Dinnertime doesn’t have to feel like a nightly obstacle course, especially with 21 easy-to-make meals. These recipes prove you can serve up something delicious without breaking a sweat—or ordering takeout for the third time this week. It’s all about making dinner effortless but still exciting.
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Szechuan Shrimp
Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner option? Szechuan Shrimp might be just what you need. This dish combines the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with succulent shrimp. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals and can be served over rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp
Air Fryer Wontons
Craving crispy appetizers without the guilt? Try making Air Fryer Wontons for your next meal or gathering. These bite-sized treats are easier to make than you might think and require minimal oil. They’re great for parties or as a fun family cooking activity.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons
Soba Noodles Miso Soup
When you’re in the mood for something comforting yet light, Soba Noodles Miso Soup is an excellent choice. This Japanese-inspired dish combines hearty buckwheat noodles with a flavorful miso broth. It’s a warming meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodles Miso Soup
Har Gow
Bring the dim sum experience home with homemade Har Gow. These delicate shrimp dumplings are a staple in Cantonese cuisine and easier to make than you might think. They’re perfect for a special dinner or as part of a larger Asian-inspired feast.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Craving takeout but want to keep things healthier? Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a great alternative to the classic Chinese-American dish. This version uses the air fryer to achieve crispy chicken without deep frying. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Miso Glazed Salmon
For a quick and nutritious dinner option, consider making Miso Glazed Salmon. This Japanese-inspired dish combines the rich flavor of salmon with a sweet and savory miso glaze. It’s an easy way to incorporate more fish into your diet and pairs well with rice and steamed vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Crispy Beef
If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, Crispy Beef might hit the spot. This Chinese-inspired dish features tender strips of beef with a crispy exterior. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or when you’re entertaining guests.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef
Butter Garlic Naan
Level up your next Indian meal with homemade Butter Garlic Naan. This soft, pillowy bread is perfect for scooping up a curry or enjoying it on its own. While it might seem intimidating to make, it’s actually quite simple and well worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Butter Garlic Naan
Spicy Prawns in a Noodle Nest
Looking for a show-stopping dish? Try making Spicy Prawns in a Noodle Nest. This visually appealing dish combines succulent prawns with crispy noodles for an interesting texture contrast. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Prawns in a Noodle Nest
Indian Frankies
For a fun twist on traditional Indian flavors, give Indian Frankies a try. These rolled-up street food wraps are filled with spiced vegetables or meat and various chutneys. They’re perfect for a casual dinner or as a portable lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Indian Frankies
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
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Short on time but still want a homemade meal? Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein might be the answer. This quick and easy version of the classic Chinese noodle dish comes together in no time thanks to the pressure cooker. It’s a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
Chicken Karaage
This Japanese fried chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser. Chicken Karaage is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage
Tanghulu
For a unique dessert or snack, try this Chinese treat. Tanghulu features fruit coated in a hard candy shell. It’s a fun way to enjoy fruit and can be made with various types depending on your preference.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu
Korean Ramen
Upgrade your instant noodles with this flavorful twist. Korean Ramen takes basic ramen and transforms it into a more substantial meal. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and quick.
Get the Recipe: Korean Ramen
Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork
This Sichuan dish brings the heat to your dinner table. Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork combines soft tofu with savory ground pork in a spicy sauce. It’s traditionally served over rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork
Chicken Potstickers

Chicken Potstickers can be steamed, boiled, or pan-fried for a crispy bottom. These dumplings are easier to make at home than you might think. They’re great as an appetizer or can be paired with a vegetable side for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers
Thai Red Curry Sauce
This versatile sauce is a staple in Thai cuisine. Thai Red Curry Sauce can be used with various proteins and vegetables. It’s a great way to add bold flavors to your weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Sauce
Sweet and Sour Tofu
Sweet and Sour Tofu offers a balance of flavors in a meat-free package. This vegetarian dish is a take on the classic Chinese-American favorite. It’s a good option for Meatless Mondays or for adding variety to your weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Tofu
Dry Fried Green Beans
This Sichuan side dish is a flavorful way to eat your vegetables. Dry Fried Green Beans are cooked until blistered and paired with aromatics. They’re a great accompaniment to any Asian-inspired main course.
Get the Recipe: Dry Fried Green Beans
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani is aromatic and flavorful, with tender shrimp throughout. This Indian rice dish comes together quickly in a pressure cooker. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Also known as Drunken Noodles, this Thai dish is full of bold flavors. Pad Kee Mao with Chicken features wide rice noodles stir-fried with chicken and vegetables. It’s a satisfying meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
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