The best Asian breakfast recipes for a quick meal on the go, from Korean to Filipino, AND healthy Chinese brunch ideas for lazy weekends!
Asian cuisine offers a wide range of breakfast options that are flavorful, healthy, and easy to make.
However, those new to Asian breakfasts be warned: the meals are not for the faint of the heart: whilst you can eat Hong Kong egg tarts if you want, Asian breakfasts are usually savory and hearty. (Typical dishes would be a big bowl of rice or noodles- Perfect for the most important meal of the day!)
Chinese
Chinese breakfasts are diverse and range from hearty bowls of savory congee, rice-based dishes, savory meats and vegetables to small mantou buns which can be eaten on the move.
Note: if you have leftover rice from the day before (stored properly in the fridge), this can be quickly turned into a plate of Chinese fried rice for breakfast. (No cooking on medium heat- you need the fire of the wok for a good plate of fried rice!)
Like Korean fried rice, it only takes 10 minutes or so making it a great option for those rushing to work!
Some of the most popular Chinese breakfast recipes include:
Rice Porridge
This rice porridge dish is a favorite of my family.
In its simplest form, this traditional dish is just a bowl of rice in water, which can be garnished with various toppings, such as spring onions and sesame oil, and eaten with side dishes such as You Tiao or a simple fried egg. (You Tiao are fried Doughnut Sticks that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Also delicious on their own!) If you're in a hurry, you can use leftover rice to shorten the cooking time.
Often, a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and eggs are added. These are some of the most popular congee recipes on my site.
Note: these are all Chinese porridge recipes. However, other Asian countries also have their own type of porridge, such as Bubur Ayam in Indonesia and Cháo Gà in Vietnam.
There are even different Chinese porridges, from Cantonese congee (juk) to Teochew and Taiwanese porridge!
Bao Buns
Bao are fluffy steamed buns. They can be plain, like mantou, or filled with meat, vegetables, or sweet fillings (think Char Siew Bao Dim Sum, Gua Bao, and Kong Bak Bao.)
Mantou and Char Siew Bao can be made in big batches, frozen and steamed from frozen, making them the perfect easy breakfast for busy days. (You can also fry them- perfect when dipped in a cup of soy milk!)
Obviously, the hamburger type bao, like Gua Bao, are best eaten fresh after assembling, so are better for lazy Sundays! (These are usually stuffed with braised pork belly but you can use mushroom, tofu or aubergine if Vegan.)
Steamed Eggs
Chinese people love their steamed food!
This is a simple and healthy breakfast dish that is made with eggs, chicken stock, and light soy sauce.
- 4 Eggs (beaten and sifted)
- 2 Cups chicken broth (or water mixed with chicken powder)
- Soy Sauce or salt
Mix the beaten and sifted eggs with the water, then season with 1-2 teaspoons of salt or soy sauce, then steam till cooked. Garnish with sesame oil and spring onions.
Tip: you need to sift the egg mixture & make sure the egg mixture is heated very gently to get a smooth custard-like texture.
Jian Bing
Jian Bing (煎饼卷) are a popular street food breakfast in China. The best ones make their own wrapper but you can of course use tortilla wraps when you're in a rush!
Like any wrap, you have a lot of flexibility as to what to fill them with: from sesame seeds and egg whites, if you're feeling healthy, or any you tiao dough sticks you have leftover from the congee!
Southeast Asian
Southeast Asian breakfasts are known for their use of noodles, and fresh herbs.
Economic Noodles
This is 1 of the most popular breakfasts in Singapore, because it's cheap and fast!
In its basic form, it can jut be noodles and stir-fried bean sprouts. However, you can also make it more luxurious by adding seafood such as canned abalone!
Note: if you can't get thin Rice Vermicelli, here are some good Bihun substitutes.
Roti Canai/ Roti Paratha
Known as Roti Canai in Malaysia and Roti Prata in Singapore, this South Asian breakfast is a flaky flatbread that is served with curry, dal or a small bowl of sugar!
It's usually made with ghee but click the link for a vegan version for those on plant-based diets!
Chicken Vermicelli Noodle Bowl (Bun Ga Nuong)
Bun is basically a Vietnamese rice bowl.
Although it's a rice vermicelli noodles dish, it's still a very refreshing breakfast dish thanks to all the vegetables and herbs and is sure to please your taste buds. (No peanut butter in the sauce!)
Banh Mi
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that is filled with meat and pickled vegetables (typically carrots and radish.)
Thanks to the liberal use of herbs such as lemongrass, it's ever so flavorful and fragrant!
Fusion
Asians lovely chewy foods so much, they've made Mochi Muffins! (Usually made with butter and milk, I've also included a vegan option below made using coconut milk.)
Korean
For more information about what Koreans eat for breakfast, such as kimchi pancakes, click here!
Gimbap Sandwich
Gimbap is a popular Korean street food breakfast but for those of us not living in Korea or not sushi rolling pros, turn them into these easy sandwiches instead! They're equally delicious but easier to make!
Kimchi Fried Rice
Spicy Korean Noodles
Ramen
Japanese
Japanese breakfasts are known for their simplicity, nutrition, and umami flavors.
Tip: for a Japanese spin on your regular breakfast, make Japanese- style Scrambled Eggs and add dashi and soy to your eggs!
Rice and Soup
At its simplest, it's a bowl of white rice (Gohan), miso soup and some side dishes, such as Tamagoyaki (A rolled omelette made with eggs, dashi, sugar, and light soy sauce.)
Japanese Rice Porridge
Zosui (雑炊), also known as ojiya (おじや)or Japanese porridge, is a simple and healthy breakfast made with sushi rice, water, and a few ingredients.
Note: for a fusion recipe, try Miso Oatmeal, a savory oatmeal dish made with miso paste, garlic, and green onions. Delicious with some soft-boiled soy eggs on top!
Ogura Toast
Ogura Toast 小倉トースト is a sweet toast made with shokupan bread and azuki red bean paste, invented in Nagoya.
Japanese Pancakes
Japanese people also make the most delicious desserts. If you love soufflés, you'll adore these soft Japanese fluffy pancakes.
Indian
Indian breakfasts are known for their spicy flavors and use of grains such as rice and wheat. 1 of the most well-known recipes is roti prata, which I mentioned above.
Asian breakfast recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures that are perfect for starting your day. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, rice-based or noodle-based dishes, there are some easy Asian breakfast recipes that will suit you!
If I've missed out 1 of your favorites, let me know in the comments!
Comments
No Comments