Gather everyone around with hearty mains that make dinner the highlight of the day. These 17 dishes are designed to keep everyone at the table, from the first bite to the last. Whether it’s a family feast or a casual weeknight meal, these recipes do all the heavy lifting, leaving you more time to enjoy the company. And yes, seconds are pretty much guaranteed, so don’t be surprised if plates come back for a refill.

Chicken Pakora

If you’re looking for a snack that doubles as a hearty meal, Chicken Pakora is your go-to. These crispy bites are a perfect blend of tender chicken and vibrant spices, coated in a light batter. They’re great for sharing with friends and family, making them a staple at gatherings. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up for a last-minute appetizer or a fulfilling main.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Imagine a dish that brings the essence of the ocean right to your dining table; Camarones al Mojo de Ajo does just that. Garlic lovers, prepare yourselves for a treat, as this dish features shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic sauce. It’s a simple yet profoundly flavorful way to enjoy seafood. Pair it with some rice or fresh bread, and you have a meal that’s both hearty and aromatic.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Singapore Noodles

Bringing a slice of Southeast Asia into your home has never been easier with Singapore Noodles. This dish stands out with its thin, stir-fried vermicelli noodles, tossed with a variety of crisp vegetables and sometimes shrimp or chicken. The curry seasoning gives it a distinct taste that’s hard to forget. It’s a brilliant option for when you want something different from the usual pasta or rice dishes.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps are a modern twist on a traditional Middle Eastern favorite. Using an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect blend of spice-coated chicken that’s both juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Wrapped in a soft pita with veggies and sauce, it’s a hands-on meal that brings people together. Not to mention, it’s a healthier take on fast food that doesn’t sacrifice any of the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Quesabirria Tacos

For those who adore the combination of cheese and tender meat, Quesabirria Tacos are a dream come true. This trendy dish features the juicy, spicy allure of birria combined with melty cheese, all folded into a crispy tortilla. It’s the sort of meal that makes you want to have friends over just to share the experience. And let’s not forget the consommé for dipping, which takes it to another level of enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Pizza Carbonara

When pizza meets the creamy and comforting flavors of carbonara, you get Pizza Carbonara. This unique pizza brings together the warmth of traditional Italian carbonara topped on a crispy crust. It’s a creative spin on pizza night that’s sure to surprise and please your dinner crowd. Every slice serves up a bit of crispiness, creaminess, and savory goodness.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Carbonara

Hoisin Beef

If you’re in the mood for something that perfectly blends sweetness and spice, Hoisin Beef is your go-to. It’s all about finding the right balance between juicy beef and the deep, rich sauce it’s cooked in. This dish isn’t just about bringing heat to the table; it’s about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where every bite is as comforting as the last. Gather your friends and family; this is a meal that promises to warm everyone from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Kerala Fish Curry

This Kerala Fish Curry offers a unique take on fish, incorporating coconut milk and a variety of spices that transform it into something special. It’s a dish that tells a story of tradition, with each ingredient playing a pivotal role in its depth of flavor. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave a touch of the exotic, straight from your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Kerala Fish Curry

Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are a great way to start any morning or turn a simple evening meal into a fiesta. This dish is all about layers of flavor, from the crunch of the chips to the warmth of the salsa, all topped off with a generous sprinkle of cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to spice up your meal routine, chilaquiles bring everyone to the table with smiles.
Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles

Mongolian Chicken

This dish is the answer when you’re looking for something that packs a flavorful punch without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s all about the sauce — sweet, a little spicy, and utterly addictive, clinging to every piece of tender chicken. Mongolian Chicken is a weeknight warrior, turning dinner into something to look forward to. It might just become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken, proving that quick meals can be incredibly good.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema are a fresh take on tacos that will make any meal feel like a beach getaway. The cilantro lime crema is the secret weapon, adding a bright, tangy flavor that complements the fish perfectly. It’s a dish that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat, encouraging everyone to get hands-on. Perfect for those days when you want to bring a bit of sunshine to your dinner table, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

For a twist on classic flavors, Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken offers a surprisingly delicious combination. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder how you ever lived without the rich, nutty sauce that perfectly coats each piece of chicken. This is comfort food with an edge, ideal for shaking up your usual dinner routine. It’s proof that sometimes, the most unexpected combinations can lead to the best results.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Pancit Bihon

Pancit Bihon is a Filipino noodle dish that’s all about simplicity and flavor. With its mix of vegetables and chicken or pork, all tossed with thin rice noodles, it’s a celebration of textures and tastes in one dish. This dish is a staple at celebrations for a reason, bringing people together to share in its comforting warmth. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most straightforward dishes are the ones that stand out the most.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon

Air Fryer Enchiladas

These Air Fryer Enchiladas are a modern twist on a classic, proving that tradition can meet technology in the tastiest ways. They come out of the air fryer crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, with every bite packed with flavor. This dish is for those nights when you want something hearty but are short on time. It’s a creative way to enjoy a favorite without the fuss, showing that sometimes, new methods can bring out the best in familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork is a dish that commands attention, blending the softness of tofu with the robustness of spicy ground pork in a Sichuan sauce that’s bold and unforgettable. It’s the kind of meal that heats you up and keeps you coming back for more, making it perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their life. This is a dish that doesn’t just fill you up; it offers an experience, inviting you to test your spice tolerance level.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

This dish invite you to a world where tender, marinated beef meets a variety of fresh and pickled vegetables atop a bed of steaming rice. It’s a dish that’s both balanced and bold, offering a harmony of flavors that speak to the heart of Korean cooking. Beef Bulgogi Bowls are about more than just eating; they’re about exploring a culture through its cuisine, one bite at a time.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Miso Glazed Salmon

Miso Glazed Salmon is a dish that celebrates the delicate flavors of the ocean, enhanced by the umami-rich miso glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. It’s a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. This dish is ideal for those who appreciate the fine balance of flavors and the beauty of simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon