39 Asian Dinner Recipes on a Budget
These affordable Asian dinner recipes include variations on fried rice, stir-fried dishes, meaty entrees, comfort soup, and much more. They are easy to make and each one tastes fabulous for the entire family to enjoy.
Ordering takeout is easy, but it can be expensive—especially if you have to feed a family.
Here are some money-saving Asian dinner recipes that are easy to prepare, healthy, satisfying, and delicious. They include popular dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, Crispy Beef, Mapo Tofu, Kimchi Ramen, Yaki Udon, Thai Red Curry Chicken, and more.
These recipes use inexpensive ingredients from your local grocery store, or everyday items that you have in your pantry or in the refrigerator in your kitchen. There’s nothing better than adding your personal touch to family dinners you create from the comfort of your own home.
From rice to noodles, stir-fry to curries, these frugal Asian-inspired recipes have something for everyone. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian or anywhere in-between, these recipes are sure to please you and your family.
39 Asian Dinner Recipes on a budget
Chicken Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Chicken)
Chicken bulgogi is an easy and quick Korean BBQ chicken to prepare on a busy weeknight. You can grill this slightly sweet and savory chicken dish, broil it in the oven, or pan-fry it.
Ground Beef Bulgogi (Easy Korean Beef Bowl)
Make ground beef bulgogi for a satisfying Korean beef bowl in just 15 minutes. This savory, delicious dish is a perfect, quick, and budget-friendly dinner option!
Easy Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles Stir-Fry)
Make japchae, Korean glass noodle stir-fry, the easy way with this simple recipe. Enjoy chewy sweet potato noodles, colorful veggies, and tender meat for an authentic Korean japchae taste.
20-Minute Spicy Pork Bulgogi (Jeyuk Bokkeum)
Make Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi (Jeyuk Bokkeum) in 20 minutes with this simple recipe. Stir-fry thin pork slices in spicy gochujang sauce for a meal that matches restaurant taste, or even better.
Easy Thai Red Curry Chicken and Vegetables
This easy Thai red curry with chicken and fresh vegetables captures the authentic flavor of Thai and makes a quick and healthy weeknight meal. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
Chinese Crispy Beef Under 30 Minutes
This Chinese crispy beef is a restaurant-quality recipe featuring super crispy strips of beef smothered in a sweet tangy glaze. Easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, your Asian dinner will be ready in less than 30 minutes.
Chinese Egg Fried Rice (Easy and Fast)
Learn how to make delicious egg fried rice in just 15 minutes. This popular Chinese dish features stir-fried rice with scrambled eggs, green onions, garlic, and soy sauce. Fluffy and delicious!
Best Filipino Chicken Adobo
Filipino Chicken Adobo, the national dish of the Philippines, features chicken simmered in a tangy and savory soy sauce-vinegar marinade. With common everyday ingredients, this easy chicken recipe lets you taste juicy, tender Filipino adobo.
Easy and Authentic Kung Pao Chicken
Make real Kung Pao Chicken easily at home with this easy recipe. Bring the bold flavor of Sichuan cooking into your kitchen with juicy chicken, spicy chilies, and crunchy peanuts. Great for beginners!
Quick Yaki Udon (Stir-Fried Udon Noodles)
Yaki udon is a Japanese stir-fried udon noodles with vegetables, protein, and savory sauce. Prepare it in 15 minutes using simple 5-ingredient yaki udon sauce for a delicious weeknight meal.
One Pot Korean Noodles and Vegetables
The Korean noodle and vegetable dish is a perfect one pot meal one pot meal for hot summer days and takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. Use any cold cut meats or deli ham, and whatever vegetables you have in hand to suit your taste.
Dakgangjeong (Korean Chicken Nuggets)
Dakgangjeong is a crispy Korean chicken snack with bite-sized chicken thigh pieces in a sweet, slightly spicy glaze. It's quick to cook, great for snacks or parties.
Ground Beef Curry (Beef Keema Curry)
Beef Keema curry is a simple Indian ground beef curry. With a few everyday ingredients, you can make a delicious Indian curry in no time – perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
20-Minute Beef Gochujang Noodles
Enjoy flavorful Beef Gochujang Noodles in under 20 minutes! This easy Korean-inspired one-bowl meal combines spicy gochujang paste, sweet apple, and pantry staples, with simple customization options.
Dakdoritang (Korean Spicy Chicken Stew)
Dakdoritang is a hearty Korean spicy chicken stew known for its robust blend of spices. It offers tender, braised chicken, carrots, and potatoes in a thick, red sauce. Two cooking methods are introduced: stove top and pressure cooking.
Korean Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
These pan-fried Korean honey garlic chicken wings are a party winner. They are healthier than the deep-fried wings. Making these is super easy and simple, with just a few ingredients.
15-Minute Sesame Soba Noodle Bowl
This sesame soba noodle recipe makes a terrific weeknight dinner. Topped with crumbled seaweed and fried dumplings, you’ll have a hassle-free simple soba noodle bowl ready in 15 minutes. Serve warm.
Quick Spam Fried Rice
Spam fried rice with egg takes less than 20 minutes to cook. Crispy pan-fried Spam, fluffy eggs, and simple vegetables creates a delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Authentic Sichuan Mapo Tofu Recipe
Sichuan Mapo Tofu, a spicy Chinese tofu dish, is easy to make at home with our authentic recipe. With soft tofu and ground pork in a savory sauce, it promises a fulfilling meal that goes great with rice.
Skillet Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks (Easy 25 Minute Recipe)
These skillet teriyaki chicken drumsticks are a no-fuss one pan recipe prepared on the stove top. The tender, moist chicken drumsticks are coated with an irresistible sticky teriyaki glaze made with pineapple juice.
Spicy Tofu and Egg in a Skillet
This Korean spicy tofu and egg dish in a skillet is a quick and easy to whip up, but is satisfying enough to justify making it for dinner. Gluten-free and vegetarian adaptable!
Pan-Fried Hong Kong Noodles
These pan-fried Hong Kong noodles offer a crispy and chewy texture, along with a smoky and savory flavor that you can personalize with your favorite ingredients. This versatile Cantonese dish takes less than 20 minutes to prepare.
5-Minute Kimchi Ramen
Kimchi Ramen is a quick and tasty meal in just 5 minutes made from Korean instant ramen with kimchi, canned tuna. Perfect for busy days.
Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak
This fantastic Korean fusion Philly cheesesteak style bulgogi cheese steak sandwich is packed with flavor and texture. It’s a simple and quick sandwich that takes 15 minutes — no need to marinate the bulgogi beef at all.
Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Roll)
Kimbap (or Gimbap) is a traditional Korean seaweed rice roll that consists of rice, vegetables, and seaweed. This recipe provides an easy way to make the flavorful Korean rice dish, perfect for any quick meal or outdoor event. Vegetarian adaptable.
Crispy Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe with Cheese
Crispy on the outside and cheesy inside, this kimchi fried rice recipe with cheese brings the best of both worlds.
Best Jajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles)
This jajangmyeon recipe delivers the authentic flavors of Korean black bean noodles, featuring thick, chewy wheat noodles enveloped in a rich, savory black bean sauce. Absolutely delicious!
Healthy Grilled Mackerel Fish in Parchment
Enjoy this easy grilled mackerel fish recipe that delivers smoky, crispy skin and juicy, tender flesh. Using the parchment paper method, you can eliminate unwanted fish odors while reaping all the benefits of Omega 3.
Easy Korean Beef Noodles
Create tasty Korean beef noodles with this easy recipe. Ground beef makes a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements tender wheat noodles. With just a few ingredients and basic cooking skills, make a satisfying and delicious meal your whole family will enjoy.
30-Minute Easy Tonkatsu: Japanese Pork Cutlet Recipe
Prepare crispy and juicy Tonkatsu, a Japanese pork cutlet, in 30 minutes! This easy recipe also includes a tangy homemade sauce made from simple pantry staples
Vietnamese Chicken Curry Soup (Ca Ri Ga)
This Vietnamese chicken curry soup (Ca Ri Ga) is made with madras curry powder, lemongrass, and coconut milk. The addition of coconut water makes it lighter while still maintaining a rich flavored broth.
30-Minute Chinese Beef and Pepper Stir Fry
Beef and Pepper Stir Fry (Pepper Steak Stir Fry) with the authentic Chinese flavor! This easy recipe pairs melt-in-your-mouth sirloin steak with vibrant bell peppers, all smothered in a savory black bean sauce infused with garlic and ginger. Enjoy restaurant-quality taste right at home, all whipped up in less than 30 minutes.
Authentic Thai Basil Beef (Pad Gra Prow)
This authentic Thai basil beef (Pad Gra Prow) features thinly sliced beef stir-fried with garlic, chili, and Thai basil for a tasty and aromatic experience.
Check out this recipe
Vegetables in Coconut Milk (Sayur Lodeh)
Sayur Lodeh is a popular Indonesian vegetable dish cooked in coconut milk. This easy vegetable curry recipe is loaded with colorful veggies and packed with flavor. Turmeric is used to give it a beautiful shade of yellow.
Pork Belly Rice Bowl Recipe (Butadon)
A delicious pork belly recipe to create Butadon (Japanese pork and rice bowl) with a quick and easy homemade Teriyaki sauce.
Easy Beef Massaman Curry (Rich & Authentic Flavor)
Thai Beef Massaman Curry is perfect for Busy Weeknights. This easy recipe brings together the convenience of store-bought massaman curry paste with the rich, authentic flavors of traditional home cooking.
20-Minute Mango Chicken Stir-fry
Mango chicken stir-fry is a healthy and delicious dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes! With lean chicken breast and fresh mango in a slightly sweet and tangy sauce, it's the perfect option for a quick and tasty weeknight meal.
Korean Braised Chicken (Andong Jjimdak)
This Korean braised chicken (Andong Jjimdak) uses chicken pieces, onion, carrots, and potatoes, along with sweet potato glass noodles, and braised in a spicy soy sauce together with dried red chilies.
10-Minute Ramen Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Make this satisfying ramen and vegetable stir-fry in 10 minutes. Use any vegetable you have in your fridge. Egg and bonito topping is an optional choice.
Best Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Tender beef and fresh broccoli florets are stir-fried together with a savory sauce. This beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe is a healthy, quick dinner choice and ready in 15 minutes.
Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry
If you have abundant cucumbers, this quick tender beef and cucumber stir-fry is a perfect rice bowl dish for an easy weeknight meal.
39 Asian Dinner Recipes on a Budget: Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowl
This Korean ground beef bulgogi recipe makes an easy Korean beef bowl within 20 minutes. It is perhaps one of the most satisfying ground beef recipes.
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef, preferably 90% lean
- 2 green onion , finely chopped, optional
For bulgogi sauce
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2-3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sweet rice wine (mirim)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix all the bulgogi sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until soft, about 1-2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer until it is heated through and the sauce reduces, about 2 minutes. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Calories: 386kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 12g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 81mg, Sodium: 1149mg, Potassium: 394mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 3IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 57mg, Iron: 3mg
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