weeknight dinner Recipes
26 delicious weeknight dinner recipes from around the world
Côtes de Porc Charcutière
A classic French bistro dish featuring pan-fried pork chops served in a tangy, savory sauce made with white wine, Dijon mustard, and cornichons. This recipe delivers a quick yet elegant meal.
Korvstroganoff (Swedish Sausage Stroganoff)
A beloved Swedish household staple, this Korvstroganoff is a quick, creamy, and flavorful sausage and onion dish, perfect for a speedy weeknight family dinner. It's a comforting classic that's surprisingly simple to make.
Bistek Tagalog
Bistek Tagalog, also known as Filipino beef steak, is a classic dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a tangy and savory blend of citrus and soy sauce, then pan-fried and served with caramelized onions. It's a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Classic Chinese Lo Mein
A beloved Chinese takeout classic, this Lo Mein features tender egg noodles stir-fried with your choice of protein and crisp vegetables in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Achieve authentic flavor and texture right in your own kitchen.
Cong Bao Niu Rou (Scallion Beef)
A classic and quick Chinese stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef wok-seared to perfection and tossed with a generous amount of fresh, crisp scallions. This dish is known for its simplicity and bold flavors.
Gà Rô-ti (Vietnamese Roast Chicken)
A classic Vietnamese roast chicken, deeply influenced by French culinary techniques. This dish features a whole chicken marinated in a savory blend of fish sauce and honey, then roasted to a beautiful golden-brown with aromatic lemongrass and garlic, resulting in incredibly tender meat and crispy skin.
Gaeng Keow Wan Look Chin Pla (Thai Green Curry with Fish Balls)
A classic and vibrant Thai green curry featuring bouncy fish balls, tender Thai eggplant, and fragrant Thai basil, simmered in a rich coconut milk broth. This quick and easy curry is perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ginataang Hipon (Shrimp in Coconut Milk)
A classic Filipino comfort food, Ginataang Hipon features succulent shrimp simmered in creamy coconut milk with tender vegetables. This dish is quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Gong Bao Xia Ren (Kung Pao Shrimp)
A classic Sichuan stir-fry featuring plump shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and a vibrant sweet, sour, and spicy sauce. This shrimp version is often considered lighter and quicker to prepare than its chicken counterpart.
Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)
A classic Japanese comfort food featuring thinly sliced beef and sweet onions simmered in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce, served generously over fluffy steamed rice. Often topped with a soft-cooked or raw egg for added richness.
Hambagu (Japanese Hamburger Steak)
A beloved Yoshoku (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine) dish, Hambagu is a juicy, flavorful hamburger steak patty, typically served with a rich demi-glace sauce. It's a comforting and popular meal for all ages.
Indian Fried Rice
A quick and flavorful Indo-Chinese fried rice, featuring fluffy rice stir-fried with crisp vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory soy-vinegar sauce. Perfect as a standalone meal or a delicious accompaniment to Manchurian dishes.
Khao Pad Gai (Thai Chicken Fried Rice)
A simple yet incredibly flavorful Thai chicken fried rice, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and high-heat cooking for that authentic wok-kissed taste.
Khao Pad Nam Prik Pao (Thai Chili Paste Fried Rice)
A quick and flavorful Thai fried rice featuring the complex sweet, savory, and spicy notes of nam prik pao (Thai chili paste). Perfect for a weeknight meal.
Krapao Moo Sap (Thai Holy Basil Stir-fry with Pork)
An iconic Thai street food dish featuring savory minced pork stir-fried with fiery chilies, garlic, and the distinct peppery aroma of holy basil. This quick and intensely flavorful dish is best served piping hot over jasmine rice, often crowned with a crispy fried egg.
La Rou Chao (Hunan Smoked Bacon Stir-Fry)
A classic Hunan dish featuring intensely smoky cured pork belly (la rou) stir-fried with pungent garlic stems and fiery dried chilies. This recipe balances the richness of the bacon with fresh aromatics for a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ojingeo Bokkeum (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Squid)
A vibrant and flavorful Korean dish featuring tender squid stir-fried in a spicy, savory gochujang-based sauce with fresh vegetables. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Yaki Udon
A quick and satisfying Japanese stir-fry featuring thick, chewy udon noodles tossed with savory pork, crisp vegetables, and a simple soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a late-night craving.
Arroz Tapado (Peruvian Covered Rice)
Arroz Tapado, meaning 'covered rice,' is a beloved Peruvian dish where fluffy rice encases a savory, flavorful filling, creating a delightful surprise with every bite. It's a comforting and visually appealing meal perfect for any occasion.
Blackened Redfish
This iconic Cajun dish, popularized by Chef Paul Prudhomme, features redfish fillets coated in a bold spice blend and seared in an extremely hot cast-iron skillet until a dark, flavorful crust forms. The high heat and butter create a signature smoky, blackened finish.
Carne en Bistec
A classic Venezuelan comfort food, Carne en Bistec features tender strips of beef quickly cooked with onions and tomatoes. It's a flavorful and satisfying everyday meal, perfect for a weeknight.
Enfrijoladas
Enfrijoladas are a beloved Mexican dish where corn tortillas are briefly fried or softened, then bathed in a rich, smooth black bean sauce. They are typically filled with cheese and finished with a drizzle of crema, more sauce, and fresh toppings like avocado. They are a simpler, yet equally delicious, cousin to enchiladas.
Lomo Fino Saltado (Premium Beef Stir-Fry)
An upscale take on the classic Peruvian Lomo Saltado, this version features tender beef tenderloin for a luxurious chifa experience. It's a vibrant stir-fry bursting with savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, traditionally served with rice and French fries.
Pollo en Brasas (Venezuelan Rotisserie Chicken)
A quintessential Venezuelan rotisserie chicken, marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, spices, and citrus, then grilled to achieve incredibly tender meat and crispy, flavorful skin. This dish is a beloved national fast food, perfect for gatherings.