When it comes to appetizers, Asian cuisine has a wealth of delicious and varied options. From savory dumplings to sweet and sticky rice bites, there’s something for every taste bud and occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to spice up your usual snack routine, these 18 flavorful Asian appetizer recipes are sure to impress.
From classic spring rolls to crispy potstickers and spicy tuna tartare, we’ve gathered the best of the best from across the continent. You’ll find inspiration for everything from casual gatherings with friends to more formal events like weddings or holidays. And the best part? Most of these recipes can be made in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy hosts.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Asia, exploring the flavors and ingredients that make each dish unique. From Thailand’s spicy fish cakes to Japan’s pan-fried gyoza dumplings, every recipe is carefully crafted to delight your guests and leave them wanting more.
Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce
A flavorful and crunchy appetizer or snack that combines the freshness of vegetables with the sweetness of chili sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 package spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section)
– 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup cooked and mashed tofu
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sweet Chili Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, scallions, and tofu.
2. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to combine.
3. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the vegetable mixture in the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry spring rolls until golden brown, turning occasionally.
6. Serve warm with Sweet Chili Sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes to fry the spring rolls, plus additional time if making homemade sweet chili sauce.
Crispy Pork Potstickers with Dipping Sauce
Elevate your Asian-inspired snack game with these crispy pork potstickers served with a tangy dipping sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or as a fun twist on traditional dumplings.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 cup ground pork
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Dipping Sauce ingredients (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and ginger. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dampen edges with water and fold into a triangle, pressing edges to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry potstickers until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (see below).
Dipping Sauce:
– Mix equal parts soy sauce and rice vinegar
– Add a pinch of grated ginger and sesame oil to taste
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes, including frying time.
Spicy Tuna Tartare on Wonton Crisps
Elevate your appetizer game with this refreshing and spicy tuna tartare served on crispy wonton chips. Perfect for a quick and easy canapé or as part of a larger sushi-inspired spread.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sashimi-grade tuna, diced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (depending on desired level of spiciness)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wonton chips, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine tuna, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, green onions, and sriracha sauce.
2. Mix gently until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve chilled on wonton chips.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this easy-to-make recipe for chicken satay, served with a creamy peanut sauce. This classic street food dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into skewer-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 20 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Peanut Sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, ginger, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread the marinated chicken onto the bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill the satay for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Peanut Sauce:
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 minced garlic clove
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Serve with grilled satay.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp
Fresh spring rolls are a classic Vietnamese street food that’s both delicious and healthy. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with crunchy vegetables, wrapped in a delicate rice paper wrapper.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of rice paper wrappers
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped carrot
– 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Cook the shrimp by grilling or pan-frying until pink and slightly charred.
2. Cut the cooked shrimp into small pieces.
3. Prepare the filling ingredients by chopping the cucumber, carrot, and mint leaves.
4. Fill a large bowl with warm water and submerge a rice paper wrapper for about 30 seconds to soften it.
5. Assemble the spring roll by placing a portion of the shrimp, vegetables, and herbs onto the center of the wrapper, then brush the edges with vegetable oil.
6. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up into a tight cylinder.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Kimchi Pancakes
Kimchi pajeon is a popular Korean dish that combines the spicy kick of kimchi with the crispy, savory goodness of pancakes. This recipe brings together the bold flavors and textures of Korea’s national condiment, kimchi, and transforms it into a delicious snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour and water to form a batter.
2. Add chopped kimchi, chili flakes, beaten egg, and salt to the batter. Mix well.
3. Heat a non-stick pan with about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
4. Pour in the batter and spread evenly to form a pancake shape.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to curl.
6. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes per batch (depending on size)
Japanese Gyoza Dumplings Pan-Fried to Perfection
Gyoza dumplings are a staple of Japanese cuisine, and when pan-fried to perfection, they become a crispy, savory, and utterly addictive snack. This recipe yields deliciously wrapped dumplings filled with a mix of pork, vegetables, and spices, cooked to a golden brown in just a few minutes.
Ingredients:
– 20-25 gyoza wrappers
– Filling:
+ 1/2 pound ground pork
+ 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage
+ 1/4 cup grated carrot
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 tablespoon soy sauce
+ 1 tablespoon sesame oil
+ Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for pan-frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine the filling ingredients and mix well.
3. Place a gyoza wrapper on a flat surface, then place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center.
4. Fold the wrapper into a half-moon shape, pressing edges to seal.
5. Pan-fry the dumplings for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Chinese Scallion Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce
A classic Chinese street food, scallion pancakes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, served with a savory soy dipping sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
5. Roll out each piece into a thin circle.
6. Brush with vegetable oil and sprinkle with chopped scallions.
7. Fold the pancake in half and press edges to seal.
8. Cook pancakes in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
Soy Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup water
Mix ingredients together and serve with the scallion pancakes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on cooking speed)
Steamed Shumai Dumplings with Pork and Shrimp
These tender and flavorful dumplings are a classic Cantonese dish, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. With a delicate balance of pork, shrimp, and vegetables, they’re sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup cooked and peeled shrimp
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped scallions, cooked shrimp, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
4. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Steam the dumplings over boiling water for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and slightly puffed.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Mango Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this tropical twist on classic shrimp. Crispy coconut crust and sweet mango sauce come together for a flavorful and refreshing treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– Mango Sauce (recipe below)
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, unsweetened shredded coconut, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, then coat in the coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with coconut oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Mango Sauce:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Serve with Crispy Coconut Shrimp.
Thai Fish Cakes with Cucumber Relish
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with these crispy fish cakes served alongside a refreshing cucumber relish. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe is sure to delight!
Ingredients:
For the fish cakes:
– 1 pound cod or tilapia fillet, flaked
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the cucumber relish:
– 2 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together fish, breadcrumbs, cilantro, garlic, ginger, curry paste, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Form into 8 patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, combine cucumber slices, cilantro, lime juice, and fish sauce (if using) in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the fish cakes hot with the cucumber relish on the side.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Indonesian Beef Satay Skewers
Satisfy your cravings with these tender and aromatic beef satay skewers, inspired by the flavors of Indonesia. With a combination of spices, herbs, and sweet soy sauce, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 500g beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into thin slices
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Peanut sauce (store-bought or homemade), for serving
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine coconut milk, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander powder, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Thread beef slices onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush the beef with the coconut milk mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Grill or broil the satay skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with peanut sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vietnamese Banh Mi Sliders
Experience the flavors of Vietnam in a bite-sized package with these delicious banh mi sliders. Crunchy baguette, savory meats, and fresh pickled vegetables come together to create a mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 small baguettes
– 1/2 pound cooked pork or chicken, sliced
– 1/4 cup pickled carrots and daikon
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the baguettes in half and toast until lightly browned.
3. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each baguette, followed by a slice of meat, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and lettuce.
4. Top with the top half of the baguette and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Korean Spicy Rice Cakes (Tteokbokki)
Tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food, is a sweet and spicy rice cake dish that’s easy to make and fun to eat. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of tteok (Korean rice cakes), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of sugar
– 1/4 cup of water
– 1/4 cup of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or diced vegetables for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the Gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, water, and Korean chili flakes. Whisk until smooth.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Add the tteok pieces to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice cakes are well coated with the sauce.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Japanese Agedashi Tofu with Bonito Flakes
A classic Japanese dish that combines the subtle flavor of agedashi tofu with the savory umami taste of bonito flakes, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Bonito flakes (katsuobushi) for garnish
– Optional: grated daikon radish and pickled ginger for serving
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and salt.
2. Dip each tofu piece into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
3. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
4. Fry the coated tofu pieces until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove the fried tofu from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve the agedashi tofu hot with bonito flakes sprinkled on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chinese BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)
These tender buns filled with sweet and savory char siu pork are a staple in Chinese bakeries. This recipe yields soft, fluffy buns perfect for snacking or as part of a dim sum spread.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup char siu pork filling (see below)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Char Siu Pork Filling:
– 1 pound pork shoulder or butt, cooked and shredded
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough.
3. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide into 8-10 equal portions.
5. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly.
6. Place 1/4 cup of char siu pork filling in the center of each bun.
7. Fold and seal buns, pressing edges to ensure they don’t open during cooking.
8. Brush tops with beaten egg for glaze.
9. Cook in steamer basket at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Thai Mango Sticky Rice Bites
These bite-sized treats combine the creamy sweetness of mango with the sticky, chewy goodness of Thai-style rice cakes. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Thai jasmine rice
– 1/2 cup ripe mango, diced
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup puffed rice cereal (or crispy rice cakes)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix cooked rice with palm sugar, salt, and coconut oil until well combined.
2. Add diced mango and mix until the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the rice mixture.
3. Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions, depending on desired size.
4. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Dip each disk into beaten egg and then coat with puffed rice cereal (or crispy rice cakes).
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the coating.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Malaysian Curry Puffs with Flaky Pastry
These savory pastries are a staple in Malaysian cuisine, filled with a flavorful mixture of potatoes, onions, and spices. With a flaky pastry crust, they’re perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup warm water
– Filling ingredients:
+ 2 large potatoes, boiled and diced
+ 1 large onion, finely chopped
+ 1 tablespoon curry powder
+ 1 teaspoon salt
+ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
+ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add warm water, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
4. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Spoon a small amount of filling onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling and press edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) for golden brown color.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until pastry is flaky and golden.
Summary
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these 18 flavorful Asian appetizer recipes! From crispy potstickers and savory spring rolls to spicy tuna tartare and sweet mango sticky rice, there’s something for every occasion. This collection of dishes hails from countries like China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, offering a diverse range of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping appetizer, these recipes are sure to impress. So go ahead, explore the world of Asian cuisine, and get ready to devour!
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