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17 Meaty Mains That Will Wow Everyone

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Looking to wow everyone at dinner? These 17 meaty mains will do just that with their rich flavors and straightforward preparation. Perfect for any gathering, they ensure your meals are always a hit with family and friends. Make your dinners unforgettable with these impressive and delicious recipes.

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low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Combining convenience and flavor, Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps offer a quick route to a Middle Eastern classic. This dish packs chicken marinated in flavorful spices, then wrapped in a soft tortilla with fresh veggies. It’s ideal for a busy weeknight meal and whips up in the air fryer for a mess-free cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

Beef Bulgogi Bowls bring the sweet and flavorful tastes of Korea into your kitchen with minimal fuss. The tender slices of marinated beef are grilled or sautéed and served atop a bed of steamed rice with vegetables. This meal can be customized with different toppings like kimchi or a fried egg for an extra layer of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Biryani is a fragrant, spiced rice dish with roots in Indian cuisine, renowned for its vibrant layers of flavor. The recipe typically combines rice with marinated chicken, herbs, and sometimes dried fruits for a touch of sweetness. It’s a standalone dish that promises to be the highlight of any dining table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Char Siu

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

Famed in Cantonese cuisine, Char Siu features tender pork shoulder marinated in a sweet and flavorful sauce, then roasted to perfection. This dish adds a splash of color and robust flavors to any meal, ideal over rice or noodles. It is best enjoyed when prepared with patience to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Chicken Enchiladas

Low angle shot of chicken enchiladas on a plate with salad.
Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Enchiladas are a comforting meal, each tortilla stuffed with juicy chicken and smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Topped with melted cheese, they’re baked until bubbly and golden. Ideal for feeding a crowd or a cozy family dinner, enchiladas can be prepared ahead for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate.
Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a lighter alternative to the traditional fried version, filled with vegetables and, optionally, shrimp or pork. Cooking them in an air fryer ensures a crispy texture without the use of excess oil. They serve perfectly as an appetizer or a light meal and pair well with dipping sauces.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Hoisin Beef

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

A stir-fry classic, featuring strips of beef coated in a rich, dark sauce with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor profile is Hoisin Beef. The addition of vegetables like bell peppers and onions adds a crunch that contrasts the tender beef. Quick to prepare, this dish is a staple in homemade Asian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Add some Mexican flair to your meal plan with Instant Pot Tortilla Soup, a delicious combination of tomatoes, chicken, and corn, simmered with spices. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, making it an easy option for any night. Serve with tortilla strips, avocado, and a squirt of lime for a complete dish.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

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Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a snack that doubles as a conversation starter, Chicken Pakora is an excellent choice. These Indian fritters are made with tender chicken pieces coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter and then fried to crispy perfection. They are ideal for parties or as an appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Crispy Beef

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

Make mealtime exciting with Crispy Beef, where thin slices of beef are flash-fried to achieve a mouthwatering crispiness, and then tossed with a sticky, sweet sauce. It’s a popular dish in Chinese-American restaurants but can be easily made at home. This recipe serves up a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Two bowls of hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When the weather calls for something warming, Chicken Hot and Sour Soup is a comforting choice. This soup combines chicken, tofu, and vegetables in a spicy, vinegary broth. It’s adaptable to your heat preferences and can be ready in less than an hour. Serve it as a starter or as a light meal with a side of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Roasting an Air Fryer Whole Chicken in the air fryer results in crispy skin outside and tender, juicy meat inside. This method cuts down on cooking time and is perfect for a stress-free dinner. You can season the chicken with herbs and spices to taste. Ideal for a Sunday meal or a festive occasion, ensuring a delicious centerpiece on the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Pollo Pibil

Pollo pibil on a grey plate with limes and shredded lettuce.
Pollo Pibil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pollo Pibil, a traditional Mexican dish, is chicken marinated in citrus and annatto, then slow-cooked until tender. This dish is both colorful and flavorful, making it a festive addition to any meal. It pairs beautifully with rice or tortillas. A great option if you're looking to introduce new flavors into your dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.
Chicken Kathi Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

An exciting street food item from India, featuring skewer-grilled chicken wrapped in a paratha with sauces and vegetables. is Chicken Kathi Rolls. These rolls are customizable, portable, and packed with flavor. They offer a fun twist on traditional wraps, suitable for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

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 pork belly with crisp vegetables and tangy pickles in a light, crusty baguette. This Vietnamese sandwich is satisfying in its balance of flavors and textures. It’s great for lunch or a light dinner, offering a refreshing change from everyday sandwiches. An excellent choice for those who appreciate a fusion of tastes.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

Beef Birria

low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Rich and hearty, Beef Birria is a traditional Mexican stew made with chili peppers and spices, slow-cooked until the beef is tender and flavorful. It's often served with tortillas and a side of lime and cilantro. Ideal for a comforting meal on a chilly day, it’s also festive enough for special celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Gochujhang Chicken

Gochujang chicken on a platter with fresh herbs.
Gochujhang Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spice up your dinner menu with Gochujang Chicken, a Korean-inspired dish using the unique heat and sweetness of Gochujang paste. This dish combines chicken with a sauce that’s packed with flavor, ideal for those who enjoy a little spice. It’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gochujhang Chicken

By on July 29th, 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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