Quick Dinner Ideas – 2 Recipes to Try on Busy Nights

After a long day of work, eating dinner together with family allows us to relax and replenish our bodies. It’s an opportunity to spend time with loved ones around the table, telling jokes and laughing. Finding the right balance between a nutritious supper and a quick preparation procedure can be difficult. The appeal of quick dinner ideas is evident in this situation. These dishes are go-to options for weeknight cooking, offering delectable tastes and textures in only a few minutes. 

These meals are outstanding not only for their quick preparation but also for their abundance of flavor. Although quick supper ideas prioritize practicality, they do not skimp on flavors. Besides, since quick recipes don’t require excessive cooking, they do not diminish the flavor of your ingredients. 

The appeal of these recipes lies in their ability to transform even the simplest ingredients into masterpieces that tantalize the palate. With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of ingenuity, you can turn a handful of pantry staples into a culinary delight. 

So, if you’ve ever found yourself stuck between the desire for a delicious dinner and time constraints, this blog is your culinary compass. 

Let’s check out two mouthwatering dinner recipes perfect for busy nights: 

1. Chuck Roast Stir-Fry 

When racing against the clock but still craving a hearty dinner, this quick and savory chuck roast stir-fry is a must-try. Tender chuck roast strips are infused with various vegetables and a flavorful stir-fry sauce, creating a satisfying meal ready in no time. You can try the Instant Pot Chuck Roast recipe for this dish. By preparing the chuck roast in an instant pot, you can combine the rich flavors of a perfectly cooked chuck roast with wholesome vegetables and luscious gravy.  

Let’s get started: 

Ingredients: 

For the Stir-Fry Sauce: 

• 1/4 cup soy sauce 
• Two tablespoons of oyster sauce 

• One tablespoon of hoisin sauce 
• One tablespoon of brown sugar 
• One teaspoon of sesame oil 
• One teaspoon cornstarch 

For the Stir-Fry: 

• 1 pound chuck roast, thinly sliced 
• Two tablespoons vegetable oil divided 
• Three cloves of garlic, minced 
• One teaspoon of ginger, minced 
• One onion, thinly sliced 

• One red bell pepper, thinly sliced 
• 1 cup broccoli florets 
• One carrot, julienned 
• Two green onions, chopped 
• Sesame seeds for garnish 

• Cooked white rice for serving 

Instructions: 

• In a bowl, whisk the ingredients for the stir-fry sauce: soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Place aside. 
• Heat up a single tbsp of vegetable oil on high in a big skillet or wok. Stir-fry the chuck roast that has been thinly sliced for 2–3 minutes or until it is fully cooked and browned. From the skillet, remove the meat and place it aside. 
• Add the final tbsp of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Include the chopped garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. 

• Add the julienned carrot, broccoli florets, red bell pepper, onion, and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but remain crisp. 
• Return the cooked chuck roast to the skillet, and pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the meat and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat evenly and allow the sauce to thicken. 
• Include chopped green onions and give it a final stir. 
• Serve the chuck roast stir-fry over cooked white rice, and garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. 

1. Egg Fried Rice 

For hectic nights, egg-fried rice is a delicious and fast supper choice. This meal quickly fills your table with various flavors thanks to its fluffy eggs, flavorful rice, and veggies. 

Ingredients: 

• Two cups of cooked rice, ideally chilled 
• Two beaten eggs 
• One cup of mixed veggies, such as peas, carrots, and corn 

• 2 tbsp each of vegetable oil and soy sauce 
• Optional: 1 tsp sesame oil 
• Pepper and salt as needed 
• Finely chopped green onions (for garnish) 

Instructions: 

• Place a large pan or wok over high heat. Include 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. 
• After the eggs have been beaten, add them to the skillet and scramble them until fully cooked. Take out scrambled eggs from the skillet and place aside. 
• Pour an additional tbsp of vegetable oil into the same skillet. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes until they’re tender. 
• Move the veggies to one side of the skillet and fill the empty area with the cooked rice. Use a spatula to separate any rice clumps. 
• Drizzle soy sauce (and sesame oil, if you want to) over the rice and mix well to evenly distribute the flavors. 

• In the same pan as the rice and veggies, re-add the scrambled eggs. Toss everything together to combine. 
• To taste, include salt and pepper in the fried rice. You can also include a little more soy sauce if desired. 
• Remove the skillet from the heat once everything is heated through and well-mixed. 
• Serve the egg-fried rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions. 

Conclusion  

While cooking, you can experiment with different ingredients and bring out their complex flavors. However, scheduling the time to cook meals may be difficult, especially for big families. Your first choice for this situation should be to try some easy and quick meal ideas. Quick dishes offer the ideal fusion of flavor and healthy eating and are simple to make.