Oh, we’ve all been there, haven’t we? Standing in front of an open fridge, eyes darting between the containers of leftovers and the fresh produce, that age-old question rattling around in our heads: “What on earth should I cook today?”
If your inspiration is as elusive as that jar of pickles hidden at the back of your fridge, it’s time to veer away from the safe shores of your go-to recipes and try something more hearty and satisfying.
Think rich and creamy, spicy or tangy, sweet or savory – you don’t have to be a master chef or have a fully equipped kitchen to whip up a delicious meal. So, put on an apron and try these six mouthwatering recipes that will change your menu rotation forever, whether cooking for yourself, a gathering, or your family.
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Mulligan Stew
This thick, beefy, and hearty stew is a Southern one-pot wonder full of flavor, protein, and veggies.
You need:
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Beef bouillon cubes
- Tomato soup
- Tomatoes, diced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce
- Cajun seasoning
- Russet potatoes
- Frozen corn and peas
- Green beans
Begin by heating a Dutch oven or pot on medium-high heat. Brown the beef until it attains a delightful golden-brown color. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic, cooking for approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Then, incorporate the flour, ensuring it’s well mixed. Next, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, bouillon cubes, and beef broth.
Now, it’s time to include the remaining vegetables: potatoes, corn, peas, and green beans. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer on medium-low heat for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Try this mulligan stew recipe and wow your loved ones with amazing flavors.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
This classic American dish is perfect for parties, game days, or a lazy weekend meal. The taste? Rich and tender pulled pork with a tangy BBQ sauce that you can’t resist.
You need:
- Pork shoulder or butt roast
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Brown sugar
- Mustard powder
- Ketchup, divided
- Apple cider vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar on the pork roast. Let it sit for 15 minutes or overnight in the fridge. Place the roast in a slow cooker and pour half of the ketchup over it.
Use a mixing bowl to mix the remaining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture over the pork. Set the slow cooker on low and let it cook for 8 to 10 hours or until the meat is tender enough to shred with a fork. Serve it on buns with your favorite coleslaw for a satisfying meal.
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General Tso’s Chicken
This popular Chinese dish is a delightful medley of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Eat it with white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
You need:
- Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- Garlic cloves
- Ginger
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Hoisin sauce
- Sugar
- Szechuan dried chili peppers
- Spring onions
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat them with cornstarch. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan and fry the chicken till its cooking time or temperature. Set the chicken aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and Szechuan dried chili peppers. Stir until the sauce thickens. Transfer the fried chicken to the pan and coat it with the sauce. Garnish with chopped spring onions.
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Teriyaki Salmon and Vegetable Stir Fry
This recipe is perfect for a healthy and flavorful weeknight dinner. The teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory element to the dish.
You need:
- Fresh salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, broccoli)
- Teriyaki sauce
First, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Cook the seasoned salmon in a large pan with oil over medium heat. Set aside. Add assorted vegetables and sauté in the same pan until tender. Pour teriyaki sauce over the vegetables and cook until heated through. Place the cooked salmon back into the pan and coat it with the teriyaki sauce. Serve over rice or noodles.
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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Do you often crave a quick and easy shrimp dish that still packs delicious flavors? This recipe will hit the spot.
You need:
- Raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- Broccoli florets
- Salted butter
- Garlic cloves
- Honey
- Soy sauce
In a large pan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add in honey and soy sauce, and stir until combined. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for a few minutes until they soften. Push the broccoli to one side of the pan and add the raw shrimp. Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Once the shrimp turns pink, incorporate it into the broccoli and sauce mixture and then serve over rice for a delicious meal.
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Stir-fried Greens with Oyster Sauce
Need a recipe to use up those leftover greens in your fridge? This stir-fry dish makes a great side or a main dish when paired with rice or noodles.
You need:
- Assorted greens (such as bok choy, kale, or spinach)
- Oyster sauce
- Garlic cloves
- Vegetable oil
Wash and chop your choice of leafy greens into bite-sized pieces. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add crushed garlic cloves and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped greens to the pan and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to wilt. Drizzle oyster sauce over the greens and continue to stir-fry for another minute. Serve as a side dish or add protein such as tofu or chicken to make it the main course.
Conclusion
Forget about those microwaved meals or take-out dinners. Follow these easy and delicious recipes to cook at home and enjoy healthy and flavorful meals. So, prepare the finger-licking good Mulligan stew or the heartwarming stir-fried greens with oyster sauce for a quick and nutritious meal.
