Home » All Blog Posts

17 Quick Dinners to Relax After a Busy Day

Jump to Recipe Add Us as a Preferred Source

Quick dinners are a lifesaver after a busy day. These 17 meals keep it simple so you can finally relax. Whether feeding a group or just yourself, they make dinner a breeze. No stress, no drama—just food that works harder than your last meeting.

A fork lifting a portion of cooked noodles with vegetables from a pan, with a bowl of chopped green onions in the background.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure.

Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

A close-up of a hand using chopsticks to lift cooked noodles from a black pan. The noodles are mixed with vegetables and sauce. A small dish is visible in the background.
Garlic Chili Oil Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are the ultimate quick fix for a busy day. You can whip it up in no time, relax, and dig in. It’s all about chilling out with a plate of something good. Day turned around just like that.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With Air Fryer Sesame Chicken, there’s no need to fuss over dinner. Pop it in, and before you know it, dinner’s ready to hit the table. It’s about making life easy but still delicious. You’ve earned that relaxation, haven’t you?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry

A bowl of green curry noodles topped with shredded chicken, lime slices, red chili slices, and fresh cilantro. Chopsticks are lifting a portion of the noodles from the bowl. A soft background showcases another bowl and fresh herbs.
Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry offer a quick escape without leaving your kitchen. It’s perfect for when you want something simple yet comforting. This one’s for nights when you’re craving a bit more adventure. Whip it up and let the evening be chill.
Get the Recipe: Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Fancy a snack but making it dinner? Chicken Pakora has your back. These are perfect for a casual evening when you still want something delicious. No pressure, just good food and a relaxed vibe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

A fork lifts a tantalizing forkful of noodles mixed with sausage and vegetables from a black skillet. The dish appears to be creamy and richly seasoned, reminiscent of dan dan noodles, with visible bits of meat and greens intertwined with the noodles.
Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork bring a bit of excitement to your dinner routine. It’s for those days when you’re looking for something a bit different. Not too much work, but tons of joy. Perfect for unwinding after a full day.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Craving something comforting yet rewarding? Chicken Biryani is the answer. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for winding down. No need for multiple dishes, just full-on comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

After a long day, who doesn’t crave something quick and straightforward? Beef Bulgogi Bowls hit the spot with minimal fuss. You barely have to think as you throw it all together. Plus, it’s way better than waiting forever on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Char Siu

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

Char Siu doesn’t require a ton of effort, which is exactly what you want on a busy evening. Pop it in, and get on with your unwind time while it cooks. It’s all about that rich, comforting taste without the drama of complex prep. You’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Crispy Beef

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

Want to save this recipe?

✨ We'll send it straight to your inbox! ✨

If you’re all about that crunch, Crispy Beef offers exactly that. It’s uncomplicated, quick to whip up, and delivers on that satisfying texture. You don’t need an occasion to make it, just a desire for something fun on your plate. A real no-brainer for when you just can’t deal with complicated recipes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with beef, carrots, red bell peppers, and greens. Hand using chopsticks to pick up noodles.
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Want something comforting but not too heavy? Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein has got your back. It’s the perfect balance, easy to make, and cleans up in a snap. You’re looking at your new go-to for nights when you need a break but still want a meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

Chicken 65

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken 65.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kick back with Chicken 65 when you’re in the mood for something with a bit of kick. It’s surprisingly simple, and it delivers big on those bold flavors. Perfect for those days when you want your dinner to have a bit of an edge. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Creamy Gochujang Pasta

A pan of ramen noodles with mushrooms, greens, and a creamy sauce, served with chopsticks.
Creamy Gochujang Pasta. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Sometimes, only pasta will do, and Creamy Gochujang Pasta is the twist you didn’t know you needed. The unique blend of flavors keeps it interesting. It’s the kind of dish that decides for you that tonight, you’re absolutely doing nothing else but enjoying your meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Gochujang Pasta

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Spare Ribs are a dream for anyone who wants to avoid spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is proof that you can have it all: great taste, easy prep, and mess-free cooking. Let the pot do its work while you kick off your shoes. It’s rib time, and you didn’t even have to break a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Gochujang Chicken

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

This dish makes dinner exciting without making it a project. You get that heat, that kick, and all in a ridiculously easy package. Gochujang Chicken is for nights when you want a bit of spice without doing a dance around a bunch of pots and pans. Go ahead, make it a regular on your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Kerala Fish Curry

Fish curry in an earthenware baking dish.
Kerala Fish Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dig into the world of comforting flavors with Kerala Fish Curry. It’s not your average meal, offering something a bit exotic without a complicated process. The kind of dinner that promises a break from the routine. It’s about bringing something different to the table without needing a culinary degree.
Get the Recipe: Kerala Fish Curry

Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles

A fork lifting a portion of cooked noodles with vegetables from a pan, with a bowl of chopped green onions in the background.
Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

For a night when only noodles will suffice, Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles are your hero. They’re quick to make, loaded with flavor, and seriously satisfying. It’s a straightforward dish that packs a punch without hogging your evening. Essentially, it’s what dinner dreams are made of after a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles

Miso Glazed Salmon

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

Miso Glazed Salmon wraps up your busy day with a neat bow. It’s impressive without the effort, healthy, and cooks up faster than you’d think. Perfect for when you want something a little special but not too fancy. It’s all about maximum reward with minimal input.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

By on December 3rd, 2024
Eggs All Ways logo icon.

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind Eggs All Ways. She's a writer, recipe developer, photographer, and cookbook author with more than 40 books to her name, including the bestselling Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications, both print and digital, including MSN, Cooking Light, Fitness, Buzzfeed, and Eating Well.

More Posts by this author.

Leave a Comment

SEEN ON

as seen on promo graphic

SEEN ON

as seen on promo graphic