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15 Quick Dinners For When You Have Zero Plans (Again!)

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So dinner is the last thing on your mind after a jam-packed day, but your stomach disagrees—loudly. Here are 15 quick dinners that have your back. They're the Houdinis of the food world, ready to turn “Oops, forgot about dinner” into “Ta-da, feast your eyes on this!”.

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

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.

If you thought shrimp couldn't get any better, Camarones al Mojo de Ajo will prove you wrong. Forget hours in the kitchen; this dish is all about maximum flavor in minimal time. Grab some herbs and spices, and you're halfway there. Ideal for when you need a quick dinner without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Singapore Noodles

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

Craving something exotic but low on time? Singapore Noodles are your go-to for a swift escapade. This dish is a vibrant mix that takes your palate on a trip without leaving your kitchen. Easy ingredients, big flavors, and ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles

Szechuan Shrimp

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

Spice up your dinner routine in a snap with Szechuan Shrimp. It's all about speed, spice, and everything nice. This one's for those evenings when you want something quick without skimping on the kick. Quick, fiery, and totally filling!
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

For a night when only comforting and speedy will do, Beef Bulgogi Bowls are the answer. Think tender beef with a hint of sweetness, all ready faster than you can say “delivery.” It's the bowl of joy your fast-paced life needs. Perfect for getting that cozy dinner fix on the fly.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Turn up the heat with Camarones a la Diabla, because why not? If your pantry's ready, so is this dish – fiery, flavorful, and fantastically quick. It’s the dinner that says “I may have forgotten to plan, but I didn't forget about flavor.” Who knew spontaneity tasted so spicy?
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

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.

When pizza meets carbonara, Pizza Carbonara happens, and it's glorious. Forget calling the pizza guy; whip up this magic in lesser time. It's all the cheesy, eggy goodness you dream about, ready faster than you can debate toppings. Great for those “Oh, dinner!” moments.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Carbonara

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Have a skillet? Then you’re minutes away from Creamy Tuscan Chicken. It's like a quick trip to Italy, minus the flight time. This dish brings comfort food to your table with none of the wait. It is for those nights when you wish dinner could hug you.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.
Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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Hoisin Beef is your answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you're staring blankly at your fridge. A little sweet, a little salty, and a lot delicious. It’s the no-stress, yes-flavor dinner solution. This dish is ready before you can finish pondering your pantry.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fish tacos with shredded cabbage and cilantro lime crema.
Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Light, refreshing, and quick, Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema is a no-brainer. This is what you make when you want to pretend you’re by the sea instead of in the kitchen. Fast, fresh, and full of zinh, dinner's done before you’re finished daydreaming about the beach.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Mochiko Chicken

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

Looking for something a little different but totally doable? Mochiko Chicken comes to the rescue. It's crunchy, sweet, and impossible to resist. This dish takes the prize for making dinner an easy adventure. It's the kind of meal that makes an ordinary night feel special.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

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.

Need a twist on noodles that's both hearty and quick? Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs is it. Spicy, delicious, and oh-so-filling, it's the kind of dish that asks, “Why not have breakfast for dinner?”. It's in and out of the kitchen, just like that.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs

Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

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

Salmon and Asparagus Quiche is for those days when you want dinner to be both fuss-free and fancy. Tender salmon, crisp asparagus, and a fluffy base – all without the headache. It’s your secret weapon for an impromptu dinner party or a quiet meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

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.

Ditch the takeout menu because Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles are here to save dinner. Just a handful of ingredients and you’ve got a dish that’s all kinds of nutty, slightly spicy, and completely hearty. It’s the ultimate in “I didn't plan dinner and that's okay” cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

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.

Chicken Egg Foo Young is the answer to your dinner dilemmas. It's like the omelet met a pancake and they decided to make your mealtime infinitely easier. Fluffy, delicious, and ready in no time, this dish brings the “yum” without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young

Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried tofu cubes and minced vegetables, garnished with green onions. Chopsticks rest on top.
Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Last-minute dinner? Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork is here to turn up the heat. This dish promises bold flavors and a filling dinner, all without the long prep times. Spicy, hearty, and dazzlingly quick, it's the thrill your dinner routine has been waiting for.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

By on September 4th, 2024
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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