main course
Ideas to serve as main course or entrée.
Garlic lamb Mongolian style
Bold, glossy, and packed with savory-sweet flavor, Mongolian garlic lamb is a stir-fry that delivers restaurant-quality results in minutes. Tender slices of lamb soak up a garlicky marinade of soy sauce and sweet sherry, then hit the wok until beautifully browned. A quick finish with brown sugar and sesame oil creates a rich, glossy sauce, while fresh green onions add a bright, crisp note. Served over a bed of just-wilted baby bok choy and fluffy steamed rice, it's the kind of dish that makes weeknight cooking feel like a celebration.
Pork stir-fry with Chinese cabbage and noodles
There's something magical about a good stir-fry, and this one delivers on every front. Tender slices of pork fillet meet crisp Chinese cabbage and silky egg noodles, all wrapped in a savory sauce that builds layer upon layer of flavor. The real stars here are the aromatics: fragrant lemongrass and warm five-spice powder infuse the whole dish with the kind of depth you'd expect from your favorite Asian restaurant. Best of all, it comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight when you still want something special on the table.
Lemony veal stir-fry with pecans
Bright, zesty, and satisfyingly crunchy, this lemony veal stir-fry is a joy to cook and even better to eat. Tender slices of veal soak up a fresh citrus glaze of lemon zest, lemon juice, and soy sauce, while sweet onion wedges and colorful bell peppers add body and color. A handful of toasted pecans brings a buttery crunch you won't expect in a stir-fry, and fragrant lemongrass ties it all together with a subtle floral lift. Best of all, this vibrant dish comes together in about half an hour, making it perfect for a lively weeknight dinner or a relaxed meal with friends.
Schnitzel
Golden, crisp, and impossibly tender, Wiener Schnitzel is one of Austria's most beloved culinary treasures. This dish traces its roots to Vienna, where thin slices of veal are pounded delicately, coated in a light, airy breading, and fried until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The magic lies in the coating: it should puff up and separate slightly from the meat, creating those signature crisp ripples. Traditionally served with a wedge of lemon, a sprinkle of parsley, and a side of potato salad or lingonberry jam, it's comfort food with a touch of elegance.
Schaschlik-Rolle
This is not the small street-market skewer. Schaschlik-Rolle is the large-format version: thin pork slices wrapped around streaky bacon and finely shredded cabbage, rolled into a generous log, skewered, and cooked slowly over charcoal embers for a full hour, turning frequently until the outside is deeply caramelised and the inside is tender all the way through. Each roll is a meal in itself, a serious piece of meat for a serious outdoor occasion, best eaten with bread, cold potato salad, and a good German beer.
Curried crab
Sweet, delicate lump crab meat is gently folded into an aromatic blend of curry powder, fresh herbs, and a hint of chili heat, creating a rich and fragrant mixture that is both comforting and exciting. The addition of breadcrumbs gives it substance, and it's all baked until golden and bubbling.
Traditionally served in individual casserole dishes or even cleaned clamshells, curried crab is a dish that perfectly balances warmth from the curry with the fresh flavors of cilantro, parsley, and green onion.
Coconut spinach shrimp (Bahamian style)
This recipe begins with a bright, zesty marinade that infuses the shrimp with layers of flavor before they are quickly sautéed. The spinach is then wilted in the remaining marinade, absorbing all the goodness, creating a dish that is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. It’s a soulful, one-pan meal that brings a taste of island sunshine to your kitchen table.
Cracked conch
Much like a schnitzel or a calamari steak, cracked conch is all about the contrast between the soft, sweet seafood interior and the crunchy, seasoned exterior. Served piping hot with a squeeze of fresh lime and a side of fiery hot sauce, it captures the vibrant, relaxed spirit of island dining.
Haggis-stuffed chicken (Balmoral chicken)
This showstopper takes a tender chicken breast, stuffs it with the iconic, peppery richness of haggis, and wraps it all in smoky bacon before roasting it to perfection. Served with a decadent whisky cream sauce, it’s a true celebration of Scotland’s finest flavors.
Haggis
Most haggis you buy (at least in the UK) is already cooked (or at least pre-steamed), so you’re mainly heating it through gently. The key is: don’t let it boil hard or the casing can burst.