I Gave Up On Being Creative And Made 29 International Recipes

Trying to be creative in the kitchen can sometimes feel overwhelming. Instead, it became exciting to explore 29 international recipes and let the flavors speak. Each dish brought unique tastes from around the world that made cooking fun and easy. Discovering global meals turned dinner into a delicious journey.

A bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili with chunks of chicken, sliced avocado, green jalapeño peppers, white beans, and fresh cilantro.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A bowl of rice topped with grilled chicken, creamy sauce, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and red onion slices.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Blending familiar and global influences without overthinking is the key to this recipe. Layers of seasoned chicken, rice, and creamy corn come together for a straightforward meal. Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl simplifies bold flavors from street food into a reliable dish. It’s a nod to mixing ideas and creating something quick and pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Pork Belly

Sliced roast pork with crispy, golden-brown skin on a wooden surface.
Pork Belly. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pork Belly stands out as a rich, tender meat dish inspired by global techniques. Each bite balances texture with bold seasoning, making it wholesome without feeling too heavy. Perfect for those looking for an easy yet impressive preparation. Whether as a centerpiece or small serving, it’s packed with depth.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mexican Street Corn Salad transforms classic street food into a shareable dish. With creamy and crunchy textures infused with bold seasoning, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for adding variety to a table with global-inspired cooking. Easy and fast to bring together without needing much effort.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Close-up of sweet and sour chicken with bell peppers and pineapple chunks in a thick sauce.
Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tangy and sweet flavors don’t have to be overly complex to enjoy, and Sweet and Sour Chicken shows just that. While inspired by global cuisine, it’s easy to recreate something restaurant-worthy at home. Bright sauces pair effortlessly with the richness of tender chicken for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Baking creamy cheese into pasta highlights the rich simplicity of Italian classics. Three Cheese Manicotti is perfect for stepping away from overly creative meals while still enjoying variety. It’s exactly what’s needed when focusing on delicious results over fancy techniques.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Rice Paper Rolls

Close-up of sliced spring rolls filled with rice, avocado, purple cabbage, and sesame seeds, arranged on a white plate.
Rice Paper Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Rolling up a quick meal is always fun, especially when inspired by a global dish. Rice Paper Rolls make it easy to enjoy fresh flavors wrapped in a light and delicate package. Perfect for quicker bites without much fuss. A simple take on international cooking with a focus on ease and creativity.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers of stuffed pasta come together in Ravioli Casserole with international inspiration. It’s baked until tender and full of comforting textures and flavors. Perfect for anyone seeking a warm, easy-to-serve meal without sacrificing variety. A creative way to enjoy pasta with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a dish with incredible texture and bold flavors, look no further. Sesame Chicken brings an international influence to your plate with its irresistible combination of crunchy and tender bites. It’s made for those who enjoy reliable meals with flair. Great choice for turning a regular mealtime into something exciting.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Baked Beef Tacos

Two tacos with beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on a white plate.
Baked Beef Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Putting a spin on tacos is always a winner when you want a fast and crowd-pleasing dish. Baked Beef Tacos bring warm, rich flavors straight to the table while keeping things fresh and fun. It’s a creative way to mix convenience with big inspiration. Perfect for adding variety to everyday meals without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center.
Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Thin slices in bite-sized potatoes create a clever way to bring flavor to every piece. Mini Hasselback Potatoes turn a simple ingredient into an impressive-looking dish without extra complexity. Perfect as a small yet flavorful addition to a plate. Designed for anyone who enjoys creative food with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bringing international flair to shrimp has never been easier. With its crispy texture and bold flavor, Bang Bang Shrimp turns an everyday ingredient into something exciting. Great for shaking up routine meals in a simple way. It’s the kind of dish you’ll turn to when creativity takes a backseat.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

A bowl of rice topped with broccoli, chicken, red peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Adding bold yet simple flavors to dinner doesn’t have to mean reinventing the wheel. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry blends fresh veggies and tender chicken with a touch of international influence. Bringing together quick techniques and global ideas creates a go-to option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Familiar pizza flavors come together in baked, scoopable layers. Pizza Casserole reinvents comfort food with classic ingredients stacked perfectly. It’s an easy meal to share or enjoy when looking for something hearty without a complicated process. Designed for people who love pizza but prefer a creative twist.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Perfectly shaped pasta floats in warm broth, making this dish a cozy option for any day. Anchored in Italian flavors, Tortellini Soup brings a light but filling approach to international recipes. With minimal effort, it shifts daily meals into something familiar yet inspired by global ideas. Cooking doesn’t always need big creative energy when dishes like this exist.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Sushi Rice

A bowl of steamed white rice topped with sliced green onions and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Sushi Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sushi-inspired dishes often start with the perfect foundation, and Sushi Rice gets it right. The soft texture and gently balanced flavor allow more complex ideas to shine. Inspired by Japanese basics, this recipe keeps things focused on simplicity. It brings international flavors into everyday cooking without feeling complicated.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Rice

Tzatziki

A bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce garnished with chopped dill and a swirl of olive oil. Fresh dill and garlic are nearby.
Tzatziki. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy dips change the game when exploring international accents for everyday meals. Inspired by Greek-style cooking, Tzatziki is the perfect complement to light bites or bigger dishes. Recipes like these highlight how small changes can bring global influence into kitchen routines.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki

Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby.
Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you need something hearty and filling, a bowl of Beef Chili is always a good pick. It’s inspired by flavors from across borders and brings warmth to any mealtime. Simple, straightforward cooking that’s full of personality. Perfect for anyone who loves comfort food with a bit of global influence.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

A cast iron skillet filled with vegetable shepherd's pie, topped with mashed potatoes and garnished with rosemary sprigs and chopped parsley. Two spoons are placed inside.
Vegetarian Shepherds Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Inspired by the traditional dish, Vegetarian Shepherds Pie skips the meat and focuses on a hearty vegetable filling. Layers of mashed potatoes add to its comforting appeal and make it wholesome to dig into. Perfect for anyone craving a warm and easy-to-make meal. A twist on an old classic with flavors from various global influences.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges.
Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining pasta with taco-inspired ideas results in a creative and practical dish. Taco Pasta Salad bridges comfort food with fresh, international flair. Without overthinking, this recipe shifts familiar ingredients into a globally inspired twist. It’s ideal for keeping mealtime exciting while staying easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Big Mac Crunchwrap

Close-up of a stack of folded tortillas filled with beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and onions on a white plate.
Big Mac Crunchwrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bringing together two fast-food favorites, Big Mac Crunchwrap creates a fun meal everyone can enjoy. It’s a creative mash-up that merges convenience with bold tastes in every bite. Perfect for a laid-back recipe that feels both familiar and fresh. Great for anyone wanting something quick that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

Thai Drunken Noodles

A colorful dish of shrimp stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sesame seeds, garnished with basil leaves and green onions. Chopsticks rest on the dish.
Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Wide noodles and bold seasonings make this dish stand apart with its flavorful simplicity. Inspired by Thai cuisine, Thai Drunken Noodles keeps meals exciting without requiring complicated prep. Its unique taste and straightforward process make it a favorite choice from international recipes.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

Vegan Ratatouille

Vegan Ratatouille. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those exploring plant-based cooking, this veggie-focused dish simplifies global flavors. Vegan Ratatouille layers ingredients in a way that feels approachable while staying inspired by French roots. Recipes leaning into vegetables show how international ideas don’t need meat to stand out.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Moussaka

A pan of cooked lasagna topped with melted cheese, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
Moussaka. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Moussaka brings layers of eggplant, hearty flavors, and Mediterranean inspiration into one dish. It’s a meal rooted in international cooking that’s comforting and rich without being overwhelming. Perfect for anyone exploring dishes with global heritage. Simple yet packed with character for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Moussaka

Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale.
Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bold and flavorful is the way to go for anyone who wants to cook with ease. Asian Style Pork Chops deliver big inspiration without getting overcomplicated. Perfect for a sit-down dish that pulls ideas from global traditions. Its simplicity is as appealing as its taste.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Three glasses of shrimp cocktail with avocado, lime wedge, and cilantro garnish in a tomato-based sauce, placed on a light-colored surface.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A refreshing combination of shrimp paired with tangy and slightly spicy seasoning. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail borrows its bold foundation from Mexican cuisine. Light but full of flavor, it’s perfect when simplicity meets creativity. It’s a go-to for anyone wanting vibrant and quick preparation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of golden-brown pinwheel pastries filled with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of sauce is in the background.
Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rolled-up bites of pizza flavors offer a fun take on a classic favorite. Pizza Pinwheels deliver cheese, sauce, and toppings in a creative handheld form. Great for sharing and snacking without sacrificing taste. Quick to make and perfect for casual cravings.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Mini Tacos

A plate of beef tacos topped with cheese, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro, served with avocado sauce and lime wedges. A bowl of cilantro and a jar lid are next to the plate.
Mini Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A fun and tiny twist on tacos packed with toppings and fillings just like the classic. Mini Tacos are small enough to handle quickly while still delivering big flavors. They’re a creative nod to Mexican cuisine, made for quick and easy serving. Every bite balances convenience with bold international tastes.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos

Asian Slaw

Asian Slaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A refreshing mix of bold textures and international flavors comes alive with Asian Slaw. It’s simple to prepare and brings a fresh idea to the table without feeling repetitive. Perfect for a light yet flavorful addition to your meal. Great for shaking up everyday sides with something different.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

White Chicken Chili

A bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili with chunks of chicken, sliced avocado, green jalapeño peppers, white beans, and fresh cilantro.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turning comfort food into something globally inspired is made simple with White Chicken Chili. It’s a warmer, lighter twist on a classic dish that’s easy to pull together for any lunch or dinner. Perfect for those looking to try something different yet approachable. A straightforward recipe packed with variety for anyone to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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