100 best dinner ideas to dial up the flavour (but not the labour)

Our take on the Chinese classic makes for an easy and quick dinner idea.

We all know someone who thinks salads are boring. Consider them converted with this flavour-packed number.

The proper way to make this Italian classic.

This Greek rice pudding recipe with the sweetness of vanilla, pistachio and candied lemon will become a winter favourite.

A comforting pan-fried barramundi recipe with Grenobloise sauce and colcannon makes for one quick and easy dinner.

Supersize me: For an impressive festive dessert, simply assemble in a large trifle dish and dress with extra summer berries.

Fresh, fast and flavourful: this is the easy way to make prawns a midweek meal.

Mango pancakes are a colouful yum cha favourite that can be served as either a dessert or a decadent breakfast.

Master this chicken parmigiana recipe and you’ll never need a pub parmy again.

A fast noodle dish that’s loaded with flavour and easy to prepare.

A stunning snapper recipe primed for weekend celebrations.

This is a simple madeleine recipe worth committing to memory.

This quick and easy dinner-worthy salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for warmer weather.

Lamb doesn’t have to be a long drawn out cook. These roasted lamb racks are ready for the plate within 30 minutes, salad and all.

Use whichever cheese you have in the fridge – or keep it interesting by adding a few different types.

Marinate your steaks in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce for a delicate flavour and a tender flank.

Quick grilled lamb chops with a side of vibrant zucchini is just the way to welcome in the warmer months.

Crisp, panko-crumbed eggplants are perfectly paired with a Japanese yasai itame.

Salmon tataki served with diced cucumber, jalapeño slices and chilli oil for an extra kick of heat.

An easy, everyday Japanese-inspired soba noodle recipe that requires little time and effort.

A fast vegetarian udon noodle recipe that takes little time to make but is big on flavour.

The Greek meatball gets a pescatarian-friendly makeover in this quick and easy keftedes recipe.

A quick and easy Japanese okra recipe to make on the hibachi or barbecue.

Served with melted butter and purple shiso leaves.

Make these simple zucchini skewers the next time you’re planning a gathering.

Quick, easy and healthy. This is a chicken dish you’ll want to commit to memory.

This spiced fish recipe makes for a simple yet flavoursome dinner idea.

A simple side dish or starter that requires a handful of ingredients.

An everyday lamb recipe that requires little effort.

A one-pan dessert winter warmer to bake the cold-weather blues away.

Pre-made puff pastry makes this tasty tart a weeknight winner.

A speedy steak snack that’ll transport you to a Spanish wine bar at first bite.

A quick and easy chicken dinner recipe that goes beyond a simple roast chook.

These meatballs are also great served with crusty bread, roasted potatoes or rice.

A speedy dinner idea for the cooler months.

Made with a flavoursome vegetable stock and adorned with crunchy croutons and shreds of fennel, this torn pasta soup recipe makes for a quick and easy dinner.

A quick, easy and aromatic chickpea dish to have on rotation.

The caramel can be made in advance; simply thin with a little hot water before serving.

A Middle Eastern spin on roast cauliflower that makes for a quick and easy vegetarian crowd-pleaser.

A Mediterranean meal that’s big on flavour and a cinch to make.

A speedy lamb dish that doesn’t skimp on flavour.

Served with a punchy charred corn salsa, these barbecued bugs will be your warm weather favourite.

These zingy fritters make for a quick and vegetable-packed midweek meal.

Add some cooked crab or lobster meat to this weeknight favourite and transform it into a luxe dinner party entertainer.

A winning midweek meal to have on rotation.

Spice up your next barbecue with these fiery chicken wing skewers balanced with sweet honey.

A fresh and punchy addition to your dinner party table.

Make it a meal: for a more substantial dish, stir-fry prawns in sesame oil and garlic and toss through the noodles.

A festive favourite that’s quick and easy.

This quick and easy Peruvian fried rice is the perfect meal to get your five serves of vegetables in.

A summery prawn pasta that’s a no-fuss midweek meal? Yes please.

A simple, summery seafood recipe for midweek meals.

A quick and easy dinner idea for when you can’t be bothered to cook.

Quick, easy, and chef approved, this pan-roasted snapper with tarragon gribiche is sure to become a new weeknight favourite.

The trick with this simple dish is to sauté the broccoli rabe enough so that it’s wilted and tender, without becoming soft.

With short, flaky pastry and a soft, savoury filling, you shouldn’t forget the versatile quiche for your next lazy weeknight meal.

Quick, easy, warming, and hearty, this recipe for grilled rump steak with Massaman curry is the perfect way to add intrigue to your regular Wednesday steak and chips.

A warm vegetarian salad that punches above its weight in the flavour stakes.

Swordfish is one of the meatiest fish, and these steaks with a light honey dressing will show you why.

And it’s super quick to whip up.

It’s made for cold nights and second helpings.

The creamy soup uses broccoli stalks for the soup base and sauteed florets as a garnish. Add Gorgonzola toasts for dipping and you’ve got a satisfying meal.

This wonton soup is an express version of the recipe that cuts time, not flavour.

Char kway teow is a perennial Malaysian favourite for a reason. Tony Tan shows us how it’s done.

You’ve never had chicken souvlaki this good. This recipe, courtesy of Brisbane’s Hellenika, is sure to become your new go-to.

A satisfying vegetarian main, or a very able sidekick.

That’s breakfast – and lunch – sorted.

Flavour and freshness with every bite.

How to improve on fresh prawns with avocado? Adding a smoky, spicy tomato dressing to the mix.

We’ve hacked the recipe for fast summertime refreshment.

Fast, fresh and flavoursome – this one’s the whole package.

Chicken, boring? Things look up with the addition of harissa, the North African spice paste.

Fire up the grill and keep the good times rolling.

There’s lots to love about a Dutch baby pancake.

The fast and easy roast chook you need for the week.

Sometimes all that’s missing is a simple side dish. Creamed spinach is about as simple as it gets (and it goes with just about anything).

A simple fried rice that punches above its weight, thanks to the addition of salted mackerel.

A quick, satisfying meal that punches above its weight in the flavour game.

A spring-ready midweek dinner, spiked with bright and spicy salsa verde.

A light midweek dinner made easy.

The classic you know and love, ready in a flash.

A little spice and sweetness equals this very worthy midweek meal.

A recipe that riffs on the Palestinian lamb siniyah.

A vegetarian roast with the most.

A tried-and-true combination.

A springtime bruschetta that works best for lunches and light suppers.

A warm roast vegetable salad, brightened with chimichurri.

Patties we’d happily eat any meal of the day.

Chef Dan Puskas’ take on the Sicilian pasta sauce.

Sweet cravings are conquered in no time with this one-pan dessert.

A one-pan dish with endless possibilities.

Chicken, mushrooms and greens. This meal is the complete package.

These sticky and warm golden dumplings will disappear in a snap. Make double.

This fast mushroom risotto recipe, made rich and creamy with mascarpone, is sure to become a favourite.

Turn the humble vegetable into something special.

A quick and simple braise in celebration of Chinese broccoli.

An umami-packed combination that just works.

How to turbo-charge the humble lentil with fragrance and spice.

This light ragù is freshened up further with a herb-packed green sauce.