454 delicious main course recipes from around the world
A quintessential Isaan-style Thai grilled chicken, marinated in a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. This dish is a beloved street food classic, best enjoyed with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce.
A classic Turkish dish of eggplants stuffed with a savory mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic, then slow-braised in abundant olive oil until meltingly tender. The name, 'The Imam Fainted,' is said to refer to the dish's rich flavor, the amount of olive oil used, or perhaps its perceived expense.
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.
A giant, crispy Oaxacan tortilla, often called a 'tlayuda', serves as the base for a delicious street food experience. It's spread with savory pork lard (asiento), refried beans, melted Oaxaca cheese, and your choice of protein, then crisped to perfection. Think of it as a rustic, flavorful Oaxacan pizza.
A traditional Bulgarian dish featuring white fish baked with a medley of vegetables, herbs, and often a light tomato sauce.
A classic Russian dish featuring tender chicken breasts pounded thin, filled with a luscious herb and garlic butter, then breaded and fried to a golden crisp. The signature molten butter center is a delightful surprise.
A classic North Sumatran dish featuring thick, chewy noodles tossed in a rich, aromatic, and spicy curry sauce, often served with tender beef or seafood.
A succulent Zebu steak, a prized meat in Madagascar, is pan-seared to perfection and served with a rich, aromatic sauce infused with the island's famous vanilla and a hint of spicy green peppercorns.
A vibrant and refreshing Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche, featuring perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a zesty tomato-citrus broth, balanced with thinly sliced red onion and fresh cilantro. Traditionally served with crunchy popcorn and plantain chips for a delightful textural contrast.
Authentic Egyptian Waraq Enab, featuring tender grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, ground beef, and fresh herbs, simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. A beloved traditional dish.
A flavorful and aromatic Bulgarian dish featuring white fish baked with a medley of vegetables, herbs, and a light tomato-based sauce. It's a healthy and delicious way to enjoy fresh fish.
A staple in Ukrainian cuisine, this savory buckwheat kasha (porridge) is cooked with sautéed mushrooms and onions, creating a deeply flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish. It can be served as a side or a main course.
A classic Milanese dish featuring a bone-in veal cutlet, expertly breaded and fried to a perfect golden crisp in butter. The signature 'ear' shape, achieved by the bone, adds to its rustic charm and ensures a delightful crispy edge.
A modern Turkish classic, this Beyti Kebab features flavorful Adana-style ground lamb, seasoned and grilled, then wrapped in soft lavash bread and generously topped with a rich tomato-butter sauce and cooling garlic yogurt. It's an indulgent and satisfying dish.
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.
Authentic Egyptian Ta'ameya, a vibrant green fritter made from fava beans, not chickpeas. Known for its crispy exterior and tender, herbaceous interior, it's a beloved street food, especially in Alexandria.
Alheira is a traditional Portuguese smoked sausage, typically bread-based, originating from Jewish crypto-food traditions. It is most commonly fried until crispy and served with accompaniments like fries and a fried egg.
A fragrant and flavorful rice pilaf cooked with tender pieces of lamb, aromatic spices, and vegetables, often served as a celebratory dish.
Lok Lok is a popular Malaysian street food where various ingredients are skewered and then cooked by boiling in a flavorful broth or deep-frying. It's a highly customizable and interactive dining experience, perfect for sharing.
A traditional Catalan vegetable flatbread, often referred to as a 'harvest bread' due to its seasonal vegetable toppings. This recipe features a flavorful escalivada of roasted eggplant and peppers, sweet caramelized onions, and savory anchovies on a rustic dough base.
Ayam Goreng Kalasan is a beloved Indonesian dish featuring chicken that is first braised in a fragrant, spiced coconut milk mixture, then twice-fried to achieve an incredibly crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. This method ensures the chicken is deeply infused with flavor and perfectly cooked.
A hearty and flavorful dish of bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat, rice, and spices, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. It's a comforting classic that evokes memories of home for many Macedonians.
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.
A refined version of boiled beef, Tafelspitz, a classic dish in Swiss cuisine, particularly popular in Basel. It features tender, slow-cooked beef served with a variety of traditional accompaniments.
