Whether you’re too tired or busy or just want something easy and delicious, I got you! Below are 15 easy and delicious meals you can make in 20 minutes or less.
Why You’ll Love These 20 Minute Meals
These meals are my favorites because of how flavorful they are. Most, if not all dishes listed below are super filling and be it’s own stand alone meal! Additional side dishes are always welcome ◡̈
- Quick and easy. You can have a delicious meal in 20 minutes or less with minimal prep!
- Versatile. Swap in whatever ingredient you have in the fridge—most of these are super customizable and great for leftovers. Check the section substitutions and variations for a bit of inspiration.
1
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This one pot creamy garlic chicken is made with parmesan, garlic and cilantro (or herb of choice) for a delicious 20 minute meal. All you have to do is throw everything in one skillet or pot and once cooked, you can taste the fragrant flavor. The juicy chicken thighs go great with white rice and side of veggies.
Check out this recipe
2
Chinese Tomato Egg Stir-Fry (番茄炒蛋)
You can make this Chinese tomato egg stir-fry in less than 15 minutes. The tomato is cooked with soft scrambled eggs and paired with hot white rice. The sweet flavors from the onion and garlic will make you have this dish on repeat!
Check out this recipe
3
BBQ Pork Fried Rice with Char Siu
This authentic BBQ pork fried rice is made with leftover rice, char siu, and a few other simple ingredients. It takes just five minutes to cook making it a dish to enjoy for dinner on busy weeknights.
Check out this recipe
4
Easy Udon Soup
This easy udon soup recipe takes 20 minutes (or quicker!) to make and is the definition of 'comfort in a bowl'! The thick and chewy udon noodles are cooked in an umami and sweet broth with fish cakes and topped with green onions.
Check out this recipe
5
Golden Egg Fried Rice
Egg yolks are mixed with white rice and sauteed with Chinese broccoli stems and Chinese sausage for an out of this world fried rice!
Check out this recipe
6
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
When you need a quick and delicious dinner idea, you have to make this Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon recipe in under 20 minutes! The soy garlic marinade is savory with a hint of sweetness, which goes perfect with the salmon.
Check out this recipe
7
One Pan Spanish Garlic Shrimp
This One Pan Spanish Garlic Shrimp takes 20 minutes to make and has a super delicious garlic flavor! All you have to do is throw everything in one skillet or pot and once cooked, you can taste the fragrant flavor from the garlic and shrimp.
Check out this recipe
8
Chinese Egg Drop Soup
This silky quick and easy Chinese egg drop soup with tofu is inspired by the egg drop soup served at my parent's restaurant. Silken tofu is cooked in a sweet chicken broth flavored with shrimp and crab for a boost of umami, and a cornstarch slurry gives the soup a smooth texture.
Check out this recipe
9
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are packed with flavor from the dry seasonings and a spicy mayo marinade (& sauce!). This easy recipe is made under 15 minutes perfect for salads, and rice bowls!
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10
Steamed Fish with Ginger and Spring Onions
Make this easy Chinese steamed fish in 20 minutes! The white fish is garnished with green onions and ginger. Hot oil makes the dish super fragrant!
11
Shrimp and Egg Stir Fry
Shrimp and egg stir fry is a quick and delicious dish that takes less than 10 minutes to make. Many Chinese (Cantonese) families make this dish when they want something healthy and delicious.
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12
Crispy Chinese Chicken
You can make this Crispy Chinese Chicken in 20 minutes inspired by the famous Chinese takeout General Tso Chicken sauce that you can't get enough of! The chicken is crispy from the skin and the sauce is tangy, spicy and umami from the soy sauce.
Check out this recipe
13
Korean Braised Tofu
Korean Braised Tofu (known as Dubu Jorim in Korean) is a sweet and savory dish that goes perfect with a bowl of rice! The tofu is pan-fried to golden perfection and braised in a gochujang soy sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.
Check out this recipe
14
20 Minute Thai Curry Noodle Soup
This 20 Minute Thai Curry Noodle Soup is a flavorful and quick meal option that satisfies both your taste buds and your busy schedule. With its aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender noodles, it's a comforting dish that brings spicy, savory, sweet and tangy flavors.
Check out this recipe
15
Kimchi Fried Rice
Check out this recipe
Quick Tips for Faster Meals
- Use leftover rice – It stir-fries better and saves you time. You can also freeze rice in small portions for emergency meals!
- Keep pantry staples stocked – Soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, oyster sauce—I always have these in my kitchen. You can quickly make a sauce to upgrade your quick meal!
- Frozen veggies & protein: If you can, have some shrimp, dumplings, or frozen spinach on hand for those moments when you don’t know what to make.
These meals prove that delicious home-cooked meals don’t have to take a lot of time and energy to make. I hope this helps you on those days when you’re too tired or busy and want an easy and delicious meal in 20 minutes!
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