High-protein dinners: packed with protein and filling

If you eat too little protein during the day, dinner is a good time to catch up. Every recipe on this page has at least 20 g protein per serving – the fixed threshold behind our high-protein label. The choice ranges from chicken and salmon dishes to beef mince and eggs, plus plant-based options with tofu, edamame and pulses. With plenty of veg alongside, they make filling meals.

High-protein dinner recipes

Quick chicken korma – 420 kcal
Vegan Mediterranean lentil soup with turmeric and lemon – 380 kcal
Chicken tikka masala with basmati rice – 480 kcal
High-protein air fryer turkey gyros with skyr tzatziki – 352 kcal
Quick beef steak strips on baby spinach – 440 kcal
Vegetarian broccoli and cheese fritters – 340 kcal
High-protein creamy chicken strips with mushrooms – 450 kcal
Gluten-free chicken shawarma plate with tahini – 510 kcal
Chicken tikka masala – 420 kcal
Quick chicken vindaloo – 360 kcal
Fried cauliflower rice with garlic prawns – 230 kcal
Vegan creamy edamame noodle salad – 460 kcal
Gluten-free chicken and broccoli pan with soy and sesame sauce – 340 kcal
Quick tuna salad with white beans – 380 kcal
Keto salmon and spinach bake with a parmesan crust – 520 kcal
Mediterranean chicken meatballs with courgette noodles – 350 kcal
Keto celeriac rösti with herb quark – 320 kcal
High-protein prawn pan-fry with courgette noodles – 320 kcal
Keto tuna and avocado bowl – 580 kcal
Paleo beef and mushroom pan-fry – 410 kcal
Chicken fajita bowl – 410 kcal
One-pot chicken pasta with spinach – 520 kcal
High-protein mushroom pan with spinach – 280 kcal
Turkey strips with mushrooms – 340 kcal

Frequently asked questions

How much protein should dinner have?

For most adults, 20 to 40 g protein per main meal is a sensible range. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) gives 0.8 g per kilogram of body weight a day as a baseline, and 1.4 to 2.0 g is often given for people who train (ISSN); SmarTasty works with 1.4 to 2.0 g depending on your goal. Every recipe here has at least 20 g per serving.

Is a lot of protein in the evening a problem?

There's no solid evidence for that. Very late, very large meals can feel heavy, whatever their protein content. If you'd rather eat light, dishes with fish, poultry or tofu are a good choice.

Are there vegetarian high-protein dinners too?

Yes. Tofu, tempeh, edamame, lentils, chickpeas, eggs and quark all provide plenty of protein. You'll find more ideas in the high-protein vegetarian recipes.