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21 Meaty Mains That’ll Have Your Family Running To The Table

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Ready to transform your dinners? These 21 meaty mains are just the ticket. Perfect for creating memorable meals that everyone will love, they’re simple to make and packed with flavor. Watch as your family runs to the table, eager to enjoy these mouth-watering dishes.

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.

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Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Beef Birria

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

If you’re looking for a hearty meal, Beef Birria is the answer. This dish combines tender beef with a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s ideal for cozy family dinners and guarantees to warm everyone up. Serve it with tortillas for an authentic experience that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate.
Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a crunchy addition to your menu. They offer a healthy twist on a classic favorite, thanks to the air fryer’s magic. Filled with vegetables and optional meat, they’re light yet fulfilling. Easy to prepare, they make for a quick and flavorful snack or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Hoisin Beef

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

Hoisin Beef brings a sweet and flavorful element to the table that’s undeniably addictive. This dish combines thinly sliced beef with hoisin sauce for a flavor-packed meal. It’s fast to cook, making weeknight dinners less of a hassle. You’ll love how it pairs with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Char Siu

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

Known for its vibrant hue and sweet flavor, Char Siu is a show-stopping dish. This Cantonese barbecued pork is tender and flavorful, great for special occasions or elevating your weekend dinners. Marinate overnight for the best results. It promises to be a hit among those who appreciate unique flavors.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Chicken Enchiladas

Low angle shot of chicken enchiladas on a plate with salad.
Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With Chicken Enchiladas, you’re diving into a cheesy, saucy plate full of comfort. This dish is a crowd-pleaser for its creamy filling and flavorful sauce. It’s versatile enough to add your favorite extras. These enchiladas promise a cozy evening meal that’s both filling and heartwarming.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Carnitas

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a crispy yet tender meal, Air Fryer Carnitas are unmatched. This recipe turns pork into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece. It’s quicker than traditional methods, making it a weeknight game-changer. The result is perfect for tacos, burritos, or enjoying as is.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Char Siu Bao

Low angle shot of two mantou buns filled with char siu filling.
Char Siu Bao. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Char Siu Bao offers a bite of bliss with its sweet barbecue pork filling encased in soft, fluffy dough. This dim sum classic is sure to impress with its delicate balance of flavors. Ideal for appetizers or a light meal. Making them at home brings a sense of accomplishment and taste from overseas right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Transform a classic Southern dish into a healthier affair with Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. By using the air fryer, you get all the crunch without the grease. Marinating it in buttermilk ensures every bite is tender. It’s a comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Instant Pot Ham

Sliced ham with oranges and mint.
Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With an Instant Pot Ham, you can enjoy this holiday favorite any time of the year. The Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, ensuring a juicy and flavorful ham. It’s fantastic for large gatherings. This ham can be the centerpiece of your dinner table, bringing a sense of occasion to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A revelation for busy cooks is Air Fryer Whole Chicken. This method yields crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a wholesome family dinner. This dish proves that you can enjoy a classic roast chicken without turning on your oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

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.

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Jewish Brisket is a celebration of tradition and taste. Slow-cooked to perfection, it melts in your mouth. This dish is often the highlight of major holidays and family gatherings, bonding people over its deliciousness. Its rich flavors and tender texture are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Jewish Brisket

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Two bowls of hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those chilly nights, Chicken Hot and Sour Soup offers comfort in a bowl. It’s a flavorful mix of tender chicken, vegetables, and spices. Not only is it warming, but it’s also packed with nutrients. This soup is an ideal starter or a light meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Lamb kofta kebabs on a wooden board with  fresh herbs and vegetables.
Lamb Kofta Kebabs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A tantalizing option for your grill is Lamb Kofta Kebabs. These skewers of spiced lamb mix are juicy and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for backyard barbecues and easy to prepare. Pair them with some fresh salad and pita for a delicious cooking experience.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Chicken Karaage

Overhead shot of karaage chicken with noodles on the side.
Chicken Karaage. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Karaage, Japan’s take on fried chicken, is crispy on the outside and exceptionally tender inside. This dish is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Ideal for a snack or a main course. Each bite offers a crunch that is both fulfilling and mouth-watering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage

Pollo Pibil

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

Experience a vibrant dish steeped in Mexican culinary tradition with Pollo Pibil. Its unique flavor comes from cooking chicken with a blend of citrus and annatto. It’s perfect for an adventurous home cook looking to explore regional meals. Wrapped in banana leaves, it’s as authentic as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.
Chicken Kathi Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Kathi Rolls are a street food sensation from India. These wraps are filled with spiced chicken, fresh vegetables, and sometimes, beaten egg, all rolled into a paratha. They’re a flavorful, portable meal option. Perfect for those on-the-go who crave something deliciously different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Low angle shot of kalua pork on a white plate with pineapple and pepper chunks.
Instant Pot Kalua Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bring Hawaiian flavors to your table with ease with Instant Pot Kalua Pork. The smoky, tender pork cooked in an Instant Pot is a hassle-free treat. It’s great for feeding a crowd or family dinners. Serve with rice and enjoy a taste of the islands any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Spicy Miso Ramen

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

Spicy Miso Ramen offers a delectable escape into Japanese cuisine. Its rich broth, combined with noodles, vegetables, and optionally meat, creates a full meal. It’s customizable to heat preference. This dish is a comforting bowl full of depth and warmth, great for ramen lovers seeking homemade options.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Miso Ramen

Pork Fried Rice

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

A versatile dish that turns leftovers into a flavorful meal is Pork Fried Rice. It’s a perfect blend of rice, pork, vegetables, and soy sauce. Easy to whip up on a busy night. This satisfying dish is a staple that combines simplicity with deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

Beef Bulgogi Bowls are a Korean-inspired feast that’s both easy to make and delicious. The marinated beef is flavorful and sweet, served over rice with fresh vegetables. It’s a wholesome meal that brings a taste of Korea to your kitchen. Great for a family meal or when you crave something different.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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.

Combine crispy pork belly with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce in a baguette of Pork Belly Banh Mi. This Vietnamese sandwich is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s ideal for a lunch that’s far from ordinary. Each bite is a delicious experience, offering a new way to enjoy pork.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

By on August 7th, 2024
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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.

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