What makes restaurant food so good? Some may say it’s the butter, others say it’s the salt — but I think restaurants nail the texture of dishes. This week’s menu spotlights “restaurant favorites” and features a new texture every day to excite your palate and make you look forward to dinner even more than usual. Let’s get into it!
Crispy Monday: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
My family LOVES these chicken skewers. The sweet, salty, and tangy sauce clings to the crispy grilled chicken in a way that’ll have you coming back for seconds and thirds!
Hot tips
- If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in cold water for at least a few hours before threading the chicken on.
- Use homemade teriyaki sauce to amp up the flavor.
- Keep up the crispy theme and make oven-roasted potatoes right on the same pan as a side! Or, add a contrast with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh Caesar salad.
Creamy Tuesday: Clam Chowder
When I lived in Seattle, I developed an obsession with clam chowder. To save money eating out, I created this recipe — and I’ve been making it for over 10 years! Cozy up with a steaming bowl, and you’ll see why.
Hot tips
- Don’t dump the bacon fat — it’s liquid gold! Sauté the veggies in the fat to add a mouthwatering dimension of savory flavor to the chowder.
- I use canned clams from Trader Joe’s, but feel free to step it up with fresh clams.
- Serve the chowder with sourdough bread or oyster crackers.
- As with most soups, clam chowder tastes even better as it sits. Enjoy the leftovers for lunch in the days to come!
Saucy Wednesday: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
This recipe might change your life. Seriously. Perfectly slurpable noodles are doused in a sweet and spicy sauce and tossed with juicy shrimp for a flavor-packed dinner.
Hot tips
- Swap out the angel hair for spaghetti, linguine, or homemade pasta.
- Sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to preserve their juiciness.
- Mayo? In a pasta sauce? Don’t knock it till you try it! The mayo adds an unbelievable flavor and creaminess.
Chewy Thursday: Mushroom Flatbread Pizza
Who said homemade pizza had to be a lot of work? Throw sautéed mushrooms, Caesar dressing, and a trio of cheeses on store bought flatbread for an effortless and delicious dinner!
Hot tips
- Make your own Caesar dressing to control the ingredients and flavors. It’s super easy!
- I like keeping this pizza vegetarian, but add Instant Pot shredded chicken, air fryer bacon, or pepperoni if you prefer.
- Check out the recipe post for more topping ideas.
Sticky Friday: Grilled Beef Galbi
Also known as Korean short ribs, this wonderfully sticky dish features marinated beef short ribs grilled to perfection. They’re the best way to end off your week on a protein-packed note!
Hot tips
- Make sure the ribs marinate for at least four hours, or get a head start by marinating them up for up to 24 hours the day before.
- Grill the ribs on medium heat to develop a caramelized crust and cooked interior.
- Serve the beef galbi over a bed of steamed rice and grilled asparagus.
Breakfast of the Week: Breakfast Charcuterie Board
This stunning array of breakfast foods is my go-to when I’m hosting brunch. It’s got savory, sweet, and anything you’d ever dream of for breakfast!
Dessert of the Week: Strawberry Sundae
National Strawberry Day happens to fall on this week, so we’re celebrating with this elegant dessert. Think of homemade strawberry compote, vanilla ice cream, blueberry whipped cream, and salty pretzels… are you drooling yet?
Click Here to Download the Menu and Shopping List!
No Comments