A personal cookbook

Nate's Favorite Recipes

24 recipes for the table

Table of contents

  1. 3Calabrian Shrimp Penne
  2. 4Japanese Salmon
  3. 5Paleo Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
  4. 6BBQ Chicken Burgers
  5. 7Garlic Lemon Salmon & Pearl Couscous
  6. 8Crispy Buffaque Chicken Wings
  7. 9Shrimp & Fresh Basil Fettuccine
  8. 10Whole30 Spaghetti Squash
  9. 11Panaeng Chicken Curry
  10. 12Strip Steaks with Thyme Pan Sauce
  11. 13Salmon Burgers with Dill Sauce, Crispy Sweet Potatoes & Garden Salad
  12. 14Steak Fajitas with Fresh Jicama Salsa
  13. 15Greek Chicken with Rice & Greek Salad
  14. 16Italian Meatballs, Pasta & Bruschetta
  15. 17Buffaque Salmon with Sautéed Broccoli & Sweet Potatoes
  16. 18Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema & Slaw
  17. 19Coconut Aminos Chicken with White Rice & Roasted Broccoli
  18. 20Homemade Pizza & Italian Salad
  19. 21Sweet Potato Quesadillas with Mexican Salad
  20. 22Buff Chicken Sandwiches with Endive Salad
  21. 23Creamy Caramelized Onion Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries
  22. 24Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad
  23. 25Tomato-Glazed Mini Meatloaves with Half-Sweet Potato Mash & Garden Salad
  24. 26Seared NY Strip Steak with Soy-Miso Pan Sauce & Warm Roasted Vegetable Salad

Recipe 01

Calabrian Shrimp Penne

Chili heat, crème fraîche, and lemon over tender shrimp and zucchini.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$8
Est. calories / person
~650

Ingredients

  • 20 shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Penne pasta
  • 1 large zucchini, half moons ½ inch thick
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • ¾ cup crème fraîche
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Lemon slices, for garnish

Method

  1. Combine the shrimp with salt, pepper, chili paste, garlic, capers, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions.
  3. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the nonstick pan. Add the zucchini and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Push to the side of the nonstick pan.
  4. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer with all of the marinade and cook about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the nonstick pan and set aside.
  5. Add the contents of the nonstick pan to the pasta pot and toss until the penne is evenly coated in the sauce.
  6. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the crème fraîche and lemon juice.
  7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  8. Serve hot topped with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon slices on the side.

Recipe 02

Japanese Salmon

Mirin-ginger salmon with honey-soy glaze, wasabi, charred broccoli, and jasmine rice.

Prep
15 minutes hands-on (marinate in advance)
Cook
15 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$10
Est. calories / person
~700

Ingredients

Marinade

  • ¼ cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (not seasoned)
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger
  • 1.5 lbs salmon

Sauces

  • Tsukasa of Tokyo teriyaki sauce
  • OR homemade teriyaki sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons wasabi paste
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon water

To serve

  • Lime wedges
  • 1 or 2 heads of broccoli
  • 1 cup jasmine rice

Method

  1. Stir together mirin, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger in a shallow dish. Add fish, skin sides up, and marinate, covered, at room temperature 10–30 minutes.
  2. Cut the tops of the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Preheat toaster oven to 450°F.
  4. If using homemade teriyaki sauce (instead of Tsukasa): boil soy sauce, honey, and lime juice in a small saucepan, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 4 minutes.
  5. Bring 2 cups of salted water and rice to a boil, reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for 14 minutes.
  6. Cook the broccoli in a nonstick pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper on medium-high heat until charred (about 8–10 minutes). Add olive oil while cooking if the nonstick pan becomes dry.
  7. Stir together wasabi paste, horseradish, and water in a small bowl.
  8. Cook fish, skin sides down, on tin foil, about 13–17 minutes, depending on fish thickness.
  9. Serve with rice and broccoli on the side. Drizzle everything with the teriyaki sauce, and drizzle just the salmon with the wasabi sauce.

Inspired by the original recipe

Recipe 03

Paleo Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Quick flank steak and broccoli in a glossy coconut-amino sauce over jasmine rice.

Prep
15 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Serves
6
Est. cost / person
~$5
Est. calories / person
~550

Ingredients

Beef & broccoli

  • 1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
  • 2 teaspoons arrowroot flour or tapioca
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 large stalk of broccoli

Stir-fry sauce

  • 6 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 6 tablespoons broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons arrowroot flour or tapioca flour
  • 3 scallions, white and green parts separated; white part thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Jasmine rice

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water
  • Pinch of kosher salt

To serve

  • Green parts of the scallions, thinly sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Method

  1. Start the rice before the stir-fry. Bring the water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Stir in the jasmine rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 14 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, until ready to serve.
  2. Place the sliced beef in a large bowl, season all over with sea salt and black pepper, and toss with 1 tablespoon coconut aminos. Cover and marinate while you prep the other ingredients.
  3. Blanch the broccoli in the microwave: place florets in a microwavable bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir, then heat another minute or until slightly tender. Set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the first 5 sauce ingredients. Toss the marinated beef with 2 teaspoons arrowroot to coat.
  5. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer (work in 2 batches). Cook about 60–90 seconds per side, then remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef.
  6. Add the second tablespoon of olive oil and lower the heat to medium. Cook the white parts of the scallions with the garlic and ginger for about 1 minute, then whisk the sauce again and add it to the nonstick pan.
  7. Add the cooked beef and broccoli and stir to coat with the sauce, which should be thickened. Remove from heat and serve over the jasmine rice, garnished with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Inspired by the original recipe

Recipe 04

BBQ Chicken Burgers

Grilled BBQ chicken patties with flash pickles, crispy shallots, and sweet potato wedges.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$5
Est. calories / person
~750

Ingredients

Sweet potatoes

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into wedges

Flash-pickled pickles

  • 2 Kirby cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh dill

Crispy shallots

  • 1 large or 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • Oil for frying

BBQ chicken burgers

  • 16 oz ground chicken
  • ⅓ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, plus more for brushing
  • ¼ cup matzo meal
  • Salt and pepper

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce

To serve

  • 4 brioche buns
  • Salad kit, prepared according to package directions

Method

  1. Turn on the grill and warm it to 350–400°F.
  2. Preheat the toaster oven to 450°F. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes, until browned and tender.
  3. Make the flash-pickled pickles: add ¼ cup rice vinegar, ¼ cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until dissolved. Place the cucumbers and 2–3 sprigs fresh dill in a heatproof bowl or jar. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over. Let sit 15–20 minutes, stirring once or twice. For a colder, crisper pickle, refrigerate after the first 10 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, BBQ sauce, matzo meal, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 4 patties. The mixture will be a bit softer than beef burgers.
  5. Grill the burgers about 5–6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through to 165°F. During the last minute, brush each burger with a little extra BBQ sauce.
  6. Make the crispy shallots: toss thinly sliced shallots with flour, salt, and pepper. Heat a thin layer of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until golden and crisp, about 4–6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season lightly with salt.
  7. Make the sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, mustard, and remaining BBQ sauce.
  8. Toast the brioche buns if desired. Build each burger with a BBQ chicken patty, flash-pickled pickles, crispy shallots, and extra sauce. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and salad on the side.

Recipe 05

Garlic Lemon Salmon & Pearl Couscous

Toaster-oven salmon with Moroccan-spiced pearl couscous and lebneh-za’atar sauce.

Prep
10 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$8
Est. calories / person
~650

Ingredients

Couscous

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped into small cubes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon celery salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Cayenne pepper, optional, to taste
  • 8 Peppadew piquante peppers, chopped (mild or hot)
  • 1 cup chicken stock or vegetable stock
  • A good handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • ⅔ cup instant pearl couscous

Salmon

  • 1.5 lbs salmon
  • 2 lemons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • ⅓ cup lebneh (or Greek yogurt)
  • ½ tablespoon dry za’atar seasoning

Method

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 450°F. Slice one lemon very thin. Place the salmon on an aluminum foil–covered baking tray. Cover with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread the sliced lemon over the top.
  2. In a large nonstick pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
  3. Add red onion, yellow pepper, and carrot; season with salt and pepper and sauté 10–15 minutes until browned and tender.
  4. Place the salmon in the toaster oven for 12–14 minutes; take it out when it needs about one more minute to cook.
  5. Return to the sautéed vegetables. Add the garlic (save some for the salmon) and sauté another minute.
  6. Mix in salt, pepper, paprika, coriander, turmeric, celery salt, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne (if using). Stir-fry until fragrant, about a minute.
  7. Stir in the piquante peppers, then the stock, scraping any brown bits from the nonstick pan.
  8. Reduce heat to a simmer. Add the couscous. Stir and cover for 8–10 minutes.
  9. While the salmon and couscous cook, mix the lebneh and za’atar for the sauce.
  10. When the salmon has one minute left, take it out, remove the lemon slices, and spread the remaining garlic on the surface. Cook one more minute or until done.
  11. Plate the salmon, couscous, and a lemon wedge. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve the sauce on the side.

Inspired by the original recipe

Recipe 06

Crispy Buffaque Chicken Wings

Oven-crisped wings tossed in a buffalo–BBQ butter sauce with ranch and crudités.

Prep
15 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Serves
6
Est. cost / person
~$4
Est. calories / person
~550

Ingredients

Chicken wings

  • 4 lbs chicken wings
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons pepper
  • Avocado oil spray

Buffalo BBQ sauce

  • ¼ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot
  • 2 tablespoons butter

To serve

  • Ranch dressing
  • Celery sticks
  • Carrot sticks

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 475°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a cooling rack inside. Spray the rack generously with cooking oil.
  2. Pat the chicken wings very dry with paper towels.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the wings, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
  4. Place the coated wings on the prepared rack. Spray generously with cooking oil.
  5. Bake at 475°F for 15 minutes, until golden. Flip, spray with oil, then bake another 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  6. While the wings cook, make the sauce: microwave the butter until liquid, stir in Frank’s RedHot, then stir in the BBQ sauce.
  7. Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the warm Buffalo BBQ sauce over and toss until evenly coated.
  8. Serve hot with ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.

Inspired by the original recipe

Recipe 07

Shrimp & Fresh Basil Fettuccine

Fresh fettuccine with shrimp, sweet corn, tomatoes, spinach, and a crème fraîche finish.

Prep
10 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$7
Est. calories / person
~700

Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh fettuccine
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 ears of corn, kernels shaved
  • 1 Cubanelle pepper, large dice
  • 12 cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cups spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup crème fraîche
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more as needed)

Method

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. While the pasta water heats, warm olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the Cubanelle pepper, corn, salt, and pepper. Cook 5–6 minutes until the pepper softens and the corn begins to brown. Set aside in a covered bowl.
  3. Add olive oil, tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the nonstick pan. Cook 4–5 minutes until tomatoes begin to brown. Set aside with the peppers and corn.
  4. Add the fresh fettuccine to the boiling water (usually 2–4 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  5. Lower the heat to medium. Add olive oil and red pepper flakes for 1 minute. Add spinach and garlic; stir until the spinach is half wilted, about 1 minute. Set aside with the other vegetables.
  6. Raise heat to medium-high. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
  7. While the shrimp cooks, add the vegetables to the cooked fettuccine with crème fraîche and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until coated; add more pasta water as needed.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the shrimp and fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  9. Serve topped with Parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side.

Recipe 08

Whole30 Spaghetti Squash

Roasted spaghetti squash under a simmered Italian sausage and beef tomato sauce.

Prep
10 minutes
Cook
60 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$5
Est. calories / person
~550

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti squash (2 small or 1 large)
  • Olive oil (2 tbsp)
  • Salt (1 tsp)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Sweet onion, diced (1 medium)
  • Garlic cloves, minced (4 cloves)
  • Ground Italian sausage (0.5 lb)
  • 80/20 ground beef (0.5 lb)
  • Fresh basil, julienned (½ cup)
  • Fire roasted diced tomatoes (28 oz can)
  • Tomato paste (6 tbsp)
  • Oregano (1½ tsp)
  • Thyme (½ tsp)

Method

  1. Poke several holes in the skin of the spaghetti squash with a sharp knife. Microwave for 5 minutes to soften.
  2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Rub the inside with olive oil (2 tbsp), then season with salt (½ tsp) and black pepper (¼ tsp). Place cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast at 400°F for 40 minutes.
  3. While the spaghetti squash is cooking, heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil (1 tbsp) and garlic (4 cloves), cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the sweet onion (1 medium) and cook until soft and translucent.
  4. Add the ground Italian sausage (0.5 lb) and ground beef (0.5 lb), plus the remaining salt (½ tsp) and black pepper (¼ tsp). Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste (6 tbsp), fire roasted diced tomatoes (28 oz can), oregano (1½ tsp), thyme (½ tsp), and fresh basil (½ cup). Mix until the tomato paste is fully incorporated.
  6. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  7. Once the squash is roasted and cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape it into noodle-like strands. Keep cut side down on the baking sheet until ready to serve to continue steaming.
  8. Serve a generous amount of the meat sauce over the roasted spaghetti squash strands. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired.

Recipe 09

Panaeng Chicken Curry

Maesri panaeng curry with chicken, coconut cream, kaffir lime, and chili — served with rice and naan.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$6
Est. calories / person
~750

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into ¼ inch thick pieces (any meat will work)
  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 4 tablespoons Maesri Panaeng curry paste
  • 2 cans coconut cream (solid cream only — scoop off the thick top; discard or save the liquid)
  • 4 tablespoons red spur Thai chili, thinly sliced (jalapeños are a decent backup)
  • 8 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or substitute sugar)
  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil

Coconut cream topping (optional)

  • ½ cup coconut cream
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For serving

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 3 garlic naan from Trader Joe’s

Method

  1. Start the rice before the curry. Bring 2 cups of salted water and the jasmine rice to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 14 minutes. Keep covered until ready to serve.
  2. Cut the chicken into ¼ inch thick slices.
  3. Open the coconut cream cans and scoop out only the solid cream from the top of each can. Do not use the thin liquid underneath for the curry.
  4. Heat the cooking oil in a large deep nonstick pan or wok over medium heat. Add the Panaeng curry paste and cook until fragrant.
  5. Stir in half of the solid coconut cream and continue cooking until the oil begins to separate on the surface.
  6. Add the chicken and cook until it just turns white (about 20% cooked).
  7. Add the rest of the solid coconut cream. Stir in the fish sauce and palm sugar.
  8. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the curry has thickened.
  9. Stir in the sliced kaffir lime leaves and red chili, then remove from the heat.
  10. If making the coconut cream topping, whisk together the ½ cup coconut cream and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until slightly thickened.
  11. Create a mound of jasmine rice in the center of a pasta bowl and add the curry alongside warm naan. Garnish with the thickened coconut cream, additional kaffir lime leaves, sliced red chili, and fresh basil if desired.

Recipe 10

Strip Steaks with Thyme Pan Sauce

Sous-vide NY strips pan sauce, roasted green beans, and half-sweet potato mash.

Prep
20 minutes (plus 2–4 hours sous vide)
Cook
30 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$12
Est. calories / person
~850

Ingredients

Steaks

  • 2 NY Strip steaks (12–16 oz each, about 1½ inches thick)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Thyme pan sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 shallot, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup dry red wine vinegar
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons crème fraîche
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Roasted green beans

  • 1½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Half sweet potato mash

  • 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup crème fraîche
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Chopped chives, for garnish (optional)

Method

  1. Sous vide the steaks. Season the NY Strip steaks generously with salt and pepper. Place in vacuum-seal bags with a sprig of thyme and a drizzle of olive oil. Sous vide at 128.5°F (54°C) for medium-rare for 2–4 hours (2.5 hours preferred).
  2. Prepare the potatoes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes and cook for 18–20 minutes, until fork tender.
  3. Roast the green beans. Preheat the toaster oven to 425°F. Toss the green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread onto a baking sheet and roast for 15–18 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  4. Make the mash. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the warm pot for one minute to evaporate excess moisture. Mash with the butter, buttermilk, and crème fraîche until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
  5. Sear the steaks. Remove the steaks from the sous vide bags and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the avocado oil, then sear the steaks for 30 seconds per side. Transfer the steaks to a plate to rest. After you remove the steaks, add a tiny bit of water to cool the pan down, then add the butter, garlic, and thyme.
  6. Prepare the pan sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the shallot and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the red wine vinegar. Add in the butter-garlic mixture. Remove the thyme sprigs. Season to taste.
  7. Serve. Spoon the half sweet potato mash onto each plate. Arrange the roasted green beans alongside. Slice the NY Strip steaks and drizzle generously with the thyme pan sauce. Garnish with chopped chives or additional thyme if desired.

Notes

  • Sous vide temperatures: 125°F – Rare; 128.5°F – Medium-Rare (recommended); 135°F – Medium.
  • Patting the steaks completely dry before searing is the key to developing a deep crust.

Recipe 11

Salmon Burgers with Dill Sauce, Crispy Sweet Potatoes & Garden Salad

Pagano’s salmon burgers with lemon-dill sauce, crispy sweet potato rounds, and a bagged garden salad.

Prep
15 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$8
Est. calories / person
~700

Ingredients

Salmon burgers

  • 4 Pagano’s Seafood salmon burgers
  • 4 brioche buns

Dill sauce

  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Leaves from 4 sprigs fresh dill, finely chopped
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup plain 5% Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Crispy sweet potatoes

  • 1–2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds or half-rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Salad

  • 1 bagged salad kit, prepared according to package directions

Method

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 425°F. Toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until browned and crispy at the edges.
  2. Make the dill sauce: stir together the garlic, dill, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Cook the Pagano’s salmon burgers according to package directions (or sear in a nonstick pan over medium heat until cooked through and golden on both sides). Toast the brioche buns if desired.
  4. Prepare the salad kit according to package directions.
  5. Build each burger with a generous spoonful of dill sauce. Serve with the crispy sweet potatoes and garden salad on the side.

Recipe 12

Steak Fajitas with Fresh Jicama Salsa

Cast-iron skirt steak fajitas with peppers, onions, and a cool jicama salsa.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$7
Est. calories / person
~650

Ingredients

Jicama salsa

  • ¾ cup peeled and grated jicama
  • 8 cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided

Steak & vegetables

  • 1¼ lbs skirt steak
  • 1¼ teaspoons chili powder
  • 4 teaspoons avocado oil
  • 1 large onion, halved and sliced into thick wedges
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced into strips
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

For serving

  • 8 flour tortillas, warmed
  • Sour cream and hot sauce (optional)

Method

  1. Prepare the salsa. In a small bowl, combine the grated jicama, diced tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Stir well and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the meal.
  2. Season the steak. Pat the skirt steak dry and season both sides with the chili powder and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
  3. Cook the steak. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 2 teaspoons of the oil, then add the steak. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until well browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5–10 minutes.
  4. Cook the vegetables. Return the cast-iron skillet to high heat and add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and continue cooking for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender with light caramelization.
  5. Slice the steak. Cut the steak thinly against the grain.
  6. Warm the tortillas. Warm the tortillas in a dry nonstick pan.
  7. Serve. Arrange the sliced steak and sautéed vegetables on a platter. Serve with the warm tortillas, fresh jicama salsa, and any desired toppings.

Notes

  • Skirt steak is most tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
  • Cooking the steak over very high heat creates a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy.
  • The fresh jicama salsa adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm steak and peppers.
  • Leftover steak is excellent in salads, grain bowls, or quesadillas the next day.

Inspired by the original recipe

Recipe 13

Greek Chicken with Rice & Greek Salad

Marinated lemon chicken thighs baked with rice and a classic Greek salad.

Prep
25 minutes (plus 1–8 hours marinating)
Cook
45 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$6
Est. calories / person
~800

Ingredients

Greek lemon chicken

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Greek lemon rice

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 large handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill

Greek salad

  • 1 English cucumber, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 5 oz feta cheese, cubed
  • ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • ⅓ cup Kalamata olives
  • ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves

Greek salad dressing

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Method

  1. Before lunch (recommended): Marinate the chicken. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1–8 hours.
  2. Prepare the salad dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until dinner. Since many of the ingredients overlap with the chicken marinade, making both at the same time saves effort.
  3. At dinner: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  4. Bake the chicken. While the rice cooks, arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over the top.
  5. Add in the rice, lemon juice, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt.
  6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, feta, red onion, olives, and mint. Toss gently with the prepared dressing just before serving.
  8. Remove the rice and broil the chicken for 2 more minutes.
  9. Once the rice is finished, fluff with a fork, then stir in the parsley, dried dill, and lemon zest.
  10. Serve. Plate the Greek lemon chicken alongside the lemon rice and Greek salad. Spoon some of the pan juices from the chicken over the rice for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Preparing the chicken marinade and salad dressing together at lunch is an easy time-saver since they share garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and herbs.
  • Letting the rice rest for 10 minutes before fluffing produces a lighter, fluffier texture.
  • The chicken pan juices are excellent spooned over the lemon rice before serving.

Recipe 14

Italian Meatballs, Pasta & Bruschetta

Sausage-and-beef meatballs over angel hair, with cherry tomato bruschetta.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
35 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$6
Est. calories / person
~850

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • ½ lb ground Italian sausage
  • ½ lb 80/20 ground beef
  • ½ cup white onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 (24 oz) jar Rao’s marinara sauce

Angel hair pasta

  • 12 oz angel hair pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Fresh cherry tomato bruschetta

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 6–8 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Toasted bread

  • 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch diagonal slices
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil.
  2. Prepare the bruschetta. In a medium bowl, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture sit at room temperature while you prepare the rest of the meal.
  3. Make the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the Italian sausage, ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, heavy cream, parsley, Parmesan, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, red pepper flakes, and egg. Mix just until combined.
  4. Form the mixture into 16 meatballs (about 1½ inches in diameter) and place them in the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef broth around the meatballs, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through.
  5. While the meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  6. Remove the foil from the meatballs. Transfer them to a large nonstick pan or saucepan with the marinara sauce and simmer over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld.
  7. Cook the angel hair according to the package directions (typically 3–4 minutes) until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  8. Toss the angel hair with a few spoonfuls of the marinara sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to lightly coat the pasta.
  9. While the pasta cooks, brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and toast under the broiler or in a 450°F oven for 3–4 minutes, until lightly golden.
  10. Just before serving, spoon the cherry tomato mixture over the toasted bread.
  11. Serve. Divide the angel hair among four plates. Top with the meatballs and additional marinara sauce. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and serve with the fresh bruschetta on the side.

Notes

  • Quartering cherry tomatoes creates a fresher, juicier bruschetta and eliminates the need to blanch or peel tomatoes.
  • Reserve a little pasta water to help the marinara cling to the angel hair.
  • The bruschetta mixture can be made up to 2 hours ahead for even better flavor, but wait until just before serving to top the toasted bread.

Recipe 15

Buffaque Salmon with Sautéed Broccoli & Sweet Potatoes

Pagano’s salmon brushed with buffalo–BBQ sauce, with charred broccoli and caramelized sweet potatoes.

Prep
10 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$8
Est. calories / person
~600

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 1½ lbs salmon fillet (Pagano’s Seafood)

Buffaque sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Frank’s RedHot
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce

Broccoli

  • 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Sweet potatoes

  • 1 large sweet potato, sliced into ¼-inch half-moons
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Method

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 450°F.
  2. Prepare the Buffaque sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the Frank’s RedHot, melted butter, and Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce until smooth.
  3. Prepare the salmon. Place the salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet. Generously brush the top and sides with the Buffaque sauce.
  4. Cook the vegetables. While the salmon cooks, heat two large nonstick pans over medium-high heat.
  5. In one nonstick pan, toss the broccoli with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
  6. In the second nonstick pan, cook the sweet potatoes with the olive oil, salt, and pepper for 8–12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until tender throughout and caramelized on both sides while still holding their shape.
  7. Bake the salmon. Place the salmon in the toaster oven and cook for 14 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches your desired doneness.
  8. Serve. Slice the salmon into four portions and serve with the sautéed broccoli and caramelized sweet potatoes.

Notes

  • Cooking the broccoli over medium-high heat develops flavorful char while keeping the inside tender.
  • Avoid overcrowding the sweet potatoes in the nonstick pan so they caramelize instead of steaming.

Recipe 16

Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema & Slaw

Spiced shrimp tacos with lime crema, cilantro slaw, avocado, and a Mexican salad kit.

Prep
15 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$6
Est. calories / person
~550

Ingredients

Shrimp

  • 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Lime crema

  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Zest of ½ lime
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Slaw

  • 1 cup shredded romaine
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

For serving

  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Cholula hot sauce
  • Lime wedges

Salad

  • 1 Mexican-style bagged salad kit, prepared according to package directions

Method

  1. Marinate the shrimp. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the lime crema. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Prepare the slaw. In a medium bowl, combine the romaine, cilantro, green onion, and garlic. Toss to combine.
  4. Prepare the salad. Toss the Mexican-style bagged salad according to the package directions and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Cook the shrimp. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Avoid overcooking.
  6. Warm the tortillas. Heat the tortillas in a dry nonstick pan for about 30 seconds per side.
  7. Assemble the tacos. Cut the shrimp in half and divide evenly among the tortillas. Top each with the slaw, sliced avocado, a generous drizzle of the lime crema, and hot sauce to taste.
  8. Serve. Serve the shrimp tacos immediately with the prepared Mexican salad and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Large shrimp (16–20 or 21–25 count) work best for tacos.
  • Marinating longer than 20 minutes isn’t necessary, as the lime juice will begin to cure the shrimp.
  • The lime crema can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Recipe 17

Coconut Aminos Chicken with White Rice & Roasted Broccoli

Coconut aminos–marinated chicken cutlets with jasmine rice and charred broccoli (tuna or asparagus optional).

Prep
10 minutes (marinate the morning of if possible)
Cook
20 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$5
Est. calories / person
~550

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cutlets
  • (Alternative: 4 tuna steaks)
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup coconut aminos

White rice

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water
  • Pinch of kosher salt

Broccoli

  • 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
  • (Alternative: asparagus)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Method

  1. Marinate the chicken. In a shallow dish or resealable bag, combine the olive oil and coconut aminos. Add the chicken and refrigerate for 8–24 hours (at least 30 minutes). If using tuna steaks instead, follow the same marinating process.
  2. Cook the rice. Bring the water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 14 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 2 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  3. Prepare the broccoli. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly charred. Asparagus can be substituted and cooked the same way.
  4. Cook the chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. If using tuna instead, sear over high heat for about 2 minutes per side for a medium-rare center.
  6. Serve. Divide the white rice among four plates. Top with the chicken and serve with the roasted broccoli.

Notes

  • Coconut aminos provide a slightly sweet, savory flavor that caramelizes nicely as the chicken cooks.
  • Tuna is an excellent alternative when you’re looking for a lighter seafood version of this meal.
  • Broccoli is the default vegetable, but asparagus is an equally good substitute.

Recipe 18

Homemade Pizza & Italian Salad

Store bought ingredients, combined at home — Ooni or oven

Prep
20 minutes (plus 2 hours resting dough)
Cook
10–15 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$5
Est. calories / person
~800

Ingredients

Pizza

  • 1 package Whole Foods fresh white pizza dough
  • Rao’s Pizza Sauce
  • ½ lb fresh mozzarella ball, sliced into thin pieces
  • Hot soppressata or pepperoni, cut into roughly 1-inch pieces
  • Flour, for stretching the dough
  • Olive oil, for the pizza pan (oven method)

Italian salad

  • 2 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Castelvetrano olives, sliced
  • 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, sliced

Salad dressing

  • ⅓ cup white balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Prepare the dough: Two hours before cooking, remove the pizza dough from the refrigerator. Divide it into two equal portions, place each in its own lightly floured bowl, and cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough come to room temperature and relax.
  2. Prepare the salad dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Ooni pizza oven method: Preheat the Ooni and allow the pizza stone to heat for at least 10 minutes. Generously flour your hands and work surface. Stretch one dough ball into a very thin round, adding additional flour as needed to prevent sticking or tearing.
  4. Spread a thin layer of Rao’s Pizza Sauce over the dough. Evenly distribute the fresh mozzarella, covering about 70% of the surface. Top evenly with the hot soppressata or pepperoni.
  5. Generously flour the pizza peel and transfer the pizza onto it, making sure it slides freely before launching. Cook in the Ooni, rotating the pizza frequently, until the crust is puffed and charred and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Repeat with the second pizza.
  6. Conventional oven method: Preheat the oven to 550°F with two round pizza pans inside. Lightly oil and flour the hot pizza pans. Stretch each dough ball into a thin round and place one on each prepared pizza pan.
  7. Bake the plain dough for 2–4 minutes, until it begins to set, puff slightly, and just starts to brown. Remove the pizzas from the oven. Spread a thin layer of Rao’s Pizza Sauce over each crust. Evenly distribute the fresh mozzarella, covering about 70% of the surface, then add the hot soppressata or pepperoni.
  8. Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for another 2–4 minutes, until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and beginning to turn golden.
  9. Finish: Allow each pizza to rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
  10. Toss the romaine, tomatoes, onion, Castelvetrano olives, and artichoke hearts with the prepared dressing.

Notes

  • Letting the dough rest at room temperature for 2 hours makes it much easier to stretch into a thin crust.
  • Use just enough sauce to lightly coat the dough—too much can make the crust soggy.
  • Fresh mozzarella releases moisture as it cooks, so spacing the slices evenly rather than overlapping them helps the pizza brown more evenly.
  • Toss the salad immediately before serving to keep the romaine crisp.

Recipe 19

Sweet Potato Quesadillas with Mexican Salad

Roasted seasoned sweet potato quesadillas with cheddar, Peppadews, and jalapeños, plus a Mexican salad kit.

Prep
15 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$5
Est. calories / person
~700

Ingredients

Sweet potato quesadillas

  • 1 medium sweet potato, sliced into ¼-inch half-moons
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons Mexican seasoning blend (see below)
  • 8 medium flour tortillas
  • 2½ cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
  • ¼ cup Peppadew (picante) peppers, chopped
  • Cotija cheese, finely grated with a microplane
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Mexican seasoning blend

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)

For serving

  • Sour cream

Salad

  • 1 Southwest or Mexican-style bagged salad kit, prepared according to package directions

Method

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 400°F.
  2. Roast the sweet potatoes. Toss the sweet potato slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the Mexican seasoning blend, and salt and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
  3. Prepare the fillings. While the sweet potatoes roast, chop the pickled jalapeños and Peppadew peppers into small dice and shred the cheddar cheese.
  4. Prepare the salad. Toss the bagged salad according to the package directions and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Assemble the quesadillas. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat and lightly coat with the remaining olive oil. Place a tortilla in the nonstick pan and layer one half with shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, chopped Peppadew peppers, and roasted sweet potatoes. Fold the tortilla in half.
  6. Cook the quesadillas. Cook for 2–4 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
  7. Finish. Remove from the nonstick pan and lightly season with salt and pepper. While still hot, grate Cotija cheese over the top using a microplane.
  8. Serve. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with sour cream and the prepared Mexican salad on the side.

Notes

  • A Southwest or Mexican chopped salad kit pairs especially well with the quesadillas for an easy weeknight meal.
  • Guacamole or fresh salsa also make excellent optional accompaniments.

Recipe 20

Buff Chicken Sandwiches with Endive Salad

Chicken thighs with Frank’s, melted cheese and a blue cheese endive salad.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$7
Est. calories / person
~900

Ingredients

Buffalo chicken

  • 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Frank’s RedHot, for serving
  • 4 brioche buns

Seasoned flour coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cheese (choose one or both)

  • 4 oz Vermont sharp white cheddar, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz crumbled blue cheese

Shallot vinaigrette

  • 2 shallots, finely minced
  • ¼ cup Champagne vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Shredded romaine

  • 2–3 leaves of romaine lettuce, very thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Endive salad

  • 2–3 Belgian endives
  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
  • ¼ cup small-diced Vermont sharp white cheddar

Method

  1. Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the seasoned flour. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, dry mustard, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Start the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine the minced shallots, Champagne vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  4. Prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the romaine into fine shreds and season lightly with salt and pepper. Trim the base from the endives. Peel away the leaves one layer at a time until you reach the small core. Discard the core and place the leaves in a serving bowl.
  5. Prepare the cheeses. Thinly slice the sharp white cheddar for the sandwiches and cut additional cheddar into a small dice for the endive salad. Set out the crumbled blue cheese.
  6. Cook the chicken. Heat a generous layer of olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour, coating all sides and shaking off the excess. Place the chicken in the hot nonstick pan and cook for 5–8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Finish the dressing. Slowly whisk the olive oil into the shallot-vinegar mixture until emulsified. Toss half of the dressing with the shredded romaine. Toss the remaining dressing with the endive leaves, then gently fold in the diced cheddar and crumbled blue cheese.
  8. During the final 2 minutes of cooking, top each piece of chicken with either sliced sharp cheddar or crumbled blue cheese. Cover the nonstick pan so the cheese melts.
  9. Toast the buns. As the chicken finishes cooking, create space in the nonstick pan and toast the cut sides of the brioche buns until lightly golden.
  10. Assemble the sandwiches. Spread Frank’s RedHot on both sides of the bun, top with the dressed shredded romaine, then the cheesy chicken thigh. Finish with the top bun.
  11. Serve. Serve the Buffalo chicken sandwiches alongside the endive salad.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken completely dry helps the seasoned flour develop a crisp, golden crust.
  • Letting the shallots sit in the vinegar before adding the olive oil mellows their bite and creates a more balanced vinaigrette.
  • Offering both sharp white cheddar and blue cheese lets everyone customize their sandwich.

Recipe 21

Creamy Caramelized Onion Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet caramelized onions, smoked Gouda, and juicy burgers served with crisp sweet potato fries and a simple salad.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$8
Est. calories / person
~750

Ingredients

Caramelized onions

  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Burgers

  • 1½ lbs 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 brioche buns
  • Butter, for toasting the buns (optional)

Sweet potato fries

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For serving

  • 1 bagged salad kit of your choice, prepared according to package directions

Method

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 425°F.
  2. Turn on the grill and bring it to about 400°F.
  3. Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, until crisp and lightly browned.
  4. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and onions with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar. Continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized, soft, and jammy.
  6. While the onions cook, gently combine the ground beef, smoked Gouda, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into four evenly sized patties.
  7. Grill the burgers for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
  8. Transfer the burgers to a plate to rest for a few minutes. If desired, lightly toast the brioche buns on the grill with a little butter.
  9. Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on the buns and topping them generously with the caramelized onions.
  10. Serve alongside the sweet potato fries and salad.

Notes

  • Mixing the cheese directly into the meat creates a rich, juicy texture.

Recipe 22

Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad

Oven-baked seasoned chicken over romaine with a pesto Caesar dressing and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$5
Est. calories / person
~650

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Pesto Caesar dressing

  • 2 small garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup 5% Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • ¼ cup fresh basil pesto
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Caesar salad

  • 3 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups Caesar croutons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving

Method

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 330°F.
  2. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Toss with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, and oregano until evenly coated.
  3. Bake the chicken. Place the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  4. For a cold salad, the chicken can be cooked earlier in the day or the day before and refrigerated until ready to serve.
  5. Prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Parmigiano-Reggiano, pesto, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, croutons, and enough dressing to lightly coat the lettuce. Toss until evenly dressed.
  7. Serve. Divide the salad among four plates. Top with the sliced chicken and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Notes

  • The chicken is equally delicious served warm or chilled, making this a great meal-prep recipe.
  • Dress the salad just before serving to keep the romaine crisp and the croutons crunchy.
  • Extra dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and is excellent on sandwiches, wraps, or grilled vegetables.

Recipe 23

Tomato-Glazed Mini Meatloaves with Half-Sweet Potato Mash & Garden Salad

Mini beef meatloaves with a tomato glaze, half-sweet potato mash, and salad

Prep
25 minutes
Cook
45 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$5
Est. calories / person
~750

Ingredients

Tomato glaze

  • 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Mini meatloaves

  • 1⅓ lbs 80/20 ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ medium onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 1 medium carrot
  • Olive oil, for cooking
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the vegetables
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup milk

Half sweet potato mash

  • ½ lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ½ lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Salad

  • 1 bagged garden salad kit, prepared according to package directions

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a tin foil–covered 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the vegetables. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
  3. Prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the vegetable oil, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and salt. Simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes, until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Add the cooked vegetables to a bowl with the breadcrumbs. Add the ground beef, eggs, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and milk. Mix gently until just combined.
  5. Start the potatoes. Cut the potatoes to roughly billiard ball–sized pieces. Place the Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until fork tender.
  6. Shape and bake the meatloaves. Form the meat mixture into 8 equal mini meatloaves (about the size of a tennis ball each) and place them in the prepared baking dish. Brush the tops generously with the tomato glaze. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155–160°F.
  7. Finish the potatoes. Drain the potatoes and return the pot to the stove. Melt the butter over medium heat and continue cooking until lightly browned and nutty. Mash the potatoes until smooth, then stir in the browned butter, warm buttermilk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  8. Prepare the salad. Toss the bagged salad according to the package directions.
  9. Serve. Spoon the half sweet potato mash onto each plate. Top with two mini meatloaves, spoon over any remaining tomato glaze, and serve with the prepared salad on the side.

Notes

  • Mix the meat just until combined to keep the meatloaves tender.

Recipe 24

Seared NY Strip Steak with Soy-Miso Pan Sauce & Warm Roasted Vegetable Salad

Sous-vide NY strips with a pan sauce and warm kale, sweet potato, and radish

Prep
20 minutes (plus 2–4 hours sous vide)
Cook
30 minutes
Serves
4
Est. cost / person
~$12
Est. calories / person
~800

Ingredients

Steaks

  • 2 New York Strip steaks (12–16 oz each, about 1½ inches thick)
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Avocado oil, for searing

Warm vegetable salad

  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 1 medium sweet potato, cut into ½–¾-inch cubes
  • 1 bunch radishes, halved or quartered depending on size
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Soy-miso pan sauce

  • ¼ cup soy glaze
  • ¼ cup white miso paste
  • 2–4 tablespoons water
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Method

  1. Sous vide the steaks. Season the New York Strip steaks generously with salt and pepper. Vacuum seal and cook sous vide at 129°F for 2–4 hours for medium-rare.
  2. Roast the vegetables. Preheat the toaster oven to 400°F. Toss the sweet potatoes and radishes with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread onto a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 18 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized and the radishes are softened.
  3. Cook the kale. While the vegetables roast, heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the kale and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the water and continue cooking until the water has evaporated. Stir in the rice vinegar and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  4. Combine the vegetables. Toss the roasted sweet potatoes and radishes with the sautéed kale. Cover to keep warm.
  5. Prepare the sauce mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy glaze, miso paste, and enough water to create a smooth, pourable sauce.
  6. Sear the steaks. Remove the steaks from the sous vide bags and pat completely dry. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add a thin layer of avocado oil and sear the steaks for 30 seconds per side, until a deep crust forms. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Finish the pan sauce. Turn off the heat and carefully add a splash of water to the skillet to cool it slightly; the water should evaporate almost immediately. Add the butter and the soy-miso mixture, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. If needed, return the skillet to very low heat briefly—do not allow the sauce to boil.
  8. Serve. Slice the steaks against the grain. Divide the warm kale and roasted vegetable salad among four plates, arrange the sliced steak alongside, and generously spoon the soy-miso pan sauce over both the steak and the vegetables.

Notes

  • Patting the steaks completely dry before searing is essential for developing a rich crust after sous vide cooking.