7 Easy Dishes to Make on a Busy Day
We’ve all been there – those hectic days when time feels like it’s slipping through our fingers, and the last thing we want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But fear not! In this article, we’ll explore a variety of easy-to-make dishes that are perfect for busy days. These recipes strike the ideal balance between convenience and deliciousness, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal without breaking a sweat.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and minimal cleanup. All you need is a sheet pan, some chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a few seasonings. Begin by slicing the chicken into strips and tossing them onto the sheet pan alongside the thinly sliced bell peppers and onions. Season generously with fajita seasoning mix or a blend of cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and give everything a good mix to ensure those flavors meld together.
Pop the sheet pan into a preheated oven, and in about 20-25 minutes, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken fajitas ready to serve. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! Serve them with warm tortillas and your choice of toppings.
- Birria Ramen
When you’re craving something extraordinary but don’t have much time on your hands, Birria Ramen is a fusion dish that will hit the spot. Combining the rich, savory flavors of Mexican birria with the comforting warmth of Japanese ramen, this dish is a true culinary adventure.
The key ingredient in the perfect birria ramen recipe is the birria broth, which you can prepare in advance or find in some specialty stores. To create this mouthwatering fusion, start by heating up your birria broth. While it’s heating, cook your ramen noodles separately according to the package instructions.
Once the broth is steaming hot and the noodles are cooked, it’s time to assemble your Birria Ramen. Simply ladle the birria broth over the noodles, and then top it off with your choice of garnishes. Sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime are excellent choices.
- Quick and Hearty Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are the unsung heroes of busy weeknight dinners. They’re lightning-fast to prepare and infinitely customizable. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up any veggies in your fridge that are on the brink of becoming less than fresh.
To whip up a quick and hearty stir-fry, start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Add your choice of protein, whether it’s chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, and cook until it’s nearly done. Remove the protein from the pan and set it aside.
Next, throw in a medley of sliced vegetables – bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or whatever you have on hand. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Add the protein back to the pan, along with a simple sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey for sweetness.
- Instant Pot Chili
The Instant Pot is a true lifesaver for busy individuals. It can turn tough cuts of meat into tender, flavorful dishes in a fraction of the time it would take through traditional cooking methods. One dish that shines in the instant pot is Chili.
For a quick and easy Instant Pot chili, start by browning ground beef or turkey right in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Once it’s cooked, add in diced onions, garlic, bell peppers, chili beans, tomatoes, and your favorite blend of chili seasonings. Give everything a good stir, then lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set it to pressure cook for about 20 minutes.
- 15-Minute Margherita Pizza
When the chaos of a busy day leaves you famished, but you still want something fresh and homemade, turn to the simplicity of a Margherita pizza. This classic Italian delight is known for its minimalistic yet mouthwatering flavors. The best part is that you can make it in just 15 minutes.
Start by preparing your pizza dough. You can use pre-made dough or whip up a quick one using flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. Roll it out into a thin circle and place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, sprinkle with fresh mozzarella cheese, and arrange fresh basil leaves on top. Pop your pizza into a preheated oven, and in just a few minutes, you’ll have a golden-brown, bubbling Margherita pizza ready to devour.
- Veggie-Packed Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a go-to option for those days when time is of the essence. They are quick and customizable, and you can load them up with veggies for a nutritious twist. To create veggie-packed quesadillas, start by heating a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Lay a tortilla flat in the skillet, then layer on grated cheese and your choice of thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. Top it with another tortilla and cook until the bottom tortilla is golden and crispy, then flip it to cook the other side. Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is melted, remove it from the skillet, cut it into wedges, and serve.
- 10-Minute Tuna Salad Wraps
When your day is jam-packed, and your stomach is growling, turn to a quick and nutritious option like 10-minute tuna salad wraps. These wraps are a breeze to put together and offer a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Start by draining a can of tuna and mixing it with mayonnaise, diced celery, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Take a tortilla or a lettuce leaf, spoon the tuna salad onto it, and add your choice of toppings – avocado, tomato, cucumber, or lettuce.
Conclusion
In the whirlwind of a busy day, we often find ourselves tempted to reach for unhealthy fast food options. Remember that good food doesn’t have to be time-consuming. By embracing the simplicity of these dishes, you can conquer even the busiest of days with a satisfied stomach and a smile on your face. So, the next time life feels too busy to make a complicated meal, head to the kitchen and whip up one of these speedy delights.
