Tag: lunch

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Easy Air Fryer Steak Kebabs Recipe

Air fryer steak kebabs are such a fun and great meal that you can enjoy with friends or family. Everybody loves eating food on a stick, especially kiddos! It’s also a great way to pack flavor and healthy ingredients together on a skewer. 

Ease of Making: Easy

Kebabs are traditionally cooked on a skewer over a fire or baked in an oven so that it can roast.  Roasting is one of the healthiest ways to prepare your meals because it results in minimal losses of vitamins and nutrients.

Advantages of roasting:

  • Good quality meat is tender when roasted
  • Vegetables maintain their heart-healthy fiber and vitamins and minerals for fighting disease
  • Food is more appealing because it has a desirable texture and color by turning crispy and golden brown
  • Unlike stovetop methods such as sauteing or stir-frying, It is a cooking method that allows you to be hands-free and requires minimal involvement in the cooking process

Using a roasting pan in an oven is usually the best way to roast food because it allows the oven heat to reach as much of the surface of food as possible and allows the air to circulate. 

However, if you don’t have a roasting pan and don’t want to wait to heat up your large oven, then an air fryer will do perfectly. It has a basket that holds food similar to a roasting rack and the fan allows the air to circulate the heat evenly around the food giving it that golden brown crisp.

Meal prep tips for Air Fryer Steak Kebabs

  • Cooking air fryer steak kebabs is not only a time saver, but cleanup is also incredibly easy, and it also tastes amazing.
  • Make sure to measure your air fryer to check that your skewers you are using actually fit inside of your air fryer. 6 to 8-inch skewers tend to fit best in most air fryers. And if you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to keep them from burning
  • When cutting veggies, make sure they are all the same size chunks the meat so that they all cook evenly. Use a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers and even add fruit such as pineapple
  • One of the best cuts of beef for kebabs is the Sirloin cut. It is relatively tender, lean, and fits into a balanced diet. In addition, it is budget-friendly. Other good beef choices are flat iron, strip steak, and even tenderloin.
  • Sometimes using a leaner cut of meat can result in dry tough meat. Therefore, marinating your meats prior to cooking is a good technique to prevent it from drying out and making it chewy. This marinade combines pantry friendly items such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dijon mustard, and spices such as oregano and garlic powder. One of the tasty components that result from marinating meat is getting that distinct flavor from a good golden brown crust when the protein cooks. Adding a sweet component such as honey yields in that delicious crust when cooked at high heat.

Air Fryer Beef Kebabs

Kebabs are such a fun and great meal that you can enjoy with friends or family. Everybody loves eating food on a stick, especially kiddos! It’s also a great way to pack flavor and healthy ingredients together on a skewer.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean top sirloin
  • 1 each yellow bell pepper
  • 1 each small red onion
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Beef marinade:

  • 2 tbsp worchestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar note: you can use honey, agave nectar or white sugar

Instructions
 

  • If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 10 minutes
  • Cut the beef into 1.5 inch chunks. Mix together the marinade and marinate the beef overnight or at least 30 minutes prior to cooking
  • If using the oven, preheat oven to 425F
  • Cut the bell peppers and red onion into chunks
  • Assemble the kebabs using skewers. Layer the skewer by alternating the beef with the veggies.
  • Place in the air fryer and cook at 400F for 8-10 minutes. If using the oven, cook for 10-12 minutes, until the outer edges are brown and beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 145F
  • Serve with your choice of sides and sauces. Examples: salad, pita, couscous, rice pilaf, or tortillas, etc

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Meal Prep Salmon With Butternut Squash Noodles

This meal prep Baked Salmon with Parmesan Butternut Squash Noodles is easy and simply perfect for a light and refreshing weekday lunch. It’s a great low carb meal with minimal ingredients that you can make in less than 20 minutes.

Easy of Making: Easy

When it comes to eating healthy, it’s all about including a balance of proteins, veggies, smart carbs, and healthy fats. This meal delivers a powerhouse of nutrients that will help you meet your health goals.

Salmon is a great source of protein that will help you keep full longer. It is also rich in healthy fats such as Omega-3 Fatty acids which may promote weight loss and decrease belly fat. Salmon is also high in B Vitamins which is important in helping the food you eat into energy, creating and repairing DNA, and reducing inflammation that can lead to heart disease. It is also tasty, versatile, and widely available. 

This baked salmon is paired with a superfood medley of butternut squash spirals, cherry tomatoes, and arugula. Butternut squash is a low calorie, low carb, a sweet, and nutty ingredient that makes a great addition to many savory recipes and is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent cellular damage and reduce inflammation which may reduce your risk of several chronic diseases. 

To add flavor and pack it with even more nutrients, we mixed it in with arugula that has a distinctive peppery flavor and a great source of calcium and folate. The addition of tart flavors from the cherry tomatoes pair well with the savory and nutty flavors of this recipe.

So not only is this recipe tasty, but it is also packed with nutrients to help you meet a healthy and balanced diet.

Meal Prep Tips for Baked Salmon with Parmesan Butternut Squash Noodles:

How to pick the right salmon:

There are several types of salmon, such as pink salmon, red salmon, and Atlantic salmon. Any of these types can taste delicious in the oven. 

You do however want to make sure you choose a filet with firm flesh when you are buying at the store. When you gently press the fillet with your finger, it should spring back. You also want to avoid any fish that are dark around the edges or brown/yellow discoloration. And be sure to smell the fish. It should smell like saltwater or the sea smell and not have a strong fishy smell.

Baking salmon delivers soft, juicy, and tender salmon on the inside with crispy edges. 

The key to evenly cooking the fish is to let it sit on the counter for a few minutes until it comes to room temperature, otherwise, other parts of the fish might overcook while the other parts are still raw.

How to use frozen salmon:

If you are using frozen fish, be sure to let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight and also allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

The great thing about salmon is that you don’t need a lot of seasonings to make it taste good. However, you don’t want to add salt too early, otherwise, it will draw out the moisture if left for an extended period of time. For best results, salt the salmon right before you place it in the oven to cook.

Fish cooks fairly quickly, however, cook time will vary depending on the thickness. The thickest part of the salmon should look opaque and the layers within the salmon should flake apart easily.

Baked Salmon with Parmesan Butternut Squash Noodles

This Baked Salmon with Parmesan Butternut Squash Noodles is easy and simply perfect for a light and refreshing weekday lunch. It’s a great low carb meal with minimal ingredients that you can make in less than 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

Salmon

  • 12 oz salmon
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Squash Noodles

  • 10 oz butternut squash noodles
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Pre-Cook (Mise En Place):

  • Gather your equipment: cutting board, knife, sheet pan, parchment paper, skillet, tongs
  • Pre-heat oven to 400F
  • Mince garlic, slice cherry tomatoes in half
  • Marinate the salmon with the seasonings and olive oil. Place on sheet pan lined with parchment paper

Cooking Method:

  • Place salmon in the oven and bake it for 10-15 minutes
  • Add olive oil to a skillet on medium high heat. Saute the garlic and butternut squash noodles for 3 to 5 minutes. Add seasonings and continue to stir until butternut squash is tender
  • Add fresh tomatoes and arugula
  • Top off the noodles with shredded parmesan cheese
  • Serve the salmon on top of the noodles. Eat and enjoy!

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How To Make Salmon Cakes In A Skillet

This crispy salmon cake recipe is a healthy meal prep protein option. Canned foods often get a bad rep, however canned salmon can be very nutrient-dense. One serving can provide up to 16 grams of protein, heart-healthy fats, and multiple micronutrients. 

Ease of Making: Easy

Growing up we used a lot of canned tuna, so using canned salmon in this recipe is a great switch. Eating salmon has been linked to anti-inflammatory properties, brain, heart, and bone health and due to its high protein content helps you stay feeling full longer.

And yes, canned salmon can be higher in sodium, however, pairing them with fresh veggies such as this corn and arugula salad can lighten it up and make it part of a healthy balanced meal.

Arugula has a distinctive peppery taste unlike other salad greens adding another flavor component. Adding other sweeter tasting veggies such as corn and red bell peppers can complement the flavors. Arugula is actually part of the cruciferous family such as Brussel sprouts and broccoli and is known to have high cancer-fighting agents. This high fiber salad option is low in sugar, calories, carbohydrates, and fats and has vital nutrients that help support the immune system. 

Meal Prep Tips for Pan-Fried Salmon Cakes recipe with Corn and Arugula Salad

One of my favorite things about cooking is the ability to be creative and take food and transform it by simply adding a few ingredients and changing the flavor profiles. Take this canned salmon, for example. Canned fish often has a really fishy profile, but making them into salmon cakes with other ingredients can definitely upgrade a simple can of salmon. 

First, be sure to drain the can before placing the salmon into a mixing bowl. Then you’ll want to add your choice of veggies. I like to use bright colored veggies such as red bell peppers, red onions, and green onions. 

Then, you will want to include some sort of binder such as breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and dijon mustard to keep the patties packed together to keep it from crumbling when you pan fry them in the pan. Add your choice of seasonings and spices and mix it all together until it forms a paste-like texture.

You can use your hands to form the patties into balls and then flatten them in the pan, but a great tool to use is a small 2 oz ice cream scoop. I use this tool anytime I have to scoop and portion out for recipes. It saves time from having to roll it into a ball and it evenly portions out your serving sizes. 

Place the portioned out balls into the hot pan and use your spatula to flatten them out into patties. Have a plate lined with a paper towel to help drain the excess oil. Afterward, serve this salmon cake recipe on top of fresh greens with other veggies such as sweet corn.

Salmon Cakes With Corn and Arugula Salad

These crispy salmon patties are a healthy meal prep protein option. Canned foods often get a bad rep, however canned salmon can be very nutrient-dense. One serving can provide up to 16 grams of protein, heart-healthy fats, and multiple micronutrients.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • saute pan

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz canned salmon
  • 2 each large eggs
  • 1/4 cup red bell peppers (diced)
  • 1/4 cup red onions (diced)
  • 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp bay seasoning
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 4 cups arugula salad
  • 4 tbsp choice of salad dressing recommend vinaigrette dressing

Instructions
 

  • Drain canned salmon and defrost the corn if frozen or drain the corn if canned
  • Place the canned salmon in a mixing bowl and crack two eggs. Mix well until eggs are incorporated
  • Next, add the peppers and onions and seasonings. Mix thoroughly
  • Then, add the mayo and dijon mustard and mix well
  • Finally, add the breadcrumbs and mix until the mixture forms a paste like texture
  • Add oil to a saute pan on medium to high heat. Using a 2 oz scoop (about 1/4 cup), scoop out even portions into the pan
  • Then, using a spatula, flatten the scooped salmon mixture into flat patties. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it is golden crispy. Flip it over to cook on the other side for about a minute until golden crispy.
  • Remove the patty from the pan and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain the excess oil
  • Serve salmon cakes on top of a bed of arugula salad with corn. Add any additional fresh veggies to your preference and top it off with your choice of dressing. Eat and enjoy!

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How to Make Homemade Ramen in Under 20 Minutes

Ramen is easily one of our favorite dishes at PrepYoSelf, especially heading into fall. As the weather cools there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade ramen noodle soup.

Even better, our Easy Shrimp Ramen is loaded with healthy ingredients with powerful benefits like the antioxidants in mushrooms and vitamins in bok choy. Antioxidants can help protect you from free radicals that may cause heart disease and cancer. Cruciferous vegetables like Bok Choy, have also been known to decrease your risk of heart disease. 

Our easy-to-make ramen recipe combines the ease of pre-made broth and the flavors of traditional ramen. This recipe is easy to whip together for any cold day of the week or to make ahead as a grab and go option. 

Ease of Making: Easy

How to Cook This Homemade Shrimp Ramen Recipe

When it comes to ramen, the broth is everything. You really want to focus on making the shrimp ramen broth pack the biggest flavor punch possible. You can do this by combining fresh, flavorful ingredients and letting them simmer together. For this recipe, we use a pre-made chicken or vegetable broth for the sake of time but if you want to make your own ramen broth these are the steps you would take:

How to Make Ramen Broth

Generally, there are three types of ramen broth. One made from the broth of chicken carcasses, one from pork bones (called Tonkotsu), and the last a combination from chicken and dashi stock. 

Steps:

  • Pick your stock base
  • Add in your aromatic root vegetables like ginger, garlic, and green onion
  • Simmer the stock base, root vegetables and cold water for around 3 hours
  • Add your dashi and other ingredients like miso, shoyu or shio

What To Add To Shrimp Ramen

Making your own homemade shrimp ramen recipe bowl is truly a customizable experience and can satisfy even the pickiest eaters. While we love ours with green onion, mushrooms and bok choy, you could also add these to spruce up your shrimp ramen:

  • A soft boiled egg 
  • Meats – think lean slices of pork, beef or chicken that will cook quickly but still remain tender. 
  • Vegetables – practically any vegetable can work in ramen. Try it out with broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. 
  • Spices or Hot Sauce – If you want to make your ramen spicy, try adding some sriracha or red pepper to the mix for an added kick. 

Meal Prep Tips for Shrimp Ramen

  1. Storing your ramen – store your prepped broth and noodles separately so the noodles don’t get soggy in the fridge.
  2. Freeze your broth – feel like making a ton of broth ahead? Ramen broth freezes wonderfully. We like using muffin tins to freeze individual portions we can easily grab and heat up in the microwave.
  3. Mix up your toppings – There’s nothing worse in meal prep than the same dish over and over, try new veggies, toppings, and sauce mix each time you make this to switch it up. 

Easy Shrimp Ramen

Our easy-to-make ramen recipe combines the ease of pre-made broth and the flavors of traditional ramen. This recipe is easy to whip together for any cold day of the week or to make ahead as a grab and go option.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 1/4 cup green onions (diced)
  • 1/2 cup white onions (sliced)
  • 4 oz mushrooms (sliced)
  • 2 cups bok choy (chopped)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 package ramen noodles (3 oz) (discard flavor packets)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 /4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • First, boil the chicken broth in the saucepot and add the soy sauce. Add the ramen noodles and boil for about 2 minutes until it is tender. Remove the ramen from the chicken broth and set it aside in bowls so that it does not continue to cook.
  • Then, add olive oil to a skillet/wok on medium high heat. Saute the green onions and white onions until they soften and turn translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and saute until they soften.
  • Then, add the chopped bok choy and saute until they soften. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  • At the end, add the shrimp and pour in the broth and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp fully cooks.
  • Then, pour the soup mixture on top of the ramen noodles. Sprinkle with sesame oil to your liking.

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How To Make Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad

shrimp soba noodles

Shrimp soba noodle salad is one of our favorite Japanese recipes and is incredibly easy-to-make, so it’s perfect for beginners. The soba noodle is in an underrated noodle that falls second to ramen in popularity and use. However, this buckwheat based noodle is as versatile as it is healthy, move over ramen there’s a new noodle in town. 

Ease of Making: Easy

Soba noodles are one of the healthiest types of noodles as they are gluten-free, low fat and high in both protein and fiber. One cup of cooked soba noodles contains 6 grams of protein which is essential to building muscle, and producing hemoglobin to keep your immune system healthy. 

The shrimp in this recipe coupled with the soba, provides even more protein. Shrimp is a powerhouse food if you’re on a diet because it’s high in protein but low in carbs, calories and fats. Shrimp contains a wide variety of nutrients including antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids which have shown to improve heart health. 

How to Cook Soba Noodles 

If you’re wondering how to make soba noodles, there are several steps you can take to ensure you get it right. Soba noodles are extremely versatile and can be served both hot or cold depending on which soba noodle recipe you’re following. The noodles in the recipe will be warm after cooking but will cool as you rinse them and  add in the ingredients for the sauce. You can eat this warm or chilled as a prepped item for the week. 

Step 1: Pick a big enough pot so your noodles have room to move around.

Step 2: Don’t salt your pasta water. 

Step 3: Cook for a short amount of time. Soba noodles only need a maximum of 7 minutes (depending on how much you are cooking) in the water before they should be removed. The majority of soba noodles will cook in 3-5 minutes depending on their thickness. You’re aiming for an al dente noodle. Try testing out the noodles at the five minute mark to see how they are coming along. 

Step 4: Rinse! Soba noodles can stick together and form a gummy clump of noodle mess if you don’t immediately rinse the starch from the pasta after cooking. Leave your soba noodles in a colander and rinse under cold water for at least a minute while you whirl them around your pot. Your water should run clear before stopping your rinse.

Step 5: Drain, serve your soba noodle salad and enjoy!

Soba Noodle FAQ

What are soba noodles? 

Soba noodles are noodles made from buckwheat and whole wheat flours. Soba, is the Japanese word for buckwheat, a food many consider a superfood due to its ability to improve heart health, promote weight loss, and help manage diabetes. This type of a noodle has a mild nutty, earthy taste. 

Where to buy soba noodles?

Dried soba noodles can be found in most grocery stores in the international foods aisle. Look for a noodle that is similar in appearance to spaghetti but slightly flatter and brown in color. 

If you live in an area with a specialty asian food market, keep an eye out for fresh soba noodles which are fantastic as well. 

Do soba noodles have egg in them?

As a general rule, soba noodles are considered vegan and do not have egg. However, there are brands that may include egg so always be sure to check the label. 

Should you rinse soba noodles?

Without a doubt, you want to rinse your soba noodles. This removes excess starch and prevents a big sticky mess.

Are soba noodles bad for you?

Soba noodles are a healthier option than most other pasta options. However, there are some brands that use more refined wheat flour than buckwheat and those would be considered less nutritious. 

How do you cook soba noodles so they don’t stick?

Choose a pot that is large enough to give them plenty of room to move around and rinse them immediately after cooking with cold water. 

Can you use soba noodles for spaghetti?

Sure, you could! Soba noodles are similar to spaghetti in shape and function but will have a nuttier taste than a traditional pasta. 

Meal prep tips for Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad

Our chilled soba noodle recipe is the perfect grab-and-go option for a quick, healthy meal. Here are some tips to make it even better. 

  • If you like your shrimp warm but the salad cool, store them separately in the fridge. You can then reheat the shrimp and toss them in your already chilled salad. 
  • Rinse your noodles. We’ve repeated this multiple times because it’s important.
  • Don’t overcook them. Soba noodles should be served al dente or they can become mushy. Taste your noodles as they cook in an effort to prevent this from happening. 
  • Sub low-sodium soy sauce. If you’re watching your sodium intake, this is a flawless substitution to make this recipe even healthier. 
  • Add in other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. These all make for a great crunch alongside the slippery noodles and shrimp.
shrimp soba noodles

Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Asian, Japanese
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • strainer
  • small boiling pot

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pre-cooked frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 4 oz soba noodles
  • 1 cup shelled edamame (defrosted)
  • 1 each red bell pepper (diced)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the soba noodles in cold water and then boil it in a pot according the packaged instructions.
  • After it cooks, place the noodles in a strainer and rinse with cool water. Then, drain the noodles
  • Place the noodle mixture in a bowl. Add the soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix well
  • Then top it off with the shrimp, edamame, and bell pepper. Eat and enjoy!

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Quick & Easy Shrimp Quesadillas For Meal Prep

shrimp quesadillas

Quesadillas are a go-to option when you want something tasty and fast. Most people almost always have tortillas and cheese in the refrigerator, so quesadillas make for a great catch all meal that you can throw in whatever proteins and veggies you have on hand, heat up and enjoy. One of our favorite combinations of flavors in a quesadilla is shrimp paired with mushrooms, spinach, mozzarella cheese and a few other seasonings. 

Ease of Making: Easy

Not only do we think this is the best shrimp quesadilla recipe out there, but this entire recipe can all be made in one pan and takes less than 20 minutes to come together. No waiting, no mess. 

How to Make Shrimp Quesadillas

First, you want to start by sauteing the mushrooms and spinach together in your pan. You only need to cook these until they are softened, about 1-2 minutes. Next, the seasoning and shrimp is added and you’ll cook until the shrimp is pink in color and no longer translucent. Shrimp fully cooks in 3-5 minutes and can overcook quickly so keep an eye on them and flip halfway through.  Remove the mixture from the pan and wipe clean.

Using an oil or fat of your choice, butter, avocado oil, etc., place the tortilla in the pan and layer with cheese followed by shrimp, more cheese and the top tortilla. Once your tortilla has reached a golden brown on the bottom, use your spatula to peek under a corner of the bottom tortilla to see its progress, you can flip your quesadilla. Cook on this side until golden brown and then remove from heat and cut into halves or quarters. 

We like to top ours with all the fixings: sour cream, guacamole, pico and/or salsa, but the toppings are completely up to you and your likings! 

Shrimp Quesadilla FAQ

What can you put in a quesadilla?

You can put almost anything inside of a quesadilla, as long as it’s not a liquid, the tortilla should support most ingredients. 

What are the best tortillas for quesadillas?

Flour tortillas are best for quesadillas because they provide a nice crisp layer for your ingredients and won’t break apart if you fold them or flip them. 

How do you elevate a quesadilla?

To elevate a quesadilla you’ll want to use high quality ingredients. Think lobster, duck, etc. 

What to serve with quesadillas?

You can serve your quesadilla with a bit of lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, pico and/or salsa.

Meal prep tips for Shrimp Quesadillas

  • Pre-portion your selected toppings of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream ahead of time so that when it’s time to grab and go, you can in fact grab and go. 
  • Heat your quesadilla up in a toaster oven, standard oven, or air fryer to regain it’s crispiness if you’re using this as a prepped meal. 
shrimp quesadillas

Shrimp Quesadillas

A flavorful mixture of shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, and cheese in flour or corn tortillas
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • saute pan

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 4 each tortillas
  • 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Add oil to a skillet on medium-high heat. Saute the mushrooms and spinach until they soften
  • Next, add the shrimp and season with chili powder and salt. Saute until the shrimp fully cooks (about 3 to 5 minutes). Remove the shrimp mixture from the skillet
  • Carefully wipe down the skillet with a paper towel to remove any excess residue. Then, heat some butter in the pan on low to medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet and then layer the ingredients: cheese, shrimp mixture.
  • Top with a little more cheese and the top layer tortilla. Let the bottom tortilla crisp up for about 2 minutes, then flip the quesadilla to toast the other side
  • Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and slice it into quarters. Serve with your choice of toppings such as pico de gallo, sour cream, or quacamole. Eat and enjoy!

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Easy Steak And Mushrooms Recipe

Steak and Squash

Our steak and mushrooms with squash and chive pesto recipe, isn’t only a mouthful to say but also to eat. This well rounded meal is perfect for summer or fall when you have access to beautiful squash. If you live somewhere where you can get good quality squash year round, lucky you, you can make this recipe all year. Not only is this recipe healthy, quick and easy to make but it’s also budget friendly. Our recipe accommodates any type of beef steak you’d like. We like to stock up on good roasts when they are on sale and then slice and freeze them individually. Depending on your freezer, steak can last 4-12 months when frozen. 

Ease of Making: Easy

How to Make Steak and Mushrooms with Squash and Chive Pesto

Steak and mushrooms are two common flavors that you’ve likely seen before for most meals. You can find this combination on breakfast menus, in burgers or at your favorite steak house. To bring the flavors home and give yourself a hearty treat, we’ve paired our steak and mushrooms with a bright and refreshing zucchini squash and chive pesto. 

How to Cook Steak and Mushrooms

First, start by seasoning your steak with garlic powder and salt and add to a pan with oil. Cooking at medium high heat. For this recipe, we opt to sear the steak on both sides and then cook until done.

To cook the mushrooms for steak, remove cooked beef from the pan and place on a serving dish. Using the same pan add more oil and saute the mushrooms until brown.

How to Tell if Your Steak is Done

Nailing the perfect cook on your steak is something most chefs aim to do in the kitchen. After all, nobody who prefers their steak well done is going to be okay with a still mooing piece of rare steak when served. To test out where your steak is in the cooking process, take your finger and press firmly into the steak and look for these qualities:

  • Rare – a rare steak is extremely soft and will keep an indent after you’ve touched it with a finger.
  • Medium rare – these steaks will feel soft and springy
  • Medium – touch your steak to see if it springs back to the touch, if it has a quick spring back you’ve nailed the medium cook. 
  • Medium well – a medium-well steak will be mostly firm with a hardly noticeable spring left in it when you touch it. 
  • Well done – steaks that are completely cooked through will be firm to the touch. 

Or use a meat thermometer:

  • Rare- 140℉
  • Medium rare – 145℉
  • Medium – 160℉
  • Medium well – 165℉
  • Well done – 170℉

Please note that the USDA recommends cooking to at last 145F to avoid increased risk of food borne illness. 

How to Prepare Squash

Squash is a delicate vegetable that can get soggy when sliced too thin or combined with too much oil. We like to slice our squash into half circles that are about a quarter inch thick. Do this by trimming the ends of your squash and slicing lengthwise through the vegetable until you have two even halves. Then you’ll slice widthwise along your squash to make the half coin.

Place your squash on a baking sheet and season with garlic powder and salt. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10-15 minutes.

How to Make Chive Pesto

Pestos are an easy to make sauce that traditionally are found with pine nuts, salt, basil, and garlic. To make our chive pesto, add chives, garlic, olive oil, and 1 tsp of salt to a blender. Puree until smooth. If you notice the pesto is too thick you can add more olive oil and blend until you reach your desired consistency. When finished, add to your cooked squash. 

Meal Prep Tips for Steak and Mushrooms

  • If you want to spice up your steak with pepper or additional seasonings, do it after the sear to ensure the spices do not burn. 
  • Pat the steak dry before cooking to get a nice crust. 
  • Have your meat thermometer handy to prevent any overcooking. 
Steak and Squash

Steak & Mushrooms With Squash and Chive Pesto

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • tongs
  • spatula
  • blender
  • saute pan
  • indoor grill pan

Ingredients
  

Steak and vegetables

  • 12 oz sirloin steak (recommend thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 each yellow squash (sliced)
  • 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)

Chive Pesto

  • 1 bunch chives
  • 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 1 each lemon
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 400F
  • Slice squash into half coins (1/4 inch thick). Place on a sheet pan and season with a pinch of salt and garlic powder. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil
  • Place squash in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, season the steak with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat it with olive oil
  • Pre-heat the indoor grill pan on medium-high heat and sear the steak on each side for about 3 to 5 minutes until it reaches your desired doneness
  • After the steak cooks, remove it from the indoor grill pan. Add the sliced mushrooms and grill them until they soften (about 3 to 5 minutes). Toss them around so that it fully cooks

Chive Pesto

  • Add chopped chives, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to a blender. Puree until smooth. Add more olive oil if it is too thick. Add salt to preferred taste. Then, spoon some of the sauce on top of your veggies and use it as a dip for your steak

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Oven-Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

Oven-Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

Oven baked salsa chicken really couldn’t be an easier dish to make, which is why we love it. So when you’re short on time but still craving something homemade, opt for this recipe and you won’t be disappointed. You can prep this entire meal in under ten minutes, which is fantastic for busy work nights. Another option you gave with this recipe is to pop all of it in a crock pot and let it cook for about four hours while you work and the flavors combine in a magnificent way. 

Ease of Making: Easy

However, if you have extra time, you can even try making a homemade salsa to accompany the chicken, otherwise any jar of chunky salsa will work. Simply dump and go. 

How to Make Baked Salsa Chicken

Salsa chicken can be made with most cuts of chicken but we think chicken thighs work best. Thighs provide a more tender and rich experience for this Mexican inspired dish. Another great thing about this dish is that you can use your favorite salsa and cater the heat to your liking. Mild, medium, and hot salsas will all work with this recipe. 

If you’re wondering what to serve with our baked salsa chicken, try these ideas:

How to Cook Salsa Chicken

To make our delicious salsa chicken, preheat your oven to 400℉ and prep your bell pepper by slicing into thin strips. Take your jar of salsa and cover the bottom of your baking dish with about one cup of chunky salsa. Layer on your chicken and season with garlic powder and salt. Top the entire dish with the rest of the salsa and bell peppers. 

Your salsa chicken should bake in the oven for 30-45 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F. You can also take out your chicken five minutes early and top with cheese, returning to the oven to melt over the dish.

Meal Prep Tips for Salsa Chicken

  • Salsa chicken is great for tacos, quesadillas or on top of salad. Shred the chicken and incorporate it into one of your favorites.
  • Pre-portion sides of guacamole, sour cream and pico to grab on the go with your salsa chicken.
  • Use a crockpot and cook for four hours to have a versatile shredded chicken option to throw into meals.  
Oven-Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

Easy Baked Salsa Chicken

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • baking dish
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 1 each bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 400F
  • Cover the bottom of the baking dish with half of the salsa
  • Arrange the chicken on top of the salsa. Season with garlic powder and salt
  • Pour the rest of the salsa on top of the chicken
  • Place the bell peppers on top
  • Bake in the oven for 30-45 minutes until internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F
  • Remove from the oven. Slice into bite size pieces. Serve with tortillas or on top of a bed of rice.
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Quick & Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Meatballs With Brussel Sprouts

Meatballs and brussel sprouts

Chicken meatballs are a meal prepping wonder and a fantastic addition to any chef’s arsenal of easy to prep items. These juicy, healthy, and freezer friendly balls of goodness paired with our balsamic brussel sprouts will have you coming back time and time again. 

Ease of Making: Easy

How to Make Chicken Meatballs with Brussel Sprouts

If you love easy to prep, and even easier to cook recipes, look no further than our chicken meatballs with balsamic roasted brussel sprouts. We use a premade chicken meatball in this recipe which reduces your prep and bake time, making it even easier to pull together on a busy night. If you want to make your own meatballs, that’s fine too! 

If making your own, choose a sausage with less than 8% saturated fat and one that is at least 90% meat so that it doesn’t have any fillers or other byproducts. Chicken and turkey sausage make the best healthy alternative to a traditional pork sausage with only 140-160 calories and 7-10 grams of fat per link compared to otherswhich can have up to 290-455 calories and 23-38 grams of fat. 

How to Cook Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts typically come on a giant step or pre-plucked at your local grocery store. If you’re lucky enough to find already halved sprouts at your market, skip this next step. 

If your chosen brussel sprouts are whole, slice them in half and trim off the bottom of the sprouts. Next you want to marinate the sprouts with the concentrated balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil. 

Concentrated balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction can be found at grocery stores, online or you can make your own. To make your own reduction, add balsamic vinegar to a non-stick pot or pan over a medium low heat and reduce it until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon with a smooth thick layer. Once you make your balsamic reduction you can store it in an airtight container for up to three months in the fridge. 

How to Cook Chicken Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉. Prep your vegetables by slicing your onion and rough chopping your garlic. Did you know garlic is actually a vegetable but is most referred to as an herb or spice?

Arrange your meatballs and brussel sprouts on your baking pan and top it off with the prepared onions and garlic. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs heat through and the veggies are properly roasted. Another option is to pop all of this into your air fryer for a crispier experience.

Meal Prep Tips for Chicken Meatballs with Brussel Sprouts

  • Using pre-made chicken meatballs reduces prep time and the amount of dishes you need to wash afterwards.
  • Easily substitute in turkey, beef or pork meatballs if that’s what you have on hand.
Meatballs and brussel sprouts

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Meatballs with Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • sheet pan
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 12 each pre-cooked meatballs
  • 2 cups brussels sprouts (sliced into halves)
  • 1/4 each red onions (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp concentrated balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400F
  • Marinate the brussels sprouts with concentrated balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil
  • Place the meatballs and brussel sprouts on the sheet pan and top it off with the red onions and garlic.
  • Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs heat through and the veggies are roasted. Eat and enjoy!

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Healthy Shrimp And Bacon-Wrapped Broccolini

shrimp and asparagus

Perfect for a party appetizer, side dish, or as a pre-meal snack to impress, our shrimp with turkey bacon wrapped broccolini is a crowd pleaser no matter the crowd you’re trying to please. Who doesn’t love bacon? Psychopaths that’s who. (Sorry vegans, we will let you slide.)

Ease of Making: Easy

In this recipe, we use turkey bacon because it’s a healthier version of the bacon we really want but still gives us the satisfaction of crispy roasted meat dripping in flavor. Turkey bacon is a pretty popular option for those looking to lower their fat and caloric intake because it has 35% less saturated fats and 25% fewer calories. 

How to Make Healthy Shrimp and Bacon Wrapped Broccolini

Coupled with the turkey bacon, broccolini and shrimp round out the dish providing more nutrients, vitamins and protein. You can use either fresh, frozen or pre-cooked shrimp when assembling these “broccolinis in a blanket.” 

 How to Cook Healthy Shrimp and Bacon Wrapped Broccolini

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉. Next, wrap one piece of bacon around a couple broccolini stems and lay it on the baking sheet. Try to make sure that the bacon ends are under the broccolini when you place it down, to prevent it from coming unraveled. 

Arrange your fresh or frozen shrimp around the broccolini on the sheet pan and drizzle the entire pan with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt and red pepper flakes. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes and you’re done!

Meal Prep Tips for Shrimp and Bacon Wrapped Broccolini

Pop these babies in the air fryer or broil in the oven to reheat, so the bacon becomes crispy and delicious all over again. 

shrimp and asparagus

Shrimp with Turkey Bacon Wrapped Broccolini

No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • sheet pan
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 10 oz broccolini
  • 4 slices turkey bacon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 400F
  • Wrap one piece of turkey bacon around 2-3 broccolini stems and lay it on the sheet pan
  • Then place the shrimp around the broccolini
  • Drizzle the broccolini with olive oil
  • Season all ingredients with garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes
  • Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes

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