25 easy dinners with a global twist for when you’re sick of the usual

Photo of author

| Published:

If you’re tired of cycling through the same few dinner options every week we’ve got the perfect way to break out of that rut with some globally-inspired dishes that are both easy to make and exciting to eat. From speedy stir-fries to vibrant pastas, these recipes inject some much-needed variety into your meal plan, perfect for those nights when you’re craving something different.

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beef Kafta

Beef Kafta on a plate with veggies.
Beef Kafta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When you’re bored with the usual meals, Beef Kafta is a perfect choice. It’s easy to make and brings a rich Middle Eastern flavor to your dinner table. Paired with rice, a tomato cucumber salad, and a bit of feta or hummus, it’s a complete meal that’s both simple and packed with taste.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dish is a quick fix that shakes things up with its Mediterranean flair. Lemon, spinach, and feta come together in a pasta that’s refreshing and straightforward. Whether on its own for a veggie meal or with added protein, it’s a great way to make dinner interesting again.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Spicy udon noodle stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry is a great way to bring some excitement to your dinner routine. It combines thick udon noodles with a kick of ginger-garlic sriracha sauce, making it a perfect alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shake up your dinner with this quick Gochujang Chicken. It’s all about that sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce that transforms a simple chicken dinner into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s done in just 30 minutes and perfect over white rice.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Curry Roasted Eggplant Burgers

Roasted eggplant curry burger on a bun with kale, red onions and cilantro hummus sauce.
Curry Roasted Eggplant Burgers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

For a change from the usual, these eggplant burgers bring a curry twist that’s hard to resist. Topped with a refreshing yogurt hummus cilantro sauce, they’re a great vegetarian pick for summer grilling.
Get the Recipe: Curry Roasted Eggplant Burgers

Grilled Halloumi Burgers

Grilled halloumi lamb burger on a bun with pesto spread.
Grilled Halloumi Burgers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Amp up your burger game with Grilled Halloumi Burgers. Packed with fresh herbs and topped with sweet caramelized onions and sun-dried tomato pesto, every bite bursts with Mediterranean flavors, making it a great way to diversify your meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Burgers

Indian Chicken Burgers

Indian chicken burgers cut in half with cucumber yogurt slaw.
Indian Chicken Burgers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Indian Chicken Burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy something different on the grill. Topped with a cool yogurt cucumber slaw, they’re a moist and flavorful change from beef burgers.
Get the Recipe: Indian Chicken Burgers

Indian Steak Kabobs

Indian yogurt steak and potato kabobs.
Indian Steak Kabobs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These kabobs are marinated in an aromatic mix of spices for a dinner that’s anything but ordinary. Paired with a creamy diced onion Greek yogurt dip, it’s a tender and flavorful steak and potato meal that’s perfect for a global dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Indian Steak Kabobs

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon ricotta pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil on a white plate.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta is all about bringing a light, quick meal to the table with minimum effort. Creamy ricotta, basil, and tomatoes make this dish fresh and a perfect pick when you need a dinner change-up.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Mexican Stuffed Onions

Cheddar chicken stuffed purple onions on a plate with a fork.
Mexican Stuffed Onions. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Switch things up with Mexican Stuffed Onions. Filled with couscous, chicken, salsa, cilantro, and cheese, they’re a fun and tasty way to do dinner differently.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Stuffed Onions

Pasta Checca with Burrata

Pasta Checca with burst tomatoes and burrata on a white serving platter.
Pasta Checca with Burrata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dish is a fresh take on an Italian classic. With burst heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata, it’s a simple yet impactful way to make dinner exciting again.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Checca with Burrata

Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken

Spatchcock chicken with peri peri seasoning on a baking sheet with green beans and sweet potatoes.
Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With spices that pop and a one-pan method, this Peri Peri Chicken is a game-changer for busy nights. It’s flavorful, fast, and surprisingly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken

Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Mexican shredded beef bowls with plantains, rice and beans and peppers.
Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These beef bowls are a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal, perfect for meal prep. With rice, beans, plantains, and peppers, they’re a hearty and easy way to mix up your weekly meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Spicy Shrimp Tostadas

Spicy shrimp tostadas on a cutting board.
Spicy Shrimp Tostadas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Not your average tacos, these Spicy Shrimp Tostadas come with a kick and a refreshing jalapeño avocado sauce. They’re a perfect pick-me-up for your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Tostadas

Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken

Indian spiced chicken thighs on a metal plate with lemon wedges.
Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, then glazed with maple syrup for a sweet and spicy flavor. It’s an easy way to add some pizzazz to your chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Thai basil cashew chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan meal is a lifesaver for weeknights. Full of basil flavor and a savory sweet sauce, it’s great over rice and makes dinner anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb

Za'atar grilled rack of lamb chops on a plate.
Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Simple and sumptuous, this grilled rack of lamb is seasoned with za’atar for a meal that’s perfect for outdoor cooking. It’s an easy way to impress at any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb

Shrimp Lo Mein

Shrimp lo mein in a skillet with chopped green onions in a white bowl on the side.
Shrimp Lo Mein. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skip the takeout and make Shrimp Lo Mein at home. With egg noodles, juicy shrimp, and veggies in a fantastic sauce, this 20-minute meal will quickly become a go-to for dinners that need a fast and flavorful lift.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein

Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Pork ramen stir fry in a blue cast iron skillet with chop sticks.
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Pork Ramen Stir Fry is your ticket to a fast, tasty dinner, blending sweet and spicy flavors with plenty of vegetables. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect alternative to takeout and great for a night when you’re craving something different.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Mexican Ground Beef Skillet uses taco seasoning for a simple, flavorful one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic choice for a casual dinner that breaks the monotony of everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Sticky Thai Chicken

Thai chicken with sticky glaze and peanut garnish over white rice.
Sticky Thai Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

For a quick, flavor-packed dinner, try Sticky Thai Chicken thighs. They’re ready in 30 minutes and bring a taste of Thailand to your table, making them a great choice for when you’re tired of the same old recipes.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Thai Chicken

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Stuffed Chicken Marsala puts a new spin on the Italian classic by adding mozzarella, tomato butter, and basil inside the chicken. It’s a comforting choice for when you want to try something new without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe is all about simplicity and flavor, using just five ingredients for a creamy, decadent pasta. This dish is a smart pick for an easy yet rich meal that strays from the everyday dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cod Piccata brings a tangy and bright flavor to the dinner table, using almond flour-dredged cod fillets pan-fried with capers, lemon juice, and shallots. It’s an easy, gluten-free dish that adds a refreshing change to your meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken Sorrentino layers breaded chicken with prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese, all baked in a hearty tomato sauce. It’s an irresistible and easy-to-make dish that brings a bit of Italy to your kitchen when you’re looking for something different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.