Kickstart your mornings with a flavorful twist! If you’re tired of the same old oatmeal and cold cereal routine, these 21 mouth-watering Asian breakfast recipes are just what you need. Not only will they add excitement to your daily routine, but they’ll also introduce you to new ingredients and cooking techniques to spice up your culinary skills. Whether you crave something sweet to wake up to or a savory option to grab on-the-go, this diverse list has got you covered.
From delicate crepes filled with egg and onion to crispy roti and the popular Japanese street food okonomiyaki, get ready to elevate your morning meal game with these easy-to-make dishes.
Delicious Coconut Tarts
Indulge in the delightful combination of flaky pastry, creamy custard, and chewy coconut filling to kick-start your day. For a personal touch, I would often add a dollop of raspberry jam beneath the filling, elevating their flavor profile. However, they remain scrumptious even without this added dimension, making them an ideal breakfast treat that can be whipped up in under 20 minutes using store-bought mini-pie crusts.
Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi
This sensational Vietnamese sandwich is not only filling and colorful, but also ideal for making ahead when you’re short on time. One of its best features is that the chicken needs to marinate for at least a few hours, allowing you to prepare everything the day before – from roasting the chicken to assembling the sandwich in the morning. Alternatively, you can even prep a sandwich the night before and enjoy it on your way to work or school, making it a convenient breakfast solution.
Egg Bhurji (Spiced Indian Scrambled Eggs)
While scrambling eggs can be a simple task, there’s a fine line between success and failure. One wrong move – whether it’s over- or under-seasoning, cooking them to the perfect moisture level, or neglecting to add crucial flavor enhancers – and your batch of scrambled eggs is ruined. That’s why this recipe stands out from the rest, offering a flavorful twist on the classic morning dish.
To create this delightful breakfast treat, you’ll first need to cook some aromatics like onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and spices until they’re soft and fragrant. Once the mixture is ready, you can gently fold in your eggs, stirring carefully as they come together to achieve a creamy consistency. Just be sure not to crank up the heat too high, or you’ll risk scrambling those eggs beyond recognition.
Okayu (Japanese Rice Porridge)
This hearty rice pudding is perfect for chilly mornings when you need a satisfying start to the day. What sets it apart from traditional recipes is its simplicity – no overpowering sweetness or cinnamon here! Instead, I choose to cook my rice in flavorful stock, which adds depth without overwhelming the dish. Of course, using just water and rice with seasonings afterwards is also an acceptable approach.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: feel free to enhance it with a variety of tasty add-ins like scallions, leftover chicken, or poached eggs to make it a more substantial meal.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
In our household, a runny fried egg on top of fried rice is a non-negotiable breakfast staple. When it comes to preparing this beloved dish, the key to success lies in starting with cooked and cooled rice. To ensure a steady supply, I prefer to cook a large batch and store some in the fridge for quick reheating or freezing in portion-controlled containers for future meals. With your rice ready, begin by sautéing any desired vegetables until they’re tender.
Then, push them aside and scramble in your eggs – or omit this step if you’re opting for the classic fried egg on top. Once the veggies are soft, add the cooked rice and any incorporated meat, ensuring everything is piping hot before serving immediately.
Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchi Buchimgae)
While some may find kimchi’s bold, fermented taste off-putting, reminiscent of sauerkraut, its unique complexity can elevate dishes in subtle yet impactful ways. By incorporating kimchi into these pancakes, you’ll not only use up any leftover Korean chili flakes but also balance the flavors with a soothing batter. The resulting texture combination – crunchy kimchi and fluffy pancake – is nothing short of sublime.
Miso Oatmeal with Kale and Avocado
Savory oatmeal has taken the culinary world by storm, and I’m not surprised. The unexpected marriage of miso and oats yields a flavor profile that’s both familiar and innovative. Miso brings a deep, savory element to the dish, punctuated by hints of sweetness and saltiness. It’s an unforgettable combination that will leave you craving more. And let’s be real, what’s better than adding a runny egg on top?
This recipe is a game-changer, and I’m convinced it’ll become your new go-to breakfast or brunch option.
Egg and Green Onion Crepes
Indulge in the simplicity of light little pancakes with Nutella and whipped cream, but did you know they can also serve as a satisfying breakfast option when your fridge is running low? With just five essential ingredients – eggs, flour, salt, scallions, and oil – these fluffy treats are a cinch to whip up. Simply combine the pantry staples into a thin batter, then cook them over medium heat until lightly golden.
The protein-packed eggs and pungency of the scallions make for a surprisingly filling breakfast, but feel free to add some crispy sausage or bacon to take it to the next level!
Mini-Egg Cake
Indulge in these scrumptious mini-cakes that offer a delightful alternative to traditional muffins. To achieve their signature lightness, it’s crucial to whip the eggs and sugar until they reach a pale, thick consistency – a process best executed by using a stand mixer due to its efficient mixing capabilities. This step requires patience, as you’ll need to wait for the egg mixture to more than double in size.
Once this milestone is reached, gently sift the flour and baking powder over the top and stir until the ingredients combine seamlessly. The goal is to achieve an airy texture reminiscent of angel food cake, making these mini-cakes a delightful treat.
Ogura Toast
Sweet azuki bean paste, a harmonious blend of beans and sugar, is a staple in Asian desserts. Its taste profile, reminiscent of sweet potato, is sure to delight. While it’s typically paired with shokupan bread, its versatility allows it to be enjoyed with other thick-sliced white breads as well.
Kiribath (Sri Lankan Milk Rice)
While traditional rice puddings take a distinct approach, this variation stands out from the crowd. The process begins by cooking the rice until it’s tender and fully absorbed its water content. Once fluffy, you’ll incorporate coconut milk, mixing thoroughly to achieve a slightly mushy consistency.
Next, pour the mixture into a lined baking dish while it’s still warm. Allow it to cool before slicing it into bite-sized bars or squares.
Interestingly, the recipe initially calls for salt, but I opted to use sugar instead and finished it off with a few slices of fresh mango. The result was nothing short of heavenly!
Roti Canai – Roti Paratha
I indulged in this bread recipe immediately, and it exceeded my expectations! The crust was satisfyingly crispy, while the buttery flavor added an undeniable richness. This melt-in-your-mouth goodness pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings, from classic cheese to decadent Nutella. To ensure I could enjoy them at brunch the next day, I prepared the dough ahead of time. Feeling generous, I doubled the recipe and ended up with 16 delightful treats instead of the original 8.
When they emerged from the skillet, their irresistible aroma wafted through the air, beckoning me to add a medley of toppings including jam, Nutella, cheese, ham, and fresh fruit.
Japanese Inspired Avocado Toast
Avocado toast, while delicious, can quickly become monotonous. To mix things up, consider trying this Japanese-inspired recipe that combines the creamy avocado with crunchy and savory elements. The addition of ikura, roasted seaweed, arugula, and toasted sesame seeds creates a delightful contrast to the traditional mushy texture. If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly option, simply omit the ikura or substitute it with crispy bacon bits for added smokiness.
Vegan Congee Recipe
Congee, a popular breakfast dish in many Asian cultures, is a savory porridge made from rice and water, enriched with protein-rich pork or chicken. While sharing similarities with Okayu, congee stands out for its distinct flavor profile, which often includes the use of vegetable broth. This comforting bowl of goodness can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings, ranging from earthy mushrooms and scallions to savory dried seafood.
In fact, vegetarians can easily customize their congee by opting for mushroom-based toppings instead. As a hearty morning meal, congee is sure to keep you full and satisfied until lunchtime.
Chinese Egg Tarts
Similar to the renowned British egg custard and Portuguese egg tart, this delectable Chinese dessert boasts a flaky pastry crust and a velvety-smooth egg custard filling. While they may appear straightforward, there’s an art to crafting these treats just right. One crucial aspect is avoiding over-baking, which can be surprisingly easy to do.
The key lies in initially baking them at a higher temperature, then opening the oven door to release excess heat before reducing the temperature and allowing them to finish cooking. Additionally, placing the tray near the bottom of the oven ensures that the base of each treat is cooked evenly, minimizing the risk of soggy bottoms.
Condensed Milk Bread
As I reflect on my time living in Toronto, one of the culinary delights that still lingers in my mind is the abundance of exceptional Japanese bakeries that dotted my neighborhood. The allure of their delectable treats was impossible to resist, and I often found myself stopping by for a snack or two. In particular, the soft milk bread proved irresistible, its tender texture and subtle sweetness making it an ideal canvas for a variety of sweet and savory fillings.
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic with a simple butter spread or looking to get creative with mini-chocolate chips or a rich vanilla custard filling, this delightful bread is sure to please.
Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelet)
This Japanese-style omelet, or tamagoyaki, offers a delightful twist on the classic egg dish. While its flavor profile is reminiscent of a traditional omelet, the texture is subtly distinct. Whether you prefer this variation or stick with the original, it’s an enjoyable recipe to experiment with.
To achieve the characteristic shape and texture, you’ll need either a tamagoyaki Japanese omelet pan or a regular skillet.
The specialized pan isn’t excessively pricey and can be used for other culinary creations as well. If you don’t have one on hand, feel free to attempt this recipe in a standard pan – it’s all about having fun and exploring new flavors!
Oats Idli
While this recipe may require a significant investment of time, the end result is well worth the effort. It’s not a quick-fix meal that can be tossed together in half an hour, but rather a culinary project that rewards patience and dedication. If you’re looking for a relaxing Sunday activity that yields delicious results, this recipe is perfect.
The combination of savory flavors and sweet undertones from the grated carrot, along with the light and airy texture from steaming, makes these oatcakes truly special.
Soft and Custard-y Japanese Tamagoyaki Inspired French Toast
As you recall, your freshly baked milk bread is about to take its next delicious step – becoming an incredible French toast recipe! To truly unlock the custard’s rich flavor, allow yourself ample time to soak the bread slices overnight (or for as long as possible) and ensure they’re cut thick enough to hold up well against the creamy goodness. To achieve a perfectly cooked finish, cook the French toast on low heat, allowing it to cook through slowly without scorching the surface.
Youtiao (Chinese Doughnut Sticks)
These donuts deviate from the sweet treats we typically crave. They’re unexpectedly chewy, with a subtle savory undertone that’s incredibly hard to resist. The sticky dough can be temperamental, but be prepared for a messy process – it’s worth it. Once you’ve smoothed out any wrinkles, there’s no need to stress about shaping perfection. A simple strip of dough is all you need to achieve donut greatness.
To take them to the next level, consider serving with melted chocolate, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or a drizzle of vanilla glaze.
Okonomiyaki (Osaka-Style Japanese Pancakes)
Okonomiyaki has captured my heart – literally! The first time I had this Japanese delight was during a staff meal at the steakhouse where I worked. That initial bite hooked me, and I’ve been smitten ever since. What is it about okonomiyaki that makes it so irresistible? For starters, its textural combination of crunch and savory flavors is pure magic. And let’s not forget the pungency of onions – a defining characteristic that elevates this dish to new heights.
Of course, having the time to whip up some homemade okonomiyaki sauce only adds to the allure. I’m particularly fond of adding leftover fried chicken to my okonomiyaki, but truth be told, it’s equally delightful on its own.
