15 Instant Pot Asian Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Are you looking to spice up your dinner routine with something exciting and flavorful? Asian dinner recipes are the perfect way to bring bold, vibrant flavors to your table without too much hassle. With the magic of an Instant Pot (or Instapot as many lovingly call it), you can recreate your favorite Asian dishes at home—quickly and easily!

Whether you’re craving comforting Instant Pot Chinese recipes, aromatic Vietnamese Instant Pot recipes, or flavorful Instant Pot Japanese recipes, there’s something for everyone in this collection of Asian Instant Pot recipes.

These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast or when you want to impress your family with something special. From classic recipes inspired by Japanese food to crowd-pleasing dishes like Mongolian beef, sesame chicken, and vegetable lo mein, this guide has you covered. Using an Instant Pot not only saves time but also makes these recipes simple, delicious, and almost foolproof.

So whether you’re exploring new flavors, cooking for a special occasion, or just need some fresh ideas for Instant Pot dinner recipes, you’re in the right place. Get ready to discover a variety of recipes that highlight the best of Asian cuisine—all with the ease of your Instant Pot. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey!

1. Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

This is one of my all-time favorite recipes! It’s sweet, savory, and super kid-friendly. Plus, it’s so quick to make, which is great when you’re juggling a million things. My kids always ask for seconds when I make this one. The best part? It’s all made in one pot—less dishes to clean!

• Servings: 4
• Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

Instructions:

1. Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the sesame oil. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, water, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken.
3. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10 minutes.
4. Once done, let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
5. Remove chicken and set the pot to sauté mode. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve over rice with steamed broccoli on the side.

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2. Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

This one’s a keeper! Tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce—what’s not to love? My son says this tastes better than takeout, and honestly, I agree. You can whip this up faster than delivery would arrive.

• Servings: 4
• Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or flank steak)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat sesame oil. Sear the beef strips for 2 minutes.
2. Add soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and garlic. Stir well.
3. Close the lid and pressure cook for 12 minutes.
4. Quick release and switch back to sauté mode. Add cornstarch slurry and cook till the sauce thickens.
5. Steam the broccoli separately or add it to the pot for 2 minutes. Serve with jasmine rice.

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3. Instant Pot Chicken Pad Thai

Who doesn’t love a good Pad Thai? This version skips the fish sauce and tamarind for simplicity, but it’s still packed with flavor. My older daughter loves topping hers with extra peanuts!

• Servings: 4
• Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly
• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 egg
• Crushed peanuts and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the chicken until slightly browned.
2. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, honey, and garlic. Stir well.
3. Place rice noodles on top (do not stir). Close the lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes.
4. Quick release and stir in a beaten egg. Turn on sauté mode for 1 minute to cook the egg.
5. Garnish with peanuts and green onions.

4. Instant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s one of those meals that feels like takeout but is actually homemade. I love how versatile it is—you can toss in any leftover veggies you’ve got! My youngest daughter loves picking out the shrimp first, though.

• Servings: 4
• Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
• 2.5 cups water
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Add rinsed rice and water to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes and let it naturally release for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice and set aside.
2. Set the pot to sauté mode, add sesame oil, and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Add peas and carrots to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Push veggies to one side and pour in beaten eggs, scrambling them.
4. Return rice and shrimp to the pot. Add soy sauce and stir everything together. Garnish with green onions and serve!

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5. Instant Pot Vegetable Lo Mein

Lo mein but without all the fuss! This veggie-packed recipe is perfect for meatless Mondays or whenever you need something light yet satisfying. I make it when the fridge looks sad, and it always comes out amazing.

• Servings: 4
• Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti or lo mein noodles
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, etc.)
• 1/2 tsp ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Break noodles in half and place them in the Instant Pot. Add water, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger.
2. Top with mixed veggies (do not stir). Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
3. Quick release and stir everything together. Serve hot with an extra drizzle of soy sauce if needed.

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6. Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Korma is such a comforting dish. This creamy, mildly spiced curry is perfect with naan or rice. My family loves how tender the chicken gets in the Instant Pot—it just melts in your mouth!

• Servings: 4
• Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup cashews, soaked and blended into a paste
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder

Instructions:

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook onions until golden. Add garlic and ginger.
2. Add chicken and spices (turmeric, garam masala, cumin, chili powder). Sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in yogurt and cashew paste. Add 1/2 cup water.
4. Close the lid and pressure cook for 15 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in coconut milk and cook on sauté mode for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with rice or naan.

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7. Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is my go-to recipe when we have guests over. It’s rich, flavorful, and feels fancy even though it’s super easy to make. My son loves dipping his roti in the creamy sauce—pure bliss!

• Servings: 4
• Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions:

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt butter and sauté chicken with garam masala, turmeric, and paprika for 2 minutes.
2. Add tomato puree, salt, and sugar. Stir well.
3. Close the lid and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Quick release.
4. Stir in heavy cream and simmer on sauté mode for 2-3 minutes. Serve with naan or rice.

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8. Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken is such a fun dish! Sweet, sticky, and sprinkled with sesame seeds, it’s a total hit with the kids. It’s like having Chinese takeout at home but healthier and faster. My family loves this with some steamed rice or noodles.

• Servings: 4
• Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat sesame oil. Add chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes.
2. Mix soy sauce, honey, and ketchup in a bowl, then pour over the chicken. Stir well.
3. Close the lid and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
4. Quick release, then switch to sauté mode. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice.

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9. Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

This is one of those dishes that feels so fancy but is actually a breeze to make. The beef turns out so tender, and the sauce is perfectly sweet and savory. My husband says this is better than anything he’s had at a restaurant!

• Servings: 4
• Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat sesame oil. Sear beef strips for 2 minutes.
2. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well.
3. Close the lid and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
4. Quick release, then switch to sauté mode. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve over steamed rice.

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10. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is pure comfort food. The rich, creamy sauce is just heavenly. It’s perfect with naan or basmati rice, and it’s one of those dishes that makes the house smell amazing. This one’s a weekly favorite in my house!

• Servings: 4
• Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Cook garlic with a bit of oil until fragrant.
2. Add chicken, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and cumin. Sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato puree, yogurt, and salt. Close the lid and pressure cook for 15 minutes.
4. Quick release, then stir in heavy cream. Cook on sauté mode for 2 minutes. Serve hot with naan or rice.

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11. Instant Pot Korean Beef Bulgogi

This version of bulgogi skips any alcohol but still has all the flavor! The beef is juicy, the sauce is sweet and savory, and it’s perfect over steamed rice. My son loves it when I add sesame seeds on top—it just makes it feel special.

• Servings: 4
• Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef slices (sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat sesame oil. Add the beef slices and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and water. Stir well.
3. Close the lid and pressure cook for 8 minutes.
4. Quick release, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let the sauce thicken on sauté mode for 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve over steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

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12. Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken is a classic that my kids absolutely adore. The balance of tangy and sweet flavors is just perfect, and it’s super easy to whip up on a busy evening. Bonus: you don’t even need to deep fry anything!

• Servings: 4
• Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook chicken for 2 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Pour over the chicken.
3. Close the lid and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
4. Quick release, then add the cornstarch slurry, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks. Cook on sauté mode for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

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13. Instant Pot Thai Green Curry

I absolutely love the flavors of Thai green curry—it’s creamy, spicy, and just so satisfying. This recipe is loaded with veggies and tender chicken, making it a full, hearty meal. My husband can’t stop raving about this one!

• Servings: 4
• Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp green curry paste
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (optional)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional, omit if preferred)
• 1 tsp sugar

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook curry paste with a bit of coconut milk for 1 minute.
2. Add chicken, remaining coconut milk, chicken broth, sugar, and optional fish sauce. Stir well.
3. Close the lid and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
4. Quick release, then add bell peppers, zucchini, and bamboo shoots. Cook on sauté mode for 2 minutes.
5. Serve with jasmine rice or rice noodles.

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14. Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken is one of those recipes you keep coming back to. It’s sweet, savory, and full of garlicky goodness. I make this whenever I want something simple but satisfying—everyone loves it!

• Servings: 4
• Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and sear the chicken thighs for 2 minutes on each side.
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and water. Pour over the chicken.
3. Close the lid and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
4. Quick release, then add the cornstarch slurry and cook on sauté mode until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve with rice and steamed veggies.

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15. Instant Pot Eggplant Stir-Fry

Eggplant stir-fry is a hidden gem! It’s hearty, flavorful, and pairs so well with rice. My youngest daughter wasn’t a fan of eggplants until I made this recipe—now she asks for it every week!

• Servings: 4
• Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat sesame oil. Cook garlic and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add eggplant, soy sauce, honey, and 1/4 cup water. Stir well.
3. Close the lid and pressure cook for 5 minutes.
4. Quick release, then add the cornstarch slurry and cook on sauté mode until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve over steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Cooking delicious Asian dinner recipes at home has never been easier, thanks to the versatility of your Instant Pot. Whether you’re trying out flavorful Vietnamese Instant Pot recipes, savory Instant Pot Chinese recipes, or classic recipes inspired by Japanese food, this collection of Asian Instant Pot recipes ensures that you’ll always have something exciting to make for dinner.

The beauty of these Asian Instapot recipes is how effortlessly they come together. With the press of a button, you can whip up hearty curries, savory stir-fries, or even tender, sweet and tangy chicken dishes—all without spending hours in the kitchen. From traditional recipes Japanese-style to family favorites like fried rice and lo mein, these dishes bring the authentic flavors of Asia to your table in a fraction of the time.

Whether you’re a fan of Instant Pot Japanese recipes or you’re diving into new cuisines, these Instant Pot dinner recipes are perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. They’re quick, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients your whole family will love. Plus, using the Instant Pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

So the next time you’re craving bold, vibrant flavors, skip the takeout and reach for your trusty Instant Pot. With these recipes, you’ll transform everyday meals into something truly special, all while discovering the joy of cooking Asian-inspired dishes at home. Happy cooking!