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21 recipes I keep at the top of my list and cook again and again

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Some recipes just stay at the top of the list because they work every time. These are the ones you cook again and again, whether you need something quick or something you know will land well. They’re reliable without being boring, and easy enough to fit into regular rotation. If you find yourself repeating meals, this is the kind of list that makes sense.

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

Spam Musubi

Spam musubi on a white plate with soy sauce, a can of Spam, chopsticks, and a bowl in the background.
Spam Musubi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spam Musubi is one of those recipes that stays at the top of the list because it’s simple and consistently worth it. The combination of seasoned rice and glazed Spam comes together quickly but still feels complete. It’s easy to make a batch and keep it on hand for repeat meals. The structure holds well, so it’s practical for any time of day. This is a recipe that gets made again without much thought.
Get the Recipe: Spam Musubi

Beijing Noodles

A bowl of noodles with sauce, garnished with sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bean sprouts. Using chopsticks, someone is lifting a portion of noodles. The dish is served in a white bowl, set on a light-colored table with a textured napkin nearby.
Beijing Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Beijing Noodles come together fast and deliver a balanced mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors. The sauce coats the noodles evenly, so every bite feels consistent. It’s a one-pan process that doesn’t require much planning. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand for repeat cooking. This is the kind of dish that stays in regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Beijing Noodles

Fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancakes

Four round Japanese souffle pancakes dusted with powdered sugar are arranged on a striped plate, with additional pastries on a patterned plate nearby. Persimmons are visible in the upper left corner.
Fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancakes. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancakes take a little attention, but the result makes them worth repeating. The batter creates a soft, airy texture that stands out from standard pancakes. They cook slowly, which helps build structure without collapsing. Once you get the method down, they become reliable. This is a recipe that earns its place at the top of the list.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancakes

Chilaquiles Rojos with Fried Eggs

A close-up of a pink patterned dish featuring saucy grilled meat, fried eggs, black beans, green onions, and crumbled cheese—perfect for fans of a hearty Chilaquiles Rojos recipe.
Chilaquiles Rojos with Fried Eggs. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Chilaquiles Rojos with Fried Eggs use simple ingredients to create a meal that’s easy to come back to. The tortillas soften in the sauce while still holding some texture. The fried eggs add richness without complicating the process. It comes together quickly, especially with prepared sauce. This is a dependable recipe that gets repeated often.
Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles Rojos with Fried Eggs

Hakka Noodles Stir-Fry

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with colorful vegetables like red and green bell peppers, garnished with spring onions. Chopsticks are lifting a portion of the noodles. A garlic bulb is visible in the background.
Hakka Noodles Stir-Fry. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Hakka Noodles Stir-Fry is a fast, flexible dish that fits into regular cooking without much effort. The noodles and vegetables cook quickly and absorb the sauce well. It’s easy to adjust based on what you have available. Everything comes together in one pan, which keeps things efficient. This is a reliable option that stays in rotation.
Get the Recipe: Hakka Noodles Stir-Fry

Mongolian Pork

Close-up of a dish featuring sliced beef with red chilies, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Chopsticks rest on top.
Mongolian Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mongolian Pork delivers a strong, savory flavor that keeps it in frequent use. The sauce thickens quickly, coating the pork evenly. It cooks in a short amount of time, making it practical for busy days. It pairs easily with rice or noodles. This is a recipe that gets made again because it works every time.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Pork

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 are straightforward to prepare and easy to repeat throughout the week. The dough comes together quickly and cooks into a crisp exterior with a soft center. The cheese adds enough richness to make it feel complete. They hold up well and can be served in different ways. This is a recipe that stays at the top of the list for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso

Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs

A person uses chopsticks to lift a portion of Gochujang noodles with crispy bacon and two sunny-side-up eggs from a skillet.
Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs combine bold flavor with a quick cooking process. The sauce builds depth without requiring many steps. The noodles and eggs make it filling enough to stand on its own. It’s easy to make with ingredients that store well. This is a dish that gets repeated without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs

Pizza Carbonara

A close-up of a pizza slice topped with a runny egg yolk, grated cheese, bacon bits, and black pepper.
Pizza Carbonara. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Pizza Carbonara is one of those recipes that feels a little different but still easy to return to. The egg-based sauce sets just enough to hold everything together. It cooks quickly once assembled. The combination of ingredients makes it feel complete without extra sides. This is a recipe that earns a spot in regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Carbonara

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.

Pork Belly Banh Mi combines rich meat with fresh elements, making it a balanced option you come back to. The pork cooks until tender while still holding structure. The bread and toppings keep each bite varied. It takes some prep, but the results are consistent. This is a recipe that stays in the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

A bowl of wonton soup with shrimp in it.
Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup is a reliable option when you want something warm and filling. The wontons can be made ahead, making repeat cooking easier. The broth comes together quickly without much effort. Each bowl feels complete on its own. This is a recipe that gets used often.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

Champagne Sabayon

A spoon is scooping sabayon with strawberries and blueberries.
Champagne Sabayon. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Champagne Sabayon is simple but still feels like something worth repeating. The sauce comes together with just a few ingredients and careful whisking. It works as a dessert or topping, making it flexible. The texture is light but still structured. This is a recipe that stays in rotation for when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Sabayon

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Masshed potato casserole in a baking dish with a cracker crumb topping.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is a dependable option that works for both everyday meals and gatherings. The texture stays consistent, with a creamy base and a slightly firm top. It can be made ahead and reheated without issue. It pairs easily with a variety of main dishes. This is a recipe that gets made again because it’s reliable.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

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.

Lemon Coconut Macaroons are easy to make and easy to repeat. The mixture comes together quickly and bakes without much attention. The texture stays consistent, with a crisp edge and soft center. They store well, making them practical for multiple uses. This is a recipe that stays near the top of the list.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Coconut Macaroons

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bombay Sandwiches layer simple ingredients in a way that makes them easy to come back to. The chutney adds flavor without complicating the process. They assemble quickly and don’t require cooking beyond toasting. The structure holds together well for serving. This is a recipe that stays in regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

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.

Mexican Corn Salad is a straightforward side that works with many meals, which keeps it in frequent use. The ingredients mix quickly and hold up well after sitting. It’s easy to scale up or down as needed. The texture stays balanced throughout. This is a recipe that gets made again because it fits into anything.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Kolacky

Several poppy seed filled kolacky on a white plate with red and gold ribbons in the background.
Kolacky. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kolacky take a bit of preparation, but they’re consistent once you’ve made them a few times. The dough holds its shape and bakes evenly. The filling options make them flexible for different occasions. They store well, which adds to their practicality. This is a recipe that stays in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Kolacky

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 are quick to cook and easy to repeat. The seasoning is mixed in, so there’s no long marinade. They cook evenly on a grill or pan in a short time. They pair well with simple sides. This is a recipe that stays at the top of the list because it works.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Bombay Toast

A stack of Bombay toast with parsley.
Bombay Toast. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Bombay Toast is a simple, quick option that fits into regular cooking without effort. The ingredients are basic and easy to keep on hand. It cooks quickly and serves immediately. The flavor is consistent every time. This is a recipe that gets made again because it’s easy.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Toast

Shrimp Yakisoba

Shrimp yakisoba on a plate.
Shrimp Yakisoba. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shrimp Yakisoba is a fast noodle dish that comes together in one pan. The sauce coats the noodles evenly, making each bite consistent. The shrimp cook quickly, keeping the timing efficient. It’s easy to adjust with what you have available. This is a recipe that stays in rotation.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yakisoba

Quesabirria Tacos

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

Quesabirria Tacos take more time than some, but they stay on the list because they deliver every time. The meat cooks until tender and flavorful. The tacos crisp up on the outside while staying rich inside. They’re worth the effort and easy to repeat once you know the process. This is a recipe that keeps coming back into rotation.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

By on March 21st, 2026
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. She’s an Associated Press syndicated food and travel writer and the bestselling author of more than 40 cookbooks, including Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications including Chicago Sun-Times, Huffington Post, MSN, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Times, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, PopSugar, Fitness, Mercury News, and many others. More about Robin

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