19 Asian Thanksgiving Food Ideas

 If you're planning on hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year. Why not try something new by adding some Asian flavors to your menu? From Szechuan bok choy with garlic and ginger to stir-fried string beans with sesame oil. 

Through that, you can create a fantastic meal. Your friends and family will be talking about it long after the dinner's over! Here are some of the best Asian thanksgiving food ideas that are sure to please.

Rice Paper Rolls

In Vietnamese, these are called spring rolls, but they're delicious regardless of what you call them. Spring rolls require some skill and patience (you have to wrap each of your ingredients individually). But they're an excellent choice for Asian thanksgiving food ideas. 

So, make sure you don't overstuff them with meat or veggies. It's hard for guests to enjoy their meal when all they can taste is paper. Asian spring rolls should be delicate in flavor with a hint of spice from fresh jalapenos. 

Besides, many cooks prefer having a small dipping sauce on hand that pairs well with both vegetables and meat. Soy sauce is always a great option, but Thai chili sauces and Sriracha will do well.

Layered Cucumber Salad

Suppose you're looking for an easy (and healthy!) appetizer or side dish for your Asian thanksgiving food dinner.

A layered cucumber salad will fit right in. It requires a few ingredients and a little chopping, but it can be put together in less than 10 minutes. 

However, you can prepare it while dinner is cooking, too. While we usually think of summer salads when we envision cucumbers in our meals. They are also welcome on menus during fall and winter. 

Further, they add color and tanginess without requiring other ingredients that may not be available at different times of the year. Cucumbers are incredibly refreshing—but they're also very filling: one cup has only 20 calories.

Soba Noodle Salad

This Asian thanksgiving food idea is one of my favorites. It has everything you could want for a delicious, healthy noodle salad. That is brown rice noodles, shredded carrot, mango, peanuts, and cilantro. 

Furthermore, Soba noodles are a favorite because they make me feel like I'm eating a noodle bowl. From my favorite sushi restaurant without all of the guilt! They're also gluten-free, so they're perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions. 

And, let's face it - since when is there ever enough fresh mango? The dressing on these is super simple too. Soy sauce (or coconut aminos), lime juice, and chili garlic sauce (if you want an extra kick). 
Then, if you have any leftovers or plan to make extra, it's perfect as a base for lunch wraps!

Black Rice Pilaf

Black rice is a reasonably new foodie favorite and an Asian Thanksgiving food. It was once considered an exotic treat, and its color comes from its bran layer, which contains more anthocyanin antioxidants than red wine or blueberries and makes it healthier for you. 

In addition, to being gluten-free, black rice has twice as much fiber as brown rice. And it isn't processed like white rice. 

Moreover, to get your fix without spending an arm and a leg. Combine 1 cup of black rice with 2 cups of water in a saucepan over medium heat. 

Then, leave it for about 40 minutes until it's cooked through. Top with toasted almonds for an extra crunch.

Almond Cookies (Kurimugi)

These cookies are soft and have a delicate, light taste making them an excellent Asian Thanksgiving food. The beauty of these almond cookies is that they're not overly sweet. If you're looking for an all-purpose cookie that isn't too sweet, these are perfect! 

In addition, they also pair well with coffee or tea. So if you're a big fan of sweets but don't want something too heavy, these treats could be just what you need. 

Best of all, most almonds used in baking are already blanched and peeled. So there is minimal preparation required for your part before popping them into your ovens. 

Notedly, remember to keep an eye on them. They can burn quickly at higher temperatures if left unattended.

Deep-Fried Tofu with Peanut Dipping Sauce

This delicacy Asian Thanksgiving food is perfect for your next holiday party. To deep-fry tofu, you'll need a heavy pot and a thermometer. And enough oil to reach a depth of at least 1 1⁄2 inches. 

In addition, be aware that deep frying can be dangerous, so be careful. Get ready by filling a large bowl with ice water, and set up your deep fry station with paper towels and tongs.

A slotted spoon or skimmer, and heat oil over medium-high heat until the thermometer reads 360 degrees F. 

Following, slice tofu into 1-inch thick slices or 1⁄4 inch thick squares. Add tofu to boiling water for 20 seconds. Remove it using a slotted spoon onto paper towels-dry thoroughly.

Dragon Fruit Slushie with Thai Tea Syrup

Dragon fruit (also known as pitaya) is a popular exotic fruit found in Southeast Asia. This gorgeous red fruit looks like a cactus and is delicious.

In Thailand, dragon fruits are widely used in desserts but most famously in sticky rice with sweet coconut milk. 

To make your version of an Asian Thanksgiving food on traditional cranberry sauce. Blend dragon fruit, coconut water, and Thai tea powder until smooth. Pour over hot cooked white rice and garnish with green grapes or kiwi slices. 

More so, to serve with roasted turkey breast. Or pan-seared duck breast for an easy Asian-themed fall dinner recipe that tastes great and costs little!

Mango Sorbetto

Mangoes are in season from May through September and pack one of nature's tastiest punches. This fruit has plenty of vitamin C and beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A. Just a cup of mango packs more than 120% of your daily value for vitamin C. 

Also, because it's rich in fiber and low in calories, it won't cause weight gain or health problems. Like heart disease and diabetes-like many other fruits do. 

Importantly, suppose you want to create a stunning Asian Thanksgiving food that everyone will enjoy. In that case, we recommend making a mango sorbet—using our favorite recipe - Fresh Mango Sorbetto with Minted Mango Puree.

Avocado Panna Cotta with Sake Agar Agar Custard and Caramelized Pineapple

Panna cotta is a creamy Italian dessert that can also serve as Asian Thanksgiving food. It's made from dairy and gelatin that you can quickly transform into a vegan. And gluten-free treats with avocados. 

Moreover, Sake agar, an Asian sea vegetable derived from algae, has a similar consistency to gelatin. But it doesn't contain any of its allergens. 

It's rich in minerals and vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B6, calcium, and iron. With just a few ingredients (and without refined sugar!), you can enjoy creamy treats without worrying about feeling bloated or cramping up afterward. 

Furthermore, the avocado will provide your body with healthy fats that are crucial for absorbing other nutrients. Pineapple contains bromelain, which helps reduce inflammation and ease digestion.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

To prepare this Asian Thanksgiving food, mix 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut with two tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan.

For an added touch of flair. Cook over medium heat until golden brown and immediately remove from heat; let cool for 5 minutes. 

Then, stir into the carrot cake batter before filling muffin cups three-quarters full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

So, while warm, poke each cupcake several times with a fork and drizzle with two tablespoons of icing. Serve and enjoy.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi Bake with Bacon and Sage

The combo of sweet potatoes and sage is like autumn in a dish. This makes it a pleasant Asian Thanksgiving food. These pumpkin-shaped dumplings would be perfect with turkey, or you could make them as an appetizer. 

Though the recipe calls for bacon drippings instead of oil, it makes this gnocchi crispy and flavorful. To keep it vegan, use a slice of veggie bacon, or don't add any bacon. You'll still have a great side dish.

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Skip the meat and make lasagna with butternut squash, pasta sauce, and no-boil noodles. It's super simple (but still impressive) and will feed you for days after your holiday meal.

You can serve it warm or cold, so either plan on bringing it as a dish to share. Or, you can cook up a few extra servings for later. If you're not into no-boil noodles, try substituting some homemade butternut squash pasta. 

Above all, top it off with plenty of cheese, a little basil chiffonade, and maybe even an egg. Or two on top for protein. This Asian Thanksgiving food is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Curried Squash Soup with Red Curry Butter Croutons

Despite their name, squash soups are not just for fall. Squash soup is delicious on a chilly autumn day, but it's also nutritious and low in calories. They make it a lightened-up meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor ( best served as Asian Thanksgiving food). 

Also, squash contains vitamins A and C and iron and potassium. With only 33 calories per serving (about one cup). Squash soup is an easy way to lighten your holiday meal without sacrificing taste. 

So, whip up a bowl of homemade Curried Squash Soup with Red Curry Butter Croutons for your guests. And they'll never guess how light it is.

Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Spicy Bacon Scallion Relish

Sometimes, every new take on a classic recipe is just a gimmick. Well, we're here to tell you that Crispy Hasselback Potatoes. Combined with Spicy Bacon Scallion, Relish is not one of those gimmicks. 

Alternatively, these delicious stuffed spuds aren't like your standard roasted potatoes. They're practically exploding with crispy, cheesy goodness. 

For this reason, if you want something special for your holiday table. Look no further than this Asian Thanksgiving food—it's sure to become a new tradition in your home.

Roasted Root Vegetables with a Miso Glaze

Healthy root vegetables get a rich, spicy glaze from miso paste and sesame oil. Roasted until tender, these Asian Thanksgiving food are natural with traditional turkey.

But don't limit them to only Turkey Day; try them as an accompaniment for roast chicken or grilled steaks.  Alternatively, enjoy them alone as a light lunch. Or dinner when you've got your eye on something sweet (or vice versa). 

But, if you'd like, add some green peas or edamame beans along with your other root veggies. They're delicious either way!

Cream Cheese Wontons

Crispy wontons filled with cream cheese, scallions, and Sriracha: a fusion of two cultural favorites. This sweet and spicy Asian Thanksgiving food will be on everyone's best-of list. A spoonful of sweet dipping sauce makes them better. 

To save time, prepare a large batch of wonton wrappers ahead of time. The ingredients needed are - 
1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, one teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. 

In addition, 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided two tablespoons butter, melted three tablespoons dark rum, one tablespoon vanilla extract. 2 tablespoons light corn syrup, and six large egg whites. 

Then, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Add 1 cup coconut; stir until evenly coated. Following, spread the mixture onto an ungreased baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown stirring once halfway through cooking time. 

Lastly, remove from oven; set aside to cool completely. Once cooled, break apart into small pieces; set aside.

Sticky Rice Stuffing

This recipe was inspired by traditional Chinese sticky rice. It may not be a typical Asian Thanksgiving food, but it will surprise your guests. And it's straightforward to make. 

To start with, mix sticky rice with ghee and sugar, and add some pecans and cranberries. Then pour into a baking dish. 

However, pop it in an oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare your stuffing ahead of time, for 15 minutes before serving. This dish is delicious on its own or accompanied by turkey and gravy. 

For an extra-special touch, consider putting small pieces of cooked chicken. Or shrimp on top of each part of stuffing during the last few minutes of cooking time. You'll end up with a tasty variation on everyone's favorite holiday side dish!

Chinese Style Braised Ham Hock

To prepare this fine Asian Thanksgiving food, put Chinese five-spice powder and a dash of sugar. And soy sauce in a small bowl.

Cut ham hocks into chunks; add to spice mixture, tossing well to coat—heat oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. 

Then, brown ham hocks in batches; transfer with a slotted spoon to the plate. Reduce heat; return all hocks to the pot and add stock (or water), bay leaves, ginger, and garlic; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.

Roasted Kabocha Squash

Kabocha is a type of Japanese squash known for its sweet flavor. It has a caramelized, syrupy texture and soft, flavorful flesh when roasted.

The natural sweetness of kabocha matches perfectly with savory herbs like sage and thyme. Think of them as a cross between pumpkin and butternut squash; they're just as good in pies or soups as they are in stir-fries or roasted whole on their own. Kabocha takes longer to cook than butternuts and pumpkins, so plan accordingly!

Conclusion

Once you've dined on turkey, you might find yourself craving more. That's where our take on some traditional Asian Thanksgiving food comes in handy.

Above all, these recipes will help you create a festive menu that will satisfy your taste buds. And leave everyone else wondering how you did it.

Lastly, we hope these dishes inspire you to eat well and enjoy all that life offers. Happy Thanksgiving Celebration