Bored Of Chicken And Beef? 25 High-Protein Alternatives You’ll Love

Tired of the same old chicken and beef dinners? Shake things up with some high-protein alternatives that won’t bore you. Whether you’re craving seafood, pork, or even tofu, there are plenty of options to keep your meals exciting and delicious. These recipes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect if you’re looking to add variety to your dinner routine.

Crispy Salmon Bites

These crispy pan-fried salmon bites are a great way to use canned salmon. Serve them on salads, as an appetizer, or with veggies and rice.
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Blackened Cod

Simple pantry seasonings and a quick pan-sear make this blackened cod a quick and flavorful dinner.
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Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Cooked with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, this coconut pork is aromatic, juicy, and tender. Serve over rice with dried fruit and sliced almonds.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Air Fryer Tofu

Making tofu in the air fryer is easy and healthier than traditional frying, retaining all the flavor and protein benefits.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu

Baked Sablefish

This honey lime sablefish, also known as black cod, is topped with spicy jalapeno and corn salsa for a flavorful and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sablefish

Instant Pot Picadillo

A plant-based version of the traditional Cuban recipe made with tempeh, lentils, and potatoes. Packed with flavors from Spanish olives, capers, raisins, and spices.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo

General Tso Shrimp

This quick and easy copycat Chinese takeout recipe is made in one skillet in just 10 minutes. With its sweet and slightly spicy sticky sauce, it’s a perfect at-home meal.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp

Lamb Korma

This lamb korma is a classic Indian dish with aromatic spices and a creamy cashew-based sauce. The lamb is marinated in yogurt (using dairy-free coconut yogurt in this recipe), resulting in tender pieces that practically melt in your mouth. Serve with white rice for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Korma

Inari Avocado Roll

This vegan sushi uses bean curd/tofu skin pockets, stuffed with Japanese rice and creamy avocado filling. No sushi mat needed, making it a high-protein, plant-based option.
Get the Recipe: Inari Avocado Roll

Pork Carnitas-Style Fajitas

Pork carnitas get a Tex-Mex twist with sautéed veggies, pico de gallo, avocados, and a sprinkle of cheese. A flavorful and protein-rich dinner alternative to chicken and beef.
Get the Recipe: Pork Carnitas-Style Fajitas

Salmon Al Cartoccio

Known as “salmon in a bag,” this traditional Italian method involves wrapping salmon fillets in parchment paper, drizzling with olive oil, and baking. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s moist and flaky.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Al Cartoccio

Almond Flour Meatballs

These meatballs use only 4 ingredients and are easy to prepare. Make a big batch and freeze them for a protein-packed meal throughout the month.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Meatballs

Leek and Bacon Frittata with Asparagus

Made with savory leeks, crispy bacon, asparagus, and fontina, this frittata requires only 15 minutes of prep time. It can be made ahead and reheated easily, offering a convenient high-protein meal.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Bacon Frittata with Asparagus

One Pan Turkey Breast With Veggies

A moist and juicy turkey breast roasted with garlic and butter on a bed of colorful veggies. An easy one-pan dinner that’s rich in protein.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Turkey Breast With Veggies

Tofu Shawarma Recipe

This tofu shawarma is perfectly spiced and easy to make. Wrap it in a pita with garlic sauce and your favorite veggies for a high-protein, plant-based meal.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Shawarma Recipe

Traeger Grilled Salmon

Simple and healthy, this grilled salmon requires just a few ingredients and a pellet grill. It comes together quickly, making it a perfect easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Salmon

Salmon Stacks

This deconstructed spicy salmon sushi roll is perfect for when you crave sushi but want to save money. It’s a high-protein dish without the usual chicken or beef.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Stacks

Easy Salisbury Steak (with Mushroom Gravy)

These ultra-tender beef patties are drenched in mushroom gravy. They’re flavorful yet easy to make, providing a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salisbury Steak (with Mushroom Gravy)

Braised Oxtail Ragu Recipe

This iconic Roman dish involves braising oxtail in a rich tomato sauce until the meat falls off the bone. Serve the oxtail pieces whole or shred the meat for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Braised Oxtail Ragu Recipe

Air Fryer Halibut

This air fryer halibut is light, flaky, and paired with basil chimichurri sauce. It’s a quick and protein-rich fish dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halibut

Lemon Tarragon Salmon with Quick Béarnaise

Layers of lemon and tarragon flavor combine with a rich, easy sauce to make this salmon dish both quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Tarragon Salmon with Quick Béarnaise

Balsamic Glazed Pork Meatloaf

Flavored with parsley and cumin, this meatloaf is topped with a balsamic glaze for a protein-rich lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Pork Meatloaf

Spicy Brown Sugar Salmon

Ready in under 20 minutes, this salmon is coated in a sweet and spicy rub and topped with mango salsa. A quick, protein-packed dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Brown Sugar Salmon

Slow Cooker Pork Loin (Fall-Apart Tender)

This perfectly-tender slow cooker pork loin is juicy and easy to prepare. It’s a high-protein, crockpot favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin (Fall-Apart Tender)

Almond Crusted Salmon

This almond crusted salmon is a simple and healthy weeknight dinner that only takes a few minutes to prepare and bakes in 20 minutes or less.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crusted Salmon