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15 Quick Dinner Wonders for Those Nights You REALLY Don’t Want To Cook

Forget about reaching for that takeout menu. With our 15 quick dinner solutions, you can whip up something at home in no time. It’s all about using what you have, minimizing prep, and cutting down on cooking time. These ideas are perfect for busy nights, proving that making dinner can be easy, enjoyable, and quick.

Chicken egg foo young on top of rice on a white plate.

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Chicken Egg Foo Young. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

A bowl of grits topped with cajun shrimp.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Think of a dish that’s as comforting as it is quick to make. That’s Cajun shrimp and grits for you. It’s a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal that brings a little Southern flair to your dinner table on nights when you’re short on time. The combination of spicy shrimp with creamy grits is just what you need to spice up your weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Thai Fried Rice

Overhead shot of Thai fried rice in a white bowl with a skillet of fried rice on the side.
Thai Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When the takeout cravings hit but you still want something homemade, Thai fried rice is your go-to. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both satisfying and quick to whip up. This dish is all about bringing a burst of flavors to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Think of tender, flavorful chicken that tastes like it’s been roasting all day, but it’s ready in a fraction of the time thanks to your Instant Pot. Chicken shawarma made this way is a game changer for busy evenings. You get all the aromatic spices and tender meat without the hassle. It’s a simple solution for a delicious, no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

Salmon and asparagus quiche on a metal plate with parchment paper.
Salmon and Asparagus Quiche. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Sometimes, dinner calls for something a bit more on the elegant side, but who says it can’t be easy? Enter Salmon and Asparagus Quiche. This dish is surprisingly simple to pull together, offering a deliciously sophisticated meal without all the fuss. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to treat yourself but keep things low-key.
Get the Recipe: Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Avocado toast on a wooden cutting board.
Avocado Toast with Grated Egg. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Avocado toast with grated egg is the ultimate quick-fix dinner that feels both indulgent and healthy. It’s as simple as it sounds, yet so satisfying. This dish combines creamy avocado with the rich, comforting texture of grated egg, all atop your favorite bread. It’s the perfect meal for those evenings when you want something light yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

overhead shot of a bowl of noodles with vegetables and thai peanut sauce.
Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dig into a bowl of Thai peanut sauce noodles and discover how quick and easy gourmet can taste. This dish is all about bold flavors and satisfying textures, ready in the time it takes to boil pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to add some excitement to your dinner routine, without any complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who knew you could make enchiladas on a weeknight? With an air fryer, it’s not only possible; it’s incredibly easy. This method gives you all the melty, saucy goodness of traditional enchiladas without the oven wait time. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner option that’ll have everyone thinking you spent way more time on it than you actually did.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bring the flavors of the sea to your table with Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. This garlic shrimp dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors, especially when you’re short on time. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it packs a punch of flavor that’s hard to beat. A perfect pick for seafood lovers looking for a speedy dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Pork Fried Rice

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

Turn leftover rice into a flavor-packed meal with pork fried rice. It’s the ultimate quick and easy dish that doesn’t skimp on taste. This recipe is all about transforming simple ingredients into a dinner that’s both satisfying and fast. Plus, it’s a clever way to use up leftovers and reduce waste.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Chicken Egg Foo Young

Chicken egg foo young on top of rice on a white plate.
Chicken Egg Foo Young. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

For those nights when you’re craving something a little different, Chicken Egg Foo Young offers a delightful twist. This omelet-style dish isn’t just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor and customizable to your taste. It’s the perfect answer to the question of what to cook when you’re not in the mood for the usual.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young

Blackened Fish Tacos

Blackened fish tacos in taco holders.
Blackened Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Blackened fish tacos offer a quick, flavorful escape to the seaside without leaving your kitchen. This dish is the perfect blend of spicy and fresh, ready in minutes. It’s an ideal choice for those evenings when you’re looking for something light yet flavorful. Plus, it’s a fun way to shake up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

Experience the bold flavors of Korea with beef bulgogi bowls, a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This meal brings together tender marinated beef and fresh veggies over steaming rice. It’s a comforting and quick dinner option that packs a flavorful punch, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Mongolian Chicken

Overhead shot of a bowl of mongolian chicken.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Craving something sweet and savory? Mongolian chicken is your answer. This dish is a breeze to make and brings a delightful mix of flavors to your dinner table. It’s a no-stress way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home, offering a satisfying blend of tender chicken and a sauce that hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Szechuan Shrimp

Szechuan shrimp in a walk with a serving spoon.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re in the mood for something spicy and full of flavor, Szechuan shrimp is the way to go. This dish is a powerhouse of taste, combining the heat of Szechuan pepper with the freshness of shrimp. It’s surprisingly straightforward to make, ensuring a gourmet-like experience without the need for complex cooking.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Singapore Noodles

Rice noodles with meat and veggies on a white plate.
Singapore Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

End your day on a high note with Singapore noodles, a vibrant dish that’s as flavorful as it is colorful. This stir-fried delight combines thin rice noodles with a mix of veggies and proteins, all tossed in a curry seasoning for that extra kick. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of textures and tastes, all while keeping the cooking process simple.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles

By on March 21st, 2024
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. 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 about Robin

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