With an abundance of Asian fruits to explore, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer variety of flavors and textures. From the luscious mangoes of India to the petite lychees of China, each fruit offers a unique culinary experience that can transport your taste buds on a journey across the continent. If you’ve never ventured beyond your home country, this array of fruits is an excellent starting point for culinary exploration.
In fact, did you know that Asian fruits are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes? To give you a taste (pun intended) of what’s possible, we’re excited to share 30 mouth-watering Asian fruit recipes that will take your palate on a thrilling adventure.
From the sweet and tangy Buddha’s Hand Marmalade to the savory Jackfruit Pulled Pork, these innovative recipes cater to every type of craving.
Whether you’re looking to try something new like dragon fruit or indulge in the exotic flavors of durian for the first time, this list has everything you need to get started on your culinary journey.
Wood Apple Chutney
The humble fruit, renowned for its tangy zest, undergoes a transformation with this recipe. By incorporating bold and spicy flavors, it’s elevated from an everyday snack to a delightful dip or accompaniment that perfectly complements Indian cuisine.
Creamy Almond Jelly & Lychee Salad
In Southeast Asia, the lychee tree yields a sweet and unique fruit that pairs exceptionally well with smooth and creamy textures. This elevated fruit salad takes inspiration from the classic recipe by incorporating nutty flavors and pairing them with cherries that share a similar taste profile to lychees.
While it’s sure to delight adults with its sophisticated twist, this dessert may not be as universally appealing to children, making it an ideal treat for grown-ups looking for a leveled-up version of traditional fruit salads.
Buddha’s Hand Marmalade
Indulge in the sublime flavors of this spread, a culinary delight that’s as versatile as it is tantalizing. Whether you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your toast, a zesty kick to your salad dressing, or simply a spoonful of pure bliss, this spread is sure to satisfy. Meat lovers will also appreciate its harmonious pairing with cured meats, elevating the entire culinary experience.
Fried Sukun (Onion Seasoned Fried Breadfruit)
A perfect addition to any social gathering, these vegan chips are versatile enough to serve as both an appetizer and a snack option. Their flavor profile is equally impressive when paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for a cozy evening in.
If you’re concerned about getting stuck on the couch with a bag of these crispy delights, don’t worry – they can be easily stashed away for later, as they tend to be quite addictive and it’s not uncommon for people to crave another handful.
Durian Ice Cream
Durian is often described as a love-it-or-hate-it fruit, leaving little room for neutral opinions. This unique characteristic makes it an intriguing ingredient to combine with other flavors. In this recipe, the rich and creamy texture of ice cream serves as the perfect complement to the bold taste of durian, creating a dessert that’s sure to please even those who typically shy away from this notoriously divisive fruit.
Ginataang Santol (Cotton Fruit In Coconut Milk)
For Filipinos, the sweet-sour taste of santol fruit is often associated with childhood memories of climbing trees with friends. The experience becomes even more special when sharing the fruit with loved ones at home. In fact, bringing santol to mom might just inspire her to create a unique and delicious dinner with it. Meanwhile, this recipe takes the flavor profile of finely minced santol to the next level by adding a spicy kick.
Furthermore, like many fruits and vegetables in the Philippines, santol can be paired with coconut milk for a rich and savory meal.
Jujube Date Sticky Rice Cake
Make this recipe a regular feature on your menu – you won’t be disappointed! The foundation of the dish is sticky rice, which serves as an exceptional accompaniment to a variety of ingredients. In particular, dates are a match made in culinary heaven when paired with sticky rice. Both share a sweet and chewy texture, with just the right amount of saltiness to add depth and intrigue.
Asian Pear Slaw With Ginger & Lime
Far from being a haphazard mix of fruits, this Asian pear slaw is an expertly crafted blend of flavors and textures that will leave your senses reeling. With each bite, your taste buds will embark on a thrilling adventure, leaping from one delightful surprise to the next.
Pulasan Asam Boi
Pulasan’s texture bears a striking resemblance to its Asian counterparts, lychee and rambutan, boasting a similar exterior and interior consistency. While its unique characteristics set it apart, pairing it with chili seeds and a squeeze of lime juice, along with a dash of sour plum, elevates the experience to new heights.
The harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy notes creates an explosion of flavors that can be incredibly refreshing in the midst of tropical weather, making it a perfect accompaniment for hot summer days.
Litchi & Avocado Salad
In this salad, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures comes together in perfect harmony. The combination of litchi and avocado creates a lush, velvety consistency that’s expertly offset by the zesty zip of lime juice.
Thai Fried Bananas (Gluay Kag)
This unique dessert recipe features Namwa Bananas, a distinct hybrid cultivated in Thailand. To elevate the natural sweetness of the bananas, we add a crunchy coating consisting of sesame seeds and toasted coconut shavings. The combination is not only visually appealing but also tantalizes the taste buds. What’s more, this sweet treat has become a favorite among children, making it an excellent snack option for families to enjoy together.
Kumquat Upside Down Cake
Indulge in the harmonious union of flavors and textures that this cake has to offer. The tender, moist consistency perfectly complements its tangy citrus taste, creating a delightful culinary experience.
Jackfruit Pulled Pork
Jackfruit takes center stage in this recipe, with its shredded form mimicking the texture of traditional pulled meats. For those unfamiliar with jackfruit’s unique flavor profile, it boasts a rich, smoky taste akin to pulled pork. The most compelling aspect? This dish is incredibly straightforward to prepare, calling for only a handful of essential ingredients.
No Bake Indian Mango Cheesecake
Indulge in the sweet harmony of succulent Alphonso mangoes and rich cheese, a match made in dessert heaven. The mere thought of these bite-sized, yet bursting-with-flavor treats is enough to tantalize your taste buds, beckoning you to savor each morsel. This scrumptious recipe is sure to satiate even the most discerning sweet tooth, with its sublime blend of honeyed and savory notes that will leave you craving more.
Star Fruit Crumble
Indulge in the delightful sweet-and-sour taste of this tropical fruit, reminiscent of a perfect harmony between flavors. Raw and unfiltered, every aspect of the fruit – including its skin – is ripe for consumption, making it an ideal ingredient to showcase in a dessert. In fact, this recipe takes the humble fruit to new heights by incorporating it as a filling in a sophisticated cake.
To balance out its natural tartness, the addition of sweet berries and Monkfruit adds a delightful depth, while a textured topping layer elevates this treat from ordinary to extraordinary.
Goji Berry Almond Date Power Balls
Indulge in the nourishing goodness of these power-packed treats, carefully crafted with a medley of superfoods. A symphony of goji berries, almonds, dates, and pumpkin seeds unite to create a delightful breakfast or mid-day snack that’s sure to provide a natural energy boost when you need it most.
Mangosteen Popsicles
Indulge in a refreshing frozen treat that captures the essence of a sun-kissed summer day. With its bold, fruity flavor profile, you’ll be transported to a state of perpetual warmth even when the temperatures drop.
Kyoho Grape Smash
For those who are already enthralled by the sweet charm of Kyoho grapes, it’s likely that the mere mention of this refreshing drink has piqued their interest. And rightfully so! The harmonious union of lime juice, simple syrup, and mint is nothing short of exceptional. This trifecta of flavors combines to create a taste experience that’s both revitalizing and delectable.
Tropical Fruit Parfait
Imagine a tropical oasis in a jar – this indulgent parfait is exactly that! The base of our delightful treat is three cups of creamy dairy-free yogurt, providing a solid foundation for any breakfast or snack. But it’s what we add next that really takes the flavor to the next level. Diced rambutans, mangoes, and papayas bring an explosion of sweet and tangy flavors that will leave you wanting more. And if you thought it was just about the fruits, think again!
A sprinkle of Sprouts B Complex adds a secret ingredient that transforms this parfait into your new go-to treat.
Umeboshi Chicken
For fans of umeboshi and chicken, this recipe is a match made in heaven. The tangy, savory flavor of umeboshi perfectly complements the rich taste of chicken, while the added crunch from nuts provides a satisfying textural contrast. Furthermore, the salty kick from the umeboshi is expertly balanced by the subtle sweetness of mirin, which helps to harmonize the flavors and bring out the best in both ingredients.
Longan Congee
For fans of Asian cuisine, congee is a staple dish that’s likely already made an appearance on your plate. But have you ever paired it with the exotic sweetness of longan fruit? Also known as ‘dragon’s eye’ due to its distinctive core, this tropical treat adds a delightful twist to the traditional rice porridge. By cooking it with sticky rice and limiting yourself to just the pulp, the musky flavor of the longan is expertly balanced.
To take it to the next level, consider adding some crunchy goji berries and nutty lotus seeds for added texture and depth.
Chikoo Fruit Mousse – Sapodilla Recipe
Transforming fresh berries into a decadent dessert is as easy as blending them into a rich and creamy mousse. Pour this indulgent treat into a sophisticated martini glass for an added touch of elegance. This innovative recipe is perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous dinner parties, allowing you to impress your guests with a sweet and refreshing surprise.
Calamansi Pie
Beyond the classic lemon meringue pie, there’s another citrus sensation waiting to be discovered. Native to the Philippines, Calamansi is a staple ingredient in many local dishes, including savory favorites like Pancit canton noodles and beef steak. But what about giving this underrated gem its own moment in the spotlight? In this recipe, we’re elevating Calamansi to star status in an eggless pie that’s as refreshing as it is innovative.
The crumbly base adds a delightful textural element to the tart’s zesty flavors, making for a truly unique dessert experience.
Pomelo Bars
Indulge in this delectable treat, a true delight for the culinary inclined. The harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavors is a perfect marriage, as the tartness of the pomelos cleverly counters the richness of the buttery crust, creating a delightful contrast that will leave you craving more.
Maja Langka
Langka, also known as jackfruit, is a versatile fruit that shines in curries when almost ripe and takes center stage in desserts when perfectly sweet. Its unique flavor profile makes it a popular addition to the Filipino cold dessert, Halo-Halo. While Langka can be used in various sweet treats, this particular recipe stands out as a convenient and impressive party or holiday treat that’s sure to please.
Sri Lankan Del Curry
The Del fruit is classified under the jackfruit family. It’s a popular ingredient in Sri Lankan cuisine, where locals often wait for it to ripen before consuming or cooking it. One of the most iconic ways to prepare Del is in a bold and aromatic curry, simmered in a rich sauce that showcases its unique flavor profile.
Rose Apple Chambaka Rice
There’s nothing quite like savoring a bowl of Rose Apple Rice on a scorching day to quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings.
This straightforward recipe requires minimal effort: simply boil the Chambakkas/Water Apples with a pinch of salt, then mix in coconut, green chilies (optional) to taste. For added excitement, toss in some curry leaves for an extra kick.
To add depth and warmth, fry mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dhal, and red chilly with a touch of salt and sugar.
Once the flavors meld together, combine everything and indulge.
Tamarind Glazed Pork Spareribs
The allure of these tender ribs lies not only in their mouthwatering flavor when cooked to perfection, but also in the tantalizing marinade that precedes the oven-roasting process. This delectable concoction is surprisingly effortless to prepare, requiring merely a brief immersion in the rich flavors of tamarind paste and a gentle marinating period.
Yuzu Marmalade
Ditch the ordinary orange marmalade and indulge in the sweet and tangy charm of a Japanese citrus fruit delicacy. This vibrant spread is not only a perfect match for fluffy pancakes and crispy toast, but also brings a delightful twist when paired with creamy yogurt.
Tropical Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing
A symphony of sweet and tangy flavors comes together in this vibrant fruit salad, featuring papaya, mango, kiwi, strawberries, pineapple, and star fruit. The combination is nothing short of irresistible, making it difficult to stop at just one serving.
To elevate the experience, we suggest pairing the salad with a drizzle of honey lime dressing. This subtle yet flavorful accompaniment perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the fruits, adding an extra layer of depth and sophistication.
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