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17 Meaty Dishes For When Salad Just Won’t Cut It

Looking to switch up your meals? Craving something hearty and substantial? We’ve got you covered with a range of meaty dishes that are sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. From succulent grilled meats to savory stews, there’s something for everyone in our selection of 17 delicious options.

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.

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Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Candied Bacon

Candied bacon in a canning jar.
Candied Bacon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When salad falls flat, the sweet and savory charm of Candied Bacon gets you hooked. It’s like a playground for flavor and texture, giving you a contrast between crispiness and tenderness. Savvy folks even have it for breakfast!
Get the Recipe: Candied Bacon

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

Beef Bulgogi Bowls sit at the pinnacle of fusion food, blending different culinary traditions into one dish. It’s not just about filling your stomach; this dish’s versatility makes it an all-around winner. Who said healthy can’t be hearty?
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Next up, Air Fryer Pork Belly, a dish that thrives on simplicity and delivers a punch of flavor and juiciness. One bite, and you realize that sometimes you don’t need frills to enjoy superb taste. Comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Beef Birria

Overhead shot of a bowl of shredded beef birria with cilantro and chopped onions.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If an elaborate feast is what you seek, then Beef Birria is your answer. Its rich meatiness is nothing short of a celebration. This dish proves that meat certainly does take the cake sometimes over salad.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Fried wontons on a black plate with dipping sauce.
Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Seeking a crisp, golden snack or appetizer that hits the spot? Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons have got you covered. Their crunchy exterior and juicy filling are enough to justify ditching that bowl of greens.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Beef Yakisoba

Beef yakisoba noodles with veggies and pickled ginger.
Beef Yakisoba. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hearty, stir-fried goodness forms Beef Yakisoba’s core essence. With its robust flavors and satisfying texture, it’s a firm favorite on days when plain salad just won’t do.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yakisoba

Char Siu

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Feast your eyes on Char Siu, a treat that isn’t just famed for its iconic ruby red tint, but also for its balance of sweetness and umami. Ensuring you get your meaty fix, it’s a dish that hits home with many.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan dan noodles in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Dan Dan Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Swapping out salad for Dan Dan Noodles? Yes, please! Known for their bold flavors and a certain kick to them, these noodles can change your perception of comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mixing up your meaty repertoire is the Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Bursting with flavor and perfect in texture, this dish makes you question why salads ever entered your diet plan.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Crispy Beef

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.
Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The name says it all for Crispy Beef: meltingly tender interior with a crisp exterior. Bite into this and discover why meat dishes can indeed be a benchmark for culinary joy.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Looking for a good change of pace from your routine? Instant Pot Spare Ribs can bring that to your doorstep. Undeniably tender and flavorful, they’ll easily edge out salads from your menu.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Lamb chop with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Lamb Chops. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Lamb Chops serve as a sublime choice when seeking a pleasant meal. Their knock-out flavors reassure you that sometimes, salads can take a back seat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Korean Hot Dogs

Overhead shot of Korean hot dogs on parchment paper.
Korean Hot Dogs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A playful twist on a classic, Korean Hot Dogs incorporates exciting elements that make them a crowd-pleaser. When meat cravings persist, no amount of salad can stand the comparison.
Get the Recipe: Korean Hot Dogs

Jewish Brisket

Low angle shot of sliced brisket on a white platter with dried apricots and salt in the background.
Jewish Brisket. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Jewish Brisket carries a legacy of good food and community. Simplicity in its preparation, yet rich in taste can make the staunchest salad lovers rethink their preferences.
Get the Recipe: Jewish Brisket

Hoisin Beef

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

Hoisin Beef, the undeniable star of every meal, ignites your palate with its balance of sweet and savory notes. You’ll understand why this dish has the power to kick salad to the curb.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Instant Pot Pho

Overhead shot of bowls of pho.
Instant Pot Pho. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Pho checks every box and goes beyond, especially when salad gets boring. The interplay of hearty, aromatic, and comforting elements wraps around your palate most pleasantly.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

Korean Bulgogi Tacos

Horizontal shot of 3 korean tacos: corn tortillas filled with sliced steak, kimchi and pico de gallo salsa, and chopped cilantro. In the background are lime wedges, sliced red cabbage, and cilantro leaves.
Korean Bulgogi Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Lastly, Korean Bulgogi Tacos bring the fun to your table that salads often lack. Fortified with flavor and richness, these tacos provide a satisfying experience that’s hard to match.
Get the Recipe: Korean Bulgogi Tacos

By on February 24th, 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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