Light Asian Cuisine - Sunset.com

Photo by Leo Gong; written by Amy Machnak

Simple Salmon Chirashi

The start of summer is the beginning of salmon season in the West, making it a perfect time to indulge in this Omega-3 fish in a simple way, like this chirashi.

Recipe: Simple Salmon Chirashi

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Amy Machnak

Vietnamese Shrimp and Green Melon Salad

The cool melon is nicely contrasting to the spicy shrimp and dressing. We suggest slicing the melon into wedges, and then again on a diagonally so you get wide pieces.

Recipe: Vietnamese Shrimp and Green Melon Salad

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Amy Machnak

Nori Radish Toasts

Radishes and butter are a classic pairing. It's taken an Asian detour with the earthy, nutty flavor of nori added.

Recipe: Nori Radish Toasts

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Amy Machnak

Bison and Water Chestnut Lettuce Cups

The pepper adds quite a kick to this vegetarian dish. For a complete meal, serve with steam rice or noodles and an Asian salad.

Recipe: Bison and Water Chestnut Lettuce Cups

Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Amy Machnak

Spicy Hoisin Sesame Glazed Corn

Skip the butter and salt and try this zingy Asian-inspired glaze the next time you grill summer corn.

Recipe: Spicy Hoisin Sesame Glazed Corn

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Amy Machnak

Kimchi and Avocado Quesadillas

If you like Mexican and you like kimchi, then this quesadilla is for you. We prefer the super spicy kimchi, but use any brand that you like.

Recipe: Kimchi and Avocado Quesadillas

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Amy Machnak

Black Pepper Tofu and Green Beans

The pepper adds quite a kick to this vegetarian dish. For a complete meal, serve with steam rice or noodles and an Asian salad.

Recipe: Black Pepper Tofu and Green Beans

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Amy Machnak

Southeast Asian Grapefruit and Shrimp Salad

Tart grapefruit and sweet shrimp make for a refreshing pairing and hold up well against spice.

Recipe: Southeast Asian Grapefruit and Shrimp Salad

Photo by Dan Goldberg; written by Amy Machnak

Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp

This is always a favorite way to serve shrimp but we often forget how quick and easy it is to make. Serve it with steamed rice and a cold beer.

Recipe: Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Amy Machnak

DIY Chicken Papaya Spring Rolls

Spring rolls can be labor intensive if you need to make a bunch. That's why we suggest setting out all the ingredients and letting guests make their own. If you're not a fan of papaya, you can easily substitute mango.

Recipe: DIY Chicken Papaya Spring Rolls

Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Amy Machnak

Spicy Peanut, Carrot, and Snap Pea Wraps

We made these vegetable-based wraps as a healthy on-the-go meal idea. If you prefer less spicy, omit the chile sauce and just add a little to each bite so you can control the heat.

Recipe: Spicy Peanut, Carrot, and Snap Pea Wraps

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Amy Machnak

Chili Shrimp

Rather than deep frying the shrimp, use puffed rice cereal to add a bit of crunch to the dish. Serve with an Asian slaw or with rice.

Recipe: Chili Shrimp

Photo by Leo Gong; written by Amy Machnak

Thai Beef Salad

It's amazing how a simple salad can be so flavorful when you have a great dressing like this one.

Recipe: Thai Beef Salad

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Amy Machnak

Asian Peanut Slaw with Pork

The cabbage in this slaw is very colorful and adds a bit of crunch to the dish. We served it with pork, but grilled chicken would also be good.

Recipe: Asian Peanut Slaw with Pork

Fast & Fresh Asian recipes for summer

Simple Salmon Chirashi

Vietnamese Shrimp and Green Melon Salad

Nori Radish Toasts

Bison and Water Chestnut Lettuce Cups

Spicy Hoisin Sesame Glazed Corn

Kimchi and Avocado Quesadillas

Black Pepper Tofu and Green Beans

Southeast Asian Grapefruit and Shrimp Salad

Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp

DIY Chicken Papaya Spring Rolls

Spicy Peanut, Carrot, and Snap Pea Wraps

Chili Shrimp

Thai Beef Salad

Asian Peanut Slaw with Pork