23 Asian-inspired meals with weeknight-friendly steps

Weeknight dinners don't have to be complicated or take hours to prepare. I love finding meals that bring bold, familiar flavors from across Asia while keeping the steps simple enough for a busy evening. These dishes are practical, approachable, and perfect for anyone who wants a flavorful meal on the table without the stress.

Plate of crispy tofu pieces with walnuts and green onions, served alongside white rice. Fork on the side. — Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy spring rolls come together quickly in the air fryer, making them a practical choice for a weeknight snack or appetizer. The filling is simple yet flavorful, giving you the authentic taste of Filipino lumpia without extra prep time. It's easy to cook in batches and works well with a variety of dipping sauces. This recipe fits smoothly into any Asian-inspired meal rotation when you need something fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Salmon Bowl

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed salmon, sliced cucumbers, corn, tomato wedges, and a drizzle of orange sauce, with chopsticks picking up a piece of salmon. — Salmon Bowl. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salmon bowl is a complete meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy evening. Fresh vegetables and grains make it wholesome while keeping prep simple. The combination of flavors pairs naturally with Asian-style sauces and seasonings. It's a practical option when you want a balanced dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

Ube Ice Cream

A close-up of purple ice cream in a bowl, with a spoon scooping out a portion. — Ube Ice Cream. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ube ice cream provides a colorful and creamy dessert that's surprisingly easy to prepare at home. It's a sweet finish to any Asian-inspired dinner and doesn't require complicated techniques. Using simple ingredients keeps it approachable for weeknight dessert cravings. The vibrant flavor adds a touch of Filipino flair without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Ube Ice Cream

Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

This banana-filled treat is quick to assemble and perfect for a fast sweet snack. The caramelized exterior pairs well with a light dipping sauce or as-is for a handheld dessert. Minimal prep makes it ideal for a weeknight treat that feels authentic. It fits easily into Asian-inspired menus, adding a familiar yet special touch.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice. — Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A balanced stir-fry that comes together in one pan, making it convenient for a busy evening. Tender beef and crisp broccoli are flavored with a simple sauce that reflects Korean cuisine. Cooking time is short, which keeps weeknight stress low. It's a solid main dish for anyone looking for a straightforward Asian-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Quick to cook and adaptable to what you have on hand, this ground pork stir fry is ideal for weeknight dinners. The mix of vegetables and sauce delivers flavor without a long prep. It's easy to pair with rice or noodles for a complete meal. The straightforward steps make it a practical choice for any Asian-inspired menu.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Ensaladang Mangga

A white plate with a mixed fruit and vegetable salad, including mango, apple, red bell pepper, and onions, garnished with herbs. — Ensaladang Mangga. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This fresh mango salad works as a light side dish that comes together in minutes. Its sweet-and-tangy balance complements grilled meats or stir-fries. Preparation is simple and requires no cooking, which saves time on busy nights. It's a handy addition to any weeknight Asian-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ensaladang Mangga

Chicken Chop Suey

A classic stir-fry that's quick to make and fills the table with vegetables and protein. The recipe keeps things simple while staying true to Asian-inspired flavors. Minimal prep and a single pan make cleanup easy after dinner. It's a reliable choice when you want a fast, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Filipino Fruit Salad

A white bowl filled with fruit salad in creamy sauce, topped with green gelatin cubes and maraschino cherries, sits on a white surface. — Filipino Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This creamy fruit salad is ready in just a few minutes and adds a sweet touch to any meal. It combines familiar fruits with a light dressing that's approachable for weeknight cooking. No complicated steps or ingredients are needed, keeping it stress-free. It works well as a dessert or side in Asian-inspired menus.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Fruit Salad

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tender broccoli and tofu come together in a quick, one-pan stir-fry that's easy to prepare. The sauce is simple yet flavorful, keeping the dish approachable for weeknight cooking. It pairs perfectly with rice or noodles for a complete meal. The dish brings Asian-inspired flavors without extra time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Filipino Leche Flan

Leche flan caramel creme brulee on a plate with a spoon. — Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This creamy custard dessert offers a rich finish that's easier to make than it looks. It requires minimal hands-on time while still giving authentic Filipino flavor. Once cooked, it can be chilled ahead of time for convenience. The smooth texture complements any Asian-inspired meal with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket. — Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these pork belly bites cook fast in the air fryer. They make a simple main or appetizer without hours of preparation. The straightforward seasoning keeps them approachable for weeknight dinners. They fit perfectly into Asian-inspired meals when you want something meaty and quick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Bang Bang Shrimp

Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce. — Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These shrimp are coated lightly and finished with a flavorful sauce, coming together quickly for a fast meal. Cooking time is minimal, making it a convenient choice for busy evenings. It works as a main dish or appetizer with any Asian-inspired dinner. The recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A peppery, protein-packed dish that cooks quickly in one pan. The sauce balances heat and flavor without complicated steps. It's easy to serve with rice for a fast weeknight dinner. This recipe brings authentic Chinese-inspired flavors without taking hours.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Filipino Chicken Adobo

Two pieces of braised meat in a dark, rich sauce, seasoned with whole peppercorns and a bay leaf, in a pan. — Filipino Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This classic chicken dish comes together in a single pot, making cleanup effortless. The marinade and sauce develop flavor without constant attention. Cooking time is moderate but manageable for a weeknight meal. It's a dependable choice for anyone craving an Asian-inspired main dish.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Chicken Adobo

Ube Pancakes

A stack of three purple pancakes topped with sweet purple paste and white strips, served on a white plate with a red checkered cloth nearby. — Ube Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Soft, purple pancakes provide a visually striking breakfast or dessert that comes together in one bowl. Preparation is straightforward, so you don't spend extra time on busy mornings. They pair naturally with sweet toppings and fit well into Asian-inspired menus. This recipe makes it simple to bring Filipino flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Ube Pancakes

Pancit Bihon Guisado

A fork lifting a portion of chicken and noodles from a bowl of stir-fry. — Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A noodle dish that cooks quickly in one pan, perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of vegetables and protein keeps it complete without extra dishes. It's a practical option for any Asian-inspired meal rotation. The straightforward steps make it easy to prepare without rushing.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Filipino Spaghetti

A bowl of spaghetti topped with a rich meat sauce placed on a red and white checkered tablecloth. — Filipino Spaghetti. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet-style spaghetti cooks quickly and is easy to assemble for a filling weeknight dinner. The sauce has a familiar flavor that pairs well with noodles and protein. Minimal steps make it approachable even on busy nights. It's a practical choice for an Asian-inspired meal with family-friendly appeal.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Spaghetti

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A quick-cooking dish with shrimp and crisp broccoli in a simple sauce. One pan is all you need, which keeps cleanup easy after a fast dinner. It pairs naturally with rice for a balanced, Asian-inspired meal. The recipe's straightforward approach makes it ideal for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Plate of crispy chicken pieces with walnuts and green onions, served next to white rice on a patterned cloth with a fork. — Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish brings a sweet and nutty finish to a quick weeknight meal. Prep is simple, and cooking time is short, making it practical for busy evenings. It pairs well with rice or vegetables for a complete dinner. The recipe captures familiar Asian-inspired flavors without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Asian Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

A plate of lettuce wraps filled with seasoned minced meat and garnished with herbs, served with lemon wedges on a wooden tray. — Asian Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Lean turkey cooks quickly and pairs naturally with crisp lettuce for a handheld meal. Minimal prep keeps it approachable for weeknight dinners. The filling has bold flavors without long cooking times. It's a versatile option for any Asian-inspired menu.
Get the Recipe: Asian Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Korean Strawberry Milk

A glass of strawberry milk garnished with a fresh strawberry and mint leaf, set on a white surface. — Korean Strawberry Milk. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet strawberry milk can be made in minutes, perfect for a quick drink after dinner or with a light snack. The simple steps keep it practical for weeknight preparation. It adds a familiar Korean-inspired flavor to the table without extra effort. This is an easy way to bring fun, fruity flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Korean Strawberry Milk

Teriyaki Noodles

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds, placed on a brown cloth napkin. Chopsticks rest on the bowl's edge, and a small dish is visible in the background. — Teriyaki Noodles. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Noodles cook quickly and come together with a straightforward teriyaki sauce. One pan is all you need, making it practical for a fast weeknight dinner. It pairs with vegetables or protein for a complete Asian-inspired meal. The recipe keeps preparation simple while still offering balanced flavors.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Noodles

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