17 meaty mains that’ll have everyone scraping their plates

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Get ready for some serious plate-scraping with these 17 meaty mains that’ll make dinnertime legendary. These dishes bring out the best in your main course, making everyone around the table come back for seconds. Perfect for those who love a hearty meal without the fuss, these recipes will quickly become family favorites. Get ready for your kitchen to become the most popular room in the house!

low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re tired of the same old chicken recipes, switching things up with Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps could be the game changer you need. The air fryer gives the chicken that perfect outer crisp while keeping the inside juicy. Wrapped up with some fresh veggies and a garlicky sauce, it’s a meal that brings a bit of the Middle East right to your table. It’s quick, hassle-free, and guarantees no leftovers on dinner night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those who enjoy a touch of Korean cuisine, Beef Bulgogi Bowls are a must-try. This dish is all about thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, served over a bowl of steaming rice. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and exciting, perfect for shaking up your dinner routine. Plus, assembling the bowls means everyone can add their favorites, making it a hit across the board.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Looking for something that’s both comforting and easy to make? Air Fryer Empanadas are your best bet. These little pockets of joy come packed with your choice of filling, crisped to perfection in the air fryer. They’re a fantastic way to use up leftovers or to get creative with whatever you’ve got in the fridge. The best part is the crunch with each bite, making it hard to stop at just one.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Char Siu

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those who appreciate the finer aspects of Chinese barbecue, Char Siu presents a foray into sweet and savory bliss. This iconic dish involves marinating the pork in a rich, sticky sauce, then roasting it to achieve that signature caramelized exterior. It’s as good on its own as it is sliced and served over rice or noodles. Few dishes can match its simple elegance and complex taste profile.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken offers a crunch unlike any other, perfected with a quick trip in the air fryer. This dish boasts a crunchy coating enveloping juicy chicken, all brought to life with a glaze that’s the right mix of spicy, sweet, and savory. Ideal for gatherings, it’s a conversation starter that promises no fuss with clean-up. It’s the solution for your fried chicken cravings without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.
Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Hoisin Beef is that dish when you want something quick, easy, but full of depth. It combines tender slices of beef with a rich hoisin sauce, creating a savory dish that pairs well with rice or noodles. The intense flavors ensure that this meal stands out in any setting, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s proof that you don’t need hours to prepare a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The complex layers of Chicken Biryani make it a standout dish every time. This one-pot wonder layers marinated chicken with basmati rice, infused with spices that’ll leave a lasting impression. Ideal for when you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself, it’s a fulfilling meal that tells a story with every spoonful. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re keen on trying something that’s both mouthwatering and visually impressive, give Air Fryer Pork Belly a shot. This dish achieves that sought-after balance of crispy skin and tender meat, all with minimal kitchen fuss. It’s a versatile component that shines bright whether it’s the star of a dish or an accompaniment. Plus, the air fryer method cuts down a lot of the traditional cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Chicken Enchiladas

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

Chicken Enchiladas are the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. They’re all about tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a homemade sauce and gooey cheese. It’s a meal that promises warmth and comfort on any day of the week, and it’s also a great way to bring everyone to the table. With each serving, you get a little bit of home in a dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

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.

This Instant Pot Kalua Pork recipe brings a taste of Hawaiian cuisine to your dinner table without the long cooking times traditionally required. This dish focuses on pork shoulder cooked until it’s perfectly tender, easily shreddable, and ready to be enjoyed with your favorite sides. The instant pot does all the heavy lifting, making it surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s a no-fuss way to unlock a world of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Crispy Beef

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.
Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a meal that’s as fulfilling to make as it is to eat, try out Crispy Beef. This dish is all about the contrast between the crispy edges of the beef and its tender inside, achieved through a quick stir-fry technique. The result is a dish that’s perfect for those evenings when you want something both straightforward and extraordinary. Pair it with vegetables and rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Instant Pot Pho

Overhead shot of bowls of pho.
Instant Pot Pho. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a soul-warming soup, you can’t go wrong with Instant Pot Pho. This Vietnamese classic combines tender meat with rice noodles in a fragrant broth, all seasoned with fresh herbs. The instant pot makes it surprisingly easy to layer those complex flavors into a comforting bowl of soup. It’s perfect for those chillier evenings when you want something both nourishing and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Have you tried Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter? It brings a little heat to the table in the best way possible. This steak is all about the marinade and the finishing touch of homemade chile butter, which melts gloriously over the freshly grilled meat. It’s the kind of dish that makes an ordinary dinner feel like a special occasion. Simple, spicy, and utterly fulfilling, it’s a recipe that beckons you to fire up the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai turkey meatballs on a platter with red curry dipping sauce.
Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Turkey Meatballs are a lighter take on a familiar favorite, blending lean turkey with traditional Thai spices. These meatballs are both healthy and bursting with flavor, making them a great addition to any meal. Serve them over noodles, rice, or even as a snack with your favorite dip. It’s an easy, flavorful way to switch up your meal routine without compromising on the enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Thai Turkey Meatballs

Instant Pot Ham

Sliced ham with oranges and mint.
Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Instant Pot Ham takes the guesswork out of cooking this traditional dish. It’s a straightforward recipe that promises a juicy, flavorful ham every time, without the need to monitor a roasting oven for hours. This method not only saves on time but also infuses the meat with more flavor, making it a go-to option for holidays or family gatherings. It’s a simple way to produce a centerpiece that’s both delicious and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham

Beef Birria

low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The rich, complex flavors of Beef Birria make it a standout dish. This Mexican classic combines tender beef with a robust, aromatic sauce, served with tortillas for dipping. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, one that’s both hearty and incredibly comforting. Perfect for laid-back weekends or festive gatherings, it’s a dish that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Pollo Pibil

Pollo pibil on a grey plate with limes and shredded lettuce.
Pollo Pibil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pollo Pibil is a vibrant and aromatic dish hailing from the Yucatan region of Mexico. It involves marinating the chicken in a unique blend of citrus and spices, then slow cooking it to perfection. What sets it apart is the addition of achiote, which lends the chicken a beautiful color and a distinct flavor. It’s a straightforward way to bring a piece of Yucatan culture to your table, offering a meal that’s both exciting and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

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