Christmas is just around the corner, and you’re probably already dreaming about the mouth-watering holiday feast you'll prepare. A traditional spread of turkey, brussels sprouts, roast potatoes and Christmas pudding is a classic menu we all adore. 

But this year, why not kick things up a notch and try something different? What about swapping the traditional for an Asian-inspired Christmas dinner? Imagine dazzling your family and friends with a vibrant banquet filled with aromatic flavours, colourful dishes and exciting twists. 

And don’t worry, injecting an Asian influence into your festive menu doesn’t mean spending the whole day in the kitchen. It’s all about curating a selection of easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dishes that offer bold flavours and a touch of elegance. 

Why try an Asian-inspired Christmas dinner? 

• It’s unique and exciting: Break away from the usual and treat your guests to something new
• Fresh and aromatic flavours take centre stage: Think zesty lime, tangy spices, and umami-rich sauces
• Celebrates culinary diversity: Bring a taste of Asia to your home by introducing the rich cooking traditions of different cultures

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Below is a curated menu of six Asian-inspired dishes to spice up your Christmas dinner, along with recipes to help you put it all together. Get ready for a feast that is bursting with flavour and uniquely unforgettable. 

 

Asian-Inspired Dishes To Jazz Up Your Festive Feast 

Here at School of Wok, we have a wide range of different Asian-inspired recipes that would make the perfect accompaniment to any Christmas dinner, if you’re looking to jazz up your festive feast with some aromatic, fresh and colourful dishes. Take a look at just a handful of options you could create and place alongside your Christmas dinner this festive season:

 

Thai-Style Grilled Pork (Kor Moo Yang) 

Succulent pork neck marinated in a delicious mix of spices, then grilled to charred perfection—a Thai delicacy that’s absolutely drool-worthy. 

How to Make It: 

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C. Marinate the pork neck with a mix of palm sugar, fish sauce, and spices. Massage well. 
2. Roast for 45 minutes, then baste and grill at 270°C for 3–5 minutes on each side to achieve a tasty crust. 
3. Prepare the dipping sauce by toasting dry rice and chillies, then blending them into a powder. Add sliced shallots, coriander, spring onions, palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime to create the perfect tangy accompaniment. 

Serve this: With the dipping sauce on the side for an authentic touch. 

 

Chicken Katsu Sando 

A Japanese spin on a sandwich classic. Fluffy bread filled with crispy, juicy katsu chicken paired with creamy kewpie mayo and tangy tonkatsu sauce. 

How to Make It: 

1. Butterfly a chicken breast and season it with salt and pepper. Coat it in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. 
2. Deep-fry until golden brown and crispy, then rest on a rack to drain any oil. 
3. Toast Japanese sandwich bread and spread it with butter and mayo. Assemble the sandwich with the chicken, shredded cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce. 

Why it works: Quick, convenient, and impossible not to love! 

 

Fish Omelette Parcels 

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these egg-wrapped fish parcels are a game-changer for your dinner table. 

How to Make It: 

1. Coat flaky fish pieces with seasoned flour and dip into a spiced egg mixture. 
2. Fry each piece in a pan until golden brown, gently pouring more eggs on top to form a crispy parcel. 
3. Serve with a bold dipping sauce made from garlic, chilli, spring onions, and soy for extra zing. 

Perfect for: Adding a touch of finesse to your festive spread. 

 

Shaking Beef Salad 

This Vietnamese-inspired dish is a brilliant mix of savoury seared beef with a fresh, vibrant salad base. 

How to Make It: 

1. Dice your beef into equal chunks and marinate with soy, oyster sauce, and pepper. 
2. Fry spring onions, garlic, and ginger in hot oil, then toss in the marinated beef and sear on all sides. 
3. Arrange watercress, cucumbers, and tomatoes on a plate, and top with the sizzling beef. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice. 

Why it’s a winner: A comforting yet refreshing dish that balances the richness of the other plates. 

 

Thai-Style Pork Patties 

Mini flavour-bombs made with fragrant lemongrass, lime leaves, and toasted rice. 

How to Make It: 

1. Mix ground pork with finely chopped herbs, toasted rice powder, fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar. 
2. Shape into small patties and fry until golden brown. 
3. Serve with a dollop of sweet chilli sauce. 

Pro Tip: These patties are quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser. 

 

Soy Garlic Korean Fried Chicken 

Double-fried for an unbeatable crunch, these chicken wings are coated in a sticky, garlicky glaze that’s incredibly addictive. 

How to Make It: 

1. Marinate chicken wings in soy sauce, garlic, and rice wine, then dredge in cornstarch. 
2. Fry the wings until golden brown. Rest for 10 minutes, then fry again for extra crispness. 
3. Toss in a soy garlic glaze made from soy sauce, butter, and sugar. Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onion. 

Why it’s a must-have: It’s fried chicken—who wouldn’t love it? 

 

Add a Professional Twist to Your Christmas Spread

Looking to take your Asian-inspired Christmas dinner to the next level? Whether you’re a newbie home cook or a seasoned foodie, there’s always more to learn when it comes to Asian flavours. That’s where the School of Wok comes in.

Our professional cooking classes in London will arm you with the tips, techniques and recipes you need to master the art of Asian cuisine. From Thai street food to Japanese sushi-making, there’s a class for every flavour palate.

Explore our classes here and get ready to wow your guests this Christmas.

 

Take Your Christmas Dinner To The Next Level 

There you have it—a festive feast that will leave your family and friends raving about your creative twist on Christmas dinner! From crispy Korean fried chicken to the flavour-packed pork patties, each dish on this menu promises to be a celebration of Asian culinary traditions. Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix up your usual holiday menu. After all, Christmas is about creating joyful, unforgettable experiences—and that begins with the food you serve. 

 

School of Wok is on hand to deliver expert cooking classes in London to help you master the art of Asian cuisine. Whether you’re looking to add some expertly-made Asian-inspired dishes to give your classic festive feast a kick or are simply wishing to acquire new skills as part of your New Year’s resolutions, School of Wok has the cookery course in London that you’ll be looking for. If you’d like further information about our cooking classes in London, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, specialist team by either giving us a call on 0736 526 6695 or by emailing us at [email protected].