Asian food became a traditional go-to for many families that do not celebrate Christmas and found themselves with extra time to spend with those they love but no traditions of their own. Since Asian restaurants were typically open on Christmas Day and holidays where others may be closed, new family traditions were born. Now that Asian cuisine is in high demand, we’re here to help you create a new tradition of your own to share with family and friends. Make some of our favorites in the comfort of your own home, using fresh greenhouse grown veggies and skip the wait times for delivery!
More people search for “Chinese food or restaurant” during the days from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve than any other week of the year, according to Google Trends. With ordering takeout becoming so popular, it’s important to keep in mind that some places require reservations or pre-orders for delivery a few weeks in advance to ensure service on busy nights. Even though takeout food is delicious and so easy to order in, preparing it at home with fresh ingredients allows you to create a new tradition of enjoying the cooking experience! With extra time during the holiday break, it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new and cook with family members as a fun way to enjoy your favorite Asian specialties.
We have over 60 Asian-inspired recipes that are full of delicious greenhouse grown vegetables! Here are our Top 10 dishes that you will definitely want to try this holiday season. They are very simple to make and loaded with fresh flavor!
APPETIZERS –
CUCUMBER SALSA ON CRISPY RICE
Crispy, creamy, and smoky describe this cucumber salsa using Pure Flavor® Uno Bites™ Nano Cucumbers served on crispy rice. Making this delicious snack with an Asian flair only takes 40 minutes!
SPICY BACON CASHEW MELON BITES
Discover how delicious Pure Flavor® Alonna™ Canary Melon tastes when topped with spicy Thai bacon cashew crumble and lime. It only takes 25 minutes to prepare and you can expect “WOW” after each bite.
VEGETARIAN RICE WRAPS
These Vegetarian Rice Wraps, made with Pure Flavor® Long English Cucumbers, fresh veggies, and rice noodles, are ideal for a light snack. They can be enjoyed dipped in a honey sriracha peanut sauce and take only 15 minutes to prepare.
CUCUMBER SUSHI
A crisp Pure Flavor® Long English Cucumber filled with crab meat, carrots, and rice can serve as a seaweed substitute in these fresh, veggie-filled sushi bites. Devor them in under 40 minutes with a spicy mayo dip.
MAIN DISHES –
GENERAL TSO’S TOFU & PEPPERS
Enjoy a quick and simple vegan version of General Tso’s Tofu & Peppers in 40 minutes! This take on a classic dish includes crispy tofu, Pure Flavor® Aurora Bites Mini Sweet Peppers, and a homemade General Tso’s sauce.
THAI CHICKEN NOODLES
This 25-minute Thai noodle dish tastes even better than takeout! This dish is a crowd-pleaser thanks to the Pure Flavor® Aurora Bites Mini Sweet Peppers, zucchini, onions, rice noodles, and the tangy sauce.
PEPPER AND SHRIMP STIR FRY
This Pepper & Shrimp Stir Fry has a balance of sweet, savory, & fresh thanks to Pure Flavor® Aurora Bites Mini Sweet Peppers, and snow peas sautéed in a teriyaki sauce & served over a bed of rice.
SPICY BEEF AND CUCUMBERS
Enjoy this quick stir-fry of tender beef slices with Pure Flavor® Long English Cucumbers. This crowd-pleaser dish is sautéed with fresh seasonings in a spicy and sweet sauce and ready in under 30 minutes.
ASIAN FUSION MELON SALAD
A vegan and gluten-free recipe, that is ready in 15 minutes, combines Pure Flavor® Solara™ Mini Melons, and Poco Bites® Cocktail Cucumbers to make a perfectly refreshing salad that is tossed in a light miso sesame dressing.
GARLIC CUCUMBER SALAD
This Asian-inspired salad with Pure Flavor® Poco Bites® Cocktail Cucumbers, sesame oil, and Thai chilis is the perfect balance of spicy and savory with a great crunch. Combine everything together to enjoy in only 15 minutes.
EXPLORE NEW FLAVORS & TRADITIONS –
Whether ordering takeout over the holidays is a longstanding tradition or something new you were thinking of this year, we invite you to try your hand at one of our easy, yet nutritious dishes. Since greenhouse grown fruits & vegetables are available all year round, you can easily create these for yourself whenever the craving for takeout hits! Create a New Year’s Eve spread with some of these great appetizers and main course meals!
Not only do they taste amazing in recipes, but fresh, simple ingredients also are high in health-promoting vitamins and minerals that keep our immune systems healthy. Cooking at home also allows you to avoid high-sodium additives like MSG that can often be found in takeout dishes. Get everyone involved and make it a new tradition to cook together! Creating an experience with family and friends can be something to look forward to year after year.
If you are ready to explore more Asian inspire recipes, we do have over 60 recipes to share to try this holiday season.