Do not settle for quick and unhealthy dinner options when it comes to planning quick dinners. With just a little forethought and preparation, you can create an entire meal packed full of proteins and vegetables!
No matter your parenting or working situation, these quick meals are ideal for weeknight dinners – saving time, money, and making sure everyone eats healthily!
1. Pork Chops with Asian Flavors
If you’re in search of easy recipes with more exotic flair than what has been available before, give these Asian-flavored pork chops a try. Their blend of savory and sweet notes won’t overwhelm your senses; plus their ingredients are easily found within any kitchen!
These pork chops are marinated in a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and garlic before pan frying and roasting in the oven to produce this delectably juicy main course!
To achieve an ideal sear on pork chops, preheating the skillet before placing them in will be key. Once heated up, place them into the hot pan and cook 4-5 minutes on each side before flipping.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is an effective way to bring out their natural sweetness while simultaneously maintaining crispiness and tenderness. It works great with potatoes, onions, peppers, cauliflower and beets.
Before roasting vegetables, coat them in a seasoned oil mixture (or olive oil alone if low-carb diets are desired). Season with salt, pepper, thyme and fresh herbs for extra flavor!
Roasted vegetables should be consumed right after they have been prepared; otherwise, they tend to wilt and sogginess in the refrigerator or after being reheated.
Roasting can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes, depending on the vegetable being prepared. A paring knife should be used to test for doneness; when its tip easily penetrates like soft butter, your vegetables have reached perfection.
3. Soba Noodles
Buckwheat noodles offer quick and tasty food solutions, perfect for simple daily dinner preparation. A staple of Japanese cuisine, they can be served both hot or cold with an accompanying sauce for extra flavor!
Cooking them couldn’t be simpler! Just drop them in a pot of simmering water and allow them to sit there until cooked – no fuss, no muss.
They should be cooked al dente to retain a slight earthy bite, and rinsed in cold water after cooking in order to rid themselves of gluten and starches released during this process so they do not become soggy or soft.
Find 100% buckwheat soba at any Asian grocery store or online retailer; ensure it bears a gluten-free label for optimal results.
Soba noodles are highly adaptable, often serving as the foundation of salads, soups and stir fry dishes. When chilled with soy-based dipping sauce they make an irresistibly flavorful treat!
4. Stir-Fry
Stir-frying is an efficient and fast way to quickly prepare a nutritious meal in no time. This Asian cooking technique, often performed in a wok, allows for just enough cooking oil to keep foods from sticking or burning while also protecting freshness by continuously moving over high heat.
Baking can also be an efficient way of using up leftover vegetables or meat that have sat in your fridge, and you can store your finished dish in the fridge to reheat later on.
Stir-fries can be an economical and nutritious meal option for those on a limited budget or trying to incorporate healthier eating choices during the week. They’re easily served up alongside rice or noodles, saving both time and making for satisfying results in terms of taste and digestion.
To create the best tasting stir fry possible, always use high-grade cooking oil with a high smoke point – meaning it can be heated quickly without losing its elastic qualities.
