DINNER IN A SKILLET
DINNER IN A SKILLET
When you need to get a delicious dinner on the table in no time flat, there's nothing better than a skillet recipe. It’s an easy way to use up ingredients you have on hand, and it guarantees quick cleanup. One-dish meals, like stir-fries, quickly seared meats, and frittatas, are simply prepared in a 10-inch sauté pan with a sturdy base and preferably an aluminum core sandwiched between stainless steel for even heat conduction. An ovenproof handle is essential for those dishes that need a bit more cooking time, and a cast iron skillet reigns supreme for most one-pan dishes.The formula is simple: Add fat to the pan; brown the protein; remove the protein; add a starch, aromatics or vegetables and some sort of liquid; slowly simmer, then add the protein back to the pan and cook until the dish is done. (The only exception here is a Frittata!)Having a few quick dinner recipes in your back pocket is always a good thing. But even better are the recipes that don't require measuring or multiple bowls, allowing you to cut down on prep time and dishes. This is why we love a good skillet recipe.When it comes to skillet meals, there’s something for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, breakfast-for-dinner lovers (like us) and fancy food aficionados too (think scallops). Few skillet meals take longer than half an hour, and most require even less time. While the meat provides the protein in the dish, grains give it staying power, so choose small pastas such as orzo, macaroni or thin fettuccine that cook quickly in the broth. And aim for uniform sizes of vegetables to ensure that every piece of food cooks evenly.Here’s some inspiration for dishes that go from stovetop to table (or a quick flash in the oven when need be)
Ingredients
- SEE THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
Instructions
- CHICKEN DIJONAISE: An elegant and rich sauce of cream, white wine and Dijon mustard bathes quickly seared pounded chicken breasts. Orzo adds substance and a garnish of fresh thyme leaves adds an herbaceous note.
- GINGERED RICE WITH SHRIMP: Rice infused with fresh ginger, garlic and scallions finishes the cooking process by steaming the shrimp for the last few minutes in the skillet. Top the dish with Mango Chutney and fresh cilantro leaves for a flavor explosion.
- PORK MEDALLIONS WITH MAPLE PEARS: Seasoned, tender pork medallions can be glazed with maple syrup and enveloped by sautéed pears and Belgian endive leaves.
- PAN-FRIED SCALLOPS WITH CORN & BACON HASH: Corn, bacon, and scallops all in one pan; it’s a match made in heaven. Use high heat to sear the scallops for a crispy crust and caramelization.
- SKILLET GNOCCHI WITH CHICKEN & ASPARAGUS: Store-bought cooked gnocchi can be quickly sautéed for color and flavor, then simmer with seared boneless chicken strips and your favorite vegetables. Pesto adds brightness or add tomato sauce for an Italian flair.
- LAMB CHOPS WITH COUS COUS: Baby single-cut lamb chops quickly infused with a dry rub will be juicy and flavorful set atop cous cous, which cooks in under 5 minutes in the same skillet. Make it Mediterranean with a Cucumber & Yogurt Dipping sauce.
- FRITTATA WITH MUSHROOMS & CROUTONS: Inspired by a Martha Stewart recipe, a Frittata made with sautéed mushrooms and chives, and toasted croutons thrown in, plus plenty of cheese makes for a perfect Breakfast-for-Dinner meal. Here’s the inspiration: live@chefjamie.com