Stuck in Zoom calls or busy trying to meet deadlines all day? The last thing you need right now is to spend an hour deciding on what to make for dinner before spending ANOTHER hour just trying to make it. Because really, after a long hard day at work, who wants to slave over the stove? If only there was a way to create quick and delicious meals that take no time at all…but wait, there is! This article is just for you busy workers who simply have no time for the kitchen. Here are five ridiculously easy and quick recipes for those weeknights when you’re craving something tasty, but don’t have the time or energy to whip up a five-course meal.

Sensational Shrimp Stir-Fry

Let’s kick off the week the right way, shall we? This Sensational Shrimp Stir-fry has all the right elements for a quick, easy, and healthy meal. A delightful plate full of succulent shrimp tossed with vibrant veggies, all bathed together in a garlicky, soy-based sauce? Sounds pretty good right? With this recipe, you’ll go from the chopping board to a finished plate in a mere 20 minutes. 

Begin by sautéing the shrimp, set them aside, and then fry your veggies. In the meantime, make your sauce! It’s a super simple mixture of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil - all ingredients readily available at home. Once ready, just add the shrimp back in with the veggies, drizzle in this delicious sauce, and give it a good stir. Now you’re ready to serve! Serve it over some fluffy steamed rice and you’ve got yourself a hearty meal to enjoy after a long day's work.

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

Ten-Minute Tangy Tacos

When Tuesday comes rolling around, you know what that means…it’s Taco Tuesday! Who doesn’t love the crunch of a hard-shell taco filled with your favourite protein and toppings? The best part about this recipe is it requires very little cooking.

All you really need to do is pick your protein. Whether it’s grilled chicken, beef, or even a veggie option like black beans, give that a cook and you’re ready to go. Because when it comes to the toppings, just give some lettuce and tomatoes a quick chop and you’re ready to assemble. Mix in some store-bought salsa, sour cream, guacamole, top it with some sprinkled cheese, and it’s time to take a big bite. 

Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash

Whisked-Up Wednesdays: One Pot Pasta

When it comes to easy preparation, easy cooking, and easy clean-up, this one-pot pasta recipe will blow your mind. It’s really as easy as one, two, three. Choose your favourite pasta and toss it into a pot with some diced tomatoes, sliced onions, and a handful of basil. Add in some vegetable stock (or chicken or beef stock if you prefer), and some olive oil, and set it to cook. Now all you have to do is wait! As the pasta softens, it releases its starchy goodness into the broth which thickens it up and makes it extra creamy. Once the pasta is nicely cooked to your liking, sprinkle generous amounts of parmesan cheese over the top and give it a good mix. Not only is it ready to serve, you only have one pot to clean afterward! 

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

Thrillingly Fast Thai Green Curry

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique and flavourful, let’s make a trip to Thailand this Thursday night. This fast Thai green curry dish will bring all the exotic flavours of Thai cuisine right to your dining table. It’s so easy to make too!

With ready-made curry paste available in most markets and grocery stores, all you have to do is prepare the meat and veggies. The choices are endless - pick whatever fits your fancy! Just sauté your choice of veggies and meat in some coconut oil, add in the paste, follow up with some coconut milk, and let the whole pot simmer. Once everything’s perfectly blended together, you’re all set to serve this creamy, spicy dish with some rice. Who knew it was so easy to whip up some delicious Thai food?

Photo by Dana DeVolk on Unsplash

Fit ‘n’ Fast Frittata

If you’ve got a lot of leftover scraps in the fridge, this wholesome, baked egg dish is the perfect opportunity to clean out the fridge. Add in any veggies, meats, and cheeses you couldn’t finish throughout the week! 

The recipe is simple. Beat a half-dozen eggs, add in a dash of milk, a sprinkle of salt, and whatever mix-ins you choose. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe skillet, let it set a bit on the stovetop, and then bake until it’s all puffy and golden. Once it's ready to serve, slide it onto a board, slice it into wedges, and pair it with a fresh salad on the side. Though it’s quite light and fluffy, it’s a super filling and versatile dish that makes it a fantastic choice for any weeknight meal.

Photo by Thembi Johnson on Unsplash

So if you’re feeling extra tired this week, don’t stress yourself out by preparing overly complicated meals. These 5 quick and easy recipes are the perfect way to make the most out of your evening. Just incorporate these meals into your daily routine and you’ll be on your way to making fast but delicious dinners every night.