Tired of the same old grill routine? Spice things up with these 17 meaty dishes that will make your cookouts the talk of the neighborhood and beyond. From weekend warriors to weeknight winners, this collection has something for every occasion that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Warning: you may need more chairs – word spreads fast, and so will your grilling skills!
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
If you’ve got an air fryer, you’re in for a treat with Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. These wraps are not just quick to make but packed with flavors that will remind you of your favorite street food. Tender and juicy chicken wrapped in a soft tortilla with fresh veggies makes an unbeatable combo. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Hoisin Beef
For a dish that brings a little Asian flair to your dinner table, try Hoisin Beef. This dish combines the rich, sweet, and slightly salty taste of hoisin sauce with tender beef slices. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something different yet simple to prepare. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef
Air Fryer Pork Belly
When you’re looking to impress with minimal effort, Air Fryer Pork Belly is the way to go. This dish creates irresistibly crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth fat that’s hard to beat. It’s a game-changer for pork belly lovers, showcasing how you can achieve perfect texture every time. And the best part? It’s way less messy compared to traditional methods.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly
Beef Birria
Beef Birria is not just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. This rich and hearty stew, steeped in a broth infused with a blend of spices, makes for an unforgettable meal. The melt-in-your-mouth beef is nothing short of spectacular, perfect for those cooler days or whenever you need a bit of comfort. It also serves beautifully with tortillas or over rice, adding flexibility to how you enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria
Char Siu
With Char Siu, you bring a slice of Cantonese cuisine right into your home. This dish, known for its vibrant reddish hue and sweet and savory glaze, will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s surprisingly simple to create yet tastes like something straight out of a Chinese BBQ joint. Whether served with rice or noodles, it’s a surefire hit.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu
Beef Bulgogi Bowls
This dish is a testament to the beauty of Korean cooking, offering a balance of sweet, salty, and savory all in one. The marinated beef is tender and flavorful, making each bite better than the last. Served over a bowl of steaming rice and topped with your favorite veggies, it’s a complete meal. Beef Bulgogi Bowls is also a great way to explore Korean flavors without needing a plane ticket.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Char Siu Bao
The classic Chinese dim sum treat, Char Siu Bao, is a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist. These steamed buns are filled with a sweet and savory pork mixture, offering a perfect bite every time. Making them at home is surprisingly doable and will surely impress your guests. Plus, they’re as great for a snack as they are for a meal.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao
Green Chili Chicken Soup
Green Chili Chicken Soup is the perfect answer to what to eat when you’re looking for something comforting yet light. It combines tender chicken, robust green chilies, and a broth that’s full of depth. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile, letting you adjust the heat to your liking. Serve it on a cold night, and watch it disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken Soup
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
This recipe turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. The flank steak gets a smoky flavor from the grill, while the chile butter adds just the right amount of kick. It’s a simple way to make dinner feel like a special occasion. Plus, Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter comes together quickly, proving that fancy doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Harissa Chicken
Bringing a North African twist to your table, Harissa Chicken promises a meal that’s bursting with flavor. The spicy, aromatic paste gives the chicken a lovely heat, which can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance. It’s a wonderful way to shake up your usual chicken routine. And when served alongside a cool and creamy sauce, the balance is just perfect.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken
Air Fryer Carnitas
Air Fryer Carnitas offers a healthier alternative to the traditional favorite, without sacrificing any of the crunch or flavor. The air fryer works magic on the pork, giving it that crispy exterior and tender inside. It’s perfect for tacos, salads, or simply on its own. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can enjoy it any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas
Instant Pot Duck Confit
For a dish that feels fancy without all the fuss, Instant Pot Duck Confit is your best bet. This method drastically cuts down on cooking time but delivers all the decadence of the classic French technique. The duck becomes incredibly tender, almost melting under the fork. It’s an impressive dish for any occasion, proving that gourmet doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duck Confit
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Lamb Kofta Kebabs bring the flavors of the Middle East straight to your backyard grill. These spiced meat skewers are both juicy and packed with flavor, offering a great alternative to the usual beef or chicken options. They’re fantastic for gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy the hands-on experience of eating off the skewer. What’s more, they pair excellently with a range of sauces and sides.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Mochiko Chicken
This dish introduces a unique twist to fried chicken with its sweet and slightly sticky coating. Originating from Hawaii, Mochiko Chicken uses sweet rice flour for a batter that’s like nothing else. It’s crispy on the outside, while the chicken inside stays incredibly juicy. A great option for when you want to try a different kind of fried chicken that’s easy to make but hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Instant Pot Kalua Pork
For a taste of Hawaiian cuisine, Instant Pot Kalua Pork brings the islands to your kitchen. This dish replicates the slow-cooked, smoky flavor of traditional Kalua Pork with much less time and effort. The result is pull-apart tender pork that’s full of smoky, savory goodness. It’s perfect for feasting with family and friends, Hawaiian style.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Kalua Pork
Crispy Beef
When you want something crispy and packed with intense flavor, Crispy Beef is the dish to choose. Thin strips of beef are fried to perfection, leaving them with a satisfying crunch and coated in a sticky sauce that packs a punch. It’s ideal for those moments when you crave something both sweet and spicy. Easily paired with rice or noodles, it makes for a versatile dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef
Instant Pot Ham
Instant Pot Ham makes cooking a whole ham absolutely effortless. This method not only keeps the ham moist and flavorful but also saves you oven space for other cooking endeavors. It’s a game-changer for holiday meals or any occasion that calls for a large, succulent ham. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) make fantastic sandwiches or additions to soups and salads.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham