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17 Recipes So Delicious, You Won’t Even Miss The Sides

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Sometimes, dinner is so good that you don’t even need the sides. With 17 recipes that can easily stand alone, these meals make you forget about the usual extras. So, if you’re in the mood for meals that don’t need any backup singers, these recipes are exactly what you’re looking for.

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with rich broth, topped with slices of tender beef, a perfectly poached egg with a runny yolk, and garnished with chopped green onions. Chopsticks are holding up a piece of beef.

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Gochujang Ramen. 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.

When you’re in the mood for bold flavors, this noodle dish delivers. Garlic Chili Oil Noodles combines simplicity with a fiery kick that keeps things exciting. It’s the kind of meal that stands on its own, with no sides needed.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Apple Galette

Overhead shot of an apple galette on parchment with fresh apples on the side.
Apple Galette. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re looking for something sweet and satisfying, this dessert is a great choice. Apple Galette offers a flaky crust and rich apple filling, perfect for any occasion. It’s simple yet elegant, making it a treat all on its own.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

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.

For an easy and filling dinner, this noodle dish is your go-to. Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein brings together savory flavors in a quick, one-pot meal. With everything you need in one bowl, there’s no need for sides.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

Quesabirria Tacos

Overhead shot of quesabirria tacos with lime wedges.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These tacos are packed with flavor and can easily stand alone as a meal. Quesabirria Tacos bring together rich, savory flavors in every bite. They’re perfect when you’re looking for something satisfying without needing extras.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Teriyaki Salmon Noodles

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chunks of salmon in a skillet, with a fork lifting a portion.
Teriyaki Salmon Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

This dish is perfect for those who love a balanced meal without fuss. Teriyaki Salmon Noodles combines tender salmon with flavorful noodles, offering everything in one bowl. You won’t miss any sides with this satisfying option.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Noodles

Arepas con Queso

Close up shot of an arepa con queso split open to show the cheesy filling.
Arepas con Queso. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Arepas con Queso combines a crispy exterior with a warm, cheesy filling. These arepas are packed with cheesy goodness, making them a perfect standalone dish. It’s the kind of dish that leaves you satisfied without needing anything extra.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso

Chicken Biryani

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

This dish is a complete meal in itself, packed with flavors and textures. Chicken Biryani offers a hearty mix of spices and tender chicken that needs no sides to complete it. Perfect for when you want something filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Mulligatawny Soup

Bowl of mulligatawny soup with a hand lifting a spoonful of soup.
Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Looking for a hearty soup that’s filling enough to be the whole meal? Mulligatawny Soup offers rich flavors and textures in every spoonful. It’s perfect when you want something comforting and satisfying without needing anything extra.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup

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Chocolate Rugelach

Low angle shot of rugelach cookies filled with chocolate and pecans.
Chocolate Rugelach. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, this pastry has you covered. Chocolate Rugelach offers layers of rich, chocolatey goodness in a bite-sized treat. It’s perfect when you want something indulgent without needing a side.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Rugelach

Szechuan Shrimp

Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Szechuan Shrimp brings a spicy, savory punch that stands on its own. If you want something bold and packed with flavor, this dish delivers. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t need anything on the side to feel like a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Gochujang Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with rich broth, topped with slices of tender beef, a perfectly poached egg with a runny yolk, and garnished with chopped green onions. Chopsticks are holding up a piece of beef.
Gochujang Ramen. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

For a meal that feels like comfort food with a kick, this one works wonders. Gochujang Ramen blends heat and flavor in every bite. It’s a perfect go-to when you want something satisfying and full of bold taste without needing extras.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Ramen

Honey Cake

Honey cake baked in a loaf pan and sliced.
Honey Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re craving something sweet and simple, this dessert does the job. Honey Cake has a rich flavor that’s both light and fulfilling. It’s perfect on its own, with no need for added sides or toppings to complete it.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cake

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Basket of fried chicken with chilies and garlic.
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Looking for something flavorful and crispy? Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings offer a balance of savory and spiced goodness in every bite. These wings are so flavorful that you won’t miss having any sides along with them.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Swirled Garlic Bread

A loaf of bread with garlic and onions on a cutting board.
Swirled Garlic Bread. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re after a quick snack or a simple meal, this one hits the spot. Swirled Garlic Bread is packed with garlicky goodness, making it a flavorful choice on its own. It’s hearty enough that you won’t be left wanting anything extra.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Garlic Bread

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Need a fresh and vibrant option that’s still hearty? Mexican Corn Salad is bursting with flavor, making it a dish that doesn’t need sides to shine. It’s a light yet filling choice for when you want something simple and complete.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Samosa Chaat

Low angle shot of a plate of samosa chaat.
Samosa Chaat. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you love bold spices and textures, this one is for you. Samosa Chaat offers a mix of savory, tangy, and crunchy elements that come together perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a full meal, even without sides.
Get the Recipe: Samosa Chaat

Lemon Coconut Macaroons

Low angle shot of lemon coconut macaroons on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Lemon Coconut Macaroons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Craving something sweet with a touch of tropical flavor? Lemon Coconut Macaroons deliver that perfect combination in every bite. These light and flavorful treats are satisfying on their own, making them a great standalone dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Coconut Macaroons

By on October 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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