Photo: Brian Woodcock

An Alternative to Taco Night
Here's a fantastic way to jazz up grilled (or grill-panned) chicken, and it only requires four simple ingredients: olive oil, garlic, cumin and lime juice. The vibrant flavors give the dish a subtle Latin taste—so, cue up the black beans and rice, or the warmed tortillas (Coronas optional).

Get the recipe: Lime Grilled Chicken

Photo: Signe Birck

The 15-Minute Shrimp
Spanish wine bars aren't just known for their Riojas; most also serve basic, uncomplicated food, such as omelets or platters of sliced ham and cheese. This garlicky shrimp belongs in that category; it starts with sautéed garlic and shallots, then you add in grape tomatoes, shrimp and white wine. The tomatoes morph into a bright and tangy sauce that tastes like it's been simmering for hours, but is actually ready in minutes.

Get the recipe: Garlicky Shrimp with Tomatoes and White Wine

Photo: Johnny Miller

A One-Skillet Asian Supper
Lettuce wraps are a great shortcut for when you want to eat stir-fry but not have to prepare a separate accompaniment, such as noodles or rice. Just brown the meat with the seasonings and, while it sizzles, wash and dry some Bibb or butter lettuce leaves (their cup-like shape is ideal) and pile spoonfuls of the filling into the edible cups. This particular dish uses a few powerhouses to bump up the flavor, including ginger, garlic, soy and hoisin sauces. Plus, these ingredients store well, so you don't have to run to the store to buy new each time you want to make this delicious meal.

Get the recipe: Gingery Beef Lettuce Wraps

Photo: Con Poulos

A Cheater's Homemade Pizza to Be Proud Of
We're all about repurposing leftovers, but one use for them that had escaped us—until now!—is pizza. Pita, pizza dough or wheat tortillas all work for the crust; top whichever you choose with whatever extras you have. A container of tomato sauce? Just add mozzarella and red chili flakes. Roasted vegetables? Layer shaved cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, over the pizza base. Any kind of cooked greens, from kale to spinach? Throw on some sliced Spanish chorizo and crumbled blue cheese.

Get the recipe: Gigi "Skizza" with Arugula Pesto, Ricotta and Chicken

Photo: Kana Okada

The 3-Step Salmon Supper
Seafood is a time-pressed cook's best friend, since most fillets cook in 10 minutes or less. The beauty of this recipe is in its streamlined process: Whisk together a quick vinaigrette, cook the salmon in a skillet for a few minutes on each side and give green beans a five-minute boil. All that's left to do is to put all of these vibrant elements together on the plate, alongside sliced cherry tomatoes and radishes.

Get the recipe: Seared Salmon with Green Bean Salad and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Photo: Lynn Andriani

The Crispiest Nonfried Chicken You Can Make
If you haven't yet tried broiling chicken thighs, meet your new favorite weeknight-cooking technique. In fewer than 15 minutes, you'll have juicy, tender meat that's perfectly crunchy on the outside. This recipe has you make an herb-lemon-garlic mixture and slide a little under the skin of each piece to infuse the meat with flavor. The broiler's direct heat cooks food in a flash, so the chicken only needs about five minutes per side to be fully cooked, with a lovely golden edge.

Get the recipe: Crispy Herbed Chicken Thighs

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Tender, Juicy Chops with Their Best Friends for Life
Tart apples, sweet onions and juicy pork chops come together brilliantly in this one-skillet winner. It's simple to make: Just brown the chops in olive oil for a couple of minutes, pour in a bit of wine (or beer) and some chopped shallot and remove the meat from the pan. In go sliced apples and onion and a good glug of stock; once the liquid is bubbling, you return the pork to the skillet and continue cooking until the meat is done and the apples and onions have turned into a soft and chunky sauce.

Get the recipe: Skillet Pork Chops with Apples
Published 08/09/2017