17 dinners that will redefine how you cook weeknights forever

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Ready to ditch the usual dinner stress? Say goodbye to weeknight chaos with this set of 17 recipes that promise to be your go-to solutions when time is tight and patience is thin. These aren’t just meals; they’re the kitchen shortcuts that have been missing from your life. This collection brings simplicity back to mealtime, one easy win after another, letting you actually enjoy your evenings again.

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry

A bowl of green curry noodles topped with shredded chicken, lime slices, red chili slices, and fresh cilantro. Chopsticks are lifting a portion of the noodles from the bowl. A soft background showcases another bowl and fresh herbs.
Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Just when you thought weeknight dinners couldn’t surprise you, Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry steps in with a creamy, comforting twist. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that feels familiar but brings a fresh vibe to your usual dinner line-up. You might end up tossing out all those quick noodle packs after trying this dish once. This one’s a game changer for when you need a dinner that feels both special and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry

Chicken Enchiladas

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

Craving something rewarding without spending hours in the kitchen? That’s where Chicken Enchiladas come in, delivering a meal that’s hearty enough for a feast but easy enough for a Wednesday night. It’s like having a mini fiesta at the dinner table, with each bite reminding you why this should be on regular rotation. After a taste of these, you might never look at your regular weeknight dinners the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

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.

Ready for something with a little heat to wake up your weeknight dinner routine? Camarones a la Diabla brings bold, spicy flavors that turn a simple meal into a standout experience. It’s the perfect dish when you want to shake things up but without needing hours of prep. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you want a dinner that’s far from boring yet totally manageable.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Beef Yakisoba

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

When you need a quick fix for dinner but want something packed with flavor, Beef Yakisoba is the answer. It’s got the kind of savory taste that feels like you’ve ordered from your favorite takeout spot, minus the wait time. This stir-fry wonder could easily become your go-to for those hectic weeknights when you want something fast but delicious. It’s a surefire way to make dinner feel special without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yakisoba

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Need a crispy, saucy dish without all the extra oil? Air Fryer Sesame Chicken delivers just that, giving you all the crunch and flavor you love from takeout but in a lighter, quicker way. It’s so easy, you might find yourself making this instead of reaching for the delivery app. This might be the recipe that finally gets you excited about weeknight cooking again.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

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.

Tired of the same old noodle dishes? Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork brings a bold, comforting twist that’ll leave you wondering why you haven’t made it sooner. It’s the kind of meal that’s just spicy enough to be exciting but still soothing enough for any night of the week. After one bite, you might find this becomes a new favorite in your dinner rotation, even on those busiest nights.
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.

Thinking of skipping takeout tonight? Beef Bulgogi Bowls make it easy to enjoy the sweet-savory flavors you crave, right from your own kitchen. It’s a rewarding dish that feels like a treat but comes together faster than you’d expect. This could be the dinner that changes how you feel about cooking at home on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Fried salt and pepper chicken in a black bowl lined with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Craving something crunchy and flavorful without the deep-frying mess? Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken is exactly what you need, bringing all the crispiness you want with way less hassle. It’s the perfect way to get that takeout-style crunch right at home, making it ideal for a quick yet rewarding meal. This dish might just become your new secret weapon for effortless weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Looking for a dinner that’s packed with flavor but easy enough for a weeknight? Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani delivers layers of taste that feel like a celebration meal, even on the busiest of evenings. The best part is the instant pot does most of the work, leaving you free to relax. This might just become your go-to for a fast yet impressive meal that pleases everyone.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Kerala Fish Curry

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

Bored of the same old fish dishes? Kerala Fish Curry will shake things up with its rich and unique flavors that feel like a vacation for your palates. It’s a recipe that brings a touch of something different to your table without requiring a lot of effort. This could easily become your new favorite way to enjoy seafood at home, any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Kerala Fish Curry

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air fried tofu on a white plate.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Even if you’ve never been a big fan of tofu, Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu might just change your mind. It’s crispy, flavorful, and way more exciting than any tofu dish you’ve had before. It’s a great option when you’re looking for a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture. This one’s a winner for anyone looking to add more plant-based options to their weeknight line-up.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Low angle shot of kalua pork on a white plate with pineapple and pepper chunks.
Instant Pot Kalua Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you’re craving something meaty and comforting, Instant Pot Kalua Pork delivers all the flavors you want without the hours of slow cooking. It’s tender, smoky, and feels like a feast, even if it’s just a regular Tuesday night. Your instant pot does the heavy lifting while you get to enjoy a relaxing evening. This recipe could easily become your go-to for when you want a comforting dinner that’s still quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Sopa de Camarones

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

In the mood for a soup that’s a bit different but still hits the comfort food spot? Sopa de Camarones is exactly what you need, offering a seafood twist that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s a great choice when you want something light but still filling enough to be a complete meal. This might just be the soup recipe that changes your mind about what a weeknight dinner can be.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Camarones

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Tired of the same taco routine? Air Fryer Fish Tacos bring a fresh crunch that’s lighter and faster than your typical fried fish tacos. It’s a dinner that feels like a treat but without the guilt or mess, perfect for a quick but rewarding meal. You might find yourself making these every week, not just on Taco Tuesdays.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

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

Think ribs are only for weekend cookouts? Instant Pot Spare Ribs prove you can enjoy fall-off-the-bone tenderness any night of the week. They’re smoky, flavorful, and so easy that you’ll be surprised at how little time it takes. This could easily be the recipe that changes how you approach weeknight meals forever.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Tired of the same old sandwiches? Bombay Sandwiches bring layers of flavor and a little extra excitement to your dinner routine without much effort. It’s a quick, rewarding meal that feels like a special treat even on a busy night. You might just end up craving these more than your usual go-to sandwich options.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Salpicon de Res

Low angle shot of mini tostadas with salpicon de res or shredded beef salad on top.
Salpicon de Res. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Need a fresh take on beef for your weeknight dinner? Salpicon de Res offers a lighter twist that’s still filling and flavorful, perfect for when you want something different. It’s a dish that brings a refreshing vibe to your table without skimping on taste. This might just be the recipe that gets you excited about weeknight dinners again.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res

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