While many of us have enjoyed Asian appetizers like egg rolls or naan bread at some point, making them from scratch can be a rewarding experience. The diverse cultures and cuisines across Asia offer a vast array of flavors to explore. For those new to Asian cuisine, trying something less common outside the continent, such as Banh Khot or sunomono, can be an exciting adventure.
As you browse through our collection of Asian appetizers, you’ll discover a wide range of options from Eastern Japan to Western Turkey, showcasing the incredible diversity of the region. One personal favorite is Sunomono, a simple yet flavorful dish made with sliced cucumbers in soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sugar – feel free to omit the peanuts if you prefer.
Whether you’re looking for appetizers to serve alongside your main course or seeking a tasty snack, there’s something on this list that will satisfy your cravings. If you’ve never ventured into making your own egg rolls, now is the perfect opportunity to try Pork & Mushroom Egg Rolls or Lumpiang Shanghai – the crispy results are well worth the effort.
CookingChew Tip: I’ve experimented with different ingredient preparations and find that chopping carrot and cabbage finely in a food processor makes them easier to roll and enjoy. For those seeking something crunchy and deep-fried, #24 is an excellent choice, while for a lighter option, #34 might be just what you need.
Pork & Mushroom Egg Rolls
When it comes to complementing a stir fry dinner with a side dish or appetizer, pork and mushroom egg rolls are an excellent choice. Their crispy exteriors hide a delightful filling of rice noodles, meat, mushrooms, and more. While they’re certainly enjoyable on their own, dipping them in sweet chili or teriyaki sauce elevates the flavor to new heights. Consider pairing these savory treats with an Asian-inspired soup for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Easy 15-Minute Wonton Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this effortless won ton soup, an ideal choice for both as an appetizer or a light meal. The warm, rich broth is perfectly complemented by soft and fluffy chicken wontons, alongside the delightful crunch of fresh bok choy. This speedy recipe is designed to cater to your busy schedule, with the entire dish ready in approximately 15 minutes from start to finish.
Ground Turkey Gyoza
Japan’s culinary landscape is renowned for its diverse and mouthwatering dishes, and dumplings are no exception. The country’s take on these tasty treats, gyoza, typically incorporates ground pork, but this recipe offers a lighter alternative by substituting the meat with ground turkey. This delightful variation can be savored on its own or paired with a drizzle of soy sauce for added depth of flavor.
With step-by-step instructions and accompanying images, this recipe provides an accessible and enjoyable cooking experience.
Edamame With Soy & Sesame Sauce
Japanese appetizers often start with simplicity, and edamame is a great example. This traditional snack consists of soybeans enclosed in a tough pod that’s not meant to be eaten. Instead, you bite the pods to release the edible beans inside. The combination of soy and sesame sauce brings out the natural flavor of the beans, making it a delicious and easy-to-enjoy treat.
Red Lentil Patties
India’s culinary scene is renowned for its accommodating approach to vegetarian diets, yet the allure of these red lentil patties transcends dietary preferences. These nutritious bites are a perfect accompaniment to any Indian main course, serving equally well as a satisfying snack. On their own, they’re a flavorful treat, but feel free to elevate them with your preferred sauces or chutneys for an added layer of delight.
Coconut Shrimp With Chili Sauce
This mouthwatering coconut shrimp recipe is an ideal accompaniment to your Thai main course, offering the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The sweet chili sauce adds a delightful dimension to the dish, complementing the crunch and flaky nature of the coconut-coated shrimp. What’s more, this recipe eliminates the need for deep-frying, allowing you to indulge in crispy shrimp without compromising on nutritional value.
Peanut Salad Cups
For those who adore peanut salad but crave something more portable, Thai peanut salad cups offer a brilliant compromise. By using wonton wrappers as mini containers, you can enjoy this delectable Thai-inspired treat in one effortless bite. The harmonious blend of nutty, savory, and refreshing flavors in Thai peanut salad makes it an ideal choice for satisfying your cravings.
Peanut Cauliflower Wings
Indulge your cravings for vegan ‘peanut wings’ with this innovative plant-based twist on a popular Thai appetizer. This delectable recipe features cauliflower florets smothered in a rich peanut and curry paste coating, topped with panko breadcrumbs for added crunch. A game-changer from the traditional deep-frying method is the oven-cooking approach, resulting in a lighter yet still satisfyingly crispy treat.
Samosas
In the culinary traditions of India, Pakistan, and other South Asian nations, samosas are a beloved staple of street food culture. The aromatic treats have likely greeted you before your main course at an Indian restaurant, offering a satisfying snack that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of chai. At their core, samosas consist of a crunchy fried dough exterior giving way to a flavorful filling of sautéed veggies, potatoes, and an array of carefully balanced seasonings.
Mast-o-Khiar
This delightful Persian-inspired recipe is an ideal summer treat that’s both refreshing and effortless. No cooking required! The star of the show is a harmonious blend of creamy yogurt, plump raisins, crunchy walnuts, fragrant herbs, and juicy cucumbers. You can savor this dish as a fresh salad or elevate it by serving it atop sliced cucumbers for a delightful appetizer experience.
Lumpiang Shanghai
For those who delight in the crunchy goodness of egg rolls, there’s a similar treat from the Philippines worth exploring. Lumpiang Shanghai is a beloved appetizer that combines a crispy spring roll wrapper with a flavorful filling featuring pork, carrots, onions, and a blend of savory seasonings. What’s more, this Filipino dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for novice cooks looking to expand their culinary repertoire.
Pajeon
Savoring the flavors of Korea, this pancake makes for an excellent appetizer or side dish to accompany a hearty main course. Its simplicity belies its potency, as the freshness of green onions takes center stage. For added depth, consider drizzling a hint of soy sauce over the top.
Traditional Kimchi
Kimchi, the iconic Korean condiment, is a staple in many cuisines around the world. While its fermentation process may seem daunting, taking several weeks to complete, the end result is well worth the investment of time. The slow-ripening process allows for the unique blend of flavors and textures that kimchi is famous for.
Chicken Satay
Indonesian street food favourite, chicken satay, is surprisingly easy to recreate at home. The perfect handheld snack, it’s an ideal option for parties or social gatherings. A blend of aromatic spices, including turmeric, coriander, cumin, and the sweetness of soy sauce, come together in a marinade that elevates the humble chicken skewer to new heights.
Homemade Sushi
Japanese cuisine is often synonymous with the iconic dish of sushi, but its versatility extends beyond being a main course. Sushi can also be an excellent choice for an appetizer, offering a delicious and refreshing start to any meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to be tailored to individual tastes – feel free to fill your sushi rolls with a variety of vegetables or fish to create a customized culinary experience that suits your preferences.
Banh Khot
Across the Asian continent, savory pancakes are a beloved appetizer staple. Vietnam’s unique take on this concept is particularly noteworthy. These bite-sized treats are elevated by a topping of crispy fried shrimp and rich coconut cream, resulting in a flavor profile that’s both filling and tantalizing. For an added touch of luxury, consider pairing them with squid, mung beans, or even quail eggs for a truly decadent experience.
Lahori Fried Fish
In the vibrant streets of Pakistan, Lahori fried fish is a beloved treat that can effortlessly transition from appetizer to snack. While this recipe shares similarities with traditional fried fish preparations, its distinctive flavor profile is rooted in the harmonious blend of spices characteristic of Pakistani cuisine.
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
While American-style popcorn chicken may be a crowd-pleaser, the Taiwanese version offers a fascinating twist on this beloved snack. The combination of spices, soy sauce, sweet potato starch, and Thai basil leaves infuses the popcorn chicken with an unmistakable flavor profile that’s equally enjoyable as a standalone treat or paired with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce.
Bakwan Sayur
Indonesian cuisine offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, none more so than the popular bakwan sayur. This crispy, golden-brown fritter is typically made with a medley of shredded vegetables, including carrots, cabbage, and scallions. While the preparation time may be around an hour, the end result is well worth the effort. As a simple yet satisfying Asian appetizer, bakwan sayur is best enjoyed with a tangy accompaniment of chili sauce.
Instant Pot Mongolian Meatballs
For a delectable meal starter, look no further than these Mongolian meatballs. Their rich flavor profile is perfectly harmonized by the subtle sweetness from the sauce, which counterbalances the savory and salty undertones. You can relish them on their own, or elevate the dish by serving them atop a bed of fluffy rice or garnishing with crispy scallions for added texture and visual appeal.
Spinach & Feta Cheese Borek
While borek may not be as well-known globally as some other pastry-filled delights, it’s a beloved appetizer in the Middle East, particularly in Turkey. This soft yet crispy treat is packed with the flavorful combination of spinach and feta cheese, making it a must-try for those who appreciate Mediterranean cuisine.
For fans of spanakopita, borek is likely to be a familiar and enjoyable flavor profile, while newcomers will find its rich flavors and textures a delightful introduction to this regional specialty.
Kibbeh Balls
In the culinary landscape of Lebanon, kibbeh balls hold a special place as a beloved appetizer. What sets them apart is the harmonious blend of ingredients, including ground beef, fragrant basil, and the distinctive kamouneh spice, which is expertly balanced by crunchy pine nuts and other savory components. And with their intriguing football shape, it’s no surprise that kibbeh balls would make a touchdown at any Super Bowl gathering – perfect for serving up to your friends and family.
Qatayef
In the Middle East, particularly during Ramadan, Qatayef is a beloved treat that consists of deep-fried pancake batter dumplings. While the fillings can be tailored to individual tastes, traditional options include nuts and dried fruit. For those with a sweet tooth, a drizzle of sugary syrup provides the perfect finishing touch.
Crab Rangoon
Crab rangoons have become a beloved Chinese appetizer globally, enjoyed for their unique combination of flavors and textures. To recreate this culinary delight at home, you’ll need to combine wonton wrappers with a filling consisting of cream cheese and succulent crab meat. After a brief deep-frying session, the resulting crispy snacks are perfect for savoring on their own or paired with your preferred dipping sauce.
Cream Cheese Wontons
Satisfy your craving for meatless crab rangoons with a delicious twist: cream cheese wontons. Boasting an impressive simplicity, these cheese-filled treats require only three ingredients to deliver a flavor that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Inspired by the flavors of China, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some Asian flair to their mealtime repertoire.
Miso Soup With Greens & Tofu
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Japan with this easy-to-make miso soup recipe that’s not only quick but also deliciously plant-based. Perfect for vegans, this Asian-inspired appetizer is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a dull day or nurse yourself back to health, the warm and soothing qualities of this miso broth, combined with fresh green veggies, make it an ideal choice.
Sfiha
In many parts of Western Asia, a popular appetizer is Sfiha, enjoyed in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Although variations exist, this particular recipe employs ground beef as its meat component. The pizzalike dish also boasts a medley of flavors from fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and crunchy pine nuts.
Tempura
Tempura’s allure lies in its harmonious balance of crunch and flavor. This beloved Japanese appetizer involves coating succulent shrimp and colorful vegetables in a rich batter before plunging them into hot oil. The result is an irresistible treat that can be savored on its own, paired with your favorite dipping sauce, or even used as a creative topping for sushi rolls.
Mango Chutney
Mango chutney’s versatility is what makes it so appealing – its sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile lends itself perfectly to being paired with milder accompaniments. When serving this recipe, consider complementing its bold flavors with something gentle, such as spreading it atop flatbread or using it as a dip for naan chips. This combination results in a delectable Indian-inspired appetizer that’s sure to please.
Corn Pakora
For those who savor the flavors of tempura or corn fritters, Indian corn pakora is a delightful discovery. This innovative take on traditional corn fritters infuses the dish with an aromatic blend of spices, including ginger, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. The result is a culinary experience that’s not only satisfying on its own but also elevated to new heights when paired with a tangy mango chutney or a cooling yogurt sauce.
Nam Khao
In the culinary world of Vietnam, Nam Khao stands out as a unique and tantalizing salad that harmoniously blends crispy fried rice balls with a tangy homemade nuoc cham dressing, accompanied by a medley of fresh vegetables and crunchy nuts. What sets this recipe apart is its time-consuming preparation process, which requires a minimum of an hour and forty minutes to bring all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Spam Musubi
Japanese cuisine has adopted Spam as one of its most beloved ingredients, despite its humble American origins. This unique fusion is exemplified in the simple yet flavorful combination of crispy fried Spam, Japanese-style sushi rice, and a sheet of dried nori seaweed. Elevate this dish to new heights by pairing it with a tangy teriyaki sauce, adding an extra layer of depth to the rich flavors.
Green Mango Salad
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cambodia with this revitalizing mango salad, requiring mere moments to prepare. A harmonious blend of succulent green mangos, succulent shrimp, crunchy cashews, and invigorating mint, this dish is sure to quench your thirst for something new. With a prep time of only 15 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for a spontaneous appetizer or snack.
And if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to explore our curated list of Asian Pear Salad recipes at CookingChew.
Sunomono
Savor the simplicity of Sunomono, a revitalizing salad that makes for an excellent introductory course. At its core lies thinly sliced cucumbers, harmoniously paired with roasted peanuts, fragrant cilantro, and a judicious blend of oils and seasonings. This delightful concoction not only complements Japanese staples like sushi or ramen but also stands beautifully on its own as a light and refreshing meal option.
Naan Bread
Across South Asia and the Middle East, naan bread holds a special place in many cuisines. While it’s often associated with traditional oven-baked methods, this recipe proves that you don’t need an oven to enjoy delicious naan at home. Simply cook it on your stovetop for a flavorful and authentic experience. To take your naan to the next level, consider adding some aromatic garlic, melted cheese, or rich butter to give it an extra boost of flavor.
The bottom line
When it comes to exploring the world of flavors, Asian cuisine offers a diverse array of delectable options. From crispy fried treats to refreshing salads and warm bowls of comfort, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The beauty lies in trying new recipes, as they often prove to be easier to master than expected, and you may just find yourself grateful for the discovery. And let’s not forget about the sweet treats!
Asian desserts are a must-try, with their unique blend of spices and flavors. If you’re looking to indulge in the best of the best, look no further – we’ve got the top 35 Asian appetizers for you to try!
