Ordinary Meals Can’t Compete With These 23 Dinners

Photo of author

| Published:

Weeknight dinners don’t have to feel like a chore. These recipes take the usual suspects and turn them into meals you actually look forward to. Whether it’s bold flavors, quick prep, or just a fresh twist on the familiar, these dishes bring something special to the table. From hearty classics to creative updates, each one proves that “ordinary” isn’t in the cards tonight. Scroll through for dinners that make every bite worth it.

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

Chicken Enchiladas

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

These Chicken Enchiladas bring bold flavor to your dinner table. Corn tortillas are stuffed with shredded chicken, then topped with a rich red chile enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Easy to make, they’re hearty enough to outshine ordinary weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones a la Diabla pairs tender, plump shrimp with a fiery sauce made from dried chiles. The heat of the sauce balances perfectly with the sweetness of the shrimp, making it a standout dinner. This dish proves that spice and simplicity can create a meal far from ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Gochujang Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with rich broth, topped with slices of tender beef, a perfectly poached egg with a runny yolk, and garnished with chopped green onions. Chopsticks are holding up a piece of beef.
Gochujang Ramen. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Gochujang ramen delivers a spicy twist on the classic noodle bowl. The Korean chili paste adds heat and depth to a rich broth, topped with soft-boiled eggs and fresh veggies. It’s a bold dish that makes plain ramen seem like a thing of the past.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Ramen

Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs

A person uses chopsticks to lift a portion of Gochujang noodles with crispy bacon and two sunny-side-up eggs from a skillet.
Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

These noodles combine the heat of gochujang with the smoky crunch of bacon and a perfectly fried egg. The rich, spicy sauce clings to every bite, creating a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. It’s an easy meal that elevates dinner beyond the usual routine.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs

Sopa de Camarones

A bowl of shrimp soup.
Sopa de Camarones. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sopa de Camarones is a light yet deeply flavorful Mexican shrimp soup. The dried chiles give the broth a rich red color and earthy depth, while the tender shrimp add a fresh, ocean-inspired note. It’s the kind of soup that turns an ordinary dinner into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Camarones

Crispy Beef

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

Crispy Chilli Beef delivers the sweet, sticky, and spicy flavors you’d expect from a great Chinese restaurant. Strips of tender beef are pan-fried to a golden crisp before being coated in a rich sauce with just the right kick. This recipe skips the deep fryer but doesn’t miss a beat, making it an easy way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home. It’s bold, satisfying, and perfect for when ordinary dinners just won’t cut it.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Spicy Miso Ramen

A bowl of ramen with karaage chicken.
Spicy Miso Ramen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Miso Ramen is a rich and flavorful bowl that’s anything but basic. Topped with chicken karaage, sautéed kale, and a ramen egg, it’s a meal that combines bold tastes and comforting textures. This is the kind of dinner that stands out against the everyday.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Miso Ramen

Instant Pot Pho

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

Instant Pot Pho makes traditional Vietnamese flavors accessible on a weeknight. The aromatic broth, tender meat, and rice noodles create a dish that’s deeply satisfying. It’s the ultimate dinner upgrade, delivering complexity without hours of effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas are a quick, flavorful spin on the classic dish. Filled with shredded chicken and smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese, they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. These enchiladas prove that dinner can be both fast and exceptional.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Pancit Bihon

Pancit noodles on a plate with veggies and chicken.
Pancit Bihon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pancit Bihon is a Filipino favorite featuring stir-fried rice noodles, chicken, and vegetables. Seasoned with soy and oyster sauce, this dish brings bold, traditional flavors to the table. It’s quick to make, offering a dinner that far surpasses the usual weeknight choices.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon

Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles

A skillet filled with stir-fried noodles, chicken pieces, and vegetables being picked up with chopsticks.
Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles is a stir-fry that combines tender chicken, chewy noodles, and a bold, peppery sauce. Fresh vegetables add crunch and balance to the dish, making it satisfying and flavorful. This meal is a weeknight standout, leaving plain dinners behind.
Get the Recipe: Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fish tacos with shredded cabbage and cilantro lime crema.
Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema turn simple fish into a dinner worth talking about. Seared in a cast-iron skillet, the fish has a caramelized crust, while the tangy crema adds a bright finish. It’s the kind of meal that makes every bite exciting.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Beef Birria

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

Beef Birria takes slow-cooked beef and infuses it with the bold flavors of guajillo peppers, cinnamon, and ginger. The result is tender meat and a rich broth that’s deeply satisfying. This dish is anything but ordinary, delivering layers of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Basket of fried chicken with chilies and garlic.
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings bring a spicy crunch to the dinner table. Coated in Szechuan peppercorns and stir-fried with hot chiles and garlic, they’re addictive and full of flavor. These wings are proof that dinner doesn’t have to be ordinary to be easy.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried tofu cubes and minced vegetables, garnished with green onions. Chopsticks rest on top.
Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork combines silky tofu with seasoned pork in a sauce made with chili bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns. The result is a dish that’s spicy, savory, and utterly satisfying. It’s a meal that outshines simple stir-fries without adding extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani layers perfectly cooked shrimp with basmati rice and aromatic spices. The rich, fragrant dish feels like a special occasion meal but comes together with ease. It’s the kind of dinner that makes ordinary meals look forgettable.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Stir-fried noodles with shrimp and beef in a pan with chopsticks.
Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles bring together vegetables and chewy noodles in a savory sauce. This quick and flavorful dish is hearty enough to stand on its own as a satisfying dinner. It’s a no-fuss meal that feels anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

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 in Red Curry Sauce are baked for a low-maintenance yet flavorful dinner. The spicy curry sauce adds depth to the tender meatballs, making them perfect over rice or with roasted vegetables. It’s a simple dish that brings something extra to the table.
Get the Recipe: Thai Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos are a fresh, light meal that’s ready in no time. The air fryer creates perfectly cooked fish, while the toppings bring layers of texture and flavor. These tacos make it easy to break free from boring dinners with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Creamy Udon Noodle Soup

A fork lifts noodles from a bowl of creamy soup, placed on a wooden surface. A small white cup and green garnish are visible in the background.
Creamy Udon Noodle Soup. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Creamy Udon Noodle Soup is rich, silky, and comforting. The broth balances the heartiness of udon noodles with fresh greens and mushrooms, creating a meal that’s filling and flavorful. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you forget all about ordinary soup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Udon Noodle Soup

Beef Chow Fun

Two bowls of beef chow fun stir-fried with broccoli and bean sprouts, garnished with sesame seeds. The dishes are served in gray bowls, and the background shows another bowl with ingredients. A pair of chopsticks is placed beside the front bowl.
Beef Chow Fun. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Beef Chow Fun features wide rice noodles and tender beef stir-fried with fresh vegetables. The savory soy-based sauce ties everything together, creating a dish that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s a takeout favorite you can easily recreate at home for a standout dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chow Fun

Korean Black Bean Noodles

A close-up of a pan filled with savory noodles and chunks of meat being lifted by chopsticks. The dish appears well-seasoned with sauce, and green garnishes are sprinkled on top. A beige napkin and a piece of dumpling are in the background.
Korean Black Bean Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Korean Black Bean Noodles, or Jajangmyeon, pair chewy noodles with a rich, savory black bean sauce. This quick dish brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re looking for something more than just ordinary noodles.
Get the Recipe: Korean Black Bean Noodles

Korean Black Bean Noodles

A close-up of a pan filled with savory noodles and chunks of meat being lifted by chopsticks. The dish appears well-seasoned with sauce, and green garnishes are sprinkled on top. A beige napkin and a piece of dumpling are in the background.
Korean Black Bean Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Korean Black Bean Noodles, or Jajangmyeon, combine chewy noodles with a savory black bean sauce. The dish is easy to make at home and offers bold, rich flavors that come together quickly. You don’t need many ingredients, and it’s perfect for weeknights when you want something simple yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Korean Black Bean Noodles

Chicken Egg Foo Young

Chicken egg foo young on top of rice on a white plate.
Chicken Egg Foo Young. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Thai Noodle Soup layers creamy coconut milk with spicy green curry, tender shrimp, and vermicelli noodles. Fresh basil and a squeeze of lime add a bright finish. This dish is a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s the kind of soup you can’t stop craving.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young

Leave a Comment

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