5 Quick Weeknight Dinners from Around the World (Ready in 30 Minutes)

Weeknights are a juggling act. After work, school runs and everything else, the last thing most of us want is a complicated recipe. But a quick dinner does not have to mean the same pasta again. These five dishes from India, Thailand, Mexico and the Middle East all come together in about 30 minutes or less, use everyday ingredients and taste far better than a takeaway. I cook most of them on busy evenings in my own London kitchen.

1. Vegetable Fried Rice (about 15 minutes)

Fried rice is the ultimate way to use up leftover rice and the odd vegetables in the fridge. The key is to use cold, day-old rice, which stays separate in the wok instead of turning sticky. Stir-fry the vegetables briefly over high heat so they stay crisp, then add the rice and season with soy sauce and a pinch of white pepper. Get the full method in our Vegetable Fried Rice recipe.

2. Rava Upma (about 15 minutes)

Upma is not just for breakfast. This soft South Indian semolina dish, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves and onion, makes a light, satisfying dinner when you are short on time. Dry-roast the semolina first so it stays fluffy, and add it slowly to boiling water to avoid lumps. See our Rava Upma recipe.

3. Chicken Pad Thai (about 25 minutes)

Pad Thai looks impressive, but it cooks in minutes once everything is prepared. Soak the rice noodles only until pliable, mix the tamarind, fish sauce and sugar sauce in advance and cook in small batches over a very high heat. Finish with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime. Try our Chicken Pad Thai recipe.

4. Chicken Tacos (about 30 minutes)

Tacos are one of the most flexible family dinners. Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks fast, season it with cumin, paprika and garlic, and let everyone build their own with salsa, onion, coriander and lime. Warm the tortillas right before serving so they stay soft. Find the details in our Chicken Tacos recipe, and add a bowl of Classic Guacamole on the side.

5. Shakshuka (about 30 minutes)

Eggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce make a hearty dinner in just one pan. Simmer the sauce until it is properly thick, make small wells for the eggs, cover the pan and let the steam cook them until the whites are set and the yolks are soft. Serve with warm bread to mop up the sauce. Our Shakshuka recipe shows you how.

How to make weeknight cooking easier

• Prep ahead: chop onions, ginger and garlic on the weekend and keep them in airtight containers for a couple of days.
• Read the recipe first: knowing the steps before you start saves time and stops mistakes.
• Keep a good pantry: rice, noodles, tinned tomatoes, eggs and a few spices make quick meals possible any day. My guide to Indian spices shows what to stock.
• Cook once, eat twice: make a little extra rice or sauce, and turn it into lunch the next day.
• Use one pan where you can: fewer dishes to wash makes a big difference at the end of a long day.

A simple weekly plan

If you like to plan ahead, here is an easy pattern. Start the week with something light and fast like fried rice, then make tacos mid-week when everyone wants a fun meal. Save the pad thai for a night when you have a little more energy, and finish with shakshuka for a relaxed supper. Keep upma as your back-up for the evening when everything goes wrong.

Pick one of these this week and see how simple a delicious dinner can be. The best weeknight recipes are the ones you actually want to make again and again.