5 Tips for Easy Family Weeknight Meals
Mar 19, 2015 05:03PM ● By Pamela Johnson
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Most families aspire to spend more time together around the dinner table, but between work and after-school activities, it’s hard to find the time.
If you’re finding it tough to get your family to the table each night, here are a few simple tips:
- Keep the meals simple by choosing recipes with one star ingredient and easy preparation – like a pork tenderloin. Fresh pork cuts can be easily sliced into medallions or cubes to cook faster, while still maintaining juicy, delicious flavor, so you can have a dinner that’s ready in less than 10 minutes.
- While waiting for dinner to finish cooking, slice and chop any ingredients that can be stored to cut down on some of the prep work for the next night’s meal.
- Get the whole family involved and assign each member a task, such as setting the table or assembling a crisp green salad.
- To save on time, choose meats that have done some of the work for you, such as Smithfield’s Seasoned Pork line. Slow-marinated in a variety of delicious seasonings, they’re perfect for any night of the week, and will taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- On weekends, take the extra time in the kitchen to double a recipe for you to serve during the week.
For a simple weeknight meal that’s sure to get your family in their dinner seats, try a pre-seasoned pork dish such as Fresh Pork & Veggie Stir-Fry, or Fresh Pork & Apple Salad.
For more family-friendly and time-saving recipes, visit www.Smithfield.com.
Fresh Pork & Veggie Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. Smithfield Teriyaki Seasoned Pork Tenderloin
- 4 cups assorted fresh vegetables (i.e. sugar snap peas, carrots, broccoli), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup teriyaki or stir-fry sauce
- 2 cups prepared rice or rice noodles
Preparation
- Cut tenderloin into thin strips or 1-inch cubes.
- Heat large skillet over high heat; spray with nonstick cooking spray. Sauté pork strips for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. Add vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in teriyaki sauce; heat through. Serve stir-fry over rice or noodles.
Fresh Pork & Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Smithfield Peppercorn & Garlic Seasoned Pork Tenderloin
- 1 (7-oz.) bag mixed salad greens
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups assorted fresh vegetables (e.g., red onions, sugar snap peas, radishes) cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup nuts (e.g., cashews or almonds)
Preparation
- Cut tenderloin into thin strips or cubes.
- Heat large skillet over high heat; spray with nonstick cooking spray. Sauté pork strips for 2 to 3 minutes until done and browned.
- To make salad, layer salad greens, apples, vegetables, and sliced tenderloin in large bowl. Garnish with nuts. Serve with your favorite salad dressing.