appetizer Recipes
388 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Papad (Papadum)
Crispy, thin lentil crackers that are a popular accompaniment to Indian meals or enjoyed as a standalone snack. They can be prepared by frying, roasting over an open flame, or microwaving.
Pempek (Indonesian Fish Cakes)
Pempek are savory fish cakes made from ground fish and tapioca flour, typically served with a sweet and sour vinegar-based sauce called 'cuko'. This recipe focuses on the classic Palembang style, known for its chewy texture and satisfying flavor.
Phα» Cuα»n (Vietnamese Beef Rice Noodle Rolls)
Phα» Cuα»n are delicate, fresh rice noodle rolls filled with tender beef and aromatic herbs, served with a savory dipping sauce. This dish offers a lighter, refreshing take on traditional pho, perfect for a summer meal or appetizer.
Popiah (Malaysian Fresh Spring Rolls)
A beloved Malaysian fresh spring roll, often prepared Nyonya-style, featuring a savory and slightly sweet jicama filling wrapped in delicate popiah skins. This dish is perfect for communal dining and can be customized with a variety of fresh toppings.
Rojak
A vibrant and refreshing Malaysian fruit and vegetable salad, tossed in a rich, sweet, sour, and spicy shrimp paste dressing. This dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Salted Edamame
A classic Japanese izakaya (pub) snack, these tender, young soybeans are boiled and lightly salted, offering a satisfying bite and a healthy, flavorful experience.
Sambousek (Lebanese Meat Pies)
Crispy, golden fried pastries filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground lamb, onions, and toasted pine nuts. A quintessential mezze dish, perfect for sharing.
Samosa
India's beloved triangular pastries with a savory spiced potato and pea filling, deep-fried to a perfect crispy golden brown.
Satay Gai (Thai Chicken Satay)
Tender, turmeric-marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a rich, savory peanut sauce. A beloved Thai street food classic.
Sate Kajang (Kajang Style Satay)
Sate Kajang is a famous Malaysian variation of satay, characterized by its larger, more substantial pieces of meat and a rich, flavorful marinade. This recipe focuses on the traditional Kajang style, known for its robust taste and satisfying texture.
Sfeeha bil Lahm (Lebanese Meat Pies)
Authentic Lebanese open-faced meat pies, featuring a savory lamb and onion topping on a soft dough base, traditionally garnished with toasted pine nuts and a squeeze of fresh lemon. A beloved street food.
Sfiha (Lebanese Meat Pies)
Authentic Lebanese open-faced meat pies, a specialty from Baalbek. These savory pies feature a spiced lamb filling with a distinctive tang from pomegranate molasses, baked on a simple bread dough base.
Sfiha Baalbakieh (Baalbek Meat Pies)
Authentic Sfiha Baalbakieh, a regional specialty from Baalbek, Lebanon. These are open-faced meat pies characterized by their distinctive raised edges, filled with a savory mixture of ground lamb, tomatoes, onions, and tangy pomegranate molasses.
Shanklish
Shanklish is a traditional Lebanese aged cheese, typically formed into balls and coated with zaatar and chili flakes. It's a flavorful mezze with a distinct, pungent aroma and taste, often enjoyed with fresh vegetables and bread.
Sigara BΓΆreΔi (Cigar BΓΆrek)
Crispy, golden-brown rolls made from layers of delicate phyllo dough, filled with a savory mixture of crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, then fried to perfection. These 'cigar' shaped bΓΆreks are a beloved staple for breakfast, as a meze (appetizer), or a snack.
Silky Smooth Hummus
A classic Levantine dip, this hummus is incredibly smooth and creamy, achieved through careful cooking of the chickpeas and a precise blending technique. Perfect as a starter or a healthy snack.
Siomay Bandung (Steamed Fish Dumplings with Peanut Sauce)
Siomay Bandung are delightful steamed fish dumplings, a popular Indonesian street food originating from Bandung. They are typically served with a rich peanut sauce and a drizzle of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). This recipe focuses on creating tender fish dumplings encased in various wrappers like tofu and cabbage.
Sisig
A classic Filipino sizzling pork dish featuring finely chopped pig face and ears, marinated and stir-fried with onions, chilies, and aromatics, then finished with a creamy mayonnaise and a raw egg, traditionally served on a scorching hot cast-iron plate. It's the ultimate beer companion.
Siu Mai (Cantonese Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
Classic Cantonese dim sum siu mai are open-topped dumplings filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms, steamed to juicy perfection. They are traditionally garnished with a dot of crab roe, but finely grated carrot is a common alternative.
Sunomono (Japanese Vinegared Cucumber Salad)
A quintessential Japanese side dish, Sunomono features thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a bright, tangy-sweet vinegar dressing. It's incredibly refreshing and serves as an excellent palate cleanser.
Takoyaki (Japanese Octopus Balls)
Authentic Osaka-style takoyaki, featuring tender pieces of octopus encased in a savory, crispy batter, cooked in specialized hemispherical molds. These delightful street food snacks are finished with a drizzle of sweet and tangy takoyaki sauce, creamy Kewpie mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of dancing bonito flakes.
Tempura
Experience the delicate crunch of Japanese tempura, featuring a selection of fresh vegetables and succulent seafood encased in an ethereally light, crispy batter. The secrets to its signature texture lie in using ice-cold ingredients for the batter and minimal mixing, ensuring a delicate, lacy finish.
Tod Mun Pla (Thai Fish Cakes)
Aromatic and flavorful Thai fish cakes made from a paste of white fish, red curry, and fresh herbs, pan-fried until golden brown. A classic appetizer that's perfect for sharing.
Tokwa't Baboy (Filipino Tofu and Pork)
A classic Filipino pulutan (bar snack) or appetizer featuring crispy fried tofu and tender boiled pork belly, served with a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce and fresh aromatics. Perfect with a cold beer.