The allure of Asian cuisine has been on the rise, with a plethora of restaurants serving up delectable dishes from across the continent. The million-dollar question remains: where should you indulge?
One thing’s for certain – Asian food is renowned for its incredible diversity and emphasis on freshness, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or lunch. If you’re craving authentic flavors, these 24 recipes promise to transport your taste buds to the heart of Asia.
Korean Steamed Egg
In South Korean cuisine, gyeran jjim holds a special place as a beloved breakfast staple. The unique preparation method involves gently steaming or boiling the egg yolk within its white exterior, resulting in a delicately soft and flavorful final product.
Mandu
The origins of Mandukae in Korea are shrouded in mystery. While some attribute its arrival to the Yuan dynasty, others propose that it originated in China. Despite the debate, one thing is clear: Mandukae has become an integral part of Korean cuisine. Koreans have adopted various ways to enjoy Mandukae, incorporating it into kimchi, soups, rice cakes, buns, and even as a filling for fried chicken.
In modern times, many Koreans prepare Mandukae by wrapping a layer of dough around a mixture of meat and vegetables. However, the traditional version employed a glutinous rice flour paste, which was wrapped around a filling consisting of ground beef, cabbage, onions, and occasionally dried persimmons.
Gamjatang, Korean Pork Soup
To craft the rich flavor profile of doenjang jjigae, combine ingredients in a large pot with a lid. The traditional method involves mixing water, soy sauce, sugar, salt, sesame oil, gochujang pepper paste, minced garlic, onions, ginger, scallions, and sliced green onion. For optimal results, we suggest preparing a larger batch every few months to fully appreciate the depth of flavors. Alternatively, you can double or triple the recipe to enjoy the cost-effective benefits.
Feel free to experiment by substituting chicken stock for beef stock, if desired. The beauty of this soup lies in its unique flavor profile, making it a wise decision to prepare a larger batch and savor each delicious bowl.
Japchae Noodles
Japchae, a staple of Korean cuisine, is a harmonious blend of glass noodles, vegetables, meat, seafood, and seasonings. This beloved dish has its roots in the Joseon Dynasty era, when it was a prized offering at special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and New Year’s celebrations.
While traditionally reserved for holidays and milestone events, japchae has evolved to become a staple on many restaurant menus, available daily rather than just on special occasions.
The foundation of this dish is undoubtedly the glass noodles, which can be sourced in either dried or fresh forms.
Dried glass noodles are a convenient option, as they don’t require soaking before cooking. In contrast, fresh glass noodles must be rehydrated overnight to achieve their signature texture and flavor.
Coconut Style Tarts
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of these coconut tarts, a delightful breakfast or brunch treat that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. When paired with a dollop of raspberry jam, they become an irresistible indulgence. Whether you’re enjoying them alongside a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, these bite-sized wonders are sure to satisfy your cravings. Their addictive nature means it’s wise to double the recipe – one tart is unlikely to be enough!
Fresh from the oven, these coconut treats are at their most divine. With their ease of preparation and versatility as a breakfast or dessert option, they’ve earned a special place in our hearts (and stomachs) as a go-to morning delight.
Chicken Lemongrass Banh Mi
We’re enthusiasts of banh mi sandwiches due to their effortless portability and bold flavors. This recipe’s unique twist is its reliance on lemongrass, cilantro, lime juice, fish sauce, and coconut milk to infuse the meat with a rich, complex taste profile.
To deviate from traditional pork, this version employs marinated lemongrass chicken breasts, which harmoniously blend their flavors within the light and refreshing sandwich.
The chicken undergoes an overnight soaking in a mixture of soy sauce, fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, resulting in a tantalizingly tender and juicy final product.
Okayu Japanese Porridge
Okayu, Japan’s beloved rice oatmeal, has captured hearts worldwide due to its delightful taste, visually appealing presentation, and simplicity in preparation. A distinctive characteristic of this recipe is its unorthodox serving temperature – cold. Typically, it’s served alongside a bowl of steaming hot rice or noodles, adding an intriguing twist to the dish. The use of short-grain brown rice is particularly noteworthy, as it cooks rapidly and readily releases starch.
To achieve a creamy texture without compromising on liquid content, we cleverly combined milk powder with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and kombu seaweed. A pinch of salt was added to harmonize the flavors, making this okayu recipe an alluring experience for the senses.
Kimchi Pancakes
Kimchi pancakes have become a staple in our household due to their simplicity and unparalleled flavor. What sets them apart from regular pancakes is the unmistakable tanginess they derive from kimchi juice. While making your own kimchi can be rewarding, store-bought varieties are perfectly acceptable, ensuring the same delectable outcome. The key lies not in fermenting the kimchi itself, but rather utilizing its juices to infuse the batter with a rich, savory flavor.
Even canned kimchi can be used, as long as you drain off any excess liquid and finely chop it into manageable pieces. For the flour component, we opted for whole wheat due to availability, but white whole wheat flour is also a viable option – just be sure to sift out the bran before measuring to ensure optimal results.
Miso Oatmeal With Avocado And Kale
While miso may seem like a ubiquitous ingredient in Japanese cuisine, its rich history often goes unexplored. The term ‘miso’ itself is a combination of two Japanese words: ‘mi,’ meaning soybean paste, and ‘su,’ referring to fermented soy sauce. This fermented condiment has been around for much longer than people typically realize, with various types and flavor profiles waiting to be discovered.
Green Onion And Egg Crêpe
Convenience is key when it comes to this recipe. Having pancake mix on hand means you can quickly satisfy your sweet and savory cravings at any time of day. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert, these crêpes are sure to hit the spot. Just imagine a warm, fluffy base topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of honey – it’s the perfect treat. To get started, simply whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt) in a bowl.
Then, add eggs, milk, and butter to create a smooth batter. Don’t forget to include some green onions for added flavor. Once your crêpes are cooked, top them with your favorite toppings – think asparagus, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, spinach, zucchini, or whatever vegetables you love. The possibilities are endless!
Mini Egg Cake
Mini-egg cakes are an ingenious way to repurpose leftover egg whites, yielding a tender and airy treat reminiscent of angel food cakes. Despite their appeal, they’re not necessarily worth making unless you have excess egg whites on hand. Furthermore, we’d suggest utilizing the yolks in another recipe, as they can add a rich dimension to many dishes. Nevertheless, these cakes are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them an excellent option for a fun and indulgent treat.
To begin, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Next, gradually add the sugar, whisking thoroughly after each addition, stopping once you’ve reached three tablespoons. Finally, alternate adding the flour and milk, beating well after each incorporation. With these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a delightful mini-egg cake in no time.
Sri Lankan Milk Rice
Instead of following a traditional approach to rice pudding, this recipe takes a distinct route. Rather than combining milk and stirring, you’ll be cooking the rice until it reaches a soft, palatable consistency. This unconventional method yields a unique dessert that harmoniously blends the flavors of cake and pudding. The best part? It requires minimal effort, making it an accessible treat to enjoy at any time.
Served warm or chilled, this simple yet crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for impromptu gatherings or planned events alike. To prepare ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight; reheat as needed using the microwave or oven.
Vegan Congee
Savory oatmeal meets Eastern flair in this congee recipe, where brown rice is cooked with chicken stock to create a comforting meal. Feel free to get creative and modify it to suit your taste preferences by substituting vegetable stock or omitting the meat altogether for a vegan version. On the flip side, a plant-based take on congee can be just as satisfying, using a medley of vegetables like chickpeas, carrots, and onions to create a rich and flavorful base for the rice.
With this recipe, you’re free to add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
Chinese Egg Tarts
To elevate the classic egg tarts to new heights, we experimented with adding rich flavors and textures. We started by using our go-to pastry recipe as the base, then introduced a decadent combination of chocolate and hazelnut for an added depth of flavor. The key to achieving perfectly cooked eggs inside and a crispy outside was to bake them at a high temperature for about 10 minutes, followed by a lower heat for the remaining 5 minutes.
This dual-temperature approach ensured that the crust remained golden and flaky, while the eggs were cooked to perfection. To prevent the pastry from drying out, we employed a gentle finishing touch by baking at a lower temperature towards the end of the cooking time. For the filling, we blended cottage cheese with milk and sugar to create a smooth, creamy base, which we then infused with the deep flavors of vanilla extract and cocoa powder.
To add a light and airy texture, we folded in whipped cream, before finishing each tart with a dollop of meringue frosting. The result is a sumptuous treat that’s perfect for dessert parties or any occasion when you want to indulge in something sweet and indulgent.
Condensed Milk Bread
Indulging in this scrumptious bread is a common occurrence for us – we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve devoured half the loaf in one sitting. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it an ideal go-to treat whenever a sweet craving strikes, guaranteeing instant gratification.
Tamagoyaki French Toast
In Japanese cuisine, Tamagoyaki is a beloved egg dish that typically features thin slices of grilled egg placed on top of rice cakes. This twist on the classic sweet treat takes a bold turn with the introduction of savory elements – crispy bacon and melted cheese, to be exact. The resulting fusion of flavors adds an exciting depth to this traditional Japanese delight. To elevate the experience even further, we substitute the typical Tamagoyaki custard base with a soft and silky texture.
And just when you think it’s all about the subtle nuances, each slice is punctuated by the satisfying crunch of fried shallots.
Kimchi Egg
Kimchi’s spicy kick and umami flavor make it an excellent addition to a humble breakfast dish like scrambled eggs. We’ve discovered that by incorporating kimchi into our morning meal, we can elevate the taste and nutritional value of this staple food. Simply add a few spoonfuls of kimchi to your scrambled eggs for a flavorful and filling breakfast that will keep you going throughout the day.
Korean Egg Fried Rice
In Korean cuisine, traditional dishes are deeply rooted. One such staple is a flavorful rice bowl cooked with egg yolks and infused with the savory flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, kimchi, garlic, ginger, scallions, and spicy chili pepper flakes. This beloved dish is ubiquitous in South Korea, with restaurants serving it almost everywhere you go.
Korean Street Toast
In South Korea, a staple food item is the humble toast sandwich, which has gained immense popularity due to its convenience, affordability, and nutritional value. These sandwiches are easily accessible at convenience stores, where they’re often pre-packaged and ready for consumption on-the-go. Many locals adore them as a quick breakfast option or as a satisfying snack while strolling around town.
One particular variety that stands out is the traditional Gilgeori toast, comprising a slice of bread topped with a sliced egg, crisp lettuce, and spicy sauce. This delightful combination has become a beloved morning routine for many Koreans. Other popular toppings include kimchi, cucumber, radish, and onions, which add an extra layer of flavor and texture to this tasty treat.
Enoki Mushroom Egg Pancake
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Next, add the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Gently fold in the enoki mushrooms to prevent breaking their delicate strands. Heat a skillet over medium heat with approximately 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Using a ladle, pour batter into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The subtle flavor of the enoki mushrooms makes them an excellent addition to this pancake recipe.
This versatile dish can be adapted to include other ingredients such as tofu, broccoli, spinach, carrots, or any combination that suits your taste. Simply substitute the mushroom with your preferred filling and cook according to the same instructions.
Dalgona Coffee
Starting your day with a cup of coffee is always enhanced by the addition of fluffy whipped cream on top. This distinctive Asian-inspired coffee takes it to the next level by incorporating rich caramel flavors, creating an unbeatable combination that’s sure to kickstart your morning in style. Experience the perfect blend of creamy texture and decadent flavor with this mouthwatering brew.
Pumpkin Porridge
In Korea, Hobakjuk is a beloved dish that’s deeply rooted in tradition. At its core lies pumpkin, which is served chilled and requires no cooking at all. Simply combine the ingredients with water, then heat them over medium heat for about 10 minutes to bring out the flavors.
While Korean pumpkin oatmeal is a staple in many households, Hobakjuk stands out as a unique and flavorful variation.
By combining pumpkin with red pepper powder, black sesame seeds, gochujang sauce, rice flour, and salt, you’ll create a dish that’s both spicy and savory. Enjoy it hot or cold, whenever your taste buds crave something new.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make and never fails to impress. You can enjoy it daily without ever getting tired of the same old thing.
When it comes to choosing a pumpkin, you have two options: dried or canned.
If you opt for dried pumpkin, be sure to soak it overnight before cooking. Then, treat it like rice – cook it until it’s tender and ready to enjoy.
Korean Strawberry Milk
When it comes to cooking with Korean strawberries, a little extra care is required to preserve their natural sweetness and juiciness. To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, this recipe cleverly combines sugar, water, lemon juice, and ice cubes. Feel free to experiment by incorporating other fruits like mangoes or peaches into your strawberry preparation. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a refreshing snack, this versatile recipe has got you covered.
Final Thoughts
We’re thrilled that you’ve enjoyed this collection of 24 recipes! As previously mentioned, many of these dishes were crafted using ingredients readily available at most grocery stores.
The variety of breakfast options presented here are sure to delight, and we encourage you to take a culinary adventure by trying out several recipes and determining which one becomes your go-to morning favorite for starting the day on a bright note.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.