5 Quick Easy Oriental Recipes That Are Simple, Authentic, and Full of Flavor

Quick easy oriental recipes are not merely instructions written on a screen; they are stories passed quietly through kitchens, steam rising from pots, garlic hitting hot oil, and hands moving with confidence learned over time. Across Asia— from modest homes in Southeast Asia to bustling streets in China—these recipes were born not from luxury, but from necessity, rhythm, and balance.

In many Asian households, cooking was never about excess. Meals had to be fast, practical, and nourishing, prepared after long days of work yet still rich in flavor. This is why oriental cuisine relies on efficient techniques: quick stir-frying, gentle poaching, careful seasoning. Every step matters, but nothing is wasted.

What makes these quick easy oriental recipes endure is their honesty. They use everyday ingredients, respect time, and deliver comfort without complication. A bowl of fragrant rice, tender chicken, crisp vegetables—simple elements, arranged with intention.

The recipes below reflect that tradition. They are not shortcuts. They are time-tested dishes, adapted for modern kitchens while staying true to their cultural roots—meals designed to be cooked, shared, and remembered.

Quick Easy Oriental Recipes

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice (Classic Comfort Dish)

Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the most iconic Asian comfort foods. Although rooted in Hainan, China, the dish evolved in Southeast Asia—especially Singapore and Malaysia—into a complete meal centered around tender poached chicken, fragrant rice, and ginger-based sauces.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (preferably free-range)
• 1½ liters water
• 5 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 pieces fresh ginger, lightly crushed
• 1 stalk scallion

Ginger Sauce

• 25 g fresh ginger, finely grated
• 150 ml chicken broth
• 1½ tbsp fish sauce
• Cooking oil, to taste

How to Make

1. Rub the chicken with salt and sesame oil. Let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Stuff ginger and scallion into the chicken cavity.
3. Bring water to a gentle boil with salt and sugar. Poach chicken for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
4. Remove chicken and let rest; reserve the broth.
5. Sauté ginger briefly, add broth and fish sauce to create a fragrant dipping sauce.
6. Serve sliced chicken with warm rice and ginger sauce.

Cooking tip: Avoid boiling aggressively—gentle poaching keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

2. Oriental Chicken Stew (Rich and Aromatic)

This oriental chicken stew reflects Chinese-Indonesian influences, combining warm spices with slow simmering for deep flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (≈1.1 kg), cut into pieces
• 12 shallots
• 5 cloves garlic
• 2 small cinnamon sticks
• 3 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1 tbsp ground white pepper
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 4 tbsp sweet soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Salt and sugar to taste

How to Make

1. Sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant.
2. Add chicken pieces, stir until lightly browned.
3. Add spices, sauces, salt, and sugar.
4. Pour enough water to cover halfway and simmer for about 25 minutes.
5. Adjust seasoning and serve hot with steamed rice.

Why this works: The combination of star anise, cinnamon, and sweet soy sauce creates a comforting, well-rounded flavor profile.

3. Homemade Chicken Dimsum (Steamed and Light)

Dimsum originated from Chinese tea-house culture, where small dishes were served to “touch the heart” while enjoying tea. This simplified chicken version is perfect for home cooking.

Ingredients

• 9 dumpling wrappers
• 250 g cooked chicken fillet
• 1 egg
• 1 clove onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp wheat flour
• 4 tbsp tapioca starch
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• Pepper to taste

How to Make

1. Finely chop chicken and vegetables.
2. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
3. Place filling in dumpling wrappers and shape.
4. Steam for approximately 30 minutes.
5. Serve warm with chili sauce or soy dipping sauce.

Serving tip: Pair with hot tea for an authentic dim sum experience.

4. Oriental Fried Rice (Quick Everyday Meal)

Fried rice was originally created as a practical way to use leftover rice. Over time, it became one of the most versatile oriental dishes across Asia.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 plates cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• ½ sweet corn
• 2 carrots, diced
• 6 green beans
• 5 shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp margarine or cooking oil
• Soy sauce, salt, sugar, and pepper to taste

How to Make

1. Sauté garlic and shallots until aromatic.
2. Add vegetables and stir-fry briefly.
3. Add rice and seasonings; stir continuously.
4. Add margarine and mix until evenly coated.
5. Serve hot with fried shallots on top.

Key technique: Use high heat and keep stirring to prevent soggy rice.

5. Capcay (Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry)

Capcay comes from the Hokkien term meaning “ten vegetables.” It represents Chinese culinary influence adapted into Indonesian home cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 carrot, sliced thin
• 1 bunch mustard greens
• ½ onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ piece ginger
• Oyster mushrooms, shredded
• Beef meatballs (optional)

How to Make

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add carrots and meatballs; pour a little water.
3. Add greens and mushrooms, stir until just tender.
4. Season lightly and serve immediately.

Nutrition note: Capcay is naturally rich in fiber and vitamins, making it a healthy everyday dish.