Quick-cooking proteins, spices, herbs and aromats, plus seasonal vegetables – this is your shortcut for the best quick dinner ideas for the week. Because after a long, hard day at work, all you want to turn to are reliable, easy meals.

In this fast-paced age of meal-kit delivery services and Thai takeaway, it’s easy not to step foot in the kitchen during the workweek. We get it. Sometimes, you can’t be bothered to cook a weeknight dinner. But we believe quick, easy meals are worth cooking from scratch — from buying the freshest seasonal produce to adding your own flair to your favourite midweek meal ideas you can cook repeatedly without getting bored.

Our best dinner ideas are anything but dull. Whether you’re in search of dinner ideas for one, a low-key date night or dinner recipes for the household, we have you covered.

Looking for an easy chicken recipe that’s ready in under the 30-minute mark? We’ve got it. What about a stir-fry that’s big on flavour but not the labour? Yes, of course, we have a few of those. Plus, quick, easy dinner recipes that range from fragrant curries and speedy tofu mains to simple baked fish dishes and vibrant seasonal salads. Not to mention the ultimate dinner ideas: one-pot recipe wonders — because who wants mountains of cleaning up after a quick dinner? No one.

Whip your way through these speedy recipes for soups, pasta, stir-fries and more. Trust us, our best dinner ideas and super-speedy weeknight recipes won’t let you down.

The best dinner ideas for quick midweek meals in 2025

(Credits: John Paul Urizar)

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

(Credits: Ben Dearnley)

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

(Credits: John Paul Urizar)

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

(Credits: James Moffatt)

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

(Credits: James Moffatt)

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.

(Credits: Alicia Taylor)

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

(Credits: James Moffatt)

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.

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.

(Credits: James Mofatt)

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

(Credits: James Moffatt)

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.

(Credits: Ben Dearnley)

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

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.

(Credits: James Moffatt)

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.

Two colourful bowls dilled with paccheri pasta, tomatoes, prawns and herbs (Credits: John Paul Urizar)

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.

Photo: John Paul Urizar

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

Photo: Alicia Taylor

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

Photo: John Paul Urizar

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

Photo: John Paul Urizar

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

Photo: Alicia Taylor

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.

Harissa-roasted cauliflower with preserved-lemon dressing

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

(Credits: John Paul Urizar)

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

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.

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

Char kway teow

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

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

(Credits: Con Poulos)

That’s breakfast – and lunch – sorted.

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

Harissa chicken with carrot, rice and quinoa pilaf recipe

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

(Credits: John Paul Urizar)

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

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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).

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

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

Lamb with fennel, salsa verde and preserved lemon

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

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

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A recipe that riffs on the Palestinian lamb siniyah.

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

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

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

(Credits: William Meppem)

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

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A quick and simple braise in celebration of Chinese broccoli.

Rigatoni with chicken ragù and green sauce recipe

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

What can I have for a quick dinner?

There are plenty of options in this extensive recipe collection for those wanting a delicious but quick dinner. A simple sushi bowl requires only a bit of protein (eggs work well, but any leftover protein in your fridge is perfect), a quick sauce, some rice (for those without a rice cooker, packet rice will do in a pinch!) and some fresh vegetables.

For something even quicker, a one-tray bake like this chicken, carrot and orange tray bake is perfect: pop everything into a pan, season, mix, and bake. Half an hour later? Dinner’s up.

What’s a good lazy dinner?

The ideal lazy but delicious quick dinner is a simple pasta. It doesn’t have to be oil, cheese and pepper (though this ten-minute spaghetti with olives, capers and lemon is one to try) for a quick one, either! This spaghetti puttanesca is ready in just 15 minutes, with a seriously salty and fragrant sauce. Or for something a little more out there, try this Japanese-style carbonara, with only seven ingredients and tonnes of flavour.

For just a little bit more effort (put still quick as a flash), bake a salmon fillet with a four-ingredient DIY black bean sauce in just 20 minutes, or if a bowl of chewy, flavour-packed noodles is more your style, this Cambodian lort cha is the dish for you.