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Weeknight Friendly recipes

Browse 34 recipes collected around weeknight friendly.

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Caribbean Jerk Chicken Grain Bowl with Roasted Sweet Potatoes plated and ready to serve
Grain Bowl

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Grain Bowl with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

◷ 110 minmedium

A vibrant Caribbean-inspired grain bowl featuring slow-braised jerk chicken served atop a bed of quinoa and roasted seasonal sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh mango salsa and chopped cilantro for a balanced, flavorful weeknight meal.

Mar 19
Slow-Braised Filipino Pork Asado Dumplings plated and ready to serve
Dumpling

Slow-Braised Filipino Pork Asado Dumplings

◷ 165 minmedium

These Filipino-inspired dumplings feature slow-braised pork asado, infused with traditional Asian spices and served in a delicate wrapper. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, they highlight seasonal vegetables and showcase the slow braising technique for tender, flavorful filling.

Feb 1
Ginataang Hipon with Seasonal Vegetables plated and ready to serve
Seafood

Ginataang Hipon with Seasonal Vegetables

◷ 35 mineasy

A comforting Filipino dish featuring shrimp steamed in rich coconut milk with a medley of fresh, seasonal vegetables. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp and the creaminess of coconut milk, enhanced gently by garlic and ginger. Served over steamed rice, it offers a warm, nourishing weeknight meal that embraces traditional steaming and stir-frying techniques.

Jan 21
Filipino Pork Giniling with Stir-Fried Vegetables plated and ready to serve
Dumpling

Filipino Pork Giniling with Stir-Fried Vegetables

◷ 30 mineasy

A flavorful and approachable Filipino pork giniling, featuring ground pork stir-fried with seasonal vegetables and traditional aromatics, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe highlights familiar techniques and ingredients, showcasing a classic dish without fusion or novelty, while embracing a non-recent cuisine and seasonal produce.

Jan 17
Lebanese Braised Chicken with Freekeh and Root Vegetables plated and ready to serve
Braised Dish

Lebanese Braised Chicken with Freekeh and Root Vegetables

◷ 110 minmedium

A comforting and wholesome Lebanese-inspired dish featuring tender braised chicken simmered with seasonal root vegetables and aromatic spices, served over nutty freekeh grain. This recipe highlights familiar braising technique with seasonal produce for a flavorful weeknight meal.

Jan 14
Seared Peruvian Chicken with Stir-Fried Seasonal Vegetables plated and ready to serve
Main Course

Seared Peruvian Chicken with Stir-Fried Seasonal Vegetables

◷ 40 minmedium

A vibrant, weeknight-friendly Peruvian-inspired recipe featuring perfectly seared chicken thighs paired with a colorful stir-fry of fresh seasonal vegetables. This dish highlights traditional flavors with familiar cooking methods to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Jan 13
Caribbean Chicken Dumplings in Coconut Broth plated and ready to serve
Dumpling

Caribbean Chicken Dumplings in Coconut Broth

◷ 50 minmedium

Tender chicken poached in a fragrant coconut broth served alongside hearty Caribbean-style dumplings, combining comforting flavors with a light cooking method ideal for a weeknight meal.

Jan 8
Filipino Pork Adobo Dumplings plated and ready to serve
Dumplings

Filipino Pork Adobo Dumplings

◷ 85 minmedium

A delightful twist on the classic Filipino pork adobo, these dumplings feature tender marinated pork wrapped in delicate dough and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce, they make a perfect weeknight treat packed with familiar flavors and satisfying textures.

Jan 7
Ethiopian-Inspired Steamed Lentil and Vegetable Tibs plated and ready to serve
Stew

Ethiopian-Inspired Steamed Lentil and Vegetable Tibs

◷ 40 mineasy

A comforting Ethiopian-style tibs featuring seasoned lentils and vibrant seasonal vegetables, gently steamed to retain their natural flavors and nutrients. This dish offers a wholesome vegetarian option with familiar spices and an approachable cooking method, perfect for weeknight meals.

Jan 6
Adobong Manok with Seasonal Green Papaya and Eggplant plated and ready to serve
Braise

Adobong Manok with Seasonal Green Papaya and Eggplant

◷ 65 minmedium

A comforting Filipino braised chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a savory vinegar-soy sauce with garlic and bay leaves. Paired with seasonal green papaya and eggplant, lightly stir-fried to complement the rich adobo flavors, making it an ideal weeknight meal highlighting classic Filipino braising techniques and fresh, seasonal vegetables.

Jan 3
Lebanese Chicken Mujaddara with Lentils and Caramelized Onions plated and ready to serve
Skillet Supper

Lebanese Chicken Mujaddara with Lentils and Caramelized Onions

◷ 55 minmedium

A wholesome Lebanese-inspired skillet supper featuring seasoned chicken thighs sautéed with lentils, caramelized onions, and fragrant spices. This recipe showcases seasonal autumn produce and employs sautéing for a simple, comforting weeknight meal.

Jan 3
Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chickpea Grain Bowl plated and ready to serve
Grain Bowl

Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chickpea Grain Bowl

◷ 50 minmedium

A vibrant, protein-rich grain bowl featuring pressure-cooked chickpeas seasoned with traditional Ethiopian spices, served over a mix of teff and quinoa with sautéed greens and fresh vegetables. This dish offers a nutritious, plant-based meal that highlights authentic flavors through approachable pressure cooking techniques.

Dec 27

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Choosing a weeknight friendly recipe

Compare the ingredients, cooking time and equipment below to find a dish that fits your plans. Each recipe includes quantities and a step-by-step method.

  • Caribbean Jerk Chicken Grain Bowl with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

    Preparation takes 20 minutes. Cooking takes 90 minutes. Allow 110 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade), olive oil, divided, onion, finely chopped, garlic, minced. Equipment: large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, baking sheet, medium saucepan, mixing bowl, knife, cutting board.

    Kitchen tip: Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.

  • Slow-Braised Filipino Pork Asado Dumplings

    Preparation takes 45 minutes. Cooking takes 120 minutes. Allow 165 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2.5 cm cubes, vegetable oil, garlic, minced, onion, finely chopped, ginger, minced. Equipment: large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, bamboo steamer or steaming basket, mixing bowl, knife, cutting board, measuring spoons and cups, spatula or wooden spoon, rolling pin (if making homemade wrappers).

    Kitchen tip: For best results, brown the pork well to develop deep flavors before braising.

  • Ginataang Hipon with Seasonal Vegetables

    Preparation takes 15 minutes. Cooking takes 20 minutes. Allow 35 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: shrimp, coconut milk, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger. Equipment: large wok or deep skillet, steamer or steamer basket, cutting board, knife, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons.

    Kitchen tip: Do not overcook the shrimp during steaming; overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.

  • Filipino Pork Giniling with Stir-Fried Vegetables

    Preparation takes 15 minutes. Cooking takes 15 minutes. Allow 30 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: ground pork, onion, finely chopped, garlic, minced, tomato, chopped, green beans, trimmed and cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces. Equipment: large skillet or wok, wooden spoon or spatula, knife, cutting board, measuring spoons, measuring cup.

    Kitchen tip: For a richer flavor, use pork broth instead of water.

  • Lebanese Braised Chicken with Freekeh and Root Vegetables

    Preparation takes 20 minutes. Cooking takes 90 minutes. Allow 110 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.2 kg / 2.6 lb), olive oil, onion, thinly sliced, garlic, minced, carrots, peeled and chopped into 2 cm pieces. Equipment: large heavy-bottomed braising pan or Dutch oven, medium saucepan, wooden spoon, sharp knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.

    Kitchen tip: If unavailable, substitute freekeh with brown rice or bulgur wheat though texture and flavor will differ.

  • Seared Peruvian Chicken with Stir-Fried Seasonal Vegetables

    Preparation takes 15 minutes. Cooking takes 25 minutes. Allow 40 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 150g/5 oz each), ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes (adjust to taste). Equipment: Large mixing bowl, Heavy skillet or cast iron pan, Wok or large frying pan, Tongs or spatula, Meat thermometer.

    Kitchen tip: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before marinating to ensure the skin crisps properly.

  • Caribbean Chicken Dumplings in Coconut Broth

    Preparation takes 20 minutes. Cooking takes 30 minutes. Allow 50 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: chicken thighs, coconut milk, chicken stock, flour, for dumplings, baking powder, for dumplings. Equipment: large pot, mixing bowl, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.

    Kitchen tip: For less heat, remove the seeds from the Scotch bonnet pepper before adding it to the broth or omit entirely.

  • Filipino Pork Adobo Dumplings

    Preparation takes 45 minutes. Cooking takes 40 minutes. Allow 85 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: pork shoulder, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes, white vinegar, light soy sauce, garlic, smashed, bay leaves. Equipment: large saucepan or pot, mixing bowl, skillet or nonstick pan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, small bowl (for dipping sauce).

    Kitchen tip: Simmer the pork gently to keep it tender and avoid drying out.

  • Ethiopian-Inspired Steamed Lentil and Vegetable Tibs

    Preparation takes 15 minutes. Cooking takes 25 minutes. Allow 40 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: red lentils, rinsed and drained, onion, finely chopped, garlic, minced, fresh ginger, grated, carrot, diced. Equipment: steamer pot with lid, mixing bowl, wooden spoon, measuring spoons, knife, cutting board.

    Kitchen tip: Use a shallow dish for steaming to ensure even cooking.

  • Adobong Manok with Seasonal Green Papaya and Eggplant

    Preparation takes 20 minutes. Cooking takes 45 minutes. Allow 65 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, green papaya, peeled and sliced thinly, eggplant, sliced into 1 cm rounds or strips, cane vinegar or white vinegar, soy sauce. Equipment: large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with lid, frying pan or wok, knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, stirring spoon, tongs or spatula.

    Kitchen tip: Use bone-in chicken thighs for best flavor and tenderness.

  • Lebanese Chicken Mujaddara with Lentils and Caramelized Onions

    Preparation takes 15 minutes. Cooking takes 40 minutes. Allow 55 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 800g), green or brown lentils, rinsed, yellow onions, thinly sliced, olive oil, garlic, minced. Equipment: large heavy skillet or sauté pan with lid, wooden spoon or spatula, knife, cutting board, measuring spoons, measuring jug.

    Kitchen tip: Use a heavy skillet or pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and to trap steam for the lentils to cook properly.

  • Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chickpea Grain Bowl

    Preparation takes 15 minutes. Cooking takes 35 minutes. Allow 50 minutes in total. Makes 4 servings. Key ingredients: chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained, water for pressure cooking chickpeas, vegetable oil, onion, garlic. Equipment: pressure cooker or Instant Pot, medium saucepan, large skillet, knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.

    Kitchen tip: Soaking dried chickpeas overnight reduces cooking time and improves texture.

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