Looking to win dad over this Father’s Day with some serious home cooking? We’ve rounded up 17 no-nonsense, dad-approved dishes that go straight for the wow factor without the need for fancy culinary tricks. Whether he’s a meat-lover, a fan of fish, or enjoys a well-made veggie dish, there’s something on this list that’ll make him sit up and take notice. Get ready to serve up satisfaction with recipes that are all about great flavor and that special touch of home.
Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon
This pan-fried sockeye salmon is a dish that can earn a nod of approval from dad in just 20 minutes. With salmon’s natural flavors enhanced by lemon and butter, it offers a simple yet sophisticated taste. The crispy skin contrasts with the tender flesh, sure to appeal to dad’s palate. It’s the kind of meal that demonstrates skill without the need for complexity.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon
Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta
If you’re aiming for dad’s commendation, this Mediterranean white bean salad with feta is a strong contender. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a blend of protein-rich beans, sharp feta, and crisp veggies, dressed in a light vinaigrette. The dish’s fresh and zesty flavor is a testament to the power of quality ingredients. It’s a healthful choice that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
To win dad over with a classic, try the oven-baked buttermilk chicken and potatoes, which cooks in about an hour. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while the potatoes round out the meal. Achieving a golden-brown finish, this dish offers comfort in every bite. It’s the kind of hearty fare that dad might reminisce about from his own childhood.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
These Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks, marinated in a mix of Latin spices, are sure to garner dad’s seal of approval. After about an hour of cooking, the chicken is imbued with the flavors of citrus and cilantro. Each juicy bite is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Colombia. This dish is a flavorful adventure that’s easy to achieve.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken Sancocho
Chicken sancocho is a traditional stew that could be the way to dad’s heart, simmering for two hours to develop its flavors. With chicken, corn, and root vegetables, it’s a taste of home-cooked comfort. The stew’s savory profile is bound to evoke a sense of nostalgia. It’s a labor of love that’s sure to be appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Impress dad with a Moroccan salmon sheet pan dinner, a colorful and aromatic meal ready in 30 minutes. The combination of salmon, chickpeas, and spices provides a sweet and spicy taste. This dish not only pleases the senses but also offers a hassle-free cleanup. It’s an exotic yet easy way to spice up dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
The pomegranate chicken with walnuts, taking about 40 minutes to prepare, is a dish that could be the ticket to dad’s culinary respect. The pomegranate molasses and walnuts create a rich, sweet, and nutty sauce that’s irresistible. This Persian-inspired dish stands out for its flavor and presentation. It’s a unique and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
For a meal that might just get dad asking for seconds, ground turkey stuffed peppers are a nutritious choice, ready in about 1 hour. The peppers are packed with a flavorful mix of turkey and rice. Baked to tender perfection, they offer a balance of taste and health. It’s a fulfilling dish that can be a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
A Middle Eastern tofu rice bowl could be the dish to break through to dad with its variety of flavors and textures, ready in 30 minutes. Crispy tofu pairs with spiced rice and fresh vegetables, all drizzled with tahini. This plant-based dish is a testament to modern, health-conscious cooking. It’s a flavorful and wholesome bowl that might just become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
Homemade Gefilte Fish with Beet Chrein
The homemade gefilte fish with beet chrein, a dish steeped in tradition, might just earn a place in dad’s heart within 2 hours. The gefilte fish’s mild flavor is perfectly complemented by the spicy chrein. This dish is a celebration of heritage that could become a new family classic. Its depth of flavor is sure to gain dad’s approval.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gefilte Fish with Beet Chrein
Baked Creamy Salmon
Baked creamy salmon, ready in about 30 minutes, is a dish that could easily become dad’s new favorite. The salmon is enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, creating a luxurious texture. Its comforting taste is perfect for a quiet evening in. Serving this dish shows a touch of class without being overly fussy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Creamy Salmon
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
With the Instant Pot chicken ghallaba, you can whip up a flavorful dish in about 30 minutes that might just clinch dad’s praise. The chicken and vegetables are cooked with aromatic spices for a savory and slightly spicy flavor. It’s a hearty meal that’s both convenient and satisfying. This stir-fry could be the key to a memorable family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce
The classic white fish in white wine sauce is a refined choice that could win over dad in just 25 minutes. The fish’s flakiness and the sauce’s aromatic herbs offer an elegant dining experience. It’s a dish that speaks to a love of the finer things. Presenting this meal might just earn a quiet nod of culinary respect.
Get the Recipe: Classic White Fish in White Wine Sauce
Buttermilk Brined Turkey
A buttermilk brined turkey, though it takes several hours to prepare, could be the centerpiece that finally wins dad’s culinary approval. The brining process ensures a moist and flavorful bird. It’s a dish that showcases the care put into its preparation. This turkey could become the highlight of any special family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce
The filet mignon with peach mango cilantro sauce is a dish that could secure dad’s admiration, ready in about 20 minutes. The steak’s tenderness is enhanced by the fruity sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s an indulgent meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. This dish might just set a new standard for steak night.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce
Roast Rack of Lamb
A roast rack of lamb, prepared in about 1 hour, is a dish that’s bound to impress dad with its garlic and fennel seed crust. The rich, herbaceous flavor is a true treat for the taste buds. It’s a timeless dish that’s both elegant and hearty. This roast could easily become a celebrated family tradition.
Get the Recipe: Roast Rack of Lamb
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
The 25-minute bacon-avocado ground beef burger is a flavor-packed option that could earn dad’s stamp of approval. The combination of juicy beef, smoky bacon, and creamy avocado is irresistible. This burger elevates a classic with its rich, satisfying taste. It’s the kind of meal that might just become a regular weekend request.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger