4 Asian-Inspired Fusion Recipes to Try This Christmas

Christmas is just a few days away, and what better way to create a memorable dining experience than with a unique dish? Spice your dishes with a fusion of flavors inspired by vibrant Asian flavors. From crunchy appetizers to umami-rich pasta, these recipes are sure to impress your loved ones.

1. Crunchy Wonton Taco Cups

This Chinese-Mexican fusion appetizer will keep you and your loved ones warm and cozy this holiday season. It’s the ideal finger food while having games this Christmas. It’s easy to make it gluten-free and dairy-free — just replace the wonton wrappers with small corn tortillas and substitute cheese with dairy-free sour cream.

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 36 wonton wrappers 
• 1 pound ground sausage
• 1 can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown ground sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
2. Add the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
3. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray, then place two wonton wrappers in each cup to create a firm base.
4. Put a tablespoon of taco meat mixture and 1 tablespoon of cheese on the wonton wrappers.
5. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes or until wontons are brown.
6. Remove the cups from the tray and garnish with toppings like salsa or guacamole.

2. Kimchi Mac and Cheese

This rich, spicy, cheesy dish will be everyone’s favorite Christmas dish. Kimchi is Korea’s traditional fermented vegetable dish. It is rich in fiber, which can promote better blood sugar control and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. If your family loves spicy food, this is one of the must-try Asian-inspired holiday recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked Macaroni
• ⅕ cups chopped kimchi
• 3 tablespoon flour
• 2 tablespoons Korean chili paste
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup Panko

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Add butter to a large pan and turn the heat to medium-high. Once the butter is melted, add Korean chili paste and chopped kimchi. Saute for two to three minutes.
3. Add 3 tablespoons of flour and 2 cups of milk. Mix until smooth.
4. Slowly add cheese and cook for one to two minutes on medium-low heat.
5. Add pasta to the pan and mix everything. Add pasta water to improve sauce consistency.
6. Transfer the pasta to a baking pan and top with cheese and panko.
7. Broil for four to five minutes.
   
8. Chicken Adobo

Fusion food started centuries ago through trade, migration and colonization, when ingredients from various cultures naturally mixed. Adobo is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines, and it became popular during Spanish colonization. It features marinated chicken in a tangy, savory sauce. Its rich flavors have influenced many fusion selections often seen on Euro-Asian menus.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, drumsticks or a combination of both
• 5 garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 dried bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
• ½ cup soy sauce, preferably a Filipino brand
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• ⅓ cup cane vinegar
• Steamed white rice

Instructions:

1. Smash five garlic cloves and dry the chicken with paper towels. Season with kosher salt.
2. Heat oil in a pot. Sear chicken in two batches for six minutes or until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
3. Place bay leaves, garlic and peppercorns in the pot. Add 2 cups of water, soy sauce, vinegar and oyster sauce. Scrape up brown bits at the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
4. Return chicken and accumulated juices to pot. Simmer uncovered until chicken is cooked through — at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part — then flip each piece over halfway through for 20 minutes.
5. Use tongs to transfer the chicken to the baking sheet. Continue letting the sauce simmer on the stove. Broil the chicken for about three minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven, flip the chicken and brush with some sauce from the pot. Broil again for three minutes.
6. Serve with steamed white rice.
   
7. Japanese Carbonara

This Japanese-inspired carbonara is creamy and rich in umami, perfect for noodle lovers. It’s easy, quick to make and requires minimal ingredients. Prepare to wow your guests with your unique take on this crowd-favorite pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Shiro miso
• 250 grams bacon or 100 grams pancetta, cut into batons
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 300 grams of bucatini or dried spaghetti
• 100 grams Parmesan cheese, finely grated, plus more for garnish
• Shredded nori and spring onion

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat and cook bacon or pancetta for five minutes. Set it aside, but leave the fat in the pan.
2. Add miso and stir for two minutes.
3. Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
4. Whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
5. Add spaghetti to the wide pan on medium heat. Gradually add the egg mixture and a few tablespoons of pasta water. 
6. Top with Parmesan cheese, onion and nori.

Celebrate Christmas With Asian-Inspired Fusion Recipes

Bring the Asian flavors to your table and share them with loved ones this holiday. If you can’t master it the first time, no worries — what’s important is you’re having fun and your family appreciates you for preparing something new for them. Which recipe are you most excited to try out?