Tag: Weeknight meals

Fun and Easy Recipes to Explore New Flavors

We all have our go-to recipes that make frequent appearances in our weekly menus. These tried-and-true dishes are comforting and reliable, but let’s face it—sometimes, the routine can become a bit monotonous. When you find yourself in a culinary rut, it’s time to shake things up and explore new and exciting ways to enjoy your time in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a creative spark to bring life back into your cooking, this roundup of fun recipes from Martha Stewart’s recipe blog  is just what you need. From breakfast to dinner, these recipes offer a delightful mix of flavors and experiences that are sure to reignite your passion for cooking.

Grilled Whole Fish: A Fresh Take on Seafood

If seafood is a regular part of your meal plan, but you’re tired of the same old preparations, why not take on the challenge of grilling a whole fish? This method is not only visually impressive but also allows you to experiment with flavors in a way that fillets don’t. For instance, delicate white fish like branzino or trout are perfect for grilling whole. You can enhance the natural flavors of the fish by stuffing the cavities with aromatic ingredients such as lemon and dill for a bright, refreshing taste, or go for a more vibrant kick with a combination of lime, basil, and serrano chiles. Serve the fish alongside a light couscous salad or grilled vegetables to complement the flavors.

Chicken Schnitzel With Dill and Sesame: A Fun Family Activity

Chicken Schnitzel is not just a dish; it’s an experience, especially when you turn it into a family cooking activity. Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to a thin, even consistency—a task that’s sure to relieve some stress. Once the chicken is ready, set up a breading station where everyone can take part in the assembly line. The cutlets are first dredged in flour, followed by a dip in beaten eggs, and finally coated in panko breadcrumbs mixed with dill and sesame seeds. The result is a crispy, flavorful chicken dish that pairs beautifully with a side of potato salad or roasted asparagus.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups: An Elegant Dinner Party Dish

Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight to make. Begin by flattening the chicken breasts and layering them with slices of ham and Swiss cheese. Roll them up tightly, secure with toothpicks, and coat them in a buttery cornflake mixture before baking. The result is a golden, crispy exterior with a gooey, flavorful center. Serve these roll-ups with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a meal that’s sure to impress your guests.

Pull-Apart Sliders: Bite-Sized Fun

Miniature foods always add an element of fun to any meal, and these Pull-Apart Sliders are no exception. Start by assembling mini burger patties and slices of American cheese on a slab of Hawaiian sweet rolls. Once baked, these sliders are ready to be pulled apart and enjoyed individually. Serve them with a side of crispy fries or a tangy coleslaw for a complete meal.

When you’re feeling uninspired in the kitchen, these recipes are just the remedy. Each one offers a unique experience that’s sure to break up the monotony and bring some joy back to your cooking routine. Whether you’re trying your hand at grilling a whole fish or simply enjoying the meditative process of rolling egg rolls, these dishes are sure to reignite your passion for cooking. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to join in, and have fun exploring these culinary adventures.

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Basil Chicken Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Feast in Minutes

There’s something utterly satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly without compromising on flavor. Epicurious’ recipe for Basil Chicken Stir-Fry that’s modeled after the iconic Thai pad kra pao, perfectly fits that bill. Ideal for summer evenings and equally wonderful throughout the year, this recipe replaces fresh chiles with sambal oelek, ensuring that it remains pantry-friendly while still delivering a savory-spicy punch. The combination of oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a hint of sugar creates a flavor profile that’s both complex and comforting. Additionally, the use of baking soda in the meat mixture guarantees a juicy and tender result, transforming a typically lean protein into something delightfully springy and moist.

Ingredients for Basil Chicken:

Basil Chicken Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, vigorously mix 1 lb. ground chicken with 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, ½ tsp. baking soda, ¼ tsp. kosher salt, and 2 Tbsp. water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to stick to the sides of the bowl. Set the chicken mixture aside to rest.
  2. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup oyster sauce, 3 Tbsp. hot chili paste, 1 Tbsp. fish sauce, and 2 tsp. light or dark brown sugar. Stir well and set the sauce mixture aside.
  3. Heat the remaining 3 Tbsp. of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon or heatproof rubber spatula, until softened and golden in spots, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add the prepared ground chicken mixture to the skillet, spreading it into an even layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed until it begins to set, about 4 minutes. Then, break up the meat with a spoon into small pieces. Pour the reserved oyster sauce mixture over the chicken and continue to cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce clings to the meat.
  5. Incorporate 6 oz. of holy basil or sweet basil leaves into the pan. Although it may seem like a large quantity at first, the basil will wilt down significantly. Remove the pan from heat and toss until the basil is completely wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary.
  6. Serve the basil chicken stir-fry with steamed rice and lime wedges for squeezing over. The lime adds a refreshing citrusy tang that complements the dish’s bold flavors beautifully.

This flavorful stir-fry pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stir-fry.
  • Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables and served with a dipping sauce make for a delightful appetizer or side.
  • Pickled Vegetables: Pickled carrots, radishes, and cucumbers add a tangy crunch that balances the savory notes of the dish.
  • Garlic Noodles: Lightly seasoned garlic noodles can serve as a complementary carbohydrate option alongside the steamed rice.
  • Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, serve traditional Thai mango sticky rice. The sweet, sticky rice paired with fresh mango slices provides a delicious contrast to the savory main course.

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Easy and Delicious Chicken Stir Fry

A reliable crowd-pleaser, a skillet of chicken stir fry is sure to quickly become your easy go-to dinner, and along with this easy-to-follow, yet meticulously planned recipe from Louisiana’s own Cast Iron Chef, you’re sure to wow your tastebuds and dinner guests.

Simply stated, ordering stir fry for take-out is a crave-worthy indulgence, yet it’s completely avoidable with the following chicken veggie stir fry recipe that allows you to expertly recreate the magic of a Chinese takeout right in your very own kitchen.

This recipe, courtesy of the Cast Iron Chef, Emily Johnson, yields 4 delicious servings of chicken stir fry that reheat particularly well, if packaged evenly and correctly. The intricate and easy-to-follow recipe asks you to divide your total ingredients into two batches for this particular sauté. You’ll cook your first batch as instructed, dividing them into the first two of four total meal-prep containers, and then start again with the final batch.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp of Grape Seed Oil

1.5 lbs Chicken Breast

Curry-flavor Seasoning, to taste

1 Red onion, sliced ¼”, divided

1 Red bell pepper, sliced ¼”, divided

1 Yellow squash, ¼” half-moons, divided

1 Zucchini, ¼” half-moons, divided

1 lbs of Mushrooms, sliced, divided

2 Tbsp Sesame oil

All-purpose seasoning salt, to taste

2 Tbsp of Kikkoman Stir-Fry Sauce

Recipe:

  1. Begin by heating your grape seed oil over medium-high heat in a large, non-stick skillet or wok. Season your chicken pieces “aggressively,” and divide them in half once completed. Sauteé your chicken until it’s just cooked through. And then remove from the pan and place it aside.
  2. Slice your onion and bell pepper in the style, size, and shape as sauteéd fajita-pepper. Then, mix together your sliced onions and peppers and divide the combined veg in half, placing them aside. Then, slice your yellow squash and zucchini into half-moon shapes. Mix them together and divide them in half.
  3. Your sauteéing will begin with you placing your first divided batch of onion and bell pepper into the pan, sauteéing them until they just begin the browning process. Afterwards, take out the combined and slightly-browned onions and peppers, and then repeat the process with your squash and zucchini, combining them with the onion and peppers once slightly browned.
  4. Afterwards, mix together your sliced mushrooms and green onions, divide them in half, and add them to your vegetables, sauteéing it all until browning begins to form. If at this point your vegetables start to look too dry, it’s suggested that you sprinkle some sesame oil atop it all. Season your pan or wok to taste, and then add your cooked chicken back into the skillet along with your pre-measured stir fry sauce.
  5. Continue sauteéing it all, and once every ingredient is completely combined, you’ll divide this first batch into two separate meal prep containers. After which, you can begin the second batch repeating the steps above.

While the Cast Iron Chef offers conveniently curated seasoning packs, the substitutions can be made: “Swine-N-Dine”can be substituted here for a curry or Chinese Five Spice blend, and “French Fry ‘Til I Die” can be substituted here for Tony Chachere’s or salt.

Remember, the key to a successful stir fry is to prep all of your ingredients before you start cooking. Once you start adding ingredients to your hot skillet or wok, the recipe moves very quickly and you won’t have time to chop ingredients or make the stir fry sauce. Also, consider serving it over  fluffy rice, stovetop brown rice, Instant Pot white rice or Instant Pot brown rice. The rice will soak up any extra sauce, making a truly delicious meal!

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Convenient Recipes for the Busy Chef

Sometimes in these last-half-of-summer weeks, and/or getting back into a school routine,  leisure time is coveted and rarely interrupted- especially for dinner. Though, that temptation to not cook an 8-hour meal doesn’t automatically mean families should consult a restaurant take-out menu, but instead as presented by Pinch of Yum, families should embrace the lackadaisical atmosphere of summer with this list of tried and true “lazy person”  or busy chef recipes that are delicious without too much effort exerted.

CURRY CHICKEN SALAD OR AVOCADO EGG SALAD

At-home chefs are well-aware of the easiness of the traditional option of chicken and egg salad sandwiches, but this recipe varies the familiar with an incorporation of avocado in egg salad that is placed atop a toasted everything bagel. This gives a new life and presentation to the 5-8 ingredient meal that takes no more than 15 minutes to prepare.

INSTANT POT MAC AND CHEESE

An instant or Crock pot is a tried-and-true tool in any busy chef’s arsenal, so it’s fitting that this recipe pairs the convenience of the instant pot with that of the boxed mac and cheese, both requiring minimal effort. Though, this combination recipe is made ever more thoughtful by highlighting and building upon the texture, sauciness, and cheesy flavor found in homemade mac and cheese, giving a family flavor from a low-effort meal-saver.

CASHEW CRUNCH SALAD

While the salad is an important go-to meal for those lacking time, sometimes the variety of ingredients can pose as an obstacle, impeding preparation. This recipe builds on that convenience with ease, as this is more of a production of assembly rather than cooking. The dressing poured atop a bed of edamame, cashews, and cabbage is unusually creamy and sweet, and it can even be shaken up in a jar with the crunchy chow mein noodle sticks that give this meal a much-desired texture.

SHEET PAN FAJITAS OR SHEET PAN PITAS

Few kitchenware compliments the low-effort style of a busy chef other than the sheet pan, and with this recipe, you won’t need prep time. Resulting in a “food hack” pan pita, stuffing chicken and peppers with store-bought sauces and extras like tzatziki, hummus, or pitas, all of which can be home-made or conveniently store-bought.

Salmon Burgers

Reject the idea of eating salmon from a can unless it’s through the lens of this savory, good, and hearty meal that can be ready in fifteen minutes. Once made into a patty and quickly fried, a can of salmon quickly turns into a burger situation once placed atop a bun or bed of saucy cabbage slaw. Readers might be adverse to the ingredient, but it’s a favorite recipe for the at-home chef in a rush.

The Actual Easiest Fish Tacos

When you’re all ready to give up on dinner at home and ready to just grab your keys and leave to get takeout, this recipe comes in at the last second as a saving grace. The simple recipe included merely has a chef placing fish, butter, and spices in a hot pan to be baked, flaked, and consumed. It can also be made better by pairing the tacos with a garlic cilantro sauce that compliments the meal deliciously well.

CARNITAS

Following along in the conveniently easy tradition of south-of-the-border recipes is this dinner-time favorite: the carnitas, or crispy pork that is loaded with flavor and asks very little of its preparer. You are able to make this pile of savory meat in a slow-cooker or instant pot, and the recipe can be multiplied to feed large crowds who will relish in how “great” of a cook their host is.

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The Best Salmon Recipes For Your Busy Week

I’m sure you’ve heard about the health benefits of salmon. Not only is this fish absolutely delicious, but it also boosts your immune system, is a great source of protein, improves brain function, increase your heart health, aid in weight loss, strengthen your bones, and help with inflammation, among other things. So the real question is – why haven’t you incorporated salmon in your diet sooner? Below is a list of some delicious salmon recipes that are sure to get your family’s approval and help you get healthier.

Pan Seared Salmon Recipe

“Simply seasoned with salt and pepper, these salmon fillets are pan seared with capers, and garnished with slices of lemon.”

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Dip

“This dip fits perfectly with grilled salmon. Serve with rice. Greek style yogurt is a bit more sour than regular plain yogurt.”

Chef John’s Salmon

“I love the combination of tarragon and Italian parsley, but I’ve used herbs like basil and thyme, which worked wonderfully as well. As far as the fish goes, a center-cut salmon filet is a perfect thickness for this, but other similarly shaped seafood will work.”

Sesame Grilled Salmon Recipe

“Delicious grilled salmon. A very flavorful main dish. Great when served with grilled yellow bell peppers, green beans, and wild rice with herbs.”

Baked Dijon Salmon

“This is a wonderful way to prepare fresh salmon fillets in the oven. Be sure to make extra, your family will be begging for more!”

Lemon Dill Salmon with Garlic, White Wine, and Butter Sauce

“I had a craving for fresh fish and dill, so I played around and came up with this. It’s been rated one of my greatest hits! Great with rice or potatoes and steamed green beans.”

Citrus Baked Fish

“Salmon works best in this citrus-flavored dish.”

Smokey Salmon

“Salmon grilled with a light seasoning of spices with the sweetness of maple syrup! I served it with rice and baby carrots.”

Paleo Pecan-Maple Salmon

“This recipe is not only easy but healthy and tasty! Paleo, gluten-free and dairy-free!”

Lemon Pepper Salmon

“Simple, tasty and fast! Salmon is sauteed with all ingredients at once, and served over couscous. Great with a spinach salad.”

Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon

“I live in Alaska and have 3 sons that love to fish. I have had to come up with some pretty creative ways to prepare salmon, this is by far my family and friends favorite way to eat fresh salmon. I soak an untreated cedar plank in water and bourbon while they are out fishing for the day and fix the barbeque sauce so that it is ready to get grilling…..”

Alaska Salmon Bake with Pecan Crunch Coating

“I am completely addicted to this! I used already prepared honey mustard (I bought from tastefully simple), mixed the bread crumbs in with the mustard mixture it was FANTASTIC! Thank goodness my Dad goes Salmon fishing & shares his catch with me (it’s best with fresh Salmon).”

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Eight Cheap and Easy Dinner Recipes

Sometimes it can be hard to find recipes for delicious meals that won’t break the bank. A simple trick to reduce the price at the end of your receipt is to choose cheaper protein options like ground beef, chicken, or using beans in place of meat.  Regardless of your diet, check out these great-tasting, cheap and easy dinner recipes from Delish that will make you want to never eat out again (or for a while, at least)!

Tex-Mex Balls

Delicious on a sub, over spaghetti, or by themselves!

“It was perfect on hero bread and the sauce was AMAZING. I’m sure it would taste delish over spaghetti as well. This is a keeper in my house.”

Classic Calzones

This recipe is perfect for getting the whole family involved in making dinner. Just set out the ingredients, then pop in the oven when everyone is done. Easy, fun, and yummy!

“My daughter and I made the pepperoni calzones and I must say it was very easy and very tasty.”

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Cilantro and lime are the perfect pair, especially in this easy chicken dish. Pair with a side of roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal!

“One of our favorite recipes. Easy to double but I do have to cook it in two batches, so takes a bit longer. I do sometimes add more lime and cilantro than the recipe calls for because we love the combo.”

Better-Than-Takeout Beef and Broccoli

Once you try this dish, you’ll never crave take-out again!

“Very tasty and easy to make.  It was a hit in my house and the leftovers heated up quite well.”

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Get ready to pull out your air fryer for this perfectly crispy shrimp that pairs well with spicy mayo. Best. Shrimp. Ever.

“This was so delicious! I did have to adjust the time to about 7 minutes as the first batch was just a little over done. Thanks for the recipe.”

Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken

This pretzel coated chicken recipe leaves you with perfectly crunchy chicken that only gets better when dipped in honey mustard. It’s the best of both worlds!

“Truly delish!”

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Who wants an easy and cheap alternative to taco Tuesdays? For this recipe, all you have to do is combine everything in one pot and set it to cook for the day. Easiest dinner ever!

“This is by far the best chicken tortilla soup I have ever had! My husband and I both absolutely loved it and I am going shopping today for ingredients to make it again. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!”

Easy Cajun Jambalaya

Get ready to be transported to Louisiana because this Jambalaya has all the key elements of true Creole cuisine!

“This turned out great! Followed the recipe and it came out perfect. Super easy to make and full of flavor. Will definitely make this again.”

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