There’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a meal with your hands. It makes dining feel more intimate and fun! Here are six delicious dinners that are perfect for that hands-on experience.
1. Spicy Chicken Wings
Prep & Cook Time
Preparation: 10 minutes, Cooking: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken wings and toss to coat them evenly.
- Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Servings
Makes approximately 4 servings.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 350, Protein: 25g, Fat: 25g, Carbohydrates: 0g
2. Tacos al Pastor
Prep & Cook Time
Preparation: 15 minutes, Cooking: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple, diced
- Small corn tortillas
- Chopped onion and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the pork with adobo sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the pork until browned.
- Warm the tortillas in another pan.
- Assemble tacos with pork, pineapple, onion, and cilantro.
Servings
Makes about 8 tacos.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 250, Protein: 20g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 20g
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prep & Cook Time
Preparation: 20 minutes, Cooking: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef, then mix in rice and tomatoes.
- Stuff the bell pepper halves with the beef mixture.
- Top with cheese and bake for 30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Servings
Makes 4 servings.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 400, Protein: 30g, Fat: 20g, Carbohydrates: 30g
4. Mini Burgers
Prep & Cook Time
Preparation: 15 minutes, Cooking: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Mini burger buns
- Cheese slices
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles for toppings
Instructions
- Form small patties from the ground beef.
- Grill or pan-fry until cooked to your liking.
- Add cheese on top while cooking to melt.
- Assemble burgers with your favorite toppings.
Servings
Makes about 8 mini burgers.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 250, Protein: 20g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 10g
5. Greek Pita Sandwiches
Prep & Cook Time
Preparation: 10 minutes, Cooking: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup chopped cucumber and tomato
Instructions
- Warm the pita breads in a skillet.
- Fill each pita with chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.
Servings
Makes 4 sandwiches.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 300, Protein: 25g, Fat: 10g, Carbohydrates: 35g
6. Fish Tacos
Prep & Cook Time
Preparation: 10 minutes, Cooking: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish, cut into strips
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- Small tortillas
- Cabbage slaw for topping
Instructions
- Mix flour and cornmeal in a bowl.
- Dip fish strips in the mixture and fry until golden.
- Assemble tacos with fish and cabbage slaw.
Servings
Makes about 6 tacos.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 300, Protein: 20g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 25g
Final Thoughts
I hope you find these hand-held dinners as delightful as I do! There’s a certain charm in enjoying a meal without utensils, and each of these recipes brings its own unique flavors and fun to the table. Happy eating!