Asian Mandarin Orange Turkey

Mandarin orange turkey is a quick and easy Asian-themed meal that the whole family will love! Its fast, simple preparation makes it the perfect weekday meal.

Mandarin Orange Turkey

Mandarin Orange Turkey

Course Main Course
Servings 2
Calories 462 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small can mandarin oranges in light syrup, undrained (11 oz)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp hot chili paste (or to taste)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)
  • 1 tsp fresh garlic, grated
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz turkey breast cutlet, cubed into 1” pieces
  • Dash of salt

Instructions
 

  • Drain juice from mandarin oranges into a small bowl.  Reserve mandarin orange slices.
  • Add soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to the mandarin orange juice and whisk until combined. Set aside.
  • Mix cornstarch into water and set aside.
  • Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium heat.  Add turkey, sprinkle with salt and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through with an internal temperature of 160℉.
  • Remove turkey from pan and set aside.
  • Add mandarin orange sauce to the pan and bring it to a simmer.  Add cornstarch mixture and allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.  If the sauce becomes too thick, add a drizzle of chicken broth.
  • Put turkey and mandarin slices into the pan and heat through.
  • Serve over rice, if desired.
  • Hack: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Hack:  Do you know that you can freeze fresh ginger root?  Grating it in its frozen state is easier than grating it fresh and, if you choose organic ginger, you don’t have to peel it!  Simply place it in a sealed freezer bag or container and pop it in the freezer.
Keyword Asian cuisine, Asian food, fast and easy, fast meal, mandarin oranges, orange turkey, quick and easy, turkey cutlet

Handle turkey with care!  Click here for some tips to avoid foodborne illnesses that can be associated with raw poultry.

The sweet flavors in this recipe pair nicely with sweet potato apple butter casserole!

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Cream, tomatoes and shredded cheese make this easy chicken alfredo pasta dish warm and comforting. Garlic bread rounds it out nicely!

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

(Courtesy: Melissa Warren)  
Course Main Course
Servings 2
Calories 515 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2 scallions
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)
  • 4 oz farfalle (bow tie) pasta
  •  ½ cup light cream
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • ½ Roma tomato, chopped
  • ¼ cup sharp cheddar, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Cut chicken into 1” cubes and thinly slice scallions. 
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Add chicken, scallions and garlic.  Saute until no pink remains in the chicken, about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions and drain.  Return pasta to the pan.
  • When chicken is fully cooked, turn the heat down to medium, add cream and bring to a simmer.  Sprinkle flour into cream, whisking constantly to thicken the sauce.
  • Add tomato and shredded cheese to cream sauce and heat until cheese is melted.
  • Pour chicken and sauce over pasta and toss to coat.
  • Hack:  Substitute your favorite cheese and/or pasta or use whatever you have on hand!
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keyword alfredo, bowtie pasta, chicken, creamy chicken, easy meal, fast and easy, pasta, quick and easy, quick meal preparation

Did you know?  Traditional “white” pasta has gotten a bad rap lately but there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there, either with carbs or without!

Suggestion:  Serve with warm Italian herb focaccia bread!

Sesame Peanut Butter Noodles

Sesame peanut butter noodles are a spicy, nutritious and vegetarian meal. It’s a super quick and easy choice for a busy weeknight dinner!

Sesame Peanut Butter Noodles

Sesame Peanut Butter Noodles

Course Main Course
Servings 2
Calories 291 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz rice noodles
  • 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 2 tsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp ginger root, grated
  • ¾ tsp sriracha, or to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tsp chopped peanuts
  • 1 green onion, sliced

Instructions
 

  • Cover rice noodles in hot water and allow to soak for 30 minutes.  Drain and set aside.
  • In a small microwave bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, lime juice, garlic, sesame oil, ginger and sriracha.  Heat in microwave until heated.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or wok.  Add rice noodles and saute for 4-5 minutes.  Toss with peanut sauce.
  • Place in bowls and sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts and green onion. Serve immediately.
  • Hack:  Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  For best results, store noodles and peanut sauce separately, combining just before serving.
Keyword Asian cuisine, Asian food, Homemade Asian food, homemade Thai cuisine, homemade Thai food, peanut butter, peanut noodles, Thai cuisine, Thai food, vegetarian

Did you know?  While many are worried about the fat and calories in peanut butter, it can be part of a healthy diet!

If you like this noodle dish, try my recipe for lemon poppy seed chicken noodles!

Japanese Omurice (Rice Omelette)

Omurice is just a fancy name for rice omelette and I think this Japanese Omurice (Rice Omelette) is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets!

Japanese Omurice (Rice Omelette)

Japanese Omurice (Rice Omelette)

Course Breakfast
Servings 2
Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ½ cup cooked rice, cold
  • ½ cup onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup ketsup
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • ½ cup shredded cooked chicken (2.5 ounces)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in saute pan or wok over medium heat. Add rice and onions and saute until onion is translucent (4-5 minutes).
  • Add ketchup and soy sauce. Cook until ketchup begins to caramelize.
  • Add chicken and cook just until warmed through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  • Coat pan with cooking spray.
  • Beat eggs with milk in a small bowl until well combined. Pour into the saute pan and allow it to spread over the bottom of the pan. Cover and allow eggs to cook undisturbed until set (4-5 minutes).
  • Remove cover and arrange rice chicken mixture on one side of the omelette. Fold over and slide onto the plate.
  • Serve immediately.
  • Hack: Store leftover omelette in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet for 1-2 minutes, just until warmed through.
  • Hack: As with all fried rice, cold leftover rice gives the best results.
  • Hack: If using raw chicken, cut into 1” cubes and allow 3-5 minutes to cook (until all pink is gone).
  • Hack: Although chicken is traditional in this dish, use whatever leftover protein you have on hand!
Keyword breakfast, easy, eggs, fast and easy, fried, Japanese, Japanese cooking, Jasmine rice, leftovers, omelet, omelette, quick and easy meal, rice dish, simple

Although ketchup is considered an American obsession, it originated in Asia as a thin sauce made from fermented fish!

Use any leftover rice for this dish, such as baked rice pilaf or easy vegetable rice!

Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

This easy but satisfying bruschetta chicken pasta dish is made with fresh bruschetta and chicken. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight supper for one!!

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Course Main Course
Servings 1 serving
Calories 563 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Bring one quart of water to a boil.  Add ½ tsp salt and bowtie pasta.  Boil until al dente (13-15 minutes).  Drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a heavy pan.  While the oil is heating, cut the chicken into 1” cubes and toss with Italian seasoning.  Add chicken to the pan and saute until no pink remains, 6-8 minutes.
  • Add pasta and bruschetta, toss and saute until warmed through.  Remove to a plate. Sprinkle with parmesan and balsamic reduction.  Serve immediately.
  • Hack: Store leftovers in teh refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Hack: Canned or leftover chicken can be used in this recipe.
  • Hack: Feel free to use your favorite pasta or whatever pasta you have on hand!
Keyword bowtie pasta, bruschetta, chicken, chicken dinner, chicken recipe, chicken with pasta, easy, farfalle, homemade, Italian cuisine, Italian food, meal for one, quick and easy, quick dinner, quick prep

Did you know?  Chicken is a healthy, low-fat protein and one of the best protein choices for the price.  Check out the facts here!

Suggestion:  Pack a nutritional and healthy punch by pairing this dish with some asparagus, onions and tomatoes!

Easy Fresh Green Onion Pesto

Spread this delicious fresh green onion pesto on your toast, roll it up in chicken, smother your salmon or toss it in pasta. How do you like your pesto?

Fresh Green Onion Pesto

Fresh Green Onion Pesto

Course Appetizer, Snack
Servings 8 servings
Calories 175 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups scallion or green onions, coarsely sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 2 tbsp fresh chive
  • 5 cloves garlic (5 tsp minced)
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  • Hack:  Pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or frozen for 12 months.  I recommend freezing in ice cube trays and then removing portions to a freezer-safe container so you can thaw just the amount you need.
  • Hack:  Pine nuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 months or in the freezer for 6 months.
  • Hack:  Chop leftover green onions and freeze them in a sealable freezer bag or container for future use.  While they won't retain the crispy texture of fresh green onions, they will be fine for use in cooking.
Keyword appetizer, easy, football snacks, green onion, healthy, hors d'oeuvres, low calorie, party food, pesto, pizza, quick prep, scallion, snack, vegetarian

Did you know?  Green onions are an excellent source of vitamin K!  Check out some more healthy benefits here!

Suggestion:   Use this pesto to make Chicken Pesto Naan Pizza!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken is a quick and easy one-skillet meal that’s low in carbs and calories but rich in flavor!!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

(Courtesy:  Arty Garland)
Course Main Course
Servings 3
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into 3 strips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (1 tsp)
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • ½ cup chicken bouillon
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan, shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on all sides. Remove from the pan.
  • Add mushroom and cook until tender, 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan.
  • Turn heat to medium. Melt butter in the pan, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add flour and cook until it simmers, stirring constantly.
  • Add bouillon, heavy cream and Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Bring back to a simmer and cook for one minute or until thickened.
  • Add spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms to the cream mixture and bring to a simmer. Add chicken and cook until it registers an internal temperature of 160℉, 7-10 minutes.
  • Hack: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, fast and easy, garlic, healthy, low calorie, low carb, one pan meal, one pan recipe, one skillet meal, parmesan cheese, quick and easy, spinach

Did you know?  Chicken is a great source of protein and has been linked to a variety of health benefits.

Suggestion:  Serve this with a tasty side of baked rice pilaf!

Hearty Smothered Pork Ribs

Smothered pork ribs are a quick dish that’s hearty and comes together in less than 30 minutes! It also uses only one pan for easy cleanup.

Smothered Pork Ribs

Smothered Pork Ribs

Course Main Course
Servings 2
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 boneless pork ribs (3 oz each)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic minced (1 tsp)
  • ½ onion, sliced
  • ½ green bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small tomato, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, minced
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • ¼ cup red wine
  • ½ cup chicken stock

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy saute pan over medium-high heat.
  • Dry pork ribs with paper towels and sprinkle pork ribs with salt and pepper.
  • When oil is heated, brown ribs on all sides (3-4 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Add the remaining tbsp olive oil to the pan. Add garlic, onion, peppers and tomatoes. Saute until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir tomato paste and saute for 1 minute. Add wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Add stock, stir and then move vegetables to create a well in the center of the pan.
  • Turn the heat down to medium.
  • Place ribs in well and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 160℉ (about 10 minutes)
  • Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Hack: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Hack: Frozen or dehydrated vegetables can be used in this recipe.
Keyword easy, fast and easy, healthy, low calorie, one pan meal, one pan recipe, onions, peppers, pork, pork chop, pork ribs, quick and easy, quick meal preparation, quick prep, simple, smothered

 

Did you know?  Pork is high in many important vitamins and minerals.  Check it out here!

Suggestion:  Pair this dish with some sour cream horseradish mashed potatoes for a real stick-to-your-ribs meal!

Vanilla Cream Dessert Sauce

Vanilla cream dessert sauce is a versatile topping that comes together in minutes and can be drizzled over bread pudding, apple crisp or even fruit salad!

Vanilla Cream Dessert Sauce

Vanilla Cream Dessert Sauce

Course Dessert
Servings 2 tbsp
Calories 31 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together milk, sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly.  Allow to simmer for one minute and remove from heat.
  • Can be used warm or cold.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly covered container.
Keyword condiments, dessert, easy, homemade sauce, quick and easy, vanilla

Did you know?  Americans prefer vanilla ice cream by far over other flavors.  Check out some more fun facts here!

Suggestion:  Pour over a fruit salad, apple crisp or bread pudding!

Panko Parmesan Crusted Scallops

These vegetarian panko parmesan crusted scallops are an easy-peasy dish that’s on the table in less than 20 minutes! They’re a healthy addition to any meal!

Panko Parmesan Crusted Scallops

Panko Parmesan Crusted Scallops

(Courtesy:  Ray and Irene Horne)
Course Main Course
Servings 1
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 sea scallops
  • Dash of salt
  • Dash of pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped shallot
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 425℉. Coat a small oven-proof pan with cooking spray.
  • Pat the scallops dry and arrange them in a single layer in the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Whisk butter, lemon juice, shallot and garlic in a small bowl and pour evenly over scallops.
  • In the same bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the scallops.
  • Bake until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Hack: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Hack: Scallops can be purchased individually from the seafood counter at most grocery stores. Alternatively, they can be purchased frozen in larger portions if you wish to keep some on hand. Thaw needed amounts before cooking.
  • Hack: Seafood can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator. It can be thawed more quickly by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in a bath of cold water for about an hour.
Keyword baked, easy, fast and easy, healthy, quick and easy, quick prep, scallops, seafood, shellfish, vegetarian

Did you know?  Scallops are considered to be one of the healthiest kinds of seafood!

Suggestion:  These scallops would go nicely with Baked Rice Pilaf!

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