Alabama: Firecracker Grilled Salmon
Let this sensational salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Alaska: Barbecued Alaskan Salmon
We eat salmon all summer long, and this is our favorite way to fix it. The mild sauce—brushed on as the fish grills—really enhances the taste. —Janis Smoke, King Salmon, Alaska.
Arizona: Cara's Crunchy Chicken Strips
Crushed croutons—buy ’em or make ’em—are the crunchy secret to these easy-bake nuggets of chicken. —Cara Winterhoff, Tempe, Arizona
Arkansas: Beef and Mushroom Potpies
All the world loves a good potpie with its flaky crust, draped over a hearty package of meat, vegetables and gravy. The very idea is a comfort, but the prep involved is another story. So skip the homemade pie dough step and let a package of crescent rolls fill in. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas
California: Teriyaki Glazed Chicken
I love to experiment with food. We're able to buy sweet onions grown on Maui, so I stir-fry them with chicken and carrots for a tasty teriyaki meal. —Kelly Brenneman, Riverdale, California
Colorado: Blueberry-Dijon Chicken
Blueberries and chicken may seem like a strange combination, but prepare to be pleasantly surprised. I add a sprinkling of minced fresh basil as the finishing touch. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Connecticut: Pork with Mustard Sauce
Back when I was a girl, I couldn't wait until I was grown up and could start cooking for my own family! Now that I am, I really enjoy using pork. The tender meat and the rich mustard sauce in this recipe are delectable together. —Irma Pomeroy, Enfield, Connecticut
Delaware: Caesar Orange Roughy
I'm so thankful that my mother taught me to cook at a young age. She won several cooking contests over the years and this is one of my favorite recipes of hers. —Mary Lou Boyce, Wilmingon, Delaware
Florida: Grilled Barbecued Chicken
It's fun for me to have my family together so I can prepare their favorite foods, like this saucy barbecued chicken. The moist and plump pieces always bring enthusiastic compliments from our four grown children and three grandkids. —Barbara Blickens Derfer, Edgewater, Florida
Georgia: Pesto Shrimp Pasta
A dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish from Gloria Jones Grenga of Newnan, Georgia.
Hawaii: Pineapple Ham Casserole
Living in Hawaii, I wanted to share this recipe which features pineapple. It's our most important fruit crop. —Marsha Fleming, Kula, Hawaii
Idaho: Grilled Pork with Pear Salsa
My husband, Dave, and I have been in a dinner group with three other couples for a few years. We often share our recipes. This grilled pork was served by one of the couples, and I decided to "pear" it with this fabulous salsa. —Suzan Ward, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Illinois: Red Beans and Sausage
Turkey sausage, beans and a zesty blend of spices make this a deliciously unique meal.—Cathy Webster, Morris, Illinois
Indiana: Homemade Polish Pierogi
My mother made many dozens of these and measured ingredients using the palm of her hand. We've passed the recipe down over the years as the family has grown. —Veronica Weinkauf, South Bend, Indiana
Iowa: Cacciatore Chicken Breasts
JoAnn McCauley of Dubuque, Iowa shares her version of traditional Chicken Cacciatore with this easy recipe. The tasty sauce and chicken can be served over rice or noodles. If you want to lower the sodium, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt.
Kansas: Penne alla Vodka
This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I have new friends over for dinner. Years later, they've asked me to make this Penne alla Vodka recipe again. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas
Kentucky: Spicy Pork Tenderloin
A friend shared this recipe for marvelously flavorful pork years ago. It really sparks up a barbecue and has been popular whenever I've served it. I guarantee you'll get many requests for the recipe. —Diana Steger, Prospect, Kentucky
Louisiana: Curry Chicken and Rice
I updated this chicken and rice dish by adding veggies and cashews to give it fresh and crunchy appeal. The green chilies in the tomatoes give it just the right little kick, but if you really like spice, add fresh, diced jalapeño. —Denise Klibert, Shreveport, Louisiana
Maine: Tasty Lentil Tacos
When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Maryland: Spicy Shrimp & Penne Pasta
I created this creamy pasta dish when I needed to use up some marinara. Red pepper flakes give it a little heat, which my family loves. It's super versatile, so try it with chicken, or simply stir in some fresh basil, too. —Lorri Stout, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Massachusetts: Mediterranean Chickpeas
Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts
Michigan: Pork Medallions in Mustard Sauce
I like pork medallions with apricot preserves and wondered how else I could dress them up. I played around with different flavors until I found this combo. Wows every time. —Tahnia Fox, Trenton, Michigan
Minnesota: Nacho Pie
In place of the ground beef and mozzarella cheese, consider topping this zesty pie with lean ground sausage and cheddar cheese. It tastes just as good.—LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota
Mississippi: Spicy Roasted Sausage, Potatoes and Peppers
I love to share my cooking, and this hearty meal-in-one has gotten a savory reputation around town. People have actually approached me in public to ask for the recipe. —Laurie Sledge, Brandon, Mississippi
Missouri: BLT Pizza
I use a prebaked crust and fixings from the much-loved BLT sandwich to create this fun variation. It's my family's favorite pizza. —Marilyn Ruggles, Lees Summit, Missouri
Montana: Spinach & Gouda-Stuffed Pork Cutlets
This started as a restaurant copycat dish at home. Cheese just oozes out of the center, and mustard lends a lot of flavor. —Joan Oakland, Troy, Montanta
Nebraska: Zippy Sweet-and-Sour Meat Loaf
Put this zippy twist on your meatloaf dinner. It is a sweet and sour taste which will delight your family. They will be requesting all the time.—Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nevada: Tenderloin Steak Diane
Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
New Hampshire: Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Pull out your ovenproof skillet for this juicy balsamic pork tenderloin that goes from stovetop to oven. Balsamic vinegar gives it a tangy glaze. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
New Jersey: Easy Cuban Picadillo
My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey
New Mexico: Lemon-Garlic Pork Chops
My son James created these zesty chops spiced with paprika and cayenne. He keeps the spice rub in a jar to use with chops or chicken. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico
New York: Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas
When my kids were small, I'd stuff leftover chicken into these oven-baked quesadillas. I often grab rotisserie chicken instead. —Pam Martin, Canandaigua, New York
North Carolina: Shrimp 'n' Spinach Risotto
I enjoy concocting new, healthy recipes and spinach is one of the few vegetables that my husband will eat. My creamy risotto makes a great side dish, but doubles as a meal-in-one as well. —Jennifer Neilsen, Williamston, North Carolina
North Dakota: Teriyaki Steak Skewers
When these flavorful skewered steaks are sizzling on the grill, the aroma makes everyone around stop what they're doing and come see what's cooking. The tasty marinade is easy to make, and these little steaks are quick to cook and fun to eat. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota
Ohio: Easy & Elegant Tenderloin Roast
I love the simplicity of the recipe. Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Just add the tenderloin and pop it in the oven. In an hour or so you’ve got an impressive main dish to feed a crowd. This leaves you with more time to visit with family and less time fussing in the kitchen. —Mary Kandell, Huron, Ohio
Oklahoma: Portobello & Basil Cheese Tortellini
With portobello mushrooms and satisfying cheese tortellini, this earthy, elegant dish is perfect for either a quick, casual dinner or a more formal meal. I often use fresh basil from my garden in it. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Oregon: Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese
My husband and I both love the classic combination of beef and horseradish. He asks me to make this for dinner often, and I'm always happy to. Try serving with baked potatoes as a side.—Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Pennsylvania: Gorgonzola & Orange Chicken Tenders
My mom likes to make this for family gatherings, and we all like to eat it. Marmalade and Gorgonzola might sound like an unusual combo, but they actually make a great pair. —Yvette Gorman, Denver, Pennsylvania
Rhode Island: Coconut-Crusted Perch
A coconut breading lends tropical taste to tender perch served with a sweet-sour sauce for dipping. "I've made this dish for my family for years," says Norma Thurber of Johnston, Rhode Island. "It's good with any whitefish," she adds.
South Carolina: Feta Shrimp Tacos
A unique combination of taco seasoning and feta cheese works remarkably well in these refreshing tacos. It’s a goodthing you get two per serving, because you won’t want to stop at one! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
South Dakota: Cheesy Stuffed Peppers
This is my favorite summertime supper because I can use peppers and tomatoes fresh from my garden.—Betty DeRoad, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Tennessee: Grilled Pork Tenderloins
We do a lot of outdoor cooking during the summer months, and this grilled pork tenderloin recipe is one my entire family loves. —Betsy Carrington, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Texas: Artichoke & Lemon Pasta
While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Utah: Jalapeno Chicken Enchiladas
These creamy enchiladas are likely to be as popular at your house as they are at mine. I have many requests for this recipe. For weddings, I place the recipe in a nice casserole dish to give as a gift. —Kaylin DeVries, Magna, Utah
Vermont: Just Peachy Pork Tenderloin
I had a pork tenderloin and ripe peaches that begged to be put together. We have a no-plate-licking rule, but that night it was too tempting! —Julia Gosliga, Addison, Vermont
Virginia: Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake
I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Washington: Easy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
The already prepared meatballs make this a very easy and quick supper. You can use your own homemade meatballs or store-bought if you're in a pinch. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
West Virginia: Mini Mediterranean Pizza
I was on a mini-pizza kick and had already served up Mexican and Italian variations, so I opted for a Mediterranean version and came up with these. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Wisconsin: Caribbean-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Peach Salsa
I love this recipe because of the depth of flavors and burst of colors. It's quick and easy to make. It's best when peaches are in season, but you could try strawberries or pineapple instead. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Wyoming: Parmesan-Broiled Tilapia
I love that simple Parmesan cheese brings such richness to an otherwise mild-tasting fish. It's one dish where leftovers are never a problem! —Tracy Locken, Gillette, Wyoming
The post The Best Weeknight Dinner Recipes from Every State appeared first on Taste of Home.
Carolyn Lewis