18 Easy Asian Christmas recipes

Christmas is a big holiday in Singapore, even if you're not Christian. The roads are decked with lights and most people get a Christmas tree. This year, I got my 1st real live tree, which was very exciting! It makes the house smell lovely. It's traditional to serve Roast Turkey or Ham for Christmas, but I prefer to "Do as the Romans do, when in Rome" so my Christmas menu is going to be more Asian-centric and include more local ingredients. Here are some easy Asian Christmas recipe ideas for you if you want to do something different this year.

Alternatives to Turkey for Christmas

Instead of getting a turkey- I've never developed much of a taste for turkey as it can get so dry! - why not make these delicious pork ribs that are as easy as counting 12345? Moreover, given that most households will be having fewer guests thanks to COVID, you won't have as much leftover as compared to if you roast a turkey!

12345 Chinese pork ribs

Easy 12345 pork ribs (5-ingredients)

The ultimate sticky caramelized Chinese pork ribs made in 1 pot- no cutting required!

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Asian Porkballs in a umami sauce

You could also make these delicious Asian pork meatballs which come in a tangy caramel sauce!

Asian pork meatballs in a tangy sauce`

Make a huge batch of these 5-star meatballs and the rest can be frozen for the New Year!

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Goan Pork Sorpotel Curry

Goan Pork Sorpotel, or Indian Pork Curry

One of the favourite dishes to cook for Christmas in Goa, and perfect for the cold festive season. Best of all, curry tastes even better the next day so you don't have to worry about cooking too much!

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Fish Sauce Chicken Wings

Sticky vietnamese fish sauce chicken wings (baked) recipe

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If you like chicken wings but not fish sauce, try these other Asian chicken wing recipes.

Asian-inspired beef

Chimichurri Asian Flank Steak

This Asian-inspired flank steak recipe has 5 stars from 38 people, so you shouldn't miss it! Moreover, the recipe is so easy it's as foolproof as it is delicious.

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Asian-flavoured turkey

5-spice Roast Turkey

For those who are traditionalists at heart, jazz up your turkey by using this Asian spice rub. I even have a recipe for homemade 5-spice powder here!

Five Spice Christmas Turkey

If you think it's not Christmas without Turkey but are tired of the regular flavour, try something new with this 5-spice turkey roast!

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Asian Turkeyballs

A great idea to incorporate turkey into your Christmas menu, but in a new form, is to make these Asian Turkey Meatballs!

Asian flavoured Turkey meatballs

And they're keto too! Who says Christmas turkey must always be in the form of a roast?

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Asian Seafood Recipes for Christmas

Pan Seared Sea Bass marinated with an Asian Sauce

Sea Bass is a very popular fish in Chinese cooking, although we usually cook it whole (head and tail included)! Recently, fancy Chinese restaurants have taken to filleting the seabass and selling them in per-person portions. Make your own at home by marinating the fish with an Asian-inspired sauce then searing on the stove.

Check out this recipe

Singaporean Assam Fish Curry

Or why not make a fish curry? Curries are great to cook for parties as they heat up so well!

Singaporean assam fish curry with coconut

A healthier alternative to the typical Singapore assam fish, as no sugar is added.

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Vegetarian & Vegan Asian Christmas Showstopper Recipes

If you're not a meat eater, you can still cook up a delicious Asian Christmas meal. Veggies don't always have to be an afterthought, they can be the star of the feast too!

Kung Bao Cauliflower

Kung Pao Cauliflower

I confess to not being a fan of cauliflower but I must admit it soaks up flavour wonderfully well, and I do like it in dishes such as Har Cheong Cauliflower, Korean Fried Cauliflower and, of course, this amazing Kung Pao Cauliflower!

Check out this recipe

Vegan Bao Buns

Vegan Bao Buns

Traditionally filled with pork belly, vegans can enjoy this traditional Chinese dish too, by subbing the meat with vegetables. Mushrooms or tofu is often used but this recipes calls for aubergine, which is a flavour-sponge

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Vegan curry puffs

Curry puffs are great party appetisers as you can batch make them in advance. Although best served hot, they taste good at room temperature too!

Vegetarian curry puff potato filling recipe (karipap)

An easy, vegan curry puff recipe- one of the most popular snacks in Singapore- that tastes good both hot and at room temperature.

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Vegetarian & Vegan Asian sides

Asian cucumber salad inspired by Din Tai Fung

Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad

After all the roasts and heavy dishes, a refreshing cucumber salad is called for! This is a favourite of 1 of my London besties so I used to make my own version very often. Make it beforehand and chill in the fridge to better soak up the flavours. And don't forget to give the cucumbers a good smack so that they're split open to help absorption!

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Cabbage Salad with Asian flavours

Not a fan of cucumber? Try this 5-star Asian Cabbage Salad instead!

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Mushrooms and garlic with cauliflower sprinkle

Mushroom with garlic and cauliflowers

Mushrooms are one of my favourite dishes, as they're full of umami. Guess I'm not the only 1 as this is another 5-starred recipe!

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Asian desserts

Chinese Peanut Cookies

They're usually made for Chinese New Year, but Chinese Peanut Cookies make a great after-dinner snack for Christmas too!

Chinese Peanut Cookies

A recipe that was developed after making over 2000 of these cookies- someone once ordered over 20 jars at a go!

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Vegan Egg Tarts

Vegan Egg Tarts

Egg Tarts are 1 of the most popular Chinese desserts, especially in Hong Kong- try this vegan version which is a 5-starred recipe.

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Bird's nest & wolfberries in coconut

Bird's nest is often on the menu during special occasions, such as weddings, so why not at Christmas? Serve it in a coconut for presentation points! If you end up with more coconut than you need, here are some ways to cook with coconut water.

Easy steamed bird's nest and goji berries (3 ingredients)

The easiest bird's nest dessert you could ever make!

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