17 recipes to give your usual menu a serious upgrade

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If your dinner rotation feels like a greatest hits album on repeat, these 17 ideas are here to break the cycle in the best way. Packed with just the right amount of creativity, each of these dishes offers a new take on familiar favorites, making mealtime a lot more interesting. From hearty mains to comforting classics reimagined, these recipes add some extra flair. This is the upgrade your dinners have been craving!

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with beef, carrots, red bell peppers, and greens. Hand using chopsticks to pick up noodles.
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

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.

If you’re looking to spice up dinner time, this dish has just the right kick. Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork turns an ordinary evening into an extraordinary culinary adventure. It’s not just about the heat; it’s about flavor that keeps you going back for more. Every bite offers a new discovery of spices and textures, making it impossible to stop at just one serving.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Want a meal that feels like a warm hug? Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake achieves just that. This dish combines comforting flavors in a way that makes each forkful feel like it’s wrapping you in comfort. It’s a go-to for nights when you need a little extra coziness, providing a fulfilling end to any day. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens for the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Singapore Rice Noodles

A plate of stir-fried vermicelli noodles mixed with vegetables, egg, and meat, being served with tongs on a white dish.
Singapore Rice Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

For those nights when you crave something different, Singapore Rice Noodles stand ready to transport your dinner table to new places. This dish is all about the contrast of flavors and textures, creating a meal that’s as exciting to eat as it is to look at. With each mouthful, you get a little taste of what makes Singaporean cuisine so beloved. It’s a hassle-free ticket to a culinary journey, minus the jet lag.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Rice Noodles

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Maybe you’re looking for a meal that combines convenience with bold flavors. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps fit the bill perfectly. These wraps are a testament to the magic of the air fryer, turning ingredients into a crispy yet tender feast wrapped in a soft, warm embrace. It’s a quick way to bring street food vibes right into your kitchen without the hassle of a passport.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a dish that brings the heat in the best way, Camarones a la Diabla won’t disappoint. It’s a flavor-packed journey with every forkful bringing a little heat and a lot of satisfaction. Perfect for when you want to kick dinner up a notch, it proves that sometimes, spicier really is better. And it does all this while still being surprisingly easy to whip up on any given weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Hoisin Beef

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

When you crave something sweet and savory, Hoisin Beef answers the call. This dish marries flavors in a way that’s both unexpected and utterly wonderful. Every bite is a little adventure, offering a mix of tastes that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re not quite sure what you want but know you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Kimchi Fried Noodles

A bowl of saucy noodles is being lifted with chopsticks over a marble countertop. A carrot is partially visible in the background.
Kimchi Fried Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

If you’ve never thought to combine kimchi with noodles, Kimchi Fried Noodles will show you what you’ve been missing. This dish is all about bringing big, bold flavors to the table in a way that’s both easy and quick. It’s the perfect pick-me-up meal, turning any gloomy day around with its vibrant taste and zippy flavors. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce new spices and cultures to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Fried Noodles

Mongolian Chicken

Two bowls of chicken curry with spices and rice.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sick of the same old chicken dishes? Mongolian Chicken has entered the chat. This meal is about transforming chicken into something you can’t wait to eat. With its combination of succulent pieces and irresistible sauce, it’s anything but boring. It’s a surefire way to impress at the dinner table, whether you’re feeding just yourself or a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Scallion Noodles

A close-up of a pan filled with stir-fried noodles. A pair of chopsticks is lifting a portion of the noodles, which are mixed with small pieces of meat and green vegetables. The dish appears appetizing and is set on a woven mat.
Scallion Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

For when you need a dish that’s simple yet fulfilling, Scallion Noodles are a no-brainer. This dish proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a meal memorable. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated in every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Noodles

Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Avocado toast on a wooden cutting board.
Avocado Toast with Grated Egg. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Starting your morning or needing a light snack? Avocado Toast with Grated Egg is there for you. This dish takes the beloved classic to new heights, proving that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s as versatile as it is delicious, fitting perfectly into any part of your day. Whether you’re powering up for the day ahead or winding down, it’s a choice that feels just right.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Korean Black Bean Noodles

A close-up of a pan filled with savory noodles and chunks of meat being lifted by chopsticks. The dish appears well-seasoned with sauce, and green garnishes are sprinkled on top. A beige napkin and a piece of dumpling are in the background.
Korean Black Bean Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Ready for a flavor explosion? Korean Black Bean Noodles deliver just that. This dish is a staple in Korean cuisine for good reason, offering a unique taste that’s deeply fulfilling. With its rich sauce and noodles that perfectly carry every bit of flavor, it’s a meal that commands your full attention. It’s an easy way to switch up pasta night with something undeniably intriguing.
Get the Recipe: Korean Black Bean Noodles

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When time isn’t on your side, Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma comes to the rescue. This recipe takes all the flavors you love and packs them into a dish that’s both fast and foolproof. It’s perfect for those days when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend. Instant Pot magic means you get to enjoy all the taste without the wait, making any dinner feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Beef Chow Fun

Two bowls of beef chow fun stir-fried with broccoli and bean sprouts, garnished with sesame seeds. The dishes are served in gray bowls, and the background shows another bowl with ingredients. A pair of chopsticks is placed beside the front bowl.
Beef Chow Fun. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

If you’re all about noodles and beef, Beef Chow Fun is the dream duo. This dish is famous for its wide noodles and savory slices of beef, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to forget. It’s a brilliant way to bring a bit of restaurant flare into your home kitchen, offering up something that feels gourmet without all the fuss. Perfect for noodle lovers, it’s a hearty meal that satisfies without feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chow Fun

Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried tofu cubes and minced vegetables, garnished with green onions. Chopsticks rest on top.
Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Are you in the mood for something truly comforting? Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork hits all the right notes. It blends spice, savory pork, and soft tofu in a way that’s hard to beat. This dish isn’t just food; it’s comfort in a bowl, perfect for those days when you need a little food hug. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, proving that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

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

On a chilly evening, nothing beats a comforting bowl of Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. This dish is a masterclass in balance, with just the right amount of spice and sourness to warm you up from the inside out. It’s not just soup; it’s an experience, making you feel rejuvenated with every spoonful. Plus, it’s light enough to serve as a starter or stand alone as a fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with beef, carrots, red bell peppers, and greens. Hand using chopsticks to pick up noodles.
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Looking for a dazzling dish that’s easy to make? Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein is where it’s at. With flavors that mingle in the most wonderful way, it’s a meal that seems like it took hours but didn’t. It’s perfect for busting through weeknight dinner monotony, offering a fast track to something that tastes like takeout but feels much more fulfilling. A true kitchen lifesaver, it’ll change the way you think about homemade Asian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

Blackened Fish Tacos

Blackened fish tacos in taco holders.
Blackened Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Craving something light but full of flavor? Blackened Fish Tacos are the answer. This dish brings together the best of both worlds, offering a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. With a cooking method that locks in flavor and creates a wonderful texture, it’s a sure winner. It’s a fun and easy way to bring a bit of seaside flair to your dining table, no matter where you live.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

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