main dishes
Meal's central plates
Main dishes are the central, most substantial items in a meal—the part that provides the bulk of the food and around which other courses are organized.
A main dish typically features protein: meat, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent.
Side dishes, appetizers, and desserts support or follow the main dish.
The menu lists salads, main dishes, and desserts separately.
Slow-simmered meat dish
- casseroleSlow-cooked oven dish
- meatloafBaked ground beef dish
- lasagnaBaked layered pasta dish
- shepherd's pieMeat baked under potatoes
pot roast · chili · goulash · jambalaya · curry · bourguignon · carbonara · enchiladas
Formal celebratory meal
- roastDry-heat cooking method
- turkeyWattled North American fowl
- hamCured pig thigh
- paellaSaffron rice with shellfish
biryani · tagine · whole fish · Peking duck · lechon · lamb · jollof rice · couscous
Planned path forward
portion · plate · platter · meal · cuisine · recipe · specialty · centerpiece
Fifth taste sensation
- seasonedFlavored or battle-tested
- marinatedSoaked in flavored liquid
- roastedCooked uncovered with heat
- grilledCooked on metal bars
braised · stewed · baked · fried · seared · smoked · stir-fry · tacos
Elevated culinary artistry
- chefProfessional kitchen leader
- MichelinFrench tire manufacturer
- tasting menuCurated sequence of small courses
- presentationFormal display to viewers
plating · degustation · sous-vide · molecular gastronomy · artisanal · foie gras · truffle · wagyu
stew
Slow-simmered meat dish
shepherd's pie · pot roast · chili · goulash · jambalaya · curry · bourguignon · carbonara · enchiladas · pot pie
banquet
Formal celebratory meal
paella · biryani · tagine · whole fish · Peking duck · lechon · lamb · jollof rice · couscous · asado
course
Planned path forward
serving · portion · plate · platter · meal · cuisine · recipe · specialty · centerpiece · protein
umami
Fifth taste sensation
- seasonedFlavored or battle-tested
- marinatedSoaked in flavored liquid
- roastedCooked uncovered with heat
grilled · braised · stewed · baked · fried · seared · smoked · stir-fry · tacos · kebab
haute cuisine
Elevated culinary artistry
- chefProfessional kitchen leader
- MichelinFrench tire manufacturer
- tasting menuCurated sequence of small courses
presentation · plating · degustation · sous-vide · molecular gastronomy · artisanal · foie gras · truffle · wagyu · lobster thermidor
- Potluckcasseroles, green bean casserole, baked beans, fried chicken, mac and cheese
- cookbookscookbooks, cookbook, recipe books, recipe book, vegetarian cookbooks
main dishesappetizers
Pre-meal small dishes
desserts · starters · hors d'oeuvres · side dishes · amuse-bouche
main dishesside dishes
Foods accompanying the main
accompaniments · sides · garnishes · condiments · extras