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17 Dinners That Change The Way You Think About Weeknight Meals

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Weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or stressful. With 17 game-changing recipes to try, you can completely rethink your approach to those everyday meals. These dishes are all about breaking free from the routine and adding a little more excitement to your evenings.

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Pancit noodles on a plate with veggies and chicken.
Pancit Bihon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A garlic-based dish that brings bold flavors with every bite. Camarones al Mojo de Ajo combines shrimp with a rich, savory sauce that makes the dish both easy and satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that feels more special.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.
Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you’re craving something savory, this dish delivers in a big way. Hoisin Beef uses a unique sauce that coats the beef and adds a depth of flavor. It’s a great weeknight meal when you want something comforting and simple.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

A bowl of wonton soup with shrimp in it.
Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This soup offers a delicious mix of tender wontons in a flavorful broth. Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup is a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and filling. It’s perfect for when you need a quick, hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

Beef Birria

low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you need a hearty, flavorful meal, this dish is a great option. Beef Birria features tender beef cooked in a rich, flavorful broth that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s an easy yet flavorful dish to make any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Char Kway Teow

A close-up of stir-fried flat noodles with shrimp, sliced sausage, and vegetables, served on a banana leaf.
Char Kway Teow. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

A noodle-based dish with a smoky flavor that’s easy to make and full of savory goodness. Char Kway Teow is a flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for weeknights. It’s quick to put together and packs a punch with its unique flavors.
Get the Recipe: Char Kway Teow

Thai Shrimp Curry

Overhead shot of a bowl of Thai shrimp curry over rice with silverware and lime wedges on the side.
Thai Shrimp Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish brings comfort and warmth with every bite. Thai Shrimp Curry combines shrimp with a rich, coconut-based curry sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight option that’s full of flavor without being overly complicated.
Get the Recipe: Thai Shrimp Curry

Kung Pao Chicken

Low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kung Pao Chicken is a stir-fry that combines savory flavors with a bit of heat. This dish brings a spicy kick and plenty of crunch to the table. It’s an easy and flavorful meal for those who like a little spice in their weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Spicy Gochujang Tofu

A bowl of glazed tofu pieces garnished with chopped scallions and peanuts, served over white rice with chopsticks.
Spicy Gochujang Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re looking for a meal with some heat, this dish won’t disappoint. Spicy Gochujang Tofu features tofu with a spicy, savory sauce that makes for a quick dinner. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a simple, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Gochujang Tofu

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Miso Glazed Salmon

Miso glazed salmon on a plate with rice and spinach.
Miso Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you want a light yet filling dinner, this is a great go-to dish. Miso Glazed Salmon offers a perfect balance of salty, savory flavors with tender fish. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to make dinner feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish brings the rich, layered flavors of biryani in a fraction of the time. Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani is a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful dinner. It’s a great option when you want a filling, hearty meal without hours of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Pancit Bihon

Pancit noodles on a plate with veggies and chicken.
Pancit Bihon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Filipino noodle dish is light yet packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Pancit Bihon is easy to make and a great way to use up any leftover veggies or meat. It’s a simple but delicious option when you want something hearty but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon

Bang Bang Shrimp

Plate of rice topped with shrimp in sauce, garnished with chopped tomatoes and green onions, with chopsticks on the side. Another similar plate and vegetables in the background.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re craving something crispy and packed with flavor, this dish is a great choice. Bang Bang Shrimp brings together tender shrimp with a spicy, creamy sauce that adds just the right amount of kick. It’s a great dinner for when you need something quick but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Pork Fried Rice

Pork fried rice in a blue and white striped bowl.
Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A classic dish that’s easy to make and always hits the spot, this recipe uses leftover rice for a quick meal. Pork Fried Rice is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good stir-fry with savory pork and a mix of flavors. It’s an excellent option when you need something fast and filling.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Korean Black Bean Noodles

A close-up of a pan filled with savory noodles and chunks of meat being lifted by chopsticks. The dish appears well-seasoned with sauce, and green garnishes are sprinkled on top. A beige napkin and a piece of dumpling are in the background.
Korean Black Bean Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

This dish combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying noodle bowl. Korean Black Bean Noodles are a great choice when you want a hearty meal with a mix of savory and sweet flavors. It’s a solid go-to for a filling dinner without a lot of prep time.
Get the Recipe: Korean Black Bean Noodles

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken adobo with rice and scallions on the side.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a quick take on a classic Filipino dish, this recipe is a winner. Instant Pot Chicken Adobo offers all the bold flavors of the traditional dish in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect when you need something hearty and full of flavor, but don’t want to spend all night cooking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Air Fryer Carnitas

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, this dish takes less time than traditional carnitas. Air Fryer Carnitas gives you all the flavors you love in a fraction of the time. It’s a great choice when you need a quick dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Stir-fried diced chicken with dried chilies and spring onions in a black skillet.
Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish combines a creamy, spicy sauce with tender chicken for a meal that’s hard to beat. Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their dinner. It’s an excellent option when you want something satisfying but quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Founder, Writer, Recipe Developer at All The Noodles

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

By on December 16th, 2024

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