If you're in the mood for quick, easy and healthy meals, these three Chinese-inspired recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Made with fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques, these dishes are light, flavourful and satisfying. The ingredients are also easy to find at Asia Market.
Ready to cook? Let’s get started!
1. Steamed Fish with Ginger and Soy
Steamed Fish with Ginger and Soy is a simple and flavourful dish that's perfect for a light dinner. Fresh ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil complement the delicate flavour of the fish, creating a quick and satisfying meal.
Ready in: 15 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
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2 fresh fish fillets, such as sea bass, salmon or cod
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1/2 piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
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2 spring onions, chopped
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp rice wine (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fish: Place the fish fillets on a heatproof plate suitable for steaming. Arrange the sliced ginger over the fish.
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Steam the Fish: Steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through. If you don't have a steamer, use a large pot with a steam rack or metal colander.
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Make the Sauce: Mix the soy sauce, sesame oil and rice wine, if using, in a small bowl.
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Finish the Dish: Once the fish is cooked, pour the soy sauce mixture over the fish and garnish with chopped spring onions.
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Serve: Serve hot with Jasmine rice or steamed vegetables.
Pro Tip: For extra flavour, add a small splash of fish sauce to the soy sauce mixture.
2. Pak Choy Stir-Fry with Chilli Oil
Pak Choy, also known as Bok Choy, is a quick-cooking vegetable that works well as a side dish. Stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce and chilli oil, it makes a simple and flavourful addition to any meal.
Ready in: 10 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
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400g fresh pak choy, cleaned and halved
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp Lao Gan Ma Chilli Oil
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
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Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
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Stir-Fry the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Cook the Pak Choy: Add the pak choy and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until it wilts and turns bright green.
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Add the Seasoning: Add the chilli oil and soy sauce, stirring to coat the pak choy evenly.
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Serve: Remove from the heat and serve with rice or noodles.
Pro Tip: Add a handful of sliced mushrooms for extra texture and flavour.
3. Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a simple Chinese-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with crunchy Napa cabbage and a savoury soy sauce. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken and vegetables.
Ready in: 15 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
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2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
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300g Napa cabbage, chopped
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2 tbsp light soy sauce
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for a thicker sauce)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
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Add the Cabbage: Add the chopped Napa cabbage and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
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Season the Dish: Add the soy sauce. For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornflour mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
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Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle with sesame oil and serve hot with rice or noodles.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or a little white pepper for extra flavour and texture.
Why Choose Asia Market?
At Asia Market, we offer a wide range of ingredients that make it easier to recreate Asian-inspired dishes at home. From fresh vegetables and noodles to cooking sauces, oils and seasonings, you can find many of the ingredients you need for everyday Asian cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I use if I don't have a steamer?
A: You can use a large pot with a steam rack or a metal colander. Make sure the plate holding the fish is heatproof and fits securely inside the pot.
Q: Can I make these dishes vegetarian?
A: Yes. For the Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. For the Steamed Fish, you can use firm tofu or thick slices of aubergine instead.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Wrapping Up
These quick and healthy Chinese-inspired dishes are ideal for a simple weeknight meal. Try the light and delicate Steamed Fish with Ginger and Soy, the spicy Pak Choy Stir-Fry with Chilli Oil, or the savoury Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry.
Explore Asia Market's range of fresh ingredients, sauces and seasonings to make Asian cooking simple at home.
Share your dishes with us on social media using #AsiaMarketRecipes and show us what you're cooking. Happy cooking!
