Top 10 Popular American Asian Foods

Top 10 Popular American Asian Foods

These are the best meals from Asia to America. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 popular American Asian dishes.

For this list, we’re looking at the most popular and delicious foods that originated from East Asia that soon became well-known in America. However, we’re focusing on main dishes, and as a result are excluding appetizers, soups and Egg Rolls. We also won't be including Indian dishes as that's a list for another day.

#10: Bánh Mì Sandwich

Originally a creation of France during its colonial period in Indochina, this Vietnamese delight means a variety of things, but more often than not it refers to bread that looks like its French cousin, the baguette. But unlike its cousin, this Vietnamese bread is made with rice flour and wheat flour. When made into a sandwich, this is one meal that comes in many varieties ranging from the rarely found vegetarian to the more common meat sandwich. There’s even an ice cream variation called bánh mì kẹp kem! Owing to its popularity, the name ‘bánh mì’ was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2011. How about that? Nothing like a sandwich to fill your day.

#9: Beef & Broccoli

Although Ginger Beef is just as exquisite, we have to give our number 9 pick to the sizzling beef and broccoli for its easy-to-make and flavorful quality and for being extremely popular in American Chinese restaurants today. Rumor has it that the dish is actually an American recipe that didn’t exist until the 1920s, and only became well known to foodies after Italian immigrants introduced the veg to North America. But, with a strong sauce made with soy sauce and oyster sauce, as well as optional noodles or rice to accompany it, what’s not to like?

#8: Bulgogi

While Korean food hasn’t become as popular in North America as some other Asian cuisines, it’s not because it’s lacking flavor or variety. Take Bibimbap, for example: this signature Korean dish is a steaming bowl of rice covered with meat, sautéed veggies and a fried egg. However, we’re choosing the dish whose name literally translates to “fire meat.” The thinly-sliced meat, in most cases beef, is marinated to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor, with tastes like soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, pepper and more helping it reach mouth-watering levels of deliciousness. It’s then grilled to perfection, and served up with noodles or alone – but no side dish is necessary to make this Korean dish a must-try.

#7: Kung Pao Chicken

Possibly one of the most famous Asian dishes worldwide, this Szechuan stir fry is said to have been named after the late governor and Qing Dynasty official Ding Baozhen, whose title inspired the name of the dish. Because of Ding, the dish’s name became a political issue during the Cultural Revolution. Soon after, the dish was renamed and did not revert back to its old name until the 1980s. But this chicken dish by any other name is just as delicious: the primary ingredients include chicken, peanuts, vegetables and chili peppers, as well as many pungent flavors like garlic and ginger. For those who like spicy food, this dish is for you.

#6: Fried Rice

One of the most common foods in American Chinese cuisine, this dish consists of eggs, spring onions, and other vegetables with optional chopped meat and soy sauce or table salt for flavor – and, while you may think of rice as a side dish, this meal is anything but. Not only is this popular in America, Chinese restaurants in the United Kingdom as well as countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Togo also serve this delicacy. Made in many varieties and flavors, what’s probably the most popular fried rice in Chinese restaurants today is the Yeung chow or Yangzhou fried rice, which includes yummy ingredients like shrimp, scrambled egg and barbecued pork.

#5: Chow Mein

This looks good to enough chow on. Translating literally to “fried noodles,” Americans mostly known chow mein as a noodle dish filled with meat, onions and celery – although there are variations on the theme, with some noodles served soft and others crispy. As of today, people are still curious as to how and when this noodle recipe was created. However, historians say that it came to America with Chinese immigrants in the mid-19th century. Delicious and simple to make, this is one meal that everyone must order at any Chinese restaurant.

#4: Peking Duck

Now here’s a contender that’s been prepared since the Chinese imperial era. Originating in Beijing, the popularity of Peking duck was such that it even became inspiration for poets and scholars who enjoyed the meal. By the mid-20th century, the duck recipe became a national symbol in China, something that both tourists and politicians love. Soaked in water, seasoned, and glazed with maltose syrup and roasted to perfection, just add vegetables and steamed pancakes for the taste and enjoy!

#3: Pad Thai

While Pad Sew is another Thai food favorite, our third pick has to go to Pad Thai for its wonderful and colorful texture and flavor. Commonly served as street food in Thailand, ingredients such as dried rice noodles, vegetables like garlic chives, chicken and other bold tastes are what make this dish terrific. Pad Thai first rose in popularity during World War II, likely due to its balance of simplicity and taste. Quick to make and excellent to eat, this Thai masterpiece has become one of Thailand’s national dishes and is served in many countries around the world.

#2: General Tso’s chicken

Classified as a Hunanese dish, this sweet and spicy meal was named (you guessed it) after General Tso Tsung-tang, a general who served as a military leader during the Qing Dynasty. According to some stories, because of the general’s involvement during the time, chef Peng Chang-kuei was inspired to name his latest recipe to honor him. Chicken, hot chili peppers, garlic, soy sauce and more are some of the main ingredients needed to make this deep-fried treat. If you’ve got a sweet and spicy tooth, then try this saucy food and make sure it’s hot in flavor and temperature.

Before we dig in with our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Chop Suey

- Mongolian Beef

- Rendang

- Thai Peanut Chicken

- Sesame Beef

#1: Sushi

Although the Nigiri and Maki are equally delicious, they all add up to our favorite Japanese dish. Historically, Sushi dates back to 8th century Southeast Asia, when it was developed as a way of preserving fish in fermented rice. Coming in various types, with different fillings, preparations and flavors, people can choose from vegetarian to raw fish like sashimi. Of course, sushi isn’t for everyone, so many North American sushi menus feature teriyaki dishes for the uninitiated – whether it’s chicken, salmon or beef. However, because of the variety of sushi, there’s sure to be something for you. With or without rice, the ultimate Japanese delight that is sushi never fails.

Do you agree with our list? Which American Asian dish is your favorite? For more mouth-watering Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.