Looking to ditch the drive-thru without sacrificing speed or flavor? Our lineup of 37 quick meals has got you covered. These dishes are fast, simple, and packed with the kind of taste that’ll make you forget about that fast food menu.
From the zesty spice of Harissa Chicken to the convenience of Air Fryer creations, we’ve got options from around the globe. So go ahead and reclaim your weeknights: these recipes are all about maximizing flavor while minimizing time spent in the kitchen.
Pork Fried Rice
Ideal for using up leftover rice, this dish comes together quickly. Pork and a medley of vegetables keep it balanced, both in flavor and nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice
Harissa Chicken
A North African-inspired dish, Harissa Chicken offers a spicy, aromatic alternative to the usual poultry dishes. The prep time is minimal, and it’s easily completed within 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Bringing Southern flavors to the table, this quick meal combines shrimp with a hearty portion of grits. The spice mix hits just the right notes for a fast yet indulgent meal.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Mongolian Chicken
Thinly sliced chicken is quickly cooked with a sweet and salty sauce. The result is a dish that offers complex flavors without the complexity of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
This Mexican shrimp dish is simple but packed with flavor, thanks to garlic and lime. It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers zesty and savory results in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Air Fryer Enchiladas
Using an Air Fryer reduces the cooking time of these Mexican favorites. They come out crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Ground lamb is spiced and molded onto skewers for a Middle Eastern-inspired meal. Quick to prepare, the kebabs are a flavorful option for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Camarones a la Diabla
This is a Mexican seafood dish that packs some heat. Quick to prepare, it’s an excellent choice for those who love spicy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla
Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema
These fish tacos come with a zesty crema that elevates the dish. It’s a meal that’s as fast to make as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema
Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Marinated beef is the star in this Korean-inspired bowl. Quick cooking and assembling make it a practical choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
This Chinese-inspired soup offers complex flavors in a short time. It’s both comforting and invigorating, perfect for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
Miso Glazed Salmon
Fish meets Far East in this quick-to-prepare dish. A simple miso glaze adds depth and flavor to the salmon.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles
These noodles are both comforting and flavorful, thanks to the peanut sauce. They’re a speedy solution for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
The Air Fryer brings out the crispiness in these rolled tortillas. Filled with a seasoned chicken mixture, they’re a quick take on a Mexican classic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Thai Fried Rice
Using a Thai flavor profile, this fried rice dish comes together in no time. It’s a great option for using leftovers and still enjoying a delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice
Kung Pao Chicken
This is a fast-paced dish featuring chicken, peanuts, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a quick alternative to take-out, offering both taste and speed.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Blackened Fish Tacos
A Cajun-inspired spice mix gives these fish tacos a different kick. They’re simple to prepare and offer a quick, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos
Szechuan Shrimp
If you’re in the mood for some spicy, Chinese-inspired seafood, this dish is quick to make. It offers both heat and depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
These wraps offer a quick and flavorful Middle Eastern meal. The Air Fryer speeds up the cooking process while keeping the chicken juicy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Singapore Noodles
Thin rice noodles are quickly stir-fried with curry flavors in this dish. It’s a flavorful and fast meal that covers all the bases.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles
Mochiko Chicken
This is a Hawaiian chicken dish featuring a sweet and savory marinade. Quick marination and fast cooking make it a go-to for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Thai Chicken Satay
Skewered and grilled, this Thai dish is straightforward but rich in flavor. It’s a quick, protein-rich option that’s perfect for a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay
Baked Lemon Butter Fish
Simple ingredients like lemon and butter enhance the fish in this dish. It’s an easy, quick-baking option for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish
Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce
This sauce brings a vegetable-forward touch to your pasta. It’s quick to blend and combines well with a variety of noodle types.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Chicken is enhanced by a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce in this dish. It’s a quick yet decadent option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Fish Tacos
A simpler version of the above, these fish tacos offer quick satisfaction. Using a simple spice blend and quick-cooking fish, they’re ideal for a hurried meal.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos
Panko Chicken Breast
Panko breadcrumbs give this chicken a crisp texture. It’s a quick and simple way to jazz up a standard chicken breast.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Grilled chicken is topped with a fresh tomato and basil mix. It’s a light and quick meal that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Shredded chicken is quickly simmered in a tomato and chipotle sauce. Served on tostadas, it’s a rapid way to enjoy a Mexican favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Canned tuna and pre-made pesto make this a speedy Italian-inspired dish. It’s a pantry-friendly option for a fast meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Wrapping hot dogs in bacon and using an Air Fryer results in a crispy, flavorful twist on a classic. It’s a quick option for those craving something different.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Chicken Scampi
This dish features chicken in a light, garlic-infused sauce. It’s a quick twist on the traditional shrimp scampi.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers maintain their juiciness thanks to the Air Fryer. They’re a quick, leaner alternative to traditional beef burgers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables
Salmon and vegetables roast together for a balanced meal. This one-sheet dish is a time-saver, making clean-up easier as well.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Italian sausage is the key ingredient in this quick, comforting soup. It brings both flavor and heartiness to the table in a short amount of time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Lemon Pepper Pork Chops
A simple lemon pepper seasoning enhances these quick-cooking pork chops. They offer a speedy, flavorful option when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Pork Chops
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Chicken is lightly fried and then tossed in a honey butter glaze. The result is a dish that’s sweet and savory, perfect for a quick indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken