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As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning for Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re looking to diverge from the traditional feast of roast turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, why not bring some Asian-inspired flavors to your Thanksgiving table? We’ve created a great list of ideas to mix this timeless American tradition with the delicious cuisine of Asian cultures for the ultimate holiday fusion.
How Do Asian Cultures Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Most Asian cultures don’t traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving, as it is primarily a North American holiday rooted in the harvest celebrations of early European settlers and Native Americans. But Thanksgiving has gained global recognition, especially through media and cultural exchange, and some Asian communities, especially those with strong Asian American influence, have begun to embrace aspects of the holiday.
Celebrations in Asian Countries
In countries like Japan, Thanksgiving has been loosely adopted… with a twist. Japan celebrates a similar holiday called Kinro Kansha no Hi, or “Labor Thanksgiving Day,” on November 23rd. Originally rooted in ancient harvest festivals, it has evolved to honor workers and express gratitude. Families often gather for meals, though usually not the elaborate feasts that accompany the American holiday.
In South Korea, a similar spirit of gratitude is seen during Chuseok, a major harvest festival in September. Families gather to pay respects to their ancestors, visit family graves, and prepare elaborate feasts with traditional foods like songpyeon (rice cakes). Though more similar to Mexico’s Day Of The Dead than Thanksgiving, Chuseok embodies similar values of gratitude and family unity.
Asian American Thanksgiving Traditions
For Asian American families in the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving is often celebrated by combining traditional Thanksgiving foods with Asian flavors and dishes. For example, families might serve sticky rice stuffing alongside turkey, or offer roast duck instead of the classic roast turkey. Dishes like turkey congee or Peking duck have also become part of the Thanksgiving meal in many Asian-American households.
Thanksgiving is also seen as an opportunity for Asian American families to gather together, as well as with friends, and share dishes that reflect their own traditions. In recent years, social media platforms like TikTok have helped to popularize Asian-inspired Thanksgiving recipes, so that everyone can put a creative spin on the classic Thanksgiving spread.
In regions with large Asian populations, like New York City and parts of California, Asian cuisine often makes an appearance throughout Thanksgiving celebrations. Thanksgiving dinner potlucks there tend to feature Chinese food, Korean food, and other Asian dishes, including chili garlic noodles, Pork Belly Bao, or green bean casserole spiced up with soy sauce or sesame oil.
10 Great Asian Meal Ideas for Thanksgiving Time
Sticky Rice Stuffing
If you’re looking to switch up the classic bread stuffing, consider sticky rice stuffing! This dish features glutinous rice, flavored with Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and scallions. It’s perfect for turkey day and adds incredible texture and taste to your Thanksgiving spread. Plus, it’s a nod to the many Asian families who enjoy rice as a staple.
Roast Duck and Peking Duck
Treat your guests to roast duck or the iconic Peking duck! You can set up a beautiful presentation with either, whether you choose to serve it in place of or alongside the traditional roast turkey. Check out our recipe for Chinese Roasted Duck with Chinese Steamed Buns.
Chili Garlic Noodles
For a vibrant side dish, whip up some chili garlic noodles. Just toss your favorite noodles in a spicy garlic sauce, and top them with fresh scallions and sesame seeds. Not only is it a great addition to the table but also a fun alternative to your typical side dishes like green bean casserole or brussels sprouts. Spicy is something not usually found at the holiday dinner table, but trust us, it will make the flavors POP!
Turkey Congee
What to do with that leftover turkey? Make turkey congee! This comforting rice porridge can be a fun way to use the turkey carcass while introducing a beloved Asian dish into your Thanksgiving meal. Garnish it with green onions, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil for an incredible twist. It’s a wonderful nod to Chinese heritage and a great way to make the most of your leftovers. Be sure to check out our recipe for Chinese Congee.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Want to take those brussels sprouts to the next level? Try roasting them with a touch of olive oil, black pepper, and a sprinkle of star anise for an aromatic twist. This new take on a traditional side dish will surprise (and delight) your guests and have them reaching for seconds. Looking to take it a step further? Check out our recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Chili Sauce.
Hot Pot
If you’re hosting a more casual gathering, consider setting up a hot pot station. This interactive dining experience allows everyone to cook their own ingredients, from tender meats to fresh vegetables, and customize their own dish. It’s also a fun way to bond with family friends in a relaxed atmosphere.
Chestnut Rice
Chestnut rice has a cozy, nutty flavor that feels like it should have been part of Thanksgiving all along. Imagine glutinous rice cooked with tender chestnuts, a hint of soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil for depth. Chestnuts symbolize warmth and abundance in many Asian cultures, so it’s also a nice little symbolic gesture on top of being just plain yummy.
Soy Sauce Chicken
Instead of the traditional turkey, you might want to try making soy sauce chicken as the main dish. This is a Cantonese classic with a deep, savory flavor thanks to soy sauce, star anise, and ginger. You get tender meat and caramelized skin that rivals the traditional turkey, so why not? If you’re looking for another option, check out our recipe for Peking Chicken with Steamed Buns.
Miso-Maple Sweet Potatoes
As we all know, sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but did you know you can put a new spin on them with a glaze of miso and maple syrup? Bake them until caramelized, then sprinkle them with sesame seeds, and you’ve got a beautiful presentation. This is a great dish if you’re looking to experiment with mixing traditional foods with Asian flavors.
Pork Belly Bao Buns
If you really want to wow your Turkey Day audience, try making pork belly bao buns as a Thanksgiving appetizer. Think about it: tender, braised pork belly nestled in fluffy steamed buns, topped with fresh cucumber and a drizzle of hoisin sauce. (Makes my mouth water just thinkin’ about it!) Don’t forget to check out our recipe on Pork Belly Buns.
Which Will You Choose?
Whatever your plans for Thanksgiving dinner, we hope you’ll consider these ideas to infuse Chinese cooking, Korean food, and other cultural Asian flavors into your meals. If you do, let us know what you tried and what you think!
Are there other cultural flavors you like to infuse into your Thanksgiving meal? What are they and what is your go-to dish? We love hearing about your holiday celebrations. However you celebrate, may you be safe, happy, and healthy this holiday season, and may you have a happy Thanksgiving.
