Tired of making the same old recipes? These dishes bring something new to the table with unexpected flavors and fun twists. Whether it's a spicy noodle dish or a creamy curry, these are the recipes you didn’t know were missing from your lineup. They’re easy, satisfying, and anything but boring. Get ready to shake up your routine with these delicious finds.
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Teriyaki Salmon Noodles
Tender salmon paired with chewy noodles and a sweet teriyaki glaze makes this dish a unique twist on your usual weeknight dinner. The flavors are simple but bold, and it’s a great way to change up your noodle game. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Noodles
Creamy Gochujang Pasta
This pasta dish brings together creamy sauce with a spicy kick of gochujang. It’s an unexpected blend of Italian and Korean flavors that works surprisingly well. Perfect for when you want something different yet comforting for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Gochujang Pasta
Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles
Chewy udon noodles stir-fried with juicy shrimp and veggies create a dish that’s hard to resist. The savory sauce coats every bite, making it a unique dish to add to your weeknight lineup. It’s a quick fix that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles
Scallion Noodles
These noodles are tossed with crispy scallions, garlic, and a savory sauce that’s simple but packed with flavor. It’s a dish you didn’t know you needed until you try it. Perfect for when you want something light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Noodles
Korean Ramen
This isn’t your typical ramen—think rich broth, spicy gochujang, and loads of fresh toppings. It’s a comforting bowl that’s perfect for when you need a little heat. Easy to make but full of complex flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Korean Ramen
Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles
Thick Hokkien noodles stir-fried with a savory sauce, crisp veggies, and your choice of protein make this a must-try. It’s a quick way to add something new to your dinner rotation. The chewy texture and bold flavors are anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles
Kung Pao Chicken Noodles
This dish takes classic kung pao chicken and mixes it with noodles for a hearty meal. The spicy, tangy sauce and crunchy peanuts make every bite exciting. It’s a fun twist on a takeout favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Noodles
Pad See Ew with Chicken
Wide rice noodles, tender chicken, and Chinese broccoli stir-fried in a sweet soy sauce bring a taste of Thailand to your table. It’s simple yet packed with deep, smoky flavors. A perfect dish to break out when you’re craving something new and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Pad See Ew with Chicken
Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork
These noodles are coated in a spicy, savory sauce with ground pork that’s full of umami. The tingly heat from Sichuan peppercorns is something you won’t forget. It’s a unique dish that’ll keep you coming back for that bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
This lo mein is made even easier with the Instant Pot, delivering tender pork and perfectly cooked noodles in no time. The savory sauce soaks into the noodles, creating a dish that’s both simple and delicious. It’s a one-pot wonder you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
Dan Dan Noodles
A spicy, nutty sauce coats every strand of these noodles, with ground pork adding extra richness. The bold flavors make this dish a standout. It’s a must-try if you’re looking to spice up your noodle game.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles
Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa
This rich, coconut-based noodle soup is loaded with chicken, spices, and a hint of lime. It’s a unique blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that you’ll crave once you’ve tried it. Perfect for when you need something warming yet vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa
Shrimp Yakisoba
Stir-fried yakisoba noodles with shrimp and veggies tossed in a tangy sauce create a dish that’s easy but unforgettable. It’s the perfect way to add some variety to your weeknight dinners without much effort. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you went without it.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yakisoba
Robin Donovan is an AP syndicated writer, recipe developer, food photographer, and author of more than 40 cookbooks including the bestsellers Ramen Obsession and Ramen for Beginners. Her work is featured by major media outlets including Huffington Post, MSN, Chicago Sun-Times, Orlando Sentinel, Buzzfeed, Cooking Light, Mercury News, Seattle Times, Pop Sugar, and many others. More about Robin