11 Asian Recipes for Nights When Takeout Sounds Good but Isn’t Happening

Takeout may sound tempting, but 11 Asian recipes can make a homemade dinner feel possible even on hectic evenings. Many people want restaurant-inspired meals without having to leave the house. Trying a few new dishes could keep your weeknight rotation fresh. At-home cooking sometimes delivers comfort and convenience when you least expect it.

A close-up of stir-fried noodles with green beans, red bell peppers, and carrots, garnished with sesame seeds.
Udon Noodles. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Chickpea Curry

Bowl of chickpea stew with spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, and topped with fresh cilantro.
Chickpea Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cozy meals feel possible even on the busiest nights with this Chickpea Curry. Creamy texture and gentle spices blend for instant comfort. I reach for this recipe when dinner needs to be quick but special. Friends often ask for seconds before the pot is empty.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Curry

Seaweed Salad

A close-up of seaweed salad with sesame seeds on a red plate, with chopsticks picking up a portion.
Seaweed Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bright greens add freshness to your table with this Seaweed Salad. Each bite brings a mix of crunch and subtle flavor that sparks curiosity. I put this out as a starter for guests who enjoy something light. There’s always someone surprised by how much they enjoy the unique texture.
Get the Recipe: Seaweed Salad

Nutty Sesame Soba Noodles

Two bowls of soba noodle salad with carrots, edamame, and radish slices, placed on a patterned cloth with wooden chopsticks beside them.
Nutty Sesame Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A burst of sesame flavor makes these Nutty Sesame Soba Noodles perfect for an easy dinner. Cold or warm, each twirl clocks in as fun and filling. I use this recipe for casual nights where a bowl of comfort is all anyone wants. Even leftovers seem to disappear faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Nutty Sesame Soba Noodles

Thai Peanut Curry (Better Than Take-Out!)

A bowl of vegetable curry with leafy greens, chunks of squash, diced tomatoes, peanuts, and cilantro, served with a spoon.
Thai Peanut Curry (Better Than Take-Out!). Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Big, bold taste and creamy layers shine in this Thai Peanut Curry (Better Than Take-Out!). Mouths water from the aroma alone long before the first ladle hits a bowl. I whip this up when cravings for restaurant food hit hard at home. No one ever believes it was so easy to get flavors this rich.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Curry (Better Than Take-Out!)

Egg Fried Rice

Oval dish filled with fried rice garnished with chopped green onions.
Egg Fried Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of simple comfort come together quickly in this Egg Fried Rice. Every grain is perfectly fluffy, while the eggs lend a boost of protein. I make extra for easy lunches since the leftovers never get old. Friends always ask why homemade feels so much better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

Scallion Pancakes

Four cooked scallion pancakes on parchment paper, garnished with sliced green onions, with a small bowl of dipping sauce and a whole scallion beside them.
Scallion Pancakes. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Crisp edges and a hint of onion make these Scallion Pancakes a favorite for cozy nights in. Each bite is chewy and rich, perfect for dipping into sauce as you mingle. I always see empty plates at the end. It’s a dish that turns simple pantry items into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Pancakes

Thai Yellow Curry

Thai Yellow Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.
Thai Yellow Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fragrant spices simmer together with creamy sauce in this Thai Yellow Curry, creating real comfort on a chilly night. Every spoonful brings a mild kick that feels familiar yet exciting. I serve it during colder months for a family-style meal worth sharing. Happy faces linger long after dinner wraps up.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry

Crispy Rice

A stack of crispy rice topped with a dollop of white sauce, red sauce, and sliced green onions, with a blurred dish of green garnishes in the background.
Crispy Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Texture takes center stage with this Crispy Rice treat. The golden crust makes this dish special, whether served alone or as a base for other favorites. Guests love guessing what gives it that signature crunch. I make it whenever I want to add some adventure to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Rice

Asian Cucumber Salad Jar

A glass jar filled with sliced cucumbers, red onions, and herbs in pickling liquid, with two metal forks placed inside.
Asian Cucumber Salad Jar. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tangy, chilled, and ready in minutes, this Asian Cucumber Salad Jar packs a punch in every forkful. Layers of fresh crunch wake up tired evenings after work. I grab extra for lunch the following day since the flavors blend even better overnight. It’s a refreshing change-up for salad fans.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad Jar

Savory Tofu Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with grilled tofu, diced carrots, peas, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of dark sauce, served on a red cloth.
Savory Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Plant-based eaters and meat-lovers both crowd the table once this Savory Tofu Fried Rice comes out. Crisp edges and hearty rice make for an easy weeknight comfort. I rely on this recipe when time is short but the cravings won’t quit. Even those new to tofu are usually surprised by how filling it is.
Get the Recipe: Savory Tofu Fried Rice

Udon Noodles

A close-up of stir-fried noodles with green beans, red bell peppers, and carrots, garnished with sesame seeds.
Udon Noodles. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Slurping noodles has never been more fun than with this Udon Noodles dinner. Thick, chewy bites draw out the warmth and leave you wanting seconds. I set out extra toppings so everyone can customize their bowl. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure meal for chilly evenings when takeout seems too far away.
Get the Recipe: Udon Noodles

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