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11 Best Asian Potluck Recipes (From Appetizers To Desserts!)

11 Best Asian Potluck Recipes (From Appetizers To Desserts!)

These Asian potluck recipes showcase Asian-inspired appetizers, sides, entrees, and desserts, as well as ready-to-eat dishes that you can find at popular grocery stores.

An Asian-themed potluck is a fantastic opportunity to venture beyond typical Western dishes and introduce your friends, family, or coworkers to the incredible flavors and textures that Asian cuisine has to offer.

From the delicate balance of sweet and sour in Thai food, the umami overload of Japanese cuisine, to the comforting simplicity of Korean food–there’s a world of dishes to discover and a plethora of recipes that are perfect for sharing.

Asian food is all about mixing flavors. Think sweet and sour or spicy and salty–every bite can be a surprise, with many different tastes coming together. 

If you’re ready to host or attend an Asian potluck, these delicious recipes can cater to every palate!

Best Places To Find Asian Ingredients

If you’re planning to make an Asian recipe for an Asian potluck, here are the best places to find Asian ingredients:

  • Weee! It’s a popular Asian grocery delivery service in the United States and delivers a wide range of Asian products to various locations.
  • Chinatowns. Major cities have vibrant Chinatowns with specialty stores selling Asian products.
  • H-Mart. A popular Asian supermarket chain with diverse Asian ingredients, especially Korean products.
  • The international foods aisle in nearly every major supermarket for Asian-inspired ingredients to help you make it homemade.

Best Asian Potluck Recipes

1. Asian Turkey Meatballs

These meatballs are full of Asian flavors and can be served over rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps. They are then pan-fried or baked until golden brown and served with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients include: Turkey breast, red onion, bell pepper, pork rinds, and eggs.

2. Lumpia Shanghai (Filipino Spring Rolls)

Lumpia Shanghai, also known as Filipino spring rolls, is a tasty appetizer known for its savory filling. Every bite features a crispy exterior that’s sure to be a hit at parties and gatherings. 

Ingredients include: Ground pork, carrot, onion, Chinese celery, and garlic cloves.

More Filipino starter recipe inspo here: Filipino Appetizers.

3. Korean Potato Salad

This Korean Potato Salad is an easy-to-make side dish perfect for any occasion. The key to this recipe is using Kewpie mayonnaise, which gives it a richer and creamier flavor. 

Ingredients include: Russet potatoes, eggs, ham, carrot, cucumber, and canned corn.

4. Koren-Style Sticky Potatoes

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover potatoes. The potatoes are cooked in a sweet and savory sauce until soft and sticky, then topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

Ingredients include: Baby potatoes, oil, corn syrup, sugar, ketchup, and garlic.

5. Asian Slaw

This easy-to-follow slaw is a good way to add crunch and fresh notes to your next meal. The secret ingredient to this recipe is tangy Asian dressing that works well with any side protein, like grilled chicken or fish. 

Ingredients include: Carrots, cabbage, scallions, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic.

Ready-To-Eat Asian Potluck Ideas

Here are a few ready-to-eat Asian recipes that you can bring to an Asian-themed potluck:

  • Sushi rolls. Japanese dish with rice, seafood, and veggies wrapped in seaweed. Find at Japanese restaurants or specialty stores.
  • Vietnamese summer rolls. Light rice paper rolls with shrimp, herbs, and veggies. Available at Vietnamese restaurants or Asian markets.
  • Chicken satay skewers. Grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce. Look for them at Thai or Indonesian restaurants.
  • Thai green papaya salad (Som tum). Zesty salad with green papaya, tomatoes, and peanuts. Find at Thai restaurants or Asian markets.
  • Kimchi fried rice. Korean dish with kimchi, rice, and veggies. Available at Korean restaurants or some Asian grocery stores.
  • Indian samosas. Crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes. Find at Indian restaurants or grocery stores.
  • Chinese dumplings (Potstickers). Thin dough filled with meat and veggies, pan-fried. Look for them at Chinese restaurants or Asian markets.
  • Japanese cold noodle salad (Hiyashi Chuka). Chilled ramen or soba noodles with toppings. Find it at Japanese restaurants or some Asian grocery stores.

6. Dakdoritang (Spicy Korean Chicken Stew)

Dakdoritang is a classic Korean dish featuring tender chicken, potatoes, and carrots braised in spicy, savory chili sauce. The stew is the perfect way to spice up your potluck or enjoy a comforting meal at home.

Ingredients include: Chicken, onion, potatoes, carrot, water, and Gochugaru.

7. Bisteak Tagalog (Filipino Beef Steak)

Bring this famous Filipino comfort food to your Asian potluck and surprise everyone with its savory-tangy flavor! It has thinly sliced beef marinated in a citrusy sauce made with soy sauce and calamansi, then cooked until tender. 

Ingredients include: Beef, onion, garlic cloves, calamansi juice, and soy sauce.

8. Korean Beef Bulgogi

This irresistible dish showcases thin slices of tender beef marinated in a soy-based sauce. This Korean Beef Bulgogi recipe is bursting with umami, and best serve with steamed rice and vibrant veggies. 

Ingredients include: Ribeye steak, pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic cloves.

9. Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl

This quick yet scrumptious rice bowl is packed with bold Korean flavors, thanks to a gochujang-based marinade. For a complete meal, serve it with your favorite toppings, like kimchi, avocado, and cucumbers. 

Ingredients include: Gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, chicken thighs, and white rice.

10. Klepon (Indonesian Sweet Rice Cakes)

Your Asian potluck isn’t complete without sweets, like this Indonesian Sweet Rice Cakes. They feature a chewy exterior, a sweet interior, and a surprise burst of palm sugar when you bite into the center.

Ingredients include: Glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, coconut, pandan flavoring, and palm sugar.

11. Chinese Mango Pudding

Chinese Mango Pudding is a straightforward dessert famous for its sweet, fruity flavor and luscious, jelly-like texture. Just blend the mangoes, heat the coconut milk, dissolve the gelatin, and chill. 

Ingredients include: Mango, sugar, gelatin, mango puree, heavy cream, and lime juice.

Tips When Hosting An Asian Potluck

Hosting an Asian potluck can be a great way to experience the diverse cuisines of Asia. Here are important tips to ensure your potluck is a success:

  • Different cultures. Ask guests to bring dishes from their own Asian culture to show variety.
  • Meal balance. Ask for different kinds of food, like starters, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts.
  • Right amount. Tell guests to bring enough food for the number of people coming to avoid too much leftover food.
  • Utensils. Have different tools like chopsticks, forks, and spoons ready for eating.
  • Name the dishes. Ensure guests label their dishes, telling what it is and what’s in it.
  • Drinks. Have a mix of Asian drinks, both with and without alcohol.
  • Recipes. Ask guests to share the recipes of the dishes they bring, so others can try making them later.
  • Seating. Plan how and where people will sit or stand, making sure there’s enough room.
  • Decorations and music. Use Asian decorations and music to make the potluck feel festive.

The bottom line

Asian cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each country boasting its unique culinary traditions and ingredients. Embrace this diversity when planning or attending an Asian potluck. 

Offer or make various dishes from different regions, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, and more. This culinary fusion will ensure there’s something to suit every palate and provide a fantastic opportunity for everyone to experience a variety of flavors.

More About Asian Recipes

11 Best Asian Potluck Recipes

11 Best Asian Potluck Recipes

These best Asian potluck recipes showcase famous Asian-inspired dishes, ranging from starters and sides to mains and desserts.

Ingredients

  • Asian Turkey Meatballs
  • Lumpia Shanghai (Filipino Spring Rolls)
  • Korean Potato Salad
  • Koren-Style Sticky Potatoes
  • Asian Slaw
  • Dakdoritang (Spicy Korean Chicken Stew)
  • Bisteak Tagalog (Filipino Beef Steak)
  • Korean Beef Bulgogi
  • Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl
  • Klepon (Indonesian Sweet Rice Cakes)
  • Chinese Mango Pudding

Instructions

  1. Find your favorite recipe from our Asian Potluck Recipes list.
  2. Gather all the ingredients needed.
  3. If you love it, don't forget to share where you got it!

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