Whether you’re in the mood for something classic American, spicy Asian, or authentic Filipino, this list has you covered. In fact, there’s even more than that on here! Though you’ll see plenty of things you know and love, there’s also a few unique recipes I hope you’ll try. Because if you don’t branch out on this list of foods from around the world, when will you?
1. Spanish Paella Valenciana
If you’re a fan of meat, veggies, and herbs, you’ll love this classic Spanish rice dish. It takes some time to make, but it has so much flavor, not to mention a ton of protein. You’ll use both chicken and rabbit; then, you’ll add butter beans, green beans, and frozen green peas. That’s enough to keep anyone fully sated for hours. Add in all the different herbs and spices and you have one heck of a meal.
2. Indian Butter Chicken
If you’re looking for a warm, savory dish to enjoy on a cold night, you can’t beat this traditional Indian staple. The chicken is tender, and the sauce is creamy, buttery, and totally scrumptious. Plus, this yummy curry and rice dish takes less than 40 minutes to make! Serve it with one of these delicious butter chicken side dishes for a complete meal.
3. Italian Margherita Pizza
Although it may not be as popular in the United States as, say, a Meat Lover’s Supreme, the Italian Margherita is one of Italy’s most famous pizzas. The crust is chewy and perfectly crispy around the edges, the mozzarella is supremely gooey, and the pizza sauce has a tangy, garlicky flavor that everyone loves. Throw a few basil leaves on top, and you’re all done. Sorry to all my meat-loving friends; this one is 100% vegetarian. Of course, you can easily add other toppings if you like, but it won’t be an authentic Margherita pizza if you do. Still, you’re the one eating it, so fix it however you like.
4. Chinese Yangzhou Fried Rice
If you’re looking for a quick and easy but surprisingly filling meal, Yangzhou fried rice is hard to beat. Other than salt and pepper, it uses just nine ingredients. The prep time is a simple five minutes, and it only takes 10 more to cook everything. It doesn’t matter what your favorite Chinese restaurant is; this fried rice can rival theirs. You have my word on that.
5. Korean Bibimbap
For some reason, authentic Korean recipes aren’t as popular in America as some of the other Asian cuisines on our list. Many people know nothing about it outside of Korean barbecue, and some don’t even know that! This Korean bibimbap is a unique and delectable introduction to the world of Korean cuisine. It takes some time to pull together, but it’s worth it, I promise. It’s ridiculously flavorful, features tender, juicy steak, and has plenty of hearty veggies, as well. The sauce is also amazing, and you’ll want to put it on everything.
6. Japanese Sushi Rolls
I’m pretty sure sushi is one of those internationally loved foods you’ll find almost everywhere. And though you might not think to make it yourself, I highly recommend giving it a go. Most of the work in this recipe goes into the rice, and even that’s pretty easy to make. If sushi is something you love, you’ll enjoy being able to make it at home and save money.
7. Thai Pad Thai
Despite how complicated and involved Pad Thai looks, it takes only half an hour to make. Who needs takeout when you can whip up something just as delicious in only 30 minutes? This recipe combines all the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors you’d expect, but it uses chicken instead of seafood, which some people prefer. I think the chicken gives it a lighter, less overpowering flavor, and it pairs perfectly with the slippery, scrumptious noodles.
8. American Hamburger
The hamburger is a staple of American fast food and backyard grilling. But believe it or not, there are plenty of ways for this classic American dish to go wrong. So, start with a great recipe – like this one – and you should be just fine. It features a quarter-pound ground beef pattie, two slices of American cheese, and two pieces of thick, salty bacon. Pile it high with all your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
9. Irish Colcannon Potatoes
If the only experience you have with mashed potatoes is from a powdered mix in a box, you’re truly missing out. And with these Irish colcannon potatoes, even homemade mashed taters fall short. These are fluffy and unbelievably buttery. Add in a bit of garlic powder if you like a touch more flavor.
10. French Beef Bourguignon
Beef bourguignon is so tender and juicy that it practically melts the moment it hits your tongue. And that’s just from the meat and the red wine sauce. You’ll also add carrots, onions, garlic, and more, making this already incredible meal even more flavorful and phenomenal. Beef bourguignon is a meal the whole family will love. However, it tastes so good that you may not want to share!
11. Filipino Sisig
This crunchy, spicy, somewhat sour dish takes 10 minutes to prepare and another 20 to cook. It combines grilled pork belly, salt, pepper, chicken liver, red onion, lemon juice, chili peppers, and soy sauce. It’ll almost remind you of hash, but with a lot more meat and no potatoes.
12. British Fish and Chips
Fish and chips is one of the most quintessential British meals around and it’s definitely one of the most well-known – if not the most well-known – traditional British recipes ever. It’s beer-battered fried fish and crispy French fries. What’s not to love?
13. Scottish Scones
I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone who didn’t enjoy crunchy, flaky, buttery scones. These golden-brown treats are about as delectable as it gets. You can make them plain, and they’ll taste fantastic. However, this recipe also calls for currants (or raisins), which add a rich and tangy sweetness to the scones, making them even better.
14. German Bratwurst
Perhaps the only thing more German than bratwursts is Oktoberfest, and honestly, the two pretty much go hand-in-hand. Of course, all you need to do to enjoy bratwursts is to buy them at the store, but this recipe tells you precisely how to cook them to get them as juicy and succulent as possible.
15. Norwegian Meatballs
Anyone can make meatballs, but you haven’t lived until you’ve tried a Norwegian meatball. Seriously, Norwegian meatballs take things to a whole new level. They’re thick and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the brown sauce is insanely yummy. Plus, these meatballs come with cheese and onions rolled up into them, and you’ll season them with nutmeg. Yes, they are just as superb as they sound.
16. Swedish Meatballs
Of course, we can’t talk about meatballs without mentioning the OG! Swedish meatballs are spicy and herby, and the thick, creamy sauce is divine. As written, this recipe makes about 75 meatballs, which seems like a lot. Trust me; it isn’t. These things will fly off the table faster than you can say, “Save me one!”
17. Belgium Belgian Waffles
I love Eggos as much as the next gal, but nothing – and I mean nothing – beats a stack of Belgian waffles on a lazy Sunday morning. These fluffy waffles have perfectly crisp edges and just a hint of cinnamon and vanilla in every bite. They taste so good that they don’t even need syrup, powdered sugar, or other toppings. But feel free to make them as decadent and loaded as you like anyway!
18. Portuguese Caldo Verde
Kale may have blown up in the US over the last few years, but Portuguese chefs have been adding it to their soups for years. This particular soup is thick, creamy, and full of chunky yumminess, including sausage, onions, potatoes, beans, and more. It’s fantastically flavorful and ideal for cold winter nights.
19. Spanish Churros
Churros are always a tasty treat, and that’s even more true when you make them at home. They’re also surprisingly easy to make, taking no longer than 30 minutes – tops. All you’ll need is water, butter, sugar, salt, flour, an egg, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil for frying. Top them off with a super sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, and you’ve got a true hit on your hands.
20. Italian Tiramisu
As much as I love grabbing a slice of tiramisu from the grocery store, it’s so much richer when you make it from scratch. Believe it or not, it’s not that hard to make, either. You’ll need only eight ingredients and 15 minutes to whip it up. Better still, it requires no cooking, so you won’t even have to turn on your oven. It will need to chill for at least six hours before serving, though, so don’t wait until the last minute to make it. If you’re looking for a decadent, chilled dessert to help combat the summer’s heat, tiramisu could be just the thing, especially since so many people already love it.
21. Greek Moussaka
Unless you’re a regular patron of Greek restaurants or have Greek relatives who love to cook, you may not be familiar with moussaka. It’s kind of like lasagna that’s traditionally made with lamb, but it has far fewer carbs. That’s because you won’t use noodles. Instead, you’ll layer the ingredients one on top of the other, starting with a base of baked eggplants. Then, you’ll add the mouth-wateringly delicious beef filling. Add another layer of baked eggplants and top the whole thing with creamy, cheesy bechamel sauce and a final layer of crunchy Panko breadcrumbs. It takes some time to prepare, but if you’re looking for a meal that’ll really impress and satisfy your family, give this one a try.
22. Vietnamese Bánh Mì Sandwich
Plenty of garlicky pickled veggies, fresh cilantro, and tender chicken covered in a spicy, creamy sauce: if you’re not already eating Vietnamese Bánh Mì sandwiches, you need to be. The tasty and tangy sandwiches are a true delight for the senses, and if you’re splitting lunch with a friend, go ahead and make two. You absolutely won’t want to share.
23. Vietnamese Pho
Vietnamese pho (pronounced ‘fuh’) is a bit like a traditional ramen recipe– the real kind, not the stuff you add water to and microwave for three minutes. However, it’s a little soupier, and there’s a lot in the bowl. It’s a beef-heavy, spiced, sweet, and savory dish, and you can go as bland or as bold as you like with the toppings. Add bean sprouts, cilantro, Hoisin sauce, lime juice, Thai basil, or anything else you want. Sometimes, I throw a handful of peanuts in mine for the extra crunch.
24. German Schnitzel
Most people have heard of German schnitzel, but just as many have never tried it for themselves. If you’re one of those, here’s your chance. All you’ll need are pork chops, salt, pepper, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and oil for frying. That’s right: German schnitzel is basically a breaded pork chop. Don’t hate on them, though. These things are crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and unbelievably good.
25. Polish Pierogies
You can make sweet or savory pierogies, but these are the latter. Filled with cheese, potatoes, onions, and butter, these are a mixture between Chinese dumplings and fried pies. In short, they’re excellent. And once you add the caramelized onions to the top, they’re even better.
26. Czech Kolaches
Czech kolaches are another one of those desserts that takes a little time to get right, but once you do, you’ll be over the moon. These are like thumbprint cookies, only they’re the size of and have the same texture and buttery flavor as dinner rolls. You’ll fill each one with whatever fillings you like best (apricot, prune, or cream cheese are the recommended flavors), and everyone will love them. Of course, if you decide to eat all 12 of them yourself, I would understand.
27. Russian Pirog
This dish is like a spectacular, savory chicken pot pie, only better. And yes, I mean that. These things are so good; they’ll take your breath away. The crust is soft, chewy, and golden-brown, and the filling features perfectly cooked cubed chicken, onions, carrots, cabbage, garlic, herbs, sour cream, and more. It’s a bit like a mashup between a chicken pot pie and a crunchy egg roll. It’s the combination you never knew you needed but will love once you try it.
28. Indian Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala was the first Indian curry I ever tried, and I’ll never forget its rich spiciness or its vibrant orange sauce. There’s a reason it’s one of the most beloved Indian chicken recipes ever! It’s creamy and tender, and there’s nothing quite like it. Serve it with rice or eat it by itself; either way, you won’t be disappointed.
29. Portuguese French Toast (Rabanadas)
Portuguese chefs make a lot of great dishes, but they certainly know how to make French toast. In fact, it’s some of the best you’ll ever have. It’s not a soggy and syrupy mess like some versions of French toast I’ve had; neither is it so stiff and crunchy that there’s no give to it at all. Instead, it’s unbeatably crispy, has the perfect ratio of sugar to cinnamon, and requires only six ingredients to make. It actually tastes a bit like churros, but it’s sweeter, and the texture is a little softer. You can top it with maple syrup, berries, or whipped cream if you like, but honestly, it’s pretty perfect by itself, and that’s not something I often say about French toast.
30. Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork
Craving something hearty with all kinds of tastes and textures? Then this sweet and sour pork is the ideal solution. Using this recipe, it takes just under an hour to make, and the result is delicious enough to rival any Chinese restaurant you’ve ever visited. If you want to go all out, serve it with some easy fried rice and a spring roll on the side. The next time your friends want Chinese takeout, they might just call you instead. Click on a star to rate it!
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