Time to shake up your meals with something new. We’ve got a handful of recipes that use ingredients your grandparents probably wouldn’t recognize. These dishes are packed with new flavors and exciting twists that will make your meals exciting. Add some fun and interesting options to your cooking routine by trying one of them out.
Marinated Baked Tempeh
This marinated baked tempeh is super flavorful and crispy, making it a great base for any plant-based meal. Your grandparents might not recognize tempeh, but it’s worth trying for a new twist on dinner.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Baked Tempeh
Instant Pot Picadillo
A plant-based version of the traditional Cuban recipe, made with tempeh, lentils, and potatoes. Packed with big flavors from Spanish olives, capers, raisins, and spices, it’s a hearty meal your grandparents wouldn’t have seen coming.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo
Sweet & Sour Tofu
Make this sweet and sour tofu recipe in under 30 minutes! Crispy tofu with a sticky sweet and sour sauce mimics the classic Chinese takeout dish. Perfect for those looking to try tofu in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu
Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip
Cheesy fundido with a spicy chipotle hummus kick. Great with chips or roasted vegetables, this dip features ingredients your grandparents might not recognize but will definitely enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip
Maple Miso Chicken
This sweet and savory miso chicken recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. Coated in a buttery glaze of miso paste, maple syrup, and other ingredients, it bakes until golden and sticky. Definitely a dish with ingredients that might surprise your grandparents.
Get the Recipe: Maple Miso Chicken
Italian Black Bean Meatballs
These Italian flavored black bean meatballs are a hearty plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs. Serve with marinara sauce over pasta or zoodles for a comforting meal with a modern twist.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs
Gochujang Chicken
This gochujang chicken is a quick 30-minute dinner with a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce. Perfect over white rice, it introduces the unique flavor of gochujang that’s sure to intrigue.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Cheesy Quinoa
This cheesy zucchini quinoa sneaks in vegetables into a comforting cheesy dish. A modern take on a classic comfort food that even those unfamiliar with quinoa will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Quinoa
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Learn how to cook lion’s mane mushrooms with this simple method that enhances their meaty, thick texture. A nutritious fungi that brings a new element to your meal, definitely something new for your grandparents.
Get the Recipe: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Cassava Flour Pancakes
Fluffy and light, these cassava flour pancakes are a great alternative breakfast. They store well in the freezer and are delicious with a simple fruit jam on top, introducing cassava flour as a fresh ingredient.
Get the Recipe: Cassava Flour Pancakes
Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles
These sweet potato glass noodles are a quick and easy Korean dish ready in just 15 minutes. With gluten-free noodles, stir-fried vegetables, beef strips, and a savory marinade, it’s a meal that brings new flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles