Why You’ll Love Quick Asian Dinner Recipe
This Quick Asian Dinner is the ideal solution when you want something flavorful, filling, and fast. The combination of savory sauces, fresh vegetables, and protein of your choice makes it a well-rounded meal that pleases the palate. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it a great option for busy families, individuals, or anyone needing a nutritious meal in a flash. Plus, the versatility allows you to mix and match ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen!
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast or tofu, cubed
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece of ginger, grated
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 carrot, julienned
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1/2 onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Cooked rice or noodles for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the ingredients: Start by chopping your vegetables, mincing garlic, and grating ginger. Cube the chicken (or tofu if you prefer a vegetarian version).
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Set aside.
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Cook the protein: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken (or tofu) and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the red bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, and onion. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Combine: Add the cooked chicken (or tofu) back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to coat. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve: Serve the stir-fry over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein.
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Protein Variety: You can also use shrimp, beef, or pork in place of chicken.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for more variety and texture.
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Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
Storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the dish from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, pork, tofu, or tempeh based on your preference.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that your hoisin sauce is also gluten-free.
What vegetables can I use in this stir-fry?
Feel free to add or swap vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy to suit your tastes.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can chop vegetables and prep the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the protein and stir-fry just before serving for the freshest taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s not spicy unless you add extra heat through chili flakes, sriracha, or a similar hot ingredient.
Can I make this recipe without sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil, but you’ll miss out on the distinctive nutty flavor sesame oil provides.
How do I make this dish more saucy?
If you prefer more sauce, you can double the sauce ingredients to create extra flavor for your rice or noodles.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir-fry?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well in stir-fries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
What should I serve this with?
This stir-fry is best served over white or brown rice, but you can also serve it with noodles for a different twist.
Can I add nuts to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add toasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Quick Asian Dinner is a quick, tasty, and customizable meal that packs in all the delicious flavors of Asian cuisine. With simple ingredients and a fast cooking process, it’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something savory and satisfying. Enjoy the balance of tender protein, crisp veggies, and the savory sauce that ties it all together. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Quick Asian Dinner
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This Quick Asian Dinner is an easy, flavorful meal that combines fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory soy-based sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave a delicious dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Packed with protein and veggies, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser and can be customized to your liking.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional for thickening sauce)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken to the pan and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using), and stir for another 1 minute.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and cornstarch (if using). Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Feel free to add any other vegetables you like such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
- This recipe can be made ahead and reheated for a quick lunch.