So I'm always on the lookout for easy and FAST "recipes" :0) Lately, I haven't been following any recipes...I've just been throwing some meat into a pan and sauteeing in healthy oil (grapeseed or olive oil) and then adding some seasonings. I have so MANY spices & seasoning blends in my cupboard so it's a win-win. Easy, fast, healthy, get to use up my seasonings, I don't have to measure anything (shake, shake, shake), etc.
So my questions is what spices or seasoning do you use on chicken that you've really enjoyed? What about pork, shrimp, etc.?
Also, do you have any ideas on how to turn seasoned cube chicken into a Bertoli (sp?) type meal? I'm thinking noodles, veggies, chicken but it has a garlic sauce or something on it? Any ideas along those lines?
Thanks in advance :0)
Thanks everyone for sharing your wonderful ideas! You all sound like great cooks :0)
Lemon Pepper is excellent on chicken, and you can saute it with some sliced green peppers, tomatoes, and onions (throw them in a minute or two before the end, so they don't get mushy)...oh, yum.
Or for a different flavor entirely, use a Chinese five spice or a combination of garlic and ginger. That's good for stirfrys.
My favorite for chicken is to put some olive oil, minced up garlic clove, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a baggie, moosh it around and let it sit in the fridge for a couple hours. Then just saute it and it's good to go! Good with a side, or on salads, too! Or if I don't have time for that, I'll use Italian dressing instead.
My standby for shrimp is:
olive oil
garlic
italian herbs (NO rosemary)
Pepperman (or multicolor pepper)
Sit for a bit
SEAR or BBQ
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Cuban pork is one of my all time favorites.
Pound out (using the bumpy side).
Marinate in
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup lime juice
(unless you have 'sour orange' juice... our area doesn't... so orange/lemon/lime works as a *great* substitute)
half a head of garlic, minced or pressed
1 TBS Oregano
Splash of olive oil
optional: pinch of cinnamon
Broil
I usually serve it on sammies caribbean style (aka not cuban style, but similar) with garlic mayo, grilled onions, banana peppers or jalapenos, cillantro.
I think it's caribbean sammies for dinner tonight
I will occassionally use a fish/meat sauce on my chicken...nice smoky flavor. we also use peanut sauce too for a more ethnic flavor.
Have you tried the Philadelphia Cream cheese stuff that is out. It has all different flavors so that could help with your 'Bertoli' style meal you referenced. Be mindful on this, it is not the most healthy of toppers though.
Here's my basic sauteed chicken recipe:
On medium heat, lightly brown 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Sprinkle these spices/herbs directly onto cubed/sliced chicken: Basil, oregano, salt, pepper, a *little* bit of onion powder, thyme or crushed rosemary. Use your nose and your best judgment to figure out what you'd like in which amounts. Go light on the rosemary, for instance, since it can overpower. And your guests/family can always add salt.
Once you've sprinkled your spices/herbs on, throw them in your heated pan with the garlic. Cook until done.
I usually do several pounds of chicken this way and freeze it. You can use it for pretty much anything after that.
For your "Bertoli" type meal, here's what I do: I use the bird's eye mixed veggie steamer bags. Toss one in the microwave. For your basic, can do anything "white sauce" (also called a beschemel): In a pot on your stove, heat 2 tablespoons butter. Slowly add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth. Pour in 1 cup milk, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add whatever spices/herbs/etc that you'd like to use for flavor. Parmesean goes well in this as well. Once the sauce is thickened, throw your chicken in. Pour over veggies and noodles.
My favorite seasonings for chicken are rosemary and sage
For pork, garlic, onion, Worchestershire, and paprika
Shrimp, garlic and lemon
I like to make chicken fajitas. I cut the chicken in strips with kitchen shears so it cooks faster. Olive oil and chicken in the frying pan, then add a combination of garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Vegetables- bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Ponzu sauce.
It is a Japanese sauce. Comes in a bottle. Can be used for ANYTHING... meats or veggies.
Just pour it over the meat in a Ziplock bag and marinate. Then grill. Good.
Buy, bottled sauces. There are SO many types, and from many different cultures. And it is good. And super easy. Just pour over the meat, in a Ziplock and marinate for 1/2 a day. Then grill.
I would try: Asian sauces, Indian sauces, Thai sauces.
Or another EASY thing to do is Stir-Fry. Using bottled Japanese sauces.
I made something last week and I remember thinking, I have to remember how I made this because it came out really good. It was one of those throw whatever you have on hand sort of meals. So I basically browned some cut up chicken seasoned with Weber kick n chicken seasoning. Then I removed the chicken and added a sliced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, and garlic. Once those were sauteed I added a can of diced tomatoes and the chicken. I served it with vermicelli noodles. It was really really good.
If I'm making something saucy then I would saute my protein and veggies as normal and then add more oil or butter if needed then stir in some flour, stir for a minute or so then add some cooking water from the pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and then turn the heat down. If you want a creamy sauce then you can add some milk too. Oh, and don't forget the cheese!
Cajun
Old Bay Blackening - I love blackened chicken and fish
Lemon Pepper
Garlic, salt and pepper
Jerk
Teryaki
Thai Peanut Sauce
Montreal Steak seasoning is great on chicken and fish
Dried Italian Herb blend
For the Bertoli I would cook pasta, sautee veggies in skillet throw precooked chicken in at the last couple minutes to heat through. Remove all, but leave the juices inthe pan. Deglaze pan with white wine, add butter, pasta water, or chicken stock. Let it reduce to a saucey consistancy. Then add a ton of chopped garlic, salt and pepper and simmer a little longer. Coat pasta, veggies and chicken in your wonderful sauce.
Go to Coastalgoods.com and order a few of their spices to have on hand....So delicious!! The Tuscan spice and mediterrean (sp) is to die for....
My general spice mix consists of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley & paprika. Depending on what I'm making like pork chops for example, I'll add a lot of sage &/or thyme. Sometimes I'll opt for the lemon pepper route.
I use Lawry's season salt (no msg), onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, thyme, sage.
If you put a little bit of chicken broth in the bottom of the pan, it won't stick and will stay juicy and actually cooks a little faster, then add the veggies toward the end and the garlic, maybe some lemon and thicken with a little bit of corn starch. Toss it with pasta of your choice.
