eeknights can be busy and the last thing you want is to wrestle with complicated recipes or lots of chopping. The good news is that dinner does not need to be complicated to be delicious. These 10 meals each use only five main ingredients (plus pantry basics like salt, pepper, oil) and can usually be on the table in 30 minutes or less.
I tested many recipes to ensure each has a reliable link so you can follow exactly. Let us get cooking.
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
Juicy prawns tossed in garlic butter, served over fluffy rice. Add a squeeze of lemon and parsley if you have them for brightness.
You’ll need: prawns, butter, garlic, lemon, rice.
One-Pan Lemon Chicken with Greens
Tender chicken cooked in lemon and garlic with seasonal greens all in one pan. Minimal mess, maximal flavour.
You’ll need: chicken, lemon, garlic, greens (for example broccoli or beans), olive oil.
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh pasta tossed with pesto and blistered cherry tomatoes. A vibrant, satisfying dinner that feels light.
You’ll need: pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, parmesan.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with garlic and broccoli. Serve over rice for a balanced, hearty meal.
You’ll need: beef, broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, rice.
Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
Sticky-sweet glaze of honey and soy over salmon gives a caramelised, flavourful finish. Quick to cook and full of texture.
You’ll need: salmon, honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil.
Vegetarian Quesadillas with Cheese & Beans
Layer cheese and beans between tortillas, toast until golden. Optionally serve with salsa or guac if you have them.
You’ll need: tortillas, cheese, beans, onion, oil.
Egg Fried Rice with Spring Onion
This Jamie Oliver recipe uses only five ingredients: pre-cooked rice, eggs, soy sauce, spring onion, and sesame oil. Perfect for using up leftovers.
You’ll need: rice, eggs, spring onion, soy sauce, sesame oil.
Pork Chops with Apple & Sage
Classic pairing of pork and apple with sage makes a homey meal that is simple yet satisfying.
You’ll need: pork chops, apples, sage, butter (or oil), salt/pepper.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, finished with olive oil. A classic Caprese twist made easy.
You’ll need: chicken breasts, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil.
Miso Mushroom Risotto (5-Ingredient)
Creamy risotto using miso for umami, mushrooms, risotto rice, margarine, and garlic. Water acts as the cooking liquid. Ideal when you want comfort with simplicity.
You’ll need: risotto rice, mushrooms, miso paste, margarine, garlic.
Tips for Success
- Use pantry staples smartly: Olive oil, salt, pepper are not counted among the main five ingredients.
- Prep ahead: Chop garlic, slice vegetables, or even cook rice ahead of time. That saves minutes on busy nights.
- Make swaps based on season: If cherry tomatoes are out of season, use roasted capsicum. If mushrooms are pricier, try zucchini or other fungi.
Final Word
These 10 weeknight dinners prove you do not need a long shopping list or hours in the kitchen to cook something delicious. Whether you try the rich glaze on salmon, the fresh Caprese stuffed chicken, or the warming miso mushroom risotto, I hope you find your new go-to. Pick one this week and enjoy cooking simply.
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