Get weeknights sorted: 29 quick and satisfying recipes

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As the week begins, there’s a need for meals that are both efficient and fulfilling, ensuring weeknight blues are a thing of the past. These recipes are designed with the modern-day individual in mind, focusing on both taste and speed. Experience a harmonious blend of speed and satisfaction, setting the tone for the rest of the week.

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Start your week right with this crispy dish that uses an air fryer to cut down on cooking time. Its buttermilk coating ensures each bite is flavorful, while the quick air frying offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying, making Monday meals both swift and scrumptious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

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

For those who crave a flavorful start to the week, this dish is an ideal choice. The Instant Pot significantly reduces the traditional cooking time, ensuring a speedy yet aromatic meal, allowing you to relish the rich flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

Dive into a dish that’s both speedy and savory to beat the Monday blues. By integrating beef with a delightful marinade, the outcome is a satisfying meal that’s both time-efficient and palate-pleasing, ensuring your week starts on a fulfilling note.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Kung Pao Chicken

Low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Infuse your Monday with a touch of spice and all things nice. This dish offers the right balance of zing and zest, tailored for those seeking quick satisfaction. Its straightforward preparation means less time cooking and more time enjoying, setting the tone for a productive week ahead.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Carnitas

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dive into Monday with a meal that balances efficiency and satisfaction. Using the air fryer cuts down on wait time, producing a crispy finish that complements the tender inside. It’s a straightforward approach to ensure you enjoy a hearty dinner without being tied to the kitchen for too long.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

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

Brighten up the start of your week with a light yet fulfilling meal. The air fryer lends these tacos their signature crunch, offering a refreshing bite that doesn’t keep you waiting. It’s all about indulging in good flavors without watching the clock too closely.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you need a quick dive into rich flavors, this dish stands ready. Featuring shrimp with a touch of garlicky goodness, it offers a speedy yet flavorful experience. It’s a reminder that Monday meals can be simple, swift, and incredibly satisfying all at once.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Air Fryer Salmon

Air fryer salmon on a plate with sauteed zucchini and lemon.
Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kick off your week with a dish that requires minimal effort yet doesn’t compromise on taste. The air fryer gets the job done quickly, offering a flaky finish to the salmon, so you can have a fulfilling meal without the long wait. It’s a testament to how Mondays can be uncomplicated and delicious at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Chicken 65

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken 65.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ease into your Monday with a dish that’s both zesty and speedy. This offers a delightful blend of spices with tender chicken, ensuring you get a meal that’s full of flavor without spending hours prepping. A perfect reminder that starting the week right doesn’t mean compromising on taste or time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

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

Starting the week shouldn’t mean settling for bland or time-consuming meals. Here’s a dish that pairs tender meat with a hint of spicy butter, promising a meal that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. It’s all about embracing the start of the week with something that’s both speedy and savory.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Gochujang Noodles

Low angle shot of gochujang noodles with greens, mushrooms, and cheese on a grey and white plate.
Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mondays can use a little kick, and this dish delivers just that without a long prep time. By combining simple noodles with the spicy flair of gochujang, you’re served a meal that’s quick to whip up and packed with zest. It’s about effortlessly melding taste and time, ensuring a vibrant start to your week.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

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

Begin your week with a nod to efficiency and flavor. Using the air fryer streamlines the process, ensuring you get that savory shawarma taste wrapped and ready without a prolonged wait. It’s the kind of dish that promises a hassle-free yet hearty meal, right in line with the pace of a typical Monday.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Overhead shot of a bowl of noodles with vegetables and thai peanut sauce.
Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dive into Monday with a comforting bowl that doesn’t keep you standing for hours. The smoothness of peanut sauce combined with noodles offers a meal that’s both delightful and swift to prepare. It’s a nod to the fact that a fulfilling dinner doesn’t always require an elaborate dance in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Harissa Chicken

Harissa chicken in a baking pan with a plate of it over rice with yogurt and herbs on the side.
Harissa Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The start of the week deserves a dish that’s both straightforward and flavorful. By pairing chicken with the bold notes of harissa, you get a meal that stands out without demanding too much of your time. It’s all about embracing bold flavors while ensuring dinner doesn’t eat into your evening.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken

Hoisin Beef

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

Ease into your week with a meal that’s robust yet quick to come together. The melding of beef with the rich undertones of hoisin offers a timely dish without compromising on depth. It’s the kind of meal that shows you can kick off the week on a high without spending endless hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Mongolian Chicken

Overhead shot of a bowl of mongolian chicken.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

After a tiring day, the temptation of reaching for the takeout menu is understandable. However, consider a swifter and equally flavorful solution. This dish, inspired by Mongolia’s rich culinary heritage, is not only quick to prepare but also offers an authentic taste experience. By choosing this option, you seamlessly bring a touch of Mongolia straight to your dinner table, minus the wait.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Szechuan Shrimp

Szechuan shrimp in a walk with a serving spoon.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mondays can often be challenging, especially when dinner decisions come into play after a long day. Instead of scrolling through delivery apps and anticipating the knock on your door, consider this alternative. Experience a dish that brings a burst of spice and garlic to your table. Efficient in preparation and rich in flavor, it’s an ideal choice for those Monday nights when you want something quick yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken adobo with rice and scallions on the side.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Begin your week with minimal fuss by turning to a dish that combines convenience with rich flavors. Using the Instant Pot, this meal is set to deliver on taste in a fraction of the usual time. It’s a testament to starting Monday on a flavorful note without watching the clock tick away.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Lamb kofta kebabs on a wooden board with  fresh herbs and vegetables.
Lamb Kofta Kebabs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Embrace the start of the week with a dish that’s both savory and efficient. These kebabs offer a satisfying bite that doesn’t require hours of prep or cook time. It’s about getting straight to the point – enjoying a hearty meal without any Monday delay.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Mulligatawny Soup

Bowl of mulligatawny soup with a hand lifting a spoonful of soup.
Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dive into Monday with a bowl of warmth that’s simple yet hearty. This soup provides a delightful blend of spices and ingredients, serving up comfort without the extended wait. It’s a gentle nod to the fact that Monday meals can be straightforward, swift, and deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup

Ramen Fried Chicken

Hand reaching into a bowl of ramen fried chicken pieces.
Ramen Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kick off your week with a twist on two classics that don’t leave you waiting. This dish brings a unique crunch and flavor to the table, promising an experience that’s memorable yet quick. It’s a playful way to ensure Monday dinners are both fun and efficient.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Fried Chicken

Shrimp Yakisoba

Shrimp yakisoba on a plate.
Shrimp Yakisoba. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Welcome the week with a meal that balances vibrant tastes and timeliness. This dish merges shrimp with noodles in a delightful dance, ensuring a dinner that’s as flavorful as it is prompt. It’s about embracing the essence of Monday – straightforward, quick, and utterly fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yakisoba

Thai Chicken Curry

Low angle shot of a blue and white striped bowl filled with Thai chicken curry.
Thai Chicken Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Starting the week right means indulging in a dish that promises depth of flavor without the extended preparation time. This meal is the embodiment of that principle, bringing together aromatic spices and ingredients swiftly. Settle into your Monday evening with a heartwarming bowl that respects your time and taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

Sweet and Sour Tofu

Low angle shot of a bowl of sweet and sour tofu.
Sweet and Sour Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mondays can be effortless when you have a recipe that delivers both tang and sweetness without the fuss. This dish is a testament to the idea that quick meals can be just as satisfying, providing a symphony of flavors in a jiffy. It’s all about embracing simplicity without compromising on a delightful bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Tofu

Palak Paneer

Low angle shot of a bowl of palak paneer on a fancy silver tray with a fancy silver serving spoon.
Palak Paneer. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Begin the workweek with a meal that is both comforting and straightforward, merging creamy cheese with lush greens. This dish showcases the beauty of flavorsome ingredients combined efficiently. Dive into a Monday meal that ensures heartiness without asking you to spend endless hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Palak Paneer

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Why wait hours for a succulent bite when you can have it much sooner? With this dish, you’re getting tenderness and taste in a fraction of the usual cooking time. Mondays become a joy when you can have delectably soft ribs without the traditional long hours of waiting.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema

Chipotle turgey burgers with lime crema.
Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’ve ever wanted a Monday meal that’s both bold and speedy, this one’s for you. Combining a hint of spice with a touch of zest, this burger ensures that quick meals don’t mean bland meals. Welcome the week with a dish that’s as brisk in preparation as it is vibrant in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

A bowl of grits topped with cajun shrimp.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Starting the week with a dish that blends warmth with a touch of spice is the kind of Monday motivation we all need. This meal manages to be heartwarming and time-efficient, giving you the best of comfort and convenience. You can expect a satisfying bowl that doesn’t hold you back with hours of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate.
Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mondays can be rejuvenating when you kick them off with a crispy bite that’s prepared in no time. Thanks to modern kitchen gadgets, this dish represents how we can enjoy traditionally longer-prep snacks with much less wait. Dive into a crunchy beginning of the week, knowing you didn’t spend an eternity in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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