17 meaty mains that’ll make you want to throw a dinner party

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Let’s be honest, everyone loves a good meat dish. Serve up 17 at your next dinner party and watch your friends try to sample each one without admitting defeat. It’s the kind of challenge where everyone wins, especially those with a big appetite. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure people will be talking about your cooking skills long after the party’s over.

low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Upgrade your dinner party with Beef Bulgogi Bowls, where each spoonful offers a perfect blend of savory and subtly sweet notes that dance on the palate. It’s the kind of meal that encourages a relaxed, communal dining experience, perfect for a night of lively discussions and laughter. Plus, the individual bowls make each guest feel special, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The aromatic and flavorful Chicken Biryani will transport your dinner party guests straight to the heart of culinary tradition with its rich spices and colorful presentation. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also stirs up intrigue about the layers of history and technique behind it. Serve it up hot and watch as it becomes the conversation piece of the evening, with every forkful revealing more of its complex character.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Keep things lively and flavorful with Instant Pot Tortilla Soup, another standout dish that’s both easy to make and packed with bold flavors. This soup is a complete meal in itself, filled with all the goodness of traditional tortilla soup but made simpler in your Instant Pot. It’s perfect for serving a large crowd without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. The vibrant colors and rich taste are sure to get your guests talking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Chicken Enchiladas

Low angle shot of chicken enchiladas on a plate with salad.
Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Turn your next dinner party into a fiesta with Chicken Enchiladas, a dish that wraps comfort and flavor in one cheesy, saucy package. It’s an easy favorite that frees you up to mingle instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Not to mention, it’s a great way to add some kick to your evening, ensuring that your guests leave with both full stomachs and great memories.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Char Siu

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Introduce a slice of Asian cuisine to your dinner table with Char Siu, known for its irresistibly sweet and savory glaze that captures the essence of a traditional roast. This dish not only brightens up your meal with its vibrant flavors but also brings a cultural flair that is sure to impress your guests. Make sure to cook enough, as this will likely be one of the first dishes to run out!
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken adobo with rice and scallions on the side.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Simplify your cooking without sacrificing flavor with Instant Pot Chicken Adobo, a dish that’s both effortless and full of rich, tangy tastes. This Filipino classic adapts beautifully to the pressures of a dinner party, offering a comforting and hearty dish that feels both traditional and modern. Its savory aroma is likely to draw everyone to the table as soon as you lift the lid.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.
Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hoisin Beef brings a rich and fragrant touch to your dinner party menu, blending sweet and savory elements that are bound to impress. This dish is a wonderful way to showcase your flair for flavors that are as deep as they are delicious. Plus, the succulent texture of the beef offers a satisfying contrast to lighter fare, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

End the night on a high note with Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. This dish offers the perfect crunch and a spicy-sweet glaze that leaves everyone craving more. It’s a modern twist on fried chicken that shows you’re up on the latest cooking trends. Plus, using an air fryer means less oil and mess, so you can focus more on entertaining your guests and less on cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Low angle shot of stuffed pepper soup in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Warm up your dinner party with Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup, a comforting blend that tastes just like the stuffed peppers you know and love but in a heartwarming soup form. This dish is a great starter or a light main course, perfect for chilly evenings when you want something both nourishing and delicious. Expect it to be a soothing addition to your festive menu.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Treat your guests to Chicken Pakora, a delicious snack that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser due to its perfect texture and flavor but also serves as a perfect conversation starter about global cuisines. It’s an excellent choice for a laid-back evening where the vibe is as important as the food. Serve these hot and watch them disappear faster than you can make them!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Think of the bliss when you serve Instant Pot Spare Ribs at your next event. These ribs come out perfectly tender, falling off the bone and packed with flavor, all with the ease of your Instant Pot. They’re ideal for a laid-back dinner where the focus is on good food and good company. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that encourages a bit of hands-on eating?
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Gochujang Chicken

Gochujang chicken on a platter with fresh herbs.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spice things up with Gochujang Chicken, a dish that boasts a perfect blend of heat and sweetness, making each bite an adventure in flavor. It’s a great way to introduce a little Korean flair to your table, offering a bold taste that stands out among more traditional offerings. It’s sure to keep your guests talking and enjoying their culinary journey.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

Low angle shot of ramen noodle stiry fry in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a trendy and satisfying main, try Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry. It’s a quick and easy way to deliver bold flavors and hearty noodles to your guests, all with minimal effort. This dish is particularly popular among those who crave a little Asian-inspired kick in their meal. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix in a variety of toppings to suit any taste.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Two bowls of hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Start your dinner party off on a high note with a bowl of Chicken Hot and Sour Soup, an appetizer that awakens you and sets the stage for a memorable meal. It’s light enough to stimulate the appetite without overwhelming it, ensuring your guests are primed for the main courses ahead. Plus, its vibrant presentation and bold flavors are sure to garner praise from your food-loving friends.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Beef Birria

low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dig into the robust and deeply satisfying flavors of Beef Birria, a dish that’s guaranteed to become the star of your dinner party. Its slow-cooked richness is perfect for sparking conversations and warming up the atmosphere on any evening. Don’t forget to prepare a large pot; everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Overhead shot of 3 plates of chicken biryani.
Instant Pot Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Another stress-free yet spectacular dish for your gathering is Instant Pot Chicken Biryani. This version maintains all the traditional flavors you love but comes together with less fuss. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen, and the layers of spice and rice always impress. This dish is a full sensory experience, perfect for a lively dinner where every meal is a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Crispy Beef

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.
Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Make a crunchy and flavorful statement at your table with Crispy Beef, a dish that’s as entertaining to eat as it is delicious. It’s the kind of dish that invites guests to relax and enjoy the playful contrast in each bite. You’ll find it becomes a topic of lively discussion, especially among those who appreciate a good crunch.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

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