Sometimes, the thought of cooking can feel like a daunting task, especially after a long day. But worry not! These 17 recipes are perfect for the laziest cooks, offering delicious meals with minimal effort. Each dish is designed to be easy and foolproof, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without the hassle.
![A close-up of twirled dan dan noodles on a fork with herbs and bits of meat.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dan-dan-noodles-msn2.jpg)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls
![Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/beef-bulgogi-msn2.jpg)
This dish is straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time and delivering maximum flavor. Beef Bulgogi Bowls are perfect for anyone who wants a flavorful meal without the fuss. Simply scoop it over a bowl of steamed rice and add some quick pickled vegetables or a fried egg on top for a delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
![Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AF-Chicken-Shawarma-Wraps-1600-2.jpeg)
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps make Middle Eastern cuisine accessible on your busiest days. The chicken is seasoned with traditional spices and cooked in the air fryer for a quick and easy preparation. These wraps are satisfying and require minimal effort, making them perfect for a lazy cook’s dinner repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Camarones a la Diabla
![Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/camarones-diabla-la-horiz-1-1.jpg)
Serve with some rice or warm tortillas to complete the meal. Camarones a la Diabla offers a spicy kick with minimal kitchen time. This dish features shrimp drenched in a fiery chili sauce that can be made in just a few minutes. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers a lot of flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
![A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/chicken-spinach-bake.jpg)
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is ideal for when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. This one-dish meal is comforting and requires minimal prep. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you simply don’t feel like putting in too much effort but still want something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Bombay Sandwiches
![Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/bombay-sandwich-msn.jpg)
This recipe is a staple for anyone looking for a no-fuss meal that is both delicious and satisfying. Bombay Sandwiches are incredibly simple to make and pack a punch of flavor. They can be grilled or served as is for a quick snack or light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches
Hoisin Beef
![A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hoisin-beef-horiz-1.jpg)
If you’re in the mood for Asian flavors but not the work that typically comes with them, Hoisin Beef is your answer. This dish involves quickly sautéing beef strips and tossing them in a sweet and tangy hoisin sauce. It’s perfect for a lazy night but still delivers a delicious and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef
Singapore Noodles
![Rice noodles with meat and veggies on a white plate.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Singapore-Noodles-1600-1.jpeg)
Singapore Noodles might sound complex, but they are surprisingly easy to whip up. This dish combines thin rice noodles with curry powder, a mix of vegetables, and optionally some shrimp or chicken. It’s all stir-fried together in one pan, so cleanup is as easy as the cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles
Szechuan Shrimp
![Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Szechuan-Shrimp1600-2.jpeg)
This dish can be prepared in under 20 minutes and is bursting with bold Szechuan flavors. Szechuan Shrimp is ideal for lazy cooks who like a little spice. Just cook the shrimp in a spicy sauce and serve over rice or noodles. It’s simple, fast, and fiery, making it a perfect quick meal for spice lovers.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
![Two bowls of hot and sour soup.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chicken-Hot-and-Sour-Soup-1600-2.jpeg)
Enjoy a warm bowl of this soup and relax after a long day, with minimal effort in the kitchen. Chicken Hot and Sour Soup is a comforting and easy recipe to pull together. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
Dan Dan Noodles
![A close-up of twirled dan dan noodles on a fork with herbs and bits of meat.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dan-dan-noodles-msn2.jpg)
Dan Dan Noodles are a dream come true for any lazy cook craving something spicy and satisfying. This dish is effortlessly prepared with store-bought noodles and a simple, spicy sauce that can be mixed together in minutes. It’s a street-food style meal that brings bold flavors without the hassle of extensive cooking.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles
Pork Fried Rice
![Pork fried rice in a blue and white striped bowl.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pork-fried-rice-la-horiz-4.jpeg)
For a quick and easy meal, Pork Fried Rice uses leftover rice and bits of pork, making it the perfect dish for lazy cooks. Toss everything into a pan and you’ve got a fulfilling dish in no time. It’s ideal for using up leftovers and still making a meal that feels entirely new.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice
Thai Chicken Satay
![Overhead shot of thai chicken satay on a black plate with peanut sauce on the side.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/chicken-satay-6.jpeg)
Thai Chicken Satay is surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal prep and cooking time. This dish is great for when you want something that feels gourmet without all the work. Serve with a quick peanut sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that seems like you slaved over it for hours.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay
Air Fryer Enchiladas
![A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/af-enchiladas.jpeg)
This recipe simplifies the traditional enchilada process by using the air fryer to speed up cooking and reduce cleanup. Air Fryer Enchiladas are ideal for those who want a hearty meal without the hassle. It’s a foolproof way to enjoy this Mexican favorite with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas
Miso Glazed Salmon
![Miso glazed salmon on a plate with rice and spinach.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Miso-Salmon-1600-2.jpg)
In less than 20 minutes, you have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and has a wonderful, flaky texture. Miso Glazed Salmon involves very little preparation but delivers gourmet-level results. Enjoy the rich flavors of this Asian-inspired dish without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Blackened Fish Tacos
![Blackened fish tacos in taco holders.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/blackened-fish-tacos.jpeg)
Blackened Fish Tacos offer a quick, flavorful meal with just a few ingredients. The fish is seasoned with a bold spice blend, cooked quickly, and served in tortillas with your favorite toppings. It’s a fuss-free recipe that packs a punch, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos
Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken
![Stir-fried diced chicken with dried chilies and spring onions in a black skillet.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/peanut-butter-chicken-msn.jpg)
This dish requires little more than mixing the sauce and cooking the chicken in it. Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken is an easy dish that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the heat of spices. Serve it over simple steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken
Thai Fried Rice
![Overhead shot of Thai fried rice in a white bowl with a skillet of fried rice on the side.](https://allwaysdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/thai-fried-rice.jpeg)
Thai Fried Rice is another excellent option for minimal-effort cooking. Use leftover rice, a few veggies, and some eggs to create a flavorful meal. It’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear from your plate. This dish is perfect for lazy cooks who want a quick yet delicious solution to mealtime dilemmas.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice