17 Meaty Mains That Will Leave Everyone’s Plates Clean

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17 Meaty Mains That Will Leave Everyone’s Plates Clean

Looking for a way to ensure every plate at the dinner table is wiped clean? The answer lies in these 17 meaty mains that have everyone asking for seconds before the first serving is even finished. Each dish brings a heartiness only meat can provide, perfect for those family dinners where no one wants to leave the table hungry. Trust us, even the family dog will be waiting hopefully under the table for something that just might not come—leftovers!

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

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Enjoy a crunch with every bite of Air Fryer Empanadas. These wonderful pockets are perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer and they cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer, making them a healthier option. They’re packed with flavor and are so popular, you’ll rarely see them lingering on the plate. Whether you serve them up hot and fresh for dinner or a gathering, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Beef Bulgogi Bowls bring the essence of Korean BBQ right to your dinner table. The tender, marinated beef has a sweet and savory flavor that melds beautifully with the accompanying rice and veggies. This dish is both comforting and fulfilling, perfect for a family meal that requires little prep but delivers big on taste. Each bowl is so flavorful, it’s often the first to be cleared at mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Char Siu

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Feast into the sweet and savory world of Char Siu, a traditional Chinese barbecued pork that’s a favorite in many households. This dish is known for its shiny, caramelized exterior and tender meat, making it a standout dish for any meal. It’s perfect sliced and served on rice, in noodles, or even stuffed in buns. When you make this at home, it’s enjoyed so quickly you’ll wonder why you don’t make it more often.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Hoisin Beef

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

If you’re in the mood for something rich and flavorful, Hoisin Beef is the way to go. This dish features beef slices glazed in a thick, fragrant hoisin sauce that makes each bite unforgettable. It’s quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or over fluffy rice. It’s a go-to for an easy, delicious dinner that leaves no room for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Gochujang Chicken

Gochujang chicken on a platter with fresh herbs.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Gochujang Chicken is a fiery delight, perfect for those who love a bit of heat. The Korean chili paste adds a deep, spicy flavor that’s balanced by a hint of sweetness. This chicken dish is often the highlight of the dinner table, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the bold flavors. It’s so popular, you’ll rarely see any left by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Treat yourself to the rich flavors of Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. The steak is tender and juicy, grilled to perfection, and the chile butter adds a melt-in-your-mouth richness that enhances every slice. This dish is a hit at barbecues and family dinners alike, often leaving guests asking for the recipe. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that’s sure to please any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a crunchy, delicious treat that’s perfect for a quick meal or a fun appetizer. These taquitos come out of the air fryer golden and crispy, filled with savory chicken that makes them irresistible. They’re so good that they’re often gone moments after they hit the table. Serve them with a side of guacamole and watch them disappear!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Pork Fried Rice

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

Whip up Pork Fried Rice for a fulfilling meal that combines all your favorites in one dish. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that features tender pork, fluffy rice, and a mix of vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. This dish is often a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something quick and fulfilling. It’s so delicious, there’s seldom any left for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

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.

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo brings classic Filipino flavors to your kitchen with minimal fuss. The combination of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic infuses the chicken with an irresistibly tangy and savory flavor. This dish is a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and a favorite among those who try it. Often, it’s devoured as soon as it’s served, leaving everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Jewish Brisket

Low angle shot of sliced brisket on a white platter with dried apricots and salt in the background.
Jewish Brisket. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Experience the tender, slow-cooked delight of Jewish Brisket, a traditional dish that’s a staple at many celebrations. This brisket is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that makes it a favorite during family gatherings. It’s a centerpiece dish that’s often talked about long after the meal is over. Serve this brisket at your next gathering, and watch it become the highlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Jewish Brisket

Green Chili Chicken Soup

Overhead shot of a pot of the soup with two bowls of the soup and garnishes.
Green Chili Chicken Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Warm up with a bowl of Green Chili Chicken Soup, a comforting dish that brings a little spice to your dinner table. This soup is packed with flavor, featuring tender chicken and a vibrant chili broth that soothes and satisfies. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you need something to warm you from the inside out. This soup is so hearty and delicious, it rarely sees the inside of a storage container.
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken Soup

Crispy Beef

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.
Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy Beef is a must-try for those who love their meat with a bit of crunch. This dish is popular in many Chinese restaurants and features thinly sliced beef that’s fried until crispy then coated in a sticky, sweet sauce. It’s a hit for its texture and flavor, often being the first dish to disappear at the table. Serve this at your next family meal, and watch as it becomes a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Spicy Miso Ramen

A bowl of ramen with karaage chicken.
Spicy Miso Ramen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a warming, flavorful meal, Spicy Miso Ramen is your go-to. This dish combines the rich, umami flavor of miso with a kick of spice that makes each slurp more wonderful than the last. It’s a favorite among those who appreciate a good bowl of noodles, often clearing bowls quickly. Perfect for a cozy night in, it’s a meal that comforts and fills you up.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Miso Ramen

Pork Belly Banh Mi

3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.
Pork Belly Banh Mi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Enjoy the crunch and freshness of Pork Belly Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich that is as flavorful as it is colorful. This sandwich layers crispy pork belly with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs in a crusty baguette, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a popular choice for lunch or dinner and is often consumed as quickly as it’s made. This dish brings a taste of Vietnam right to your kitchen, making it a favorite for its bold flavors and fulfilling crunch.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

Beef Birria

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

Dig into the deep, rich flavors of Beef Birria, a traditional Mexican stew that’s gaining popularity worldwide. This dish is made with tender beef that falls apart beautifully and a broth that’s rich in spices. It’s commonly served with tortillas and a side of onion and cilantro, making it a full, fulfilling meal. Once you try this, it becomes a requested dish for its incredible flavor and comforting qualities.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Pollo Pibil

Pollo pibil on a grey plate with limes and shredded lettuce.
Pollo Pibil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Pollo Pibil is a Yucatan specialty known for its unique preparation and vibrant taste. This dish involves slow-cooking chicken in citrus and annatto, resulting in a flavor that’s both earthy and tangy. It’s often served during special occasions because of its festive nature and delicious taste. Each serving is so delectable, guests are sure to clean their plates.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

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 well-loved Chinese dish that combines spicy chicken with crunchy peanuts and a host of vegetables. It’s a vibrant dish that’s as exciting to eat as it is to prepare. Perfect for those who like a little heat, it’s often a dish that sees no leftovers. This is a go-to meal for a flavorful dinner that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

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