Beware the quiet before the storm when the family gathers and something’s missing. You may find yourself navigating a sea of discontent. It’s all fun and games until someone realizes these dishes are not on the table. Best to double-check that list of 17 must-haves to maintain peace and prevent any dining room uprisings.
Chicken Pakora
Ensuring its presence is key to keeping traditions alive and appetites satisfied. Chicken Pakora is more than just a dish; it’s a ritual at many family gatherings, embodying the essence of shared joy and bliss. Skipping it could easily turn a cheerful gathering into a somber event, as its absence would be felt deeply. This dish is the perfect starter, setting the stage for a memorable meal with its crispy exterior and tender inside.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora
Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Think of a family dinner without Beef Bulgogi Bowls—impossible, right? This dish is a cornerstone, its savory, sweet allure beckoning everyone to dig in as soon as it hits the table. It’s more than just beef; it’s a cultural journey packed into a bowl, each bite a mix of tradition and modern flair. This dish is essential, not just for its flavor but for the stories it inspires.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Each wrap is a perfect blend of spices and tenderness, wrapped in a soft tortilla. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps are a modern twist on a classic, bringing new life to the dinner table with their flavorful and healthy appeal. Missing these wraps could disappoint many, particularly those looking for a lighter, yet fulfilling option. They’re not just delicious; they’re a conversation piece.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Szechuan Shrimp
An essential part of the lineup, offering a heat that complements the cooler dishes. Szechuan Shrimp is celebrated for bringing a sizzle to the table with its intense, fiery flavor. Its absence would not only be noticed but deeply missed by those who crave its spicy kick. This dish offers a bold statement in every bite, setting the tone for a vibrant meal.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
The dish that defines comfort, drawing sighs of contentment with every serving. Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a cornerstone of family dinners, weaving a thread of warmth and comfort through each gathering. Missing it from the menu could stir more than just appetite; it could spark a mild uproar. Each creamy, hearty slice is a reminder of home, bringing smiles and filling bellies.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos
They bring color, joy, and a bit of spice to the table, ensuring that every meal feels like a party. Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos are not just food; they’re a fiesta on a plate, essential for transforming any regular meal into a lively celebration. Their absence could dull the sparkle of any family gathering, leaving a taco-shaped void. Each taco is a burst of flavor, wrapped in a soft tortilla—a perfect blend of textures and tastes that ignites the senses.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos
Chicken Egg Foo Young
It’s essential for keeping everyone connected and content. Chicken Egg Foo Young is a timeless favorite that bridges generations and tastes, blending seamlessly into any family dinner. Without it, there might just be a mini-revolt among those who cherish its comforting presence. This dish offers a harmonious balance of flavors, fulfilling both the young and old with its delicious simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young
Crispy Beef
The allure of Crispy Beef lies in its irresistible texture and deep, savory flavor that makes it a highlight of any family gathering. Leaving this dish out could lead to quite the controversy, as its fulfilling crunch is anticipated by all. It’s a staple that complements any meal, bringing a textural contrast that enhances the dining experience. This dish is a crowd favorite, ensuring lively discussions and a bustling table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef
Ramen Fried Chicken
Perfect blend of novelty and nostalgia, essential for keeping the dinner dynamic. Ramen Fried Chicken is a fusion that turns any family dinner into a crunchy, delicious affair. Skipping this dish could lead to a cascade of queries, as its unique texture and flavor are irreplaceable. It’s more than just delicious—it’s a centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Fried Chicken
Sopa de Camarones
A beloved dish that encapsulates tradition and taste in every sip. Sopa de Camarones has a way of transporting the entire dinner table to the seaside with its rich, oceanic flavors. It’s a pivotal part of any meal, serving as both a starter and a conversation piece. Leaving it out might just disappoint those who look forward to its soothing warmth and depth.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Camarones
Harissa Chicken
A key player in the dinner lineup, ensuring that the meal has just the right amount of spice to keep everyone buzzing. Harissa Chicken brings a burst of heat and flavor to any meal, turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary events. Its absence would certainly not go unnoticed, with spice lovers particularly feeling the pinch. This dish is a vibrant celebration of taste, offering a fiery kick that livens up the table.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken
Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles
It’s more than just noodles; it’s an exploration of taste that brings diversity to the dinner table. Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles offer a creamy, tangy experience that’s hard to replicate. Leaving them off the menu could spark a gentle uproar among noodle lovers. This dish is a fusion of flavors that captivates the senses, making each bite a journey through the streets of Thailand.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
This soup isn’t just a starter; it’s an essential prelude that primes everyone for the meal ahead. Chicken Hot and Sour Soup sets the stage for an unforgettable meal with its bold, contrasting flavors that wake up the palate. Its absence can leave a noticeable gap, one that fans of this flavorful adventure would quickly point out. It’s the spark that ignites the appetite, making each dinner a lively event.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
Bombay Sandwiches
The mere mention of Bombay Sandwiches is enough to spark excitement at any family gathering. Known for disappearing faster than one can make them, these sandwiches are a must-have that no one wants to miss. They’re not just a dish; they’re a tradition, each bite packed with a riot of flavors that pulls everyone a bit closer. Everyone remembers the first time they tried one, and each subsequent sandwich seems to taste even better.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches
Tandoori Chicken
Every family member looks forward to its vibrant flavors and the stories that unfold around it. Tandoori Chicken is more than just a dish—it’s a herald of good times. Its absence from a family dinner is keenly felt, leaving a smoky, spice-infused hole that’s hard to fill. When it’s time to eat, this dish brings everyone to the table, with its tantalizing aroma promising a feast.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken
Peanut Sauce Beef and Ramen Noodles
A hearty, fulfilling blend of textures and flavors, making it a beloved choice for any family dinner. Peanut Sauce Beef and Ramen Noodles combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and adventurous. Skipping it might lead to a notable absence at the meal, particularly for those who crave its rich, savory depth. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, one that invites you to linger at the table and enjoy every last noodle.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Sauce Beef and Ramen Noodles
Kung Pao Chicken
A staple that sparks joy and conversation, ensuring everyone’s engaged and happy. Kung Pao Chicken is the dish that everyone looks for first when they arrive at a family gathering. Leaving it off the menu could lead to disappointment and a flurry of “where is it?” questions. This beloved classic combines spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors to create a symphony of taste that pleases the palate.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken