main course Recipes
223 delicious main course recipes from around the world
Siu Mai (Cantonese Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
Classic Cantonese dim sum siu mai are open-topped dumplings filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms, steamed to juicy perfection. They are traditionally garnished with a dot of crab roe, but finely grated carrot is a common alternative.
Tah-chin-e Mahi (Persian Saffron Rice and Fish Cake)
A beloved Caspian specialty, Tah-chin-e Mahi is a fragrant and flavorful Persian rice cake featuring a crispy, golden saffron-infused rice crust encasing tender pieces of seasoned fish. It's a delightful combination of textures and aromas.
Tahchin (Persian Saffron Rice Cake)
An elegant and festive Persian rice cake, Tahchin features layers of fragrant saffron-infused rice and tender chicken, baked to a delightful golden crispiness at the bottom. It's a showstopper main course.
Tandoori Chicken
Tender chicken leg quarters marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt and aromatic spices, then roasted to perfection until beautifully charred and incredibly juicy, boasting the signature smoky flavor and fiery red hue of authentic tandoori cooking.
Tempura
Experience the delicate crunch of Japanese tempura, featuring a selection of fresh vegetables and succulent seafood encased in an ethereally light, crispy batter. The secrets to its signature texture lie in using ice-cold ingredients for the batter and minimal mixing, ensuring a delicate, lacy finish.
Thịt Heo Quay (Vietnamese Crispy Roast Pork Belly)
An iconic Vietnamese celebration dish, Thịt Heo Quay features succulent pork belly roasted to perfection with incredibly crispy, crackling skin. This recipe guides you through achieving that coveted crunch and tender interior.
Thịt Nướng (Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Pork)
Tender, flavorful Vietnamese grilled pork marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and shallots. Grilled until beautifully charred and caramelized, this dish is a staple, often served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce).
Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Cutlet)
Crispy, golden-brown panko-crusted deep-fried pork loin cutlets. A beloved Yoshoku (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine) classic, perfect served with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce.
Tteok-galbi (Korean Grilled Short Rib Patties)
Tteok-galbi are delicious, savory-sweet patties made from finely minced beef short ribs, often mixed with pork for texture. Traditionally a specialty of Gwangju, these patties are marinated and then grilled to a perfect caramelization, resulting in a juicy interior and a flavorful crust. The inclusion of pear acts as a natural tenderizer.
Vegetable Biryani
A fragrant and flavorful layered rice dish featuring tender mixed vegetables simmered in aromatic spices, layered with partially cooked basmati rice, and finished with saffron-infused milk and ghee. A true vegetarian feast.
Vịt Quay (Vietnamese Roast Duck)
A classic Vietnamese celebration dish, Vịt Quay is a whole duck lacquered and roasted to achieve incredibly crispy, golden-brown skin and succulent, flavorful meat. This recipe draws inspiration from Chinese roasting techniques.
Warak Enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Tender grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of spiced rice and ground lamb, then gently braised until meltingly soft. A beloved classic of Levantine cuisine.
Yong Tau Foo (Malaysian Stuffed Tofu and Vegetables)
A beloved Hakka dish from Malaysia, Yong Tau Foo is a customizable meal where you choose various vegetables and tofu to be stuffed with a savory fish paste, then cooked in a flavorful broth or fried until golden. It's a delightful 'choose your own adventure' culinary experience.
Yum Pla Duk Fu (Thai Crispy Catfish Salad)
A vibrant and textural Thai salad featuring fluffy, crispy fried catfish flakes tossed with a zesty green mango and herb dressing. The sourness of the mango, the heat of the chili, and the savory notes of the dressing perfectly complement the light and airy texture of the fried fish.
Yum Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad)
A vibrant and refreshing Thai glass noodle salad featuring tender shrimp, savory ground pork, and a zesty, spicy dressing. Perfect as a light main course or a flavorful appetizer.
Zereshk Polo ba Morgh (Persian Barberry Rice with Saffron Chicken)
A beloved Persian dish featuring fragrant basmati rice layered with saffron and jeweled with tart, slightly sweet barberries, served alongside tender chicken pieces braised in a rich saffron-infused sauce. The crispy rice crust, known as tahdig, is a highly prized element.
Acarajé
Authentic Bahian black-eyed pea fritters, a beloved Afro-Brazilian street food. These crispy, golden-fried bean cakes are traditionally split open and generously filled with creamy vatapá, savory caruru, and a sprinkle of dried shrimp.
Ají de Gallina
A classic Peruvian comfort food, Ají de Gallina features tender shredded chicken bathed in a rich, creamy, and subtly spicy sauce made from ají amarillo peppers, blended with bread, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese. It's traditionally served over boiled potatoes.
Arroz con Mariscos
A vibrant and flavorful Peruvian seafood rice dish, featuring tender mixed seafood simmered in a rich, slightly spicy ají amarillo sauce. A true coastal favorite.
Bife de Chorizo (Argentine Strip Steak)
A prime cut of Argentine strip steak, known as Bife de Chorizo, expertly grilled to perfection. This restaurant favorite is celebrated for its rich flavor and tender texture, typically served with vibrant chimichurri.
Bollitos Pelones (Venezuelan Meat-Stuffed Corn Dumplings)
Tender corn dumplings, stuffed with a savory seasoned ground beef filling and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. A beloved Venezuelan comfort food.
Caigua Rellena (Stuffed Caigua)
A traditional Peruvian dish featuring the unique Andean vegetable, caigua, generously stuffed with a savory ground beef, raisin, and olive filling, then baked until tender and topped with melted cheese.
Camarones a la Diabla (Devilish Shrimp)
A classic Mexican dish featuring succulent shrimp bathed in a fiery, rich red chile sauce. 'A la diabla' translates to 'deviled,' indicating its signature intense heat. This recipe is for those who truly enjoy a spicy kick, but heat levels can be adjusted.
Casquinha de Siri (Brazilian Stuffed Crab Shells)
A classic Brazilian beach bar delicacy, this dish features tender crab meat mixed with aromatic vegetables and creamy coconut milk, baked in crab shells (or ramekins) until golden and bubbly. It's a flavorful and comforting seafood gratin.