It's packed with shrimp, veggies, and the most amazing honey garlic stir fry sauce.
Easy Salmon Stir Fry
Make this healthy and delicious Salmon Stir Fry in less than 20 minutes! Packed with tender chunks of salmon, lots of fresh vegetables, and the most amazing homemade teriyaki inspired stir-fry sauce.
Salmon Sushi Bowls
Salmon Sushi Bowls are a quick, easy, and healthy recipe perfect for any night of the week! Bake the salmon in a teriyaki-style marinade, then serve it with fluffy sushi rice, crunchy vegetables, buttery avocado, savory nori, and a creamy Sriracha mayo.
Shrimp Stir Fry
This Shrimp Stir Fry is loaded with tender shrimp and crunchy vegetables all coated in a homemade stir-fry sauce for a quick and healthy family meal.
DIY Hawaiian Poke Bowls
These poke bowls are packed with delicious ahi tuna marinated in a traditional Hawaiian-style poke sauce served with steamed rice and a colorful assortment of vegetables. They’re incredibly fresh, flavor-packed, and easy to customize with different fish, toppings, and sauces.
Salmon Poke Bowls
Make your own Salmon Poke Bowls at home with raw or cooked salmon and all your favorite toppings. These poke bowls are easy to make, taste amazing, and are much more affordable than restaurant build-your-own poke bowls.
Asian Vegetarian Recipes
Plant-based eating shines in Asian cuisine, with tofu, mushrooms, and an array of colorful veggies taking center stage. These dishes are loaded with nutrients and bold flavors, proving that vegetarian meals can be just as exciting as meaty ones.
Spinach and Mushroom Lo Mein
This quick and easy lo mein is packed with spinach and mushrooms for a healthy, Chinese "takeout" meal at home that is actually good for you!
Curry Sweet Potato Noodles
Curry Sweet Potato Noodles packed with fresh veggies, coconut milk, sweet potato noodles, and chicken or tofu make a healthy dinner.
Mongolian Tofu
Mongolian Tofu is a vegan version of your favorite take-out dish that is ready in about 15 minutes, easy to make, and delicious.
Tofu Cauliflower Fried Rice
Tofu Cauliflower Fried Rice that is full of crispy tofu and vegetables tossed with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and cauliflower rice.
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs in a sticky sweet and savory sauce that come together in less than 5 minutes in the slow cooker.
Chili Glazed Tofu with Sugar Snap Peas
This easy Chili Glazed Tofu comes out crispy, full of flavor, and can be made with any vegetables you have at home. Makes a delicious vegetarian meal that everyone will love.
Baked Tofu with Sweet Orange Ginger Sauce
Sweet orange ginger baked tofu is the best crispy tofu recipe tossed in a simple orange and ginger stir fry sauce.
Asian Quinoa Stir Fry
This easy Asian Quinoa Stir Fry made with protein packed quinoa, vegetables, and a delicious almond butter stir fry sauce is a delicious vegetarian meal or side dish. Also great for leftover quinoa.
Hoisin Tofu Bowl
These easy Hoisin Tofu Bowls with crispy tofu, brown rice, and tons of vegetables are quick and easy to make, full of flavor, and work great for meal prep.
Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps with Quinoa
These quick and easy Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps packed with quinoa, mushrooms, red peppers, and water chestnuts in a savory hoisin stir fry sauce are a great meatless meal or appetizer.
Moo Shu Vegetable Stir Fry
These Chinese Moo Shu Vegetables are stir fried in the most delicious hoisin based stir fry sauce with tender cabbage, broccoli, mushrooms, and eggs. Easy to make and delicious as a meal or side dish.
Pan Fried Sesame Tofu with Edamame
Learn to make delicious Pan Fried Tofu in a sweet Asian marinade with edamame. This tasty vegetarian meal comes together in less than 20 minutes and is packed with protein.
Stir Fried Vegetables (Works for Any Veggies!)
These simple stir-fried vegetables are tossed in a delicious stir fry sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. This quick and easy side dish is ready in under 10 minutes, making it the perfect accompaniment for all sorts of healthy weeknight meals.
Basil Tofu with Green Beans
Basil Tofu with Green Beans is a delicious, vegetarian version of your favorite take-out dish. Bursting with flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish is the perfect weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside some brown rice for a satisfying and healthy dinner.
Grilled Tofu
This easy Grilled Tofu is marinated with soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for tons of flavor. This vegan dish is perfect for topping your favorite salads, wraps, and grain bowls. Grilled to perfection in under 10 minutes!
Vegetarian Sushi Bowls
Make these easy Vegetarian Sushi Bowls for a quick meal inspired by veggie sushi rolls. Super crispy baked tofu served over sushi rice with fresh vegetables, edamame, and the best spicy Sriracha mayo.
Thai Bowls (Build Your Own)
These Thai Bowls are easy to make, healthy, and can be made with any combination of grains, vegetables, and protein you like. Just add the amazing homemade peanut sauce and your Thai Bowl is ready.
Asian Side Dish Recipes
No meal is complete without the perfect side! From light and refreshing salads to flavorful rice and veggie-packed stir-fries, these healthy side dishes round out your meal without adding unnecessary calories.
10 Minute Cabbage Stir Fry
This quick and easy Cabbage Stir Fry flavored with sesame, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of Sriracha works great for any Asian meal and is ready in less than 10 minutes.
Crispy Asian Brussel Sprouts
These Crispy Asian Brussel Sprouts are seriously delicious, restaurant quality, Brussel sprouts that you can make at home in less than thirty minutes.
Asian Kale Apple Slaw
This easy Asian Kale Apple Slaw packed with fresh kale, cabbage, carrots, mint, and cilantro in a creamy peanut vinaigrette makes a delicious side dish or add chicken or tofu for a healthy meal.
Healthy Fried Rice
Healthy Fried Rice made with brown rice, eggs, and cabbage tastes just like the real thing but only has 130 calories per serving. This tastes as good as any restaurant version but is packed with veggies and good for you.
Asian Zucchini Noodles
Asian Zucchini Noodles are a Whole30 and Paleo friendly way to enjoy your favorite Asian noodles without the guilt. Made with ginger, garlic, coconut aminos, and sesame seeds this noodles couldn't be more delicious.
Sesame Green Beans
Sesame Green Beans are wholesome, easy to make, and bursting with delicious flavors. Serve this Asian-inspired side dish alongside your favorite protein and rice for a quick and easy weeknight meal that guarantees to please.
Asian Peanut Slaw
Asian Peanut Slaw filled with cabbage, peanuts, jicama, and celery and topped with the most delicious peanut lime dressing, all for under 150 calories.
Asian Noodle Bowls
These easy Asian Noodle Bowls with tasty noodles tossed with a delicious sesame sauce and tons of fresh vegetables are the perfect easy dinner or meal prep.
Edamame Salad
This Edamame Salad is fresh, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. It's made with a blend of crunchy vegetables (that stand up to summer heat!), creamy peanut butter dressing, and lots of fresh herbs. Serve this versatile salad as a side dish, a light lunch, or a full meal with your favorite protein on top.
Vermicelli Noodle Bowls
These Vermicelli Noodle Bowls made with sweet chili chicken, tender rice noodles, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts is an easy 20-minute dinner and perfect for meal prep! Healthy, delicious, and versatile.
Easy Ways to Make Any Asian Recipe Healthier
You can easily tailor Asian recipes to meet a variety of health goals by adjusting cooking techniques and ingredient choices:
- Lower fat and calories: Opt for grilling, steaming, or stir-frying with minimal oil instead of deep-frying. Choose leaner cuts of meat like chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or sirloin, and incorporate more plant-based proteins like tofu and edamame.
- Reduce sugar: Many Asian dishes use sweet sauces. Minimize sugar by using low-sugar or sugar-free sauces (like low-sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos, or rice vinegar) or by using natural sweeteners like coconut sugar, honey, stevia, or monk fruit.
- Lower sodium: To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos, or homemade broths. Be mindful of pre-packaged sauces and condiments, which can be high in sodium.
- Increase protein: Choose lean proteins like chicken, turkey, seafood, or tofu to boost the lean protein content of dishes
- Increase fiber and veggies: To maximize fiber, load up on vegetables such as bok choy, mushrooms, zucchini, or leafy greens like spinach. You can also swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Better Choices When Ordering Asian Food
Eating out? You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. Here are some smart swaps and better-for-you dishes to order:
- Appetizers: Instead of fried wontons, tempura, or egg rolls, choose fresh spring rolls, edamame, miso soup, or seaweed salad.
- Main Courses: Choose steamed, grilled, or stir-fried dishes with light sauces, such as chicken and broccoli, shrimp with garlic sauce, beef and broccoli, or Mongolian beef. Avoid deep-fried dishes like orange chicken, honey walnut shrimp, or Beijing beef.
- Noodle and rice dishes: Go for soba noodles, brown rice, or cauliflower rice instead of white rice or heavy lo mein. Try bibimbap with extra veggies, pad Thai with tofu and extra bean sprouts, or spicy tuna poke bowls.
- Sauces and seasonings: Request sauces on the side, and choose lighter options like ponzu, hoisin, or vinegar-based sauces over sweet and creamy ones.
Must-Have Pantry Staples for Healthy Asian Cooking
- Sauce ingredients: Coconut aminos, reduced-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, fish sauce, low-sugar teriyaki sauce, paleo stir fry sauces, and miso.
- Whole grains: Brown rice, soba noodles, quinoa, and shirataki noodles.
- More plant based proteins: Tofu, tempeh, edamame, and canned chickpeas for easy vegetarian swaps.
- Herbs, spices, and aromatics: Ginger, garlic, lemongrass, chili paste, fresh herbs, citrus, and sesame seeds.
- Healthier cooking oils: Avocado oil, sesame oil (for flavoring), and olive oil for heart-healthy fats.
What is your favorite healthy Asian dish?
What are the healthiest Asian dishes to cook at home?
Many healthy Asian dishes feature lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and light sauces. Some of the best options include
- stir-fries with tofu, shrimp, chicken, lean pork, fish, and lean beef
- steamed fish with ginger
- vegetable packed curries
- chicken or tofu lettuce wraps
- sushi without creamy or sugary sauces
Are there low-sodium options in Asian cuisine?
Yes! To reduce sodium in Asian dishes, opt for low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, homemade broths, and coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
What are some alternatives to rice in Asian recipes?
Instead of white rice, try using whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or soba noodles for more fiber. You can also go for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash. Or skip the rice and use lettuce wraps to serve your favorite Asian protein.