Quick Asian Dishes Perfect for Weeknight Prep

If you’re anything like me, finding time to cook a nutritious and delicious dinner after a long day can be a hassle. However, I’ve discovered the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition: Asian cuisine. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly versatile, and often cooks up in a flash – making it the perfect choice for meal prepping. So, put on your apron and explore five quick Asian dishes that will transform your weeknight dinner game.

1. Speedy Sesame Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

This classic stir-fry is a weeknight staple for a reason. It’s easy, customizable, and delivers a burst of sweet and savory flavors that will have you licking your plate clean. The best part? You can whip it up in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup snap peas
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup pre-made sesame ginger sauce

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
2. Add the peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Pour the sesame ginger sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
4. Serve over rice or noodles, and enjoy!

Meal Prep Tip

Double or triple the recipe and store the cooked chicken and vegetables separately. This way, you can create multiple meals throughout the week by simply reheating and adding a fresh batch of sauce.

2. Vibrant Veggie Pad Thai (Vegan/Vegetarian)

Pad Thai is a beloved Thai noodle dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. This vegetarian version is just as satisfying, thanks to the combination of tofu (or tempeh), colorful vegetables, and a tangy peanut sauce.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed (or 8 ounces tempeh, crumbled)
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Peanut sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10-15 minutes, or according to package directions.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the tofu (or tempeh) and cook until golden brown.
3. Add the red onion, carrots, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Drain the noodles and add them to the skillet. Toss to combine.
5. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
6. Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Meal Prep Tip

Cook the noodles al dente (slightly firm), as they will continue to cook when reheated. To prevent them from sticking together, toss them with a bit of oil before storing.

3. Flavor-Packed Korean Beef Bowls

Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant dishes, and these beef bowls are no exception. The beef is marinated in a savory sauce then quickly seared for a tender and juicy result. Topped with quick-pickled vegetables and a drizzle of sesame oil, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Quick-pickled vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, radishes)
• Cooked rice
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
2. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. Assemble the bowls by placing a scoop of rice in each bowl. Top with the cooked beef and quick-pickled vegetables.
4. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Meal Prep Tip

Make a big batch of quick-pickled vegetables by combining thinly sliced vegetables with vinegar, sugar, and salt. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and add a tangy crunch to any meal.

4. Zesty Shrimp Summer Rolls (No-Cook!)

When the weather heats up, I crave cold and refreshing meals that don’t require turning on the stove. These shrimp summer rolls are the perfect solution. They’re packed with vibrant flavors and textures, and they come together in a snap with minimal effort. Plus, they’re a great way to use leftover cooked shrimp.

Ingredients

• Rice paper wrappers
• Cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
• Julienned vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers)
• Rice vermicelli noodles, cooked
• Dipping sauce (peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or your favorite)

Instructions

1. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper in the water for a few seconds, until it becomes pliable.
2. Place the wrapper on a clean surface. Arrange a few shrimp halves, herbs, vegetables, and noodles in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly to enclose the filling.
4. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and ingredients.
5. Serve the summer rolls with your favorite dipping sauce.

Meal Prep Tip

Prep all of the ingredients in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, assemble the summer rolls in just a few minutes. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

5. Soothing Chicken and Veggie Noodle Soup

This soothing chicken and veggie noodle soup is a hug in a bowl. It’s packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and slurpable noodles in a flavorful broth. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make ahead of time, so you can enjoy a comforting meal on even the busiest of weeknights.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup chopped green beans
• 8 ounces dried rice noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or green onions) for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts and poach for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool.
2. While the chicken is cooking, heat the olive oil in a separate large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the broccoli and green beans and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Once the chicken has cooled, shred it with two forks.
5. Add the shredded chicken, cooked vegetables, and rice noodles to the pot with the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.

Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare the ingredients ahead: Chop the vegetables, shred the chicken, and measure out the noodles.
• Portion and store: Divide the soup into individual airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Reheat and enjoy: When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat a portion of the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

With these five flavorful and easy-to-prep Asian-inspired dishes, you’re well on your way to conquering weeknight cooking. From quick stir-fries to no-cook summer rolls and comforting chicken noodle soup, you’ll have a diverse and delicious menu at your fingertips. So, ditch the takeout menus, embrace your inner chef, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade meals that nourish your body and soul. Happy meal prepping!