17 main dishes that will totally change how you cook

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With these main dishes, cooking doesn’t feel like a chore—it feels like an opportunity to experiment and enjoy new flavors. They’re designed to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. From simple, satisfying dinners to more inventive creations, these recipes will change how you approach cooking and make you excited to get back in the kitchen.

Stir-fried noodles with shrimp and beef in a pan with chopsticks.
Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

A fork lifts a tantalizing forkful of noodles mixed with sausage and vegetables from a black skillet. The dish appears to be creamy and richly seasoned, reminiscent of dan dan noodles, with visible bits of meat and greens intertwined with the noodles.
Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Bringing a little heat to the dinner table, Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork surprises with its bold flavors. This dish promises a savory experience that stands out from your usual meal rotation, offering a unique twist on a classic Szechuan dish. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner but packs enough punch to make it memorable. You’ll find yourself wanting to explore even more dishes like this after just one taste.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

Say goodbye to ordinary meals with Beef Bulgogi Bowls, a dish that introduces you to the exciting world of Korean flavors. Each bowl is a harmonious blend of savory and slightly sweet notes, promising a meal that’s as fulfilling as it is delicious. Not only does it cook up faster than you’d expect, but it also leaves a lasting impression, making it a go-to for anyone looking to spice up their cooking routine.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Quesabirria Tacos

Overhead shot of quesabirria tacos with lime wedges.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Nothing transforms a taco night like Quesabirria Tacos, a trendy dish that lives up to the hype. This recipe extends an invitation to experience a heartier, more flavorful approach to tacos that you might not have tried before. Each bite is an assurance that tacos don’t have to be mundane, encouraging you to play around with traditional flavors and techniques.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Beef Yakisoba

Beef yakisoba noodles with veggies and pickled ginger.
Beef Yakisoba. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those evenings when only comfort food will do, Beef Yakisoba steps in as the ideal candidate. It pairs the beloved chewy texture of yakisoba noodles with the rich depth of beef in a way that’s both fulfilling and surprisingly simple to prepare. This dish is proof that you don’t need a lengthy ingredient list to create something special.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yakisoba

Szechuan Shrimp

Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ignite your dinner plans with Szechuan Shrimp, a dish that brings a spicy flair to any meal. It’s a celebration of bold flavors that perfectly blend heat and savory notes, all wrapped up in a quick and easy recipe. This dish not only challenges you to step up your seafood game but also enriches your palette with a taste of Szechuan cuisine. Preparing this dish could very well turn into a delicious mid-week tradition.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Beef Birria

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

Warm up your kitchen with Beef Birria, a traditional Mexican stew that has recently taken the culinary world by storm. This recipe is not just about enjoying a hearty meal; it’s about embracing a cooking process that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s an ideal choice for those colder nights when only a comforting bowl of stew will do the trick.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos

Shrimp tacos on a plate with lime wedges.
Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Switch up your taco game with Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos, a combination that brings together the best of land and sea. This dish is an excellent way to break free from your regular taco fillings, offering a spicy and hearty alternative. It’s as colorful on the plate as it is flavorful, ensuring that your meals are anything but boring. Introducing this recipe into your taco nights could easily turn every evening into a mini fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos

Hoisin Beef

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

If you’re looking for a dish that is both quick to prepare and packed with flavor, Hoisin Beef should be next on your list. This recipe provides an excellent excuse to explore the sweet and tangy taste of hoisin sauce, paired perfectly with tender beef strips. It’s a fantastic starting point for those new to Asian cuisine, offering familiar comfort in an enticing new format.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Chilaquiles

Overhead shot of chilaquiles on a black plate with a fork and knife on the side.
Chilaquiles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Start your day or spice up your brunch with Chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. It’s a splendid way to use up leftover ingredients while still making something that feels indulgent and special. Whether you prefer them spicy, mild, or somewhere in between, there’s a version of chilaquiles for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles

Spicy Miso Ramen

A bowl of ramen with karaage chicken.
Spicy Miso Ramen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

As the weather cools down, warm up from the inside out with Spicy Miso Ramen. This dish is a fantastic voyage into the world of Japanese flavors, offering a spicy twist on the classic ramen bowl. It’s both a comforting choice on a chilly evening and a bold experiment in the kitchen. Plus, the process of preparing it can be as rewarding as the first spoonful, providing a cozy culinary adventure right at home.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Miso Ramen

Kerala Fish Curry

Fish curry in an earthenware baking dish.
Kerala Fish Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those in search of something truly special, Kerala Fish Curry brings a taste of India’s southwestern coast to your kitchen. It’s a wonderful introduction to the complex and vibrant flavors of Kerala cuisine, inviting you on a flavor journey like no other. This fish curry promises not only warmth and comfort but also an exhilarating cooking experience.
Get the Recipe: Kerala Fish Curry

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fish tacos with shredded cabbage and cilantro lime crema.
Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Lighten up your meal plan with Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema, a refreshing take on a beloved classic. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a lighter, yet undeniably flavorful meal option. It combines the freshness of the sea with the vibrant lime and cilantro, creating a balance that’s hard to resist. Not only does this dish introduce a wave of fresh flavors, but it also adds a splash of color to your dining table, making every bite a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Stir-fried diced chicken with dried chilies and spring onions in a black skillet.
Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken turns the ordinary chicken dinner into an extraordinary exploration of flavors. This dish is a delicious reminder that sometimes, the most unlikely ingredient combinations can result in the most amazing meals. It offers a quirky yet utterly satisfying blend of spiciness and nutty sweetness, proving that peanut butter isn’t just for sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs

A person uses chopsticks to lift a portion of Gochujang noodles with crispy bacon and two sunny-side-up eggs from a skillet.
Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Explore a unique fusion of flavors with Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs, a dish that brings together elements from Korean and American breakfast staples. This recipe is an exciting challenge for those looking to spice up their noodle game, offering a blend of savory, sweet, and spicy in every bite. It’s a testament to the fact that breakfast for dinner can be both fun and sophisticated.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs

Sopa de Camarones

A bowl of shrimp soup.
Sopa de Camarones. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Warm up your evenings with Sopa de Camarones, a comforting shrimp soup that brings a touch of Mexican warmth to any table. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, ideal for those nights when you crave something soothing. It presents an opportunity to delve into Mexican cooking traditions, promising a rewarding and flavorful experience.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Camarones

Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Stir-fried noodles with shrimp and beef in a pan with chopsticks.
Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

When the mood for Asian cuisine strikes, Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles are sure to hit the spot. This dish serves up a delicious mix of textures and flavors, showcasing the versatility of Hokkien noodles. It’s an excellent option for those busy nights when time is of the essence but you still crave something deliciously comforting. Plus, it encourages you to play with different ingredients, making cooking feel more like fun and less like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Korean Hot Dogs

Overhead shot of Korean hot dogs on parchment paper.
Korean Hot Dogs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shake up your hot dog routine with Korean Hot Dogs, a street-food sensation that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This recipe is a playful introduction to Korean flavors, wrapped in a familiar American favorite. It’s a surefire way to make any meal an instant hit, blending the familiar with the exotic in an exciting, crunchy bite. Preparing this dish is an adventure in itself.
Get the Recipe: Korean Hot Dogs

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