weeknight meal Recipes
28 delicious weeknight meal recipes from around the world
Cottage Pie
A hearty and comforting British classic, this Cottage Pie features a rich, savory beef mince filling topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. Perfect for a weeknight meal.
Kotlety (Russian Meat Patties)
Tender and flavorful pan-fried meat patties, a beloved everyday comfort food in Russia. These kotlety are known for their soft texture, achieved through the addition of soaked bread.
Makaronada me Kima (Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce)
A comforting and flavorful Greek classic, Makaronada me Kima features spaghetti tossed with a rich, cinnamon-spiced meat sauce. Traditionally enjoyed as a hearty Sunday lunch.
Pollo al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Chicken)
A classic Spanish dish featuring tender chicken pieces pan-fried and simmered in a generous amount of garlic-infused olive oil, with a splash of white wine and aromatic bay leaves. Simple, rustic, and incredibly flavorful.
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
A classic Neapolitan pasta dish, 'Spaghetti alla Puttanesca' translates to 'pasta of the prostitutes' or 'lady of the night pasta.' It's renowned for its intensely savory, spicy, and briny flavor profile derived from a quick sauce featuring tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, and chili. Traditionally served without cheese.
Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
Budae Jjigae, meaning 'army stew,' is a hearty and spicy Korean soup that originated after the Korean War. It ingeniously uses readily available processed ingredients like Spam and hot dogs, combined with kimchi and ramen noodles, to create a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfect for a chilly evening or a communal meal.
Bulgogi (Korean Grilled Marinated Beef)
A quintessential Korean dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, pear, garlic, and sesame oil, then grilled to tender perfection. Traditionally cooked over charcoal for a smoky depth, it's a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Cap Cay (Indonesian Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry)
A vibrant and healthy Indonesian-Chinese stir-fry featuring a colorful medley of vegetables and your choice of protein, all coated in a savory sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and easily customizable.
Classic Chicken or Pork Chow Mein
A beloved Chinese stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender noodles, crisp-tender vegetables, and your choice of protein, all coated in a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Filipino Giniling (Picadillo-Style)
A comforting and flavorful Filipino dish featuring ground meat simmered in a savory tomato sauce with tender vegetables. This picadillo-style giniling is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Jeyuk Bokkeum (Korean Spicy Pork Stir-Fry)
A beloved Korean dish featuring thinly sliced pork shoulder coated in a vibrant, spicy, and savory gochujang-based sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful addition to a Korean feast.
Jing Jiang Rou Si (Shredded Pork in Beijing Sauce)
A classic Beijing dish featuring tender, julienned pork stir-fried in a savory-sweet sauce made with sweet bean paste (Tian Mian Jiang). This recipe is designed for a fun, interactive dining experience, similar to enjoying Peking Duck, where diners wrap the flavorful pork with fresh scallions and crisp cucumber in warm Mandarin pancakes.
Keema (Spiced Ground Lamb Curry)
A comforting and flavorful Indian curry made with spiced minced lamb (or goat) and peas, simmered in a thick, aromatic gravy. This dish is known for its rich taste and satisfying texture.
La Chang Fan (Chinese Sausage Rice)
A comforting and flavorful Cantonese dish featuring sweet and savory lap cheong (Chinese cured sausage) steamed directly over jasmine rice. The rendered fat from the sausage infuses the rice with its delicious essence, creating a simple yet satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Mu Xu Rou (Moo Shu Pork)
A classic Northern Chinese stir-fry featuring thinly sliced pork, rehydrated wood ear mushrooms, and scrambled eggs, all seasoned and served with delicate Mandarin pancakes and hoisin sauce. The name 'Mu Xu' translates to 'wood flower', referring to the wood ear mushrooms.
Pancit Bihon
A classic Filipino celebration dish featuring delicate rice stick noodles stir-fried with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. Pancit Bihon is often served at birthdays and other special occasions, symbolizing long life.
Sake Teriyaki Salmon
Tender salmon fillets with crispy skin, coated in a rich, glossy, and caramelized teriyaki glaze made with sake, mirin, and soy sauce. A quick and flavorful Japanese classic.
Salmon Teriyaki
Perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets coated in a luscious, homemade teriyaki glaze. This classic Japanese dish is a delightful balance of savory and sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Shogayaki (Japanese Ginger Pork)
A beloved Japanese home-style dish featuring thinly sliced pork stir-fried in a savory and aromatic ginger-soy sauce. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Tavuk Sote (Turkish Chicken Sauté)
A quick and flavorful Turkish chicken sauté featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with vibrant bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic onions and garlic. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Vegetable Pulao
A fragrant and flavorful one-pot rice dish featuring basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and aromatic whole spices. Perfect for a simple yet satisfying everyday meal.
California Smash Burger
Thin, crispy-edged patties with a tangy special sauce and fresh, crisp toppings, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun. A taste of West Coast fast food perfection.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
A comforting and classic American tuna noodle casserole, featuring tender egg noodles and flaky tuna in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with a crunchy potato chip crust. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Smashburger
Thin patties smashed on a screaming hot griddle to achieve maximum crispy crust. This is the burger that redefined fast-casual.