8 Easy Ethnic Recipes to Bust Out of Your Dinner Rut

It's so easy to get into a dinner rut: you make what the whole family likes, but after a while everyone gets tired or the same ol' same. Here are 8 easy ethnic recipes to make meal-time exciting again.

1. Crispy Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks with Mango Chutney



Tandoori chicken is simply chicken marinated in yogurt, citrus and spices, then grilled or broiled. This is my favorite version: the chicken is deliciously spiced with super-crispy skin, and the mango chutney served alongside adds fruity, tangy flavor. GET THE RECIPE

2. Easy Thai Curry Shrimp



With just a few essentials in your pantry, you're never more than 25 minutes away from this delicious meal, alive with the vibrant flavors of Thailand. GET THE RECIPE

3. Asian BBQ Chicken



Think of this dish as Chicken Teriyaki with a South Asian flair, or India meets the other flavors of Asia. It sounds exotic, but it's actually kid-friendly and easy to make. GET THE RECIPE

4. Grilled Moroccan Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce



In this recipe, ground beef is laced with warm spices, fresh herbs and garlic, and then grilled in meatball form until smoky and charred. Serve over couscous with a cooling yogurt-cucumber sauce for a quick and easy meal that's big on flavor. GET THE RECIPE

5. Vietnamese Shredded Chicken Salad



This salad is so satisfying, you can get away with serving it for dinner. It's easy too -- you simply shred a rotisserie chicken, chop some veggies, whisk the dressing and dinner is done. GET THE RECIPE

6. Chicken Curry



Here's a dish the whole family will love. Thinly sliced chicken breasts are quickly sautéed with curry powder, then simmered in an aromatic and slightly sweet curry sauce thickened with Greek yogurt. Green peas and fresh cilantro add a vibrant, fresh touch. GET THE RECIPE

7. Thai Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups



Boldly flavored with fresh ginger, lime, chili pepper, fish sauce and brown sugar, these Thai-Style Lettuce Cups are wildly addictive. In fact, whenever I make them for dinner, I have to force myself to put the leftovers in the fridge right away, otherwise I'll finish them off while no one is watching! GET THE RECIPE

8. Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans with Shiitake Mushrooms



Give vegetables the spotlight with this easy and authentic Szechuan dish. It makes a delicious side dish or vegetarian main course with rice or noodles. GET THE RECIPE

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