Let’s face it, trying these 15 international recipes isn’t subtle, but neither is the taste of regret. If you’ve been sticking to the same old meals, it’s time to spice things up. Tackle these recipes and discover what you’ve been missing out on—a world of flavors, literally. Skip it, and the only international experience you’ll have is watching foreign films on your couch.
Pizza Carbonara
A gastronomic bliss that unites pasta lovers and pizza aficionados alike. Pizza Carbonara is where Italy’s beloved carbonara sauce meets the crispy, golden crust of a perfectly baked pizza. This creation is rich with creamy textures and savory flavors, turning a classic pasta dish into an innovative pizza experience. To bypass this dish is to deny yourself a slice of brilliance.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Carbonara
Camarones a la Diabla
Opting out of this dish would be turning your back on a bold challenge. Camarones a la Diabla serves up a fiery treat that lives up to its name, with succulent shrimp swimming in a spicy sauce that packs a serious punch. This dish is for those who dare to venture into the depths of heat and flavor. Each shrimp is a treasure trove of taste, promising to deliver intensity and pleasure in equal measure.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla
Hoisin Beef
Ignoring this dish would be ignoring a direct invite to indulgence. Hoisin Beef marries the bold, savory sweetness of hoisin sauce with the robustness of perfectly seared beef. This dish is a powerhouse of flavors that beckon from the streets of Beijing, offering a taste that is both familiar and thrillingly foreign. It’s a staple that demands exploration, providing a rich, meaty experience that’s hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef
Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles
The experience of Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles begins with the sizzle of a well-heated wok, promising a mouthful of textures with each bite. It captures the essence of bustling night markets where flavors collide and traditions shine. It’s a dish that invites you on a flavor-packed journey. Skipping this would mean missing out on a quintessential street food adventure.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles
Thai Fried Rice
It’s quick, it’s flavorful, and it encapsulates the joy of simple ingredients creating extraordinary meals. Thai Fried Rice offers a lively array of flavors, each spoonful bursting with notes of freshness and spice that transport you straight to the heart of Bangkok. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of Thai traditions, balancing sweet, sour, and spicy in perfect harmony.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice
Pancit Bihon
Dig into the world of Pancit Bihon, where every forkful offers a light yet fulfilling taste of Filipino heritage. This dish combines subtle flavors with a hint of savory goodness. Its versatility shines whether it’s a festive celebration or a simple family dinner. Each strand of noodle weaves a tale of tradition and togetherness, making skipping it a missed opportunity to connect with a rich culture.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon
Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork
This dish is not just food; its vibrant flavors ensure every bite is packed with intensity. Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork is a bold dish that combines the silky texture of tofu with the hearty depth of ground pork, all enveloped in a spicy, numbing sauce that challenges and pleases. Choosing to pass on this adventure would be overlooking a cornerstone of spicy bliss.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork
Tom Kha Gai
It’s a hug that’s both comforting and invigorating. To pass on this dish is to pass on a spoonful of Thai tradition. Tom Kha Gai offers a soothing yet exotic experience, blending the gentle acidity of lime with the creamy richness of coconut milk. This Thai soup soothes the soul while exciting the palate with its layers of flavor, each sip is a testament to the delicate balance of herbs and spices.
Get the Recipe: Tom Kha Gai
Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs
Perfect for those who like their mornings to come with a kick, this dish transforms a simple meal into a bold statement. Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs take the breakfast game to a spicy new level, mixing the rich heat of gochujang with the comforting familiarity of bacon and eggs. It’s more than just a breakfast; it’s a wake-up call for you. Ignoring this dish would mean missing out on a fiery start to your day.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs
Miso Glazed Salmon
A perfect choice for a healthful, flavorful meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. Miso Glazed Salmon brings a touch of Japanese elegance to your dining table, with its glossy, umami-rich glaze that perfectly complements the tender, flaky texture of the salmon. This dish is a simple yet profound nod to the minimalist, flavor-focused philosophy of Japanese cuisine. Skipping this would mean missing out on a sublime seafood experience.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Spicy Miso Ramen
To skip this ramen is to skip a crucial chapter in the book of comfort foods. Spicy Miso Ramen is a bowl full of comfort with a kick, featuring rich broth that envelops the noodles, carrying with it the depth of miso and the kick of chili peppers. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warming embrace on a chilly day, providing both heat and solace with every slurp.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Miso Ramen
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Missing this would be like missing the essence of a New Orleans jazz fest. Cajun Shrimp and Grits is a soulful dish from the heart of Cajun country, offering a spicy, buttery encounter that marries the ocean’s bounty with down-home comfort. This dish is a cultural journey, a taste of Louisiana’s spirited cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
Each wing is seasoned to perfection, offering a crunch that’s followed by a burst of flavor. Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings deliver a crispy, savory, and slightly spicy experience that’s both unassuming and addictive. This dish embodies the joy of snacking, perfect for gatherings or a solo treat. To overlook these wings would be to miss out on the pure pleasure of finger foods.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Each bite is a reminder of the power of simple ingredients transformed by the fire. Lamb Kofta Kebabs is a delicious exploration of Middle Eastern flavors, with every skewer offering a succulent taste of spiced lamb that’s been grilled to perfection. This dish celebrates the tradition of sharing, ideal for a family feast or a social gathering. Not trying this would be like missing a gathering of old friends.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Korean Hot Dogs
To overlook this dish is to skip a chance at innovation. Korean Hot Dogs are where traditional American street food meets Korean flair, each bite is a surprising blend of familiar and exotic. Wrapped in a crispy, slightly sweet batter, these hot dogs challenge your expectations with their inventive toppings and bold spices. They’re a festival of flavors, meant to be enjoyed slowly, yet devoured quickly.
Get the Recipe: Korean Hot Dogs