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21 Meaty Mains That Will Be The Talk Of The Town

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Need to impress at your next dinner party? These 21 meaty mains are sure to be the talk of the town, making your meals the highlight of any occasion. They’re designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, ensuring you can enjoy both cooking and eating.

low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.

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Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Pakora

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

If you’re looking for a snack that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than Chicken Pakora. These juicy morsels, enveloped in a crispy, spiced batter, promise a flavor-packed bite. Perfectly paired with a cool mint chutney, they’re a fantastic choice for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

Beef Bulgogi Bowls take you on a delicious journey to Korea without leaving your home. The thinly sliced beef, marinated and then grilled, sits atop a bed of steamed rice, making every spoonful a delicious mix of sweet, flavorful, and umami. Fresh veggies added to the bowl bring a refreshing crunch.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Char Siu

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

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about homemade Char Siu. This Chinese BBQ pork is known for its shiny glaze and the perfect balance of sweet and delicious flavors. This dish proves that some classics are best enjoyed in the comfort and warmth of home.
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.

When Hoisin Beef is on the menu, expect an enthralling meal experience. The beef, stir-fried and glazed with a rich hoisin sauce, offers a quick but richly flavored dish. It pairs well with fluffy rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a weeknight meal that impresses, this recipe is straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Chicken Enchiladas

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

Spice up your dinner routine with Chicken Enchiladas. Rolled tortillas stuffed with tender chicken and drowned in a homemade enchilada sauce, each bite is a comforting hug. The melted cheese on top adds an irresistible golden layer. This dish is a hearty option that effortlessly brings everyone around the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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

For a healthier take on a beloved appetizer, try Air Fryer Spring Rolls. The crispy exterior, achieved with minimal oil, enwraps a flavorful mix of vegetables and sometimes shrimp or pork. They’re perfect for when you want a lighter option but aren’t willing to compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Char Siu Bao

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

The fluffy, steamed buns of Char Siu Bao encase a sweet and flavorful pork filling, making each one a bite of heaven. This dish is a staple in dim sum and a beloved treat among many. Whether for a snack or part of a larger feast, they’re sure to disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

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

Serving an entire chicken that’s crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside is simple with an Air Fryer Whole Chicken. This method not only reduces cooking time but also ensures a healthier version of your roast. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests with your cooking prowess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Crispy Beef

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

For those who adore a bit of crunch, Crispy Beef delivers in spades. Quick-fried strips of beef coated in a sticky sauce offer a truly satisfying texture and flavor combination. This dish is a must-try for anyone wanting to experiment with new flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

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

On chilly evenings, Chicken Hot and Sour Soup serve as a perfect remedy. This brothy soup, filled with chicken, tofu, and vegetables, strikes an impeccable balance between spicy and tangy flavors. Not only is it comforting, but it also packs a nutritious punch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

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Lamb Kofta Kebabs

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

Lamb Kofta Kebabs bring the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your grill. The blend of minced lamb, herbs, and spices makes for an aromatic and tantalizing mix. They’re an excellent centerpiece for any outdoor feast or intimate family barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Kung Pao Chicken

Low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Combine the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors, fulfilling your craving for Sichuan cuisine with Kung Pao Chicken. The dish’s signature kick comes from the whole dried chilies, while the crunchy peanuts add a pleasing contrast. A great way to spice up dinner time with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Pollo Pibil

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

For a taste of the Yucatan, Pollo Pibil is beautifully aromatic and tender. Marinated in a mixture of citrus juice and achiote paste, then slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken easily shreds apart. A delicious choice for anyone looking to explore regional Mexican cuisine in their kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mochiko Chicken offers a delicious departure from your typical fried chicken. The unique use of sweet rice flour in the marinade creates a delectively crispy exterior while keeping the chicken inside juicy. Popular in Hawaii, this dish is a wonderful way to bring a taste of the islands to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

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.

Encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese street food with Pork Belly Banh Mi. The crispy, yet tender pork belly combined with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs, all stuffed into a baguette, creates an explosion of flavors. It’s a sandwich that offers a balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and umami.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

Mongolian Chicken

Two bowls of chicken curry with spices and rice.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mongolian Chicken serves up a dish that’s equally flavorful and slightly sweet, ensconced in a garlicky, gingery sauce. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. Quick to prepare, it’s a hit for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but taste can’t be compromised.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Pork Fried Rice

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

Transform leftover rice into a scrumptious meal with Pork Fried Rice. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining tender pork, crispy veggies, and fluffy eggs. It’s a versatile dish that allows for creativity, making it a favorite for using up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Korean Bulgogi Tacos

Horizontal shot of 3 korean tacos: corn tortillas filled with sliced steak, kimchi and pico de gallo salsa, and chopped cilantro. In the background are lime wedges, sliced red cabbage, and cilantro leaves.
Korean Bulgogi Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Fusion at its finest, Korean Bulgogi Tacos brings together the best of Korean and Mexican cuisines. The marinated beef, cooked until caramelized, is tucked into soft tortillas and topped with a vibrant slaw. These tacos are perfect for when you want to mix up your meal routine with something exciting and new.
Get the Recipe: Korean Bulgogi Tacos

Ramen Fried Chicken

Hand reaching into a bowl of ramen fried chicken pieces.
Ramen Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a creative twist on a classic, try Ramen Fried Chicken. The ramen seasoning adds an unexpected umami flavor to the crunchy exterior, while the chicken remains impossibly juicy inside. It’s a playful dish that’s sure to spark conversation at any dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Fried Chicken

Beef Birria

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

Beef Birria is rich, hearty, and packed with deep, complex flavors. Traditionally slow-cooked until the beef is tender enough to fall apart, it’s served with a side of consommé for dipping. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience, evoking the warmth and generosity of Mexican culinary traditions.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Thai Larb

Low angle shot of a striped bowl filled with Thai larb salad garnished with shallot slices.
Thai Larb. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A refreshing salad that’s bursting with the bright flavors of lime, mint, and cilantro is Thai Larb. Ground meat, usually chicken or pork, makes it satisfyingly hearty. Known for its balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet, it’s a dish that wakes up the palate.
Get the Recipe: Thai Larb

By on August 10th, 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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