Easy Weeknight Meals

Weeknights can be hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy, quick, and budget-friendly meals you can prepare after a long day.

1. One-Pan Chicken and Veggies

A simple, healthy, and filling meal ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat a pan with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chicken strips and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add vegetables, season with spices, and cook until tender.
4. Serve hot with rice or bread.

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2. Quick Stir-Fried Noodles

A flavorful dinner that takes less than 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 200g noodles
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oil
• Optional: cooked chicken or tofu

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a pan, sauté vegetables (and protein if using).
3. Add cooked noodles and soy sauce, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.

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3. Easy Veggie Quesadillas

Cheesy, crunchy, and ready in 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tortillas
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• ½ cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions, tomatoes)
• 1 tsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Place one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle cheese and vegetables on top, cover with the second tortilla.
3. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Cut into wedges and serve.

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4. Simple Baked Salmon

Healthy and effortless, perfect for a weekday dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Lemon slices
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Place salmon on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, season, and top with lemon slices.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.

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5. Quick Fried Rice

Turn leftover rice into a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan, scramble eggs, then set aside.
2. Add vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add cooked rice and soy sauce, stir well. Return eggs to the pan and mix. Serve hot.

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These easy weeknight meals are perfect for busy evenings. They are fast, affordable, and packed with flavor, making cooking at home simple and enjoyable.