Why I Love These Recipes
Every time I have the chance to create a recipe, or in this case a collection of dishes that connect two worlds I love, I am all in. For instance, the soy sauce and ginger in my recipes bring back memories of my mother’s cooking, while the roasted vegetables and comforting casseroles remind me of my first Thanksgiving dinner in the United States.
I have to admit that when I moved from Beijing to New York, my first Thanksgiving was both exciting and unfamiliar. I remember standing in my husband’s parents’ kitchen back in 2012, surrounded by ingredients like turkey, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes, wondering how to bring my own flavors to this American holiday. Over time, I began blending the dishes I grew up with and the ones I learned to love here, and that is how my Asian Thanksgiving recipes came to life.
In this collection, I have gathered my favorite main dishes, appetizers, side dishes, and desserts, each one combining sweet, spicy, savory, and creamy elements that create the rich flavors and textures I love. My recipes are comforting, heartwarming, and just as homey as Thanksgiving food should be. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing them as much as I do.
Asian-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
I have grouped my recipes into main categories so you can choose one or more from each to make your Thanksgiving table look amazing. Some of my dishes are rooted in traditional Chinese cuisine, while others blend Asian flavors with Western holiday classics, creating a mix of authenticity and creativity that I enjoy bringing to the table.
Appetizers
Chinese Chicken Dumplings
I love serving dumplings at Thanksgiving because they add a taste of my roots to a holiday centered on sharing. These classic Chinese Chicken Dumplings remind me of evenings in my mother’s kitchen, when we sat together folding dough, and since we are talking about dumplings, you should try my mom’s best pork dumplings, a recipe that has been a family favorite for years.
My chicken dumplings recipe highlights three ingredients that shape its flavor: Shaoxing wine, carrots, and light soy sauce. These ingredients work together to build the base flavor and balance that make the dumplings tender, aromatic, and savory.
The recipe takes about one hour from start to finish and is simple enough for anyone who enjoys hands-on cooking. I enjoy serving dumplings during Thanksgiving since it is like opening a small window to my past while creating new memories around the table.
Milk Bread Rolls
When I plan my Thanksgiving menu, I always make room for freshly baked bread. These Milk Bread Rolls, inspired by Hong Kong–style soft bread rolls, add a gentle sweetness and soft texture that complete the meal.
The dough is easy to prepare, using three key ingredients: bread flour for a soft texture, sweetened condensed milk for sweetness, and butter for richness. I enjoy baking them for both weekday dinners and holiday meals like Thanksgiving. They stay moist and fluffy even when made ahead, which makes them a reliable choice for any gathering.
It takes me about one hour to prepare, plus a little resting time. The rolls come out tender and golden like I like, and my friends have been asking for them ever since the first time I made them. They can never get enough, especially when they use them to dip into their soups.
Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup
I chose this Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup for the Thanksgiving menu because the fusion of Japanese kabocha and a Western soup technique captures the heart of comfort and tradition. When I first discovered kabocha squash, with its deep green skin and golden flesh, I was completely hooked.
Kabocha squash is a Japanese pumpkin that creates a rich and creamy texture with a hint of natural sweetness that I love. Another key ingredient I use is fresh ginger, which adds a soft hint of spice, while maple syrup softens the flavor with a delicate sweetness that complements the roasted squash.
I love that it takes a little over an hour to make, including the roasting time. The result is a flavorful soup that pairs well with any Thanksgiving menu.
Kao Bao Zi
The first time I made these baked lamb buns for Thanksgiving, they became an instant favorite. The dough comes together easily with flour, egg, oil, and warm water, while the filling mixes lamb and onion with cumin and black pepper for a fragrant flavor.
I grew up eating Xinjiang-style lamb buns in Beijing, and baking them for the holiday allows me to share a taste of my childhood as part of a new tradition. The hands-on work takes just over an hour, making these buns an easy but super satisfying addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
If you enjoy dumplings and bao, my Kao Bao Zi will take things up a notch. These baked lamb buns have a soft flavorful filling and a golden crust that seriously gets attention at the table. I recommend serving them warm straight from the oven to impress your guests.
Main Dishes
Asian Pineapple Glazed Ham
Holiday tables often have a centerpiece, and for me, this glazed ham has become that dish. I chose this recipe because it combines the familiar comfort of a classic ham with an Asian-inspired glaze that reflects my own cooking roots. The glaze uses brown sugar and pineapple juice with a hint of gingery and garlicky flavor, so the dish remains hearty yet carries a variation of my cooking background.
What I love most about this recipe is that it takes me only 15 minutes to prepare, and then the oven does the rest of the work. During the holiday season, that extra time means more moments to spend with my loved ones. For Thanksgiving last year, I made the glazed ham a day ahead and reheated it on the day of the dinner, which made everything easier.
I have to warn you that when this ham comes out of the oven, the glaze turns glossy and the aroma makes everyone want to start eating right away. It is that good! As soon as you carve into it, you taste the mix of tradition and flavor that I always aim to share in my holiday recipes.
Chinese Brined Turkey
Traditional Chinese brine ingredients and techniques adapted to turkey.
When I first decided to include a turkey for our holiday menu, I wanted one that would actually impress and not just repeat what everyone already expected. I picked the recipe for Chinese Brined Turkey because it reinvented the centerpiece for me; using an Asian-inspired marinade instead of a basic salt brine. The technique might ask for more planning, but trust me, the results are well worth it.
I build my recipe around three essential ingredients: soy sauce, which layers the bird with savory depth; oyster sauce, which adds a sweet-savory richness; and Japanese sake, which helps tenderize the meat and weave in complex flavor. These ingredients are the base of the marinade that makes the turkey juicy and flavorful rather than dry and plain.
From prep to finish, the hands-on part of the recipe is reasonably manageable. My method creates a turkey that is juicy inside with crisp flavorful skin. If you make this for your Thanksgiving dinner, your guests will be impressed from the first slice to the last bite.
Chinese Roast Duck
I remember wanting a main dish that stood out from the usual choices and this roast duck quickly became that dish. It combines traditional Chinese flavors with a method that creates golden crispy skin and tender meat.
Maltose syrup, ginger, and scallions are the key ingredients that make this roast duck unforgettable. The maltose gives the skin a golden, crisp finish, while the ginger and scallions add fresh aroma and balance to the rich meat.
Time-wise, this recipe takes some time and effort to prepare the day before, much like other elevated dishes. The best part is letting the duck rest overnight to soak up all the marinade flavors and dry up the skin, so it turns crispy during roasting. The next day, I simply place it in the oven, decorate the table, and wait for my guests to arrive to the smell of something amazing baking. I highly recommend adding this to your Thanksgiving menu.
Sichuan Roasted Whole Chicken
I added this recipe to my menu after a Thanksgiving dinner I hosted a few years ago. A friend brought a coworker who did not enjoy turkey or duck, and those were the only main dishes I had prepared. Since then, I always ask my guests about their preferences or make this Sichuan Roasted Whole Chicken instead. It blends bold Asian flavors with the familiar comfort of a classic roast, and you can never go wrong with it.
I use Sichuan peppercorns for a citrusy note, black tea in the dry rub for a touch of umami, and Shaoxing wine to add richness. My instructions are easy to follow, and while it does take a bit of marinating time, the hands-on work is simple enough for any home cook to handle.
I love making this dish because it allows me to bring my Chinese cooking roots into the heart of a holiday tradition I care about. Your guests will notice the difference, and so will you.
Side Dishes
Green Beans with Spicy Peanut Sauce
I love how the peanut sauce is creamy, savory, and just a little spicy, turning simple green beans into a side dish my friends and family reach for. I sometimes suggest my oven roasted green beans as an easier alternative or my curried vegan green bean casserole if you have guests on a plant-based diet.
My recipe highlights three main ingredients: natural peanut butter for a nutty and smooth base; light soy sauce for savory balance; and chili crisp for a touch of spice and crunch. Together they create a sauce that elevates the vegetables into something worth serving at any holiday gathering.
It takes me only 10 minutes from start to finish, which makes it one of my favorite dishes to make when I want a flavorful side that looks impressive but is easy to make.
Chinese Sauteed Potato
I have to confess that instead of traditional mashed potatoes, I enjoy serving this lighter stir-fried version that my guests always love. It offers a fresh take on a familiar side while reflecting my Chinese cooking roots.
This dish features crisp-edged potato pieces with a tender center, stir-fried with aromatics and spice for the right contrast in texture. It takes me only 20 minutes from start to finish, including 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time, which makes it perfect for busy holidays.
I am confident you will not miss the classic mashed potatoes once you try this. Do not just take my word for it, make it and see for yourself. I hope you add it to your menu this year.
Szechuan Dry Fried Green Beans
When I need a side dish that brings character to my table, I choose this version of dry-fried green beans. It elevates a familiar vegetable into something bold. The method I use starts with blistering the green beans until they are charred and tender, then tossing them with aromatics, pickled mustard greens, and ground meat to build layers of flavor.
Three essential ingredients are what I use to make this famous traditional Sichuan dish: ground pork (the traditional version), which adds savoriness and texture; Sui Mi Ya Cai (pickled mustard greens), for a deep umami and subtle sweetness; and Sichuan peppercorns, responsible for a gentle numbing heat and aromatic lift.
It takes me only 30 minutes from prep to finish, making it easy to prepare anytime. Serving this dish will add something distinctive to your Thanksgiving menu that your guests will remember long after the meal ends.
Sticky Rice Stuffing
This Sticky Rice Stuffing quickly earned a permanent spot on my holiday table. I know it is easy to stay in our comfort zone and stick with the classics, but I encourage you to try my version filled with Chinese flavors that take it to another level of deliciousness.
I make it using ingredients like sticky rice, crunchy water chestnuts, tender Chinese sausage, umami-rich shiitake mushrooms, and soy sauce. And guess what? It tastes like something I cannot even put into words, so you simply have to make it yourself.
My recipe does require soaking the rice in advance, which is easy to do the night before. Once that is done, you will be surprised by how simple this sticky rice stuffing is to make , it comes together in just 1 hour. For an even quicker and hands-off version, use my Instant Pot sausage recipe as an alternative option.
Desserts
Kabocha Pumpkin Pie
I selected this Kabocha Pumpkin Pie for the Thanksgiving menu because I wanted a dessert that honors my Asian heritage while fitting into a familiar holiday framework. This pie offers a lighter and fluffier take on the classic pumpkin pie, yes that’s right!
I am so glad I decided to challenge myself with pie-making years ago because this recipe has become our favorite dessert. I use kabocha squash as the star ingredient, along with warm spices, milk, and brown sugar. These are simple staples I always have in my pantry.
Then comes the fun part, slice the pie and top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream which is my favorite way to enjoy it. If you are hosting and wondering what to make this year, I recommend trying this pie, which serves 8 slices. You might want to make an extra one, because I know your friends and family will be asking for seconds.
Chinese Pumpkin Cake
I really love ending a holiday meal with something unexpected, and that is why I chose this Chinese Pumpkin Cake for my Thanksgiving menu. In my opinion combines heritage and simplicity, a cake with a golden crispy crust and a gooey, mochi-like interior that always surprises my friends in the best way.
But I know you might be wondering what this dessert really is. I would describe it as a snack-style mochi cake made with glutinous rice flour, pumpkin puree, breadcrumbs, and red bean paste for the filling. Yes, that is all you need, and then follow my recipe exactly as instructed.
I usually cook it the traditional way in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes in total. But if you have an air fryer, no worries; I also include instructions for that method too. I really hope you give this dessert recipe a try!
Creating these Asian-inspired Thanksgiving recipes allows me to celebrate my roots while embracing the traditions I have grown to love. Every Thanksgiving, my kitchen becomes a place where cultures meet, stories are shared, and gratitude is tasted in every dish. I hope these recipes inspire you to bring a little Asian flair to your Thanksgiving table.
