Christmas is a time for family, festivities, and food. But let’s face it—not everyone loves turkey. If you’re looking to shake up your holiday menu and explore new flavors, why not try something different this year with Asian cuisine? These 35 Asian Christmas recipes offer a variety of delicious alternatives to turkey, with bold spices, fresh ingredients, and exciting textures that are sure to impress your guests.
From savory stir-fries to hearty curries, these recipes will add an unforgettable twist to your Christmas feast!
Asian Christmas Recipes: A Flavorful Alternative to Turkey
1. Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi)
For a rich and flavorful alternative to turkey, Korean Bulgogi is a fantastic choice. This dish features marinated slices of tender beef grilled to perfection, served with rice and pickled vegetables.
2. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Lemongrass chicken brings a fragrant citrus flavor that’s light yet satisfying. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, herbal notes paired with a crispy, golden crust.
3. Chinese Sticky Rice with Lap Cheong
Sticky rice with Chinese sausage (Lap Cheong) is a hearty dish that combines umami flavors with sweetness. It’s filling and the perfect replacement for heavier, traditional Christmas dishes.
4. Thai Green Curry with Coconut Milk
Thai Green Curry is a spicy, creamy delight made with chicken or vegetables and a rich coconut base. It’s a vibrant dish that adds a pop of color and flavor to your Christmas spread.
5. Japanese Miso-Glazed Salmon
For seafood lovers, miso-glazed salmon is an excellent alternative to turkey. The salty, sweet miso glaze pairs beautifully with the delicate texture of the fish, and it cooks in under 30 minutes!
6. Filipino Pork Adobo
Pork Adobo is a tangy, savory dish from the Philippines. Made with vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, this slow-braised pork dish melts in your mouth and offers an explosion of flavor.
7. Korean Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi fried rice is an umami-packed dish made with spicy fermented cabbage, rice, and a fried egg on top. This is a great vegetarian option that’s bursting with flavor and crunch.
8. Chinese Peking Duck
If you’re looking for a poultry alternative to turkey, Peking duck is the way to go. Crispy skin, tender meat, and sweet hoisin sauce make this dish a holiday favorite.
9. Malaysian Beef Rendang
Beef Rendang is a slow-cooked, caramelized beef curry from Malaysia. Rich, fragrant, and deeply satisfying, it’s an indulgent dish perfect for special occasions.
10. Thai Spicy Papaya Salad (Som Tum)
For a fresh and tangy appetizer, Thai papaya salad is a must. It’s light, crunchy, and packed with the bold flavors of lime, chili, and peanuts.
11. Japanese Chicken Katsu
Chicken katsu is a breaded and fried cutlet served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering.
12. Indian Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a creamy, mildly spiced dish that’s loved by many. Its rich tomato sauce with tender chicken makes it a hearty main course for your Christmas dinner.
13. Singaporean Chili Crab
For a seafood feast, Singaporean chili crab is spicy, saucy, and simply delicious. It’s messy but worth every bite, perfect for a family-style meal.
14. Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
Warm and comforting, Taiwanese beef noodle soup features tender beef, hearty noodles, and a flavorful broth that’s perfect for cold winter nights.
15. Indonesian Satay Skewers
Grilled meat skewers served with a rich peanut sauce, satay is a versatile dish that can be made with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
16. Vietnamese Pho
Pho is a fragrant and light soup that balances rice noodles, broth, herbs, and your choice of meat or vegetables. It’s perfect for a light but flavorful Christmas starter.
17. Chinese Hot Pot
Hot pot is a communal dish where guests cook ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering broth right at the table. It’s interactive and perfect for a festive feast.
18. Thai Massaman Curry
This mild, rich curry is made with beef, potatoes, and peanuts, offering a creamy texture that’s both sweet and savory. A perfect dish for warming up on Christmas Day.
19. Korean Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)
Japchae is a savory and slightly sweet dish made from glass noodles and vegetables. It’s light yet filling, making it a great side dish or vegetarian main.
20. Chinese Char Siu (BBQ Pork)
Char Siu is sweet, sticky BBQ pork that’s roasted to perfection. The caramelized edges and juicy interior make it a mouthwatering centerpiece for your holiday table.
21. Filipino Lechon Kawali (Crispy Pork Belly)
This crispy pork belly is fried until golden and served with a vinegar dipping sauce. Lechon Kawali offers a satisfying crunch and juicy interior that’s hard to resist.
22. Japanese Tempura
Light and crispy, tempura is a great way to enjoy vegetables, shrimp, and other seafood without the heaviness of traditional fried food.
23. Korean Spicy Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae)
For a vegetarian-friendly main, spicy tofu stew is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tofu, vegetables, and a spicy broth.
24. Thai Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew is a savory stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, soy sauce, and vegetables. It’s simple but packed with flavor.
25. Indian Biryani
Biryani is a fragrant rice dish cooked with spices and meat or vegetables. It’s a great alternative to traditional stuffing or mashed potatoes, adding an exotic flair to your meal.
26. Chinese Dim Sum
Dim sum offers a variety of small dishes, from dumplings to buns, making it a fun and interactive appetizer or side for your Christmas feast.
27. Filipino Lumpia (Spring Rolls)
Lumpia are crispy, fried spring rolls filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables. They’re bite-sized and perfect for snacking throughout the holiday.
28. Japanese Sushi
Sushi offers a lighter option for Christmas, with endless combinations of fish, rice, and vegetables. It’s a fun way to bring a variety of flavors to the table.
29. Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Eggplant lovers will enjoy this savory, garlicky dish, which pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
30. Vietnamese Banh Mi
For a casual Christmas meal, Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich filled with meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs. It’s a great alternative to traditional holiday sandwiches.
31. Korean Sweet Potato Noodles (Dangmyeon)
These noodles are chewy, sweet, and lightly stir-fried with vegetables and meat, offering a unique texture and flavor for your Christmas dinner.
32. Thai Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum is a spicy and sour soup filled with shrimp, mushrooms, and a fragrant lemongrass broth. It’s a great starter to get your guests’ taste buds tingling.
33. Chinese Mongolian Beef
This savory and slightly sweet stir-fry is made with thin slices of beef and a rich, soy-based sauce. It’s quick to prepare and pairs well with rice or noodles.
34. Korean Braised Short Ribs (Galbi Jjim)
Braised short ribs are tender and flavorful, slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. This dish is indulgent and perfect for a special Christmas feast.
35. Indian Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted to perfection. It’s a colorful and flavorful option for those looking for a poultry alternative to turkey.