ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | FOOD
Article Published on: 17TH JUNE 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
Balancing work, family, and personal time can leave little room for preparing elaborate dinners. However, that doesn't mean you have to settle for takeout or frozen meals. With a bit of planning and some simple recipes, you can have delicious, home-cooked meals on the table in no time. Here are three easy and quick recipes perfect for busy weeknights.
1. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon (juice and zest)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally.
Add the Shrimp: When the pasta is nearly done, add the shrimp, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
This one-pot meal is not only quick but also minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for a busy night. The combination of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan creates a flavorful dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
2. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
3 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch with the chicken broth or water until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
This stir-fry is incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. It's a healthy and quick option that packs a lot of flavor into a short cooking time.
3. Baked Honey Garlic Salmon
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1/4 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
Bake the Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
This baked salmon recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights. It's healthy, flavorful, and requires minimal prep work. The honey garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully in toven, adding a delicious sweet and savory element to the dish.
Tips for Successful Weeknight Cooking
Meal Planning: Plan your meals for the week ahead of time. This helps you avoid the last-minute scramble to figure out what's for dinner.
Prep Ahead: Do some prep work on the weekends or during free time. Chopping vegetables, marinating meats, or even pre-cooking some components can save valuable time.
One-Pot/One-Pan Meals: These are fantastic for reducing both cooking and cleaning time. Invest in a good quality skillet or Dutch oven to make the process even smoother.
Batch Cooking: Make extra servings of meals that reheat well. This way, you can have leftovers for lunch or another dinner.
Simple Ingredients: Keep your pantry stocked with versatile ingredients like pasta, rice, canned tomatoes, and frozen vegetables. These can be the base for countless quick meals.
By incorporating these easy recipes and tips into your routine, you can enjoy home-cooked meals even on the busiest of weeknights. Happy cooking!