Holiday tables deserve mains that do more than sit pretty. We want spice, smoke, and enough bite to keep the table awake between toasts. These recipes land on the platter with juicy texture, deep seasoning, and festive bite in every slice. Think big roasts, seared skin, and carving moments that feel earned.

Grilled rack of lamb with some slices cut, garnished with herbs, surrounded by roasted vegetables and cranberries.
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb (with Dijon & Fresh Herbs). Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Steak with Mushroom Cream Sauce

Steak topped with mushroom cream sauce over a rich seared crust.
Steak with Mushroom Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A hot skillet builds a deep sear before the mushroom cream sauce adds rich, savory depth. We reach for this when steak needs a fast, high-impact finish.
Get the Recipe: Steak with Mushroom Cream Sauce

Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass

Pan-seared Chilean sea bass with a golden exterior and flaky center.
Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hard sear creates a golden crust while the center stays flaky and clean. Our method keeps the fish tender without overthinking the timing.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass

Herb-Roasted Chicken

Herb-roasted chicken with crisp skin and savory seasoning.
Herb-Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High oven heat crisps the herbs into a fragrant crust while the chicken stays juicy. We rely on this when we need a straightforward roast that fills plates fast.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Roasted Chicken

Oven Roasted Rack of Boar

Oven-roasted rack of boar with a browned crust and tender meat.
Oven Roasted Rack of Boar. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Steady heat builds a dark crust while the boar stays tender at the bone. Our rack delivers bold flavor when you want something beyond the usual roast.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Rack of Boar

How to Smoke a Beef Tenderloin

Smoked beef tenderloin cooked low and slow with a smoky crust.
How to Smoke a Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low-and-slow smoke keeps the tenderloin supple with a clean, beefy finish. We fire this up when the meal calls for a centerpiece with zero guesswork.
Get the Recipe: How to Smoke a Beef Tenderloin

Smoked Picnic Shoulder

Smoked picnic shoulder cooked until tender and shreddable.
Smoked Picnic Shoulder. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Long smoke breaks the shoulder down until itโ€™s juicy and shreddable. Our smoker does the heavy lifting, leaving you with deep flavor and easy portions.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Picnic Shoulder

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Slow cooker boneless turkey breast cooked juicy with simple seasoning.
Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The slow cooker locks in moisture so the breast slices clean and tender. We use this for hands-off cooking that still feeds a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Pan Fried Duck Breast with Berry Apple Compote

Pan-fried duck breast served with berry apple compote.
Pan Fried Duck Breast with Berry Apple Compote. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Hot pan heat crisps the duck skin while the compote brings bright, sharp contrast. Our method keeps the meat rosy and the flavor balanced.
Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Duck Breast with Berry Apple Compote

Steak Fajitas

Steak fajitas with sliced steak, peppers, and onions.
Steak Fajitas. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High-heat searing builds char on the steak while the peppers stay crisp. We run this when we want fast, bold flavor straight from the skillet.
Get the Recipe: Steak Fajitas

Pan Seared Chuck Eye Steaks

Pan-seared chuck eye steaks with a rich browned crust.
Pan Seared Chuck Eye Steaks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A ripping-hot pan creates a steakhouse crust while keeping the center juicy. Our approach makes this budget cut eat far above its price.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chuck Eye Steaks

Spiced Smoked Duck

Spiced smoked duck with bronzed skin and tender meat.
Spiced Smoked Duck. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoke settles into the duck while the spice rub adds warm, aromatic heat. We plate this when we want rich flavor without complicated prep.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Smoked Duck

Lemon Herb Grilled Turkey Tenderloin

Lemon herb grilled turkey tenderloin with light char.
Lemon Herb Grilled Turkey Tenderloin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Direct grill heat gives the tenderloin a clean char while the marinade brightens each slice. Our grill setup keeps the cook fast and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Grilled Turkey Tenderloin

Grilled Lamb Loin Chops

Grilled lamb loin chops with charred edges and juicy centers.
Grilled Lamb Loin Chops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Quick grill marks lock in juices and build smoky depth. We reach for these when the table needs something bold that cooks in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lamb Loin Chops

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Apple cider chicken thighs cooked in one skillet with browned skin.
Apple Cider Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A hot skillet browns the thighs before the cider reduces into a tangy glaze. Our one-pan method keeps flavor high and cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Smoked Turkey Tenderloin

Smoked turkey tenderloin with a smoky exterior and juicy interior.
Smoked Turkey Tenderloin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low smoke keeps the tenderloin tender while adding a clean, savory crust. We rely on this as a quick-smoking option that still tastes holiday-ready.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Tenderloin

Perfect Grilled Rack of Lamb

Grilled rack of lamb cooked with a deep sear and tender meat.
Perfect Grilled Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High heat caramelizes the exterior while the center stays rosy and tender. Our grill method turns the rack into a fast, crowd-stealing centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Grilled Rack of Lamb

Smoked Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Smoked maple glazed pork tenderloin with a caramelized finish.
Smoked Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoke keeps the pork moist while the maple glaze sets into a sticky, sweet crust. We fire this up when we want big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Smoked Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill

Smoked prime rib cooked on a pellet grill with a smoky crust.
Smoked Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pellet-grill heat stays steady, giving the prime rib a smoky crust and juicy center. Our technique keeps the cook predictable for a high-stakes cut.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill

Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Chicken piccata meatballs in a bright lemon butter sauce.
Chicken Piccata Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A fast sear locks in moisture while the lemon-caper sauce brings sharp punch. We serve these when we want something quick that still hits bright flavor notes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Roasted Branzino with Lemon Caper Sauce

Roasted branzino with crisp skin and lemon caper sauce.
Roasted Branzino with Lemon Caper Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High oven heat crisps the skin while the branzino stays flaky and mild. Our sauce adds sharp acidity that keeps the dish lively.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Branzino with Lemon Caper Sauce

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

Herb-crusted rack of lamb with a Dijon herb crust and golden finish.
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A quick sear sets the crust before the herbs turn crisp and aromatic in the oven. We use this rack when the table calls for bold flavor without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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