When was the last time you weren't too busy to make dinner? Being crunched for time seems like the general feeling these days. While preparing something delicious at the end of a long day may seem like a daunting and time-consuming task, it doesn't have to be. There are plenty of dishes—especially those that lean on seafood or pantry staples—that are full of flavor and still come together in a flash. From spicy steamed mussels with 'nduja, to a simple stovetop mac and cheese, and a Chinese-style layered omelette, these are our favorite quick dinner recipes that come together in 20 minutes or less.
Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Nasi goreng, Indonesia's version of fried rice, gets a sweet and savory profile from kecap manis and a big hit of umami from shrimp paste.
XO Mazemen (Broth-less Ramen With XO Sauce)
This take on mazemen, or "mixed noodles," a soup-less variation on ramen, incorporates powerfully savory XO sauce to make a flavorful ramen that takes all of five minutes to prepare. Our vegetarian and bacon and egg versions are also worth trying.
Perfect Egg Fried Rice (On Whatever Gear You Have)
This egg fried rice recipe is designed to work with any cooking setup, whether you're lucky enough to have a true flaming-hot wok burner or are just using a nonstick skillet on an electric cooktop.
3-Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese
This simple mac and cheese recipe has fewer ingredients than the boxed version but comes together in the same amount of time.
Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)
Quick and easy, this popular restaurant dish is easy to perfect at home with just a handful of ingredients.
Instant Ramen Fried Rice
Sure, a cup of instant noodles is a quick and easy snack, but with a little effort, you can whip up a delicious, almost-as-instant fried rice that serves two.
The Best Moules Marinières (Sailor-Style Mussels)
Inexpensive, elegant, and easy, these mussels are the ultimate one-pot meal.
Spicy Steamed Mussels With 'Nduja
Spicy, funky Calabrian sausage is the perfect companion to briny, sweet, steamed mussels—and they come together in 20 minutes flat.
Stovetop 'Nduja Mac and Cheese
Gooey, spicy, meaty mac and cheese—all it takes is four pantry-friendly ingredients and 10 minutes of your time.
Cantonese Slippery Eggs with Tofu and Peas
If you love egg drop soup, you’ll love its comforting, meal-worthy cousin.
Spaghetti con la Colatura di Alici (Pasta With Colatura)
This simple pasta dish is like an amped-up sibling to aglio e olio flavored with Italian aged fish sauce.
Chinese-Style Layered Omelette
With just eggs, salt, scallions, and soy sauce, you can make a luxurious-seeming weeknight meal in about 15 minutes.
Spaghetti Puttanesca (Spaghetti With Capers, Olives, and Anchovies)
Spaghetti puttanesca packs an aromatic punch thanks to garlic, anchovies, capers, and olives.
Katsudon (Japanese Chicken or Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl)
This Japanese comfort food classic smothers fried cutlets with seasoned dashi and lightly cooked egg.
Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon Fillets
Extra-crunchy skin and perfectly tender fish? Believe us, it's possible!
Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon, Cucumber, and Avocado Rice Bowls
A sweet, savory, crunchy, and fresh meal for a weekday night? Rice bowls are as easy as it gets.
5-Minute Miso Glazed Salmon
Charred, sweet and savory with a tender interior, this is about as good as salmon gets.