If you’re craving international flavors but don’t have time for a complicated cooking session, these easy global dishes are the perfect way to bring the world to your dinner table—tonight. These recipes use simple techniques and commonly available ingredients, making them accessible to home cooks of all levels. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s a dish here for every palate.
- Shakshuka (Middle East/North Africa)
This savory dish of poached eggs in a tomato and pepper sauce is a staple across Israel, Tunisia, and Morocco. It’s cooked in one skillet and ready in under 30 minutes.
Try it with: Crusty bread or pita.
Recipe inspiration: Minimalist Baker’s Easy Shakshuka
- Chicken Tikka Masala (India/UK)
Marinated chicken chunks simmered in a creamy spiced tomato sauce—this crowd-pleaser is a fusion of Indian spices and British flair. Use pre-cooked chicken or store-bought tikka masala sauce to save time.
Pro tip: Serve with basmati rice or naan.
Quick version: Simply Recipes’ Tikka Masala
- Japanese Yakisoba
Yakisoba is a stir-fried noodle dish packed with vegetables and protein, topped with a sweet-savory sauce. Use ramen or spaghetti if yakisoba noodles aren’t available.
Easy shortcut: Use store-bought yakisoba sauce or make your own with Worcestershire, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar.
Recipe idea: Just One Cookbook’s Yakisoba
- Mexican Street Tacos
With some corn tortillas, lime, and a protein like grilled chicken, steak, or beans, you can create authentic-tasting tacos at home. Garnish with onion, cilantro, and salsa.
Cashback tip: Buy ingredients at stores like Walmart or Target using Fluz to earn cashback on your grocery run.
Quick how-to: Serious Eats’ Guide to Street Tacos
- Pad Thai (Thailand)
Pad Thai is a perfect weeknight meal: stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, peanuts, bean sprouts, and either tofu, shrimp, or chicken. Most ingredients are pantry staples or can be found in the international aisle.
Faster prep: Look for Pad Thai kits or sauces from brands like Thai Kitchen (available at Fluz merchants).
Authentic recipe: Hot Thai Kitchen’s Pad Thai
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Italy)
This classic Roman dish uses just pasta, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and big on flavor.
Optional: Add parsley, anchovies, or grated parmesan.
Get inspired: Bon Appétit’s Aglio e Olio
- Gyoza (Japan)
Japanese pan-fried dumplings can be bought frozen or made fresh with store-bought wrappers. Fill with ground pork, cabbage, and garlic for an authentic touch.
Time-saving tip: Many Asian grocery stores carry high-quality frozen gyoza.
Guide to folding and frying: Just One Cookbook’s Gyoza
- Gallo Pinto (Costa Rica/Nicaragua)
A traditional dish of rice and black beans flavored with onions, peppers, and Salsa Lizano (a Costa Rican sauce that can be subbed with Worcestershire).
Meal idea: Serve with fried eggs and avocado for a complete dinner.
Recipe source: 196 Flavors’ Gallo Pinto
- Moroccan Chickpea Stew
This hearty, fragrant stew features warm spices like cumin and cinnamon, simmered with chickpeas, tomatoes, and vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy meatless dinner.
Serve with: Couscous or flatbread.
Easy recipe: Cookie and Kate’s Moroccan Stew
- Korean Bibimbap
A rice bowl topped with sautéed vegetables, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce. Use leftover rice and whatever veggies are on hand.
Fast version: Buy pre-made gochujang at a grocery chain like H Mart or use Instacart and get cashback through Fluz.
Recipe guide: Korean Bapsang’s Bibimbap
Bonus Tips for Global Cooking at Home
- Shop international aisles or ethnic markets for unique ingredients.
- Use cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, or Ibotta to save on groceries and specialty goods.
- Try delivery services like Thrive Market or Misfits Market for organic and global pantry staples—many are Fluz-partnered for cashback.
Conclusion
Bringing global cuisine home doesn’t have to be intimidating. These ten dishes let you travel the world from your kitchen with minimal time and effort—and if you use cashback apps like Fluz, you’ll save money while you savor every bite.
