Chicken breasts get way too much attention in the high-protein world, but there are plenty of other options that bring just as much protein and way more flavor. Steak, seafood, lamb, and even venison can shake up the routine and make dinner actually interesting. Nobody wants to eat the same thing every night, especially when there are so many solid options that cook up just as fast. These meals are packed with protein, easy to make, and don’t rely on the same bland standby. If you’re bored of dry chicken and need something that actually tastes good, give these a shot.
Cod Piccata
This seafood version of classic piccata swaps in tender cod for a lighter but still protein-packed meal. Pan-fried and finished with a lemony caper sauce, it’s a great way to get your protein without defaulting to steak or chicken.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata
Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon
This sheet pan salmon bakes with garlic, turmeric, and a quick cherry sauce for an easy, protein-packed meal. Roasted broccoli on the side makes this a complete dinner with no extra dishes to wash.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
This all-in-one meal includes juicy pork chops, red cabbage, potatoes, and apples, all roasted together on one pan. It’s high in protein, easy to clean up, and perfect for hectic weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Venison Meatballs
These baked venison meatballs are tender, rich, and loaded with protein. Serve them with pasta and your favorite sauce for a hearty meal that’s far from ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Venison Meatballs
Air Fryer Ribeye
Ribeye steak in the air fryer comes out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor in just minutes. It’s a great way to get a high-protein meal on the table without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye
Air Fryer Skirt Steak
The air fryer locks in the juiciness of skirt steak while giving it a great char in just minutes. It’s an easy way to enjoy a protein-packed steak dinner without firing up the grill. This is a solid choice when you need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak
Lamb Korma
This lamb korma is simmered in a rich, spiced cashew sauce for a hearty, protein-packed meal. Marinating the lamb in yogurt makes it extra tender, and serving it over rice turns it into a full dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Korma
Bison Burgers
These bison burgers take the classic American burger and swap in lean, protein-rich bison for a slightly different but just as juicy result. Cook them on the stovetop or grill and load them up with all your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Bison Burgers
Baked Sablefish
Sablefish, also known as black cod, is rich and packed with protein. This version bakes with a honey-lime glaze and a spicy jalapeño corn salsa for a meal that’s simple to make but big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sablefish
Greek Shrimp Skillet
Shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, and feta come together in this quick skillet meal. Packed with protein and fresh Mediterranean flavors, it’s a great option when you need a fast but filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet
Air Fryer Cod
The air fryer makes cod tender and flaky in under 20 minutes with just a squeeze of lemon and a few simple spices. It’s a quick, high-protein meal that doesn’t require much effort but still delivers big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
These lamb chops marinate in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs before cooking up in the air fryer in under 10 minutes. They’re packed with protein and make for a flavorful, quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Blackened Mahi Mahi
This mahi mahi gets a bold crust from an easy homemade seasoning blend before a quick trip under the broiler. It’s a simple, high-protein seafood dish that’s great for busy nights when you need something fast but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi
Reverse Sear Tri Tip
This reverse-seared tri tip cooks low and slow before finishing with a sear, creating a juicy interior and crispy crust. It’s a great high-protein option that feels restaurant-quality but is easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Sear Tri Tip
Air Fryer Scallops
Scallops cook up quickly in the air fryer with a perfect sear and tender texture. A simple garlic, chive, and lemon butter sauce adds just enough flavor without extra effort. This is a great high-protein option that feels fancy but takes almost no time to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops
Blackened Cod
A simple pan-sear and a handful of seasonings are all it takes to bring this blackened cod to life. It’s a protein-rich, no-fuss seafood option that comes together fast and pairs well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod
Elk Burgers
Ground elk is lean, high in protein, and makes an incredibly juicy burger when cooked right. These burgers use simple spices and a quick grilling trick to lock in moisture for a flavorful alternative to beef.
Get the Recipe: Elk Burgers
Grilled Ham Steak
Ham steak is a great high-protein option when you want something quick but different from the usual meats. A simple rosemary maple Dijon glaze gives it plenty of flavor, whether you use fresh or cured ham.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ham Steak
Ground Beef Stir Fry
This ground beef stir fry is made in one pan with fresh vegetables and a garlic-ginger sauce. It’s packed with protein and comes together faster than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
These salmon bites are marinated in a garlic-ginger soy sauce before being air-fried to crispy perfection. The leftover marinade gets turned into a dipping sauce, making this a quick and flavorful high-protein meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Flank Steak Pinwheels
These flank steak pinwheels are stuffed with pesto, parmesan, prosciutto, and spinach before being rolled up and grilled. They’re high in protein, packed with flavor, and great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak Pinwheels
Beef Kafta
These Middle Eastern-style beef kafta kabobs are packed with bold flavors and require minimal prep. Serve them with rice, a fresh tomato cucumber salad, and a side of hummus for a well-rounded, high-protein meal that goes beyond the usual steak or chicken.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Ground beef and cabbage cook together in this quick skillet meal, loosely inspired by an Asian stir-fry. It’s loaded with protein, texture, and a light savory sauce, making it a great weeknight go-to.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
This sockeye salmon bakes in the oven with an herbed garlic caper citrus crust for a high-protein seafood meal that’s both easy and impressive. With a bake time of just 10-12 minutes, this is one of the fastest ways to get a great dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Steak and shrimp cook together on one sheet pan with simple seasonings for an easy surf-and-turf dinner. With everything done in under 20 minutes, this is a great way to get a high-protein meal on the table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas