I speak quite a bit about ‘weeknight meals’, however as a busy mum of two younger boys, what’s for dinner is all the time entrance of thoughts and so I like to share the recipes which are fast and satisfying for these nights when time is proscribed.

Although my work revolves round cooking and testing recipes, usually all day lengthy, I too really feel that midweek time for supper stress too. The factors for me is easy, nourishing and one thing that my children will eat! On excessive rotation are rice bowls which will be combined and matched with totally different proteins and greens. It’s a very versatile and adaptable recipe.

Immediately it’s a fast teriyaki rooster and a winter slaw. Teriyaki sauce, whereas accessible on grocery store cabinets, is de facto so easy to make. Often glazed onto the rooster with a brush, at dwelling, I merely pour it into the pan and switch the rooster just a few occasions to coat it. It is also nice with fish and you might pan fry a chunk of fish in the very same manner, including the sauce on the finish to thicken and coat earlier than serving.

If you happen to don’t need to make the winter slaw, some steamed grean beans or broccolini could be good right here too, or within the hotter months, cucumber and a few combined salad leaves. I maintain the dressing quite simple, just a few gentle further virgin olive oil and vinegar, because the teriyaki sauce is kind of wealthy and stuffed with flavour.

Teriyaki Hen Rice Bowls

(Serves 4)

750 g pores and skin on, boneless, rooster thighs
Salt and pepper, to style
1 tbsp gentle further virgin olive oil
60ml soy sauce
60ml mirin
60ml sake
1 tbsp caster sugar
Steamed shortgrain rice, similar to koshihikari, to serve
Pickled ginger, to serve
Toasted white and black sesame seeds

Winter slaw: 

300g pink cabbage, shaved
1 carrot, julienned
4 radishes, thinly sliced into rounds
Handful of combined salad leaves, to serve
2 tbsp gentle further virgin olive oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar

Technique:

Season the rooster with salt and pepper and put aside. Warmth a big frying pan over a medium-high warmth with the oil and pan fry the rooster, pores and skin facet down for 4-5 minutes, or till the pores and skin is golden. Flip the rooster over and prepare dinner for an extra 3-4 minutes.

In the meantime, whisk collectively the soy, mirin, sake and sugar and within the remaining minute of cooking, pour over the rooster, permitting it to scale back and thicken. Flip the rooster over just a few occasions within the sauce to assist coat the rooster on either side. Permit to relaxation for 2-3 minutes.

For the slaw, mix all the components collectively in a medium bowl and season to style.

Slice the rooster and serve in bowls with steamed rice, the slaw, pickled ginger and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds.

What else I’m cooking: I’ve been getting proper into soups with the change of seasons – notably ones with lentils. I merely fry off greens like carrots, onion and celery in further virgin olive oil. Add some contemporary bay leaves then pour in inventory and add the lentils. As soon as cooked I’ll stir in some spinach and prime with new season further virgin olive oil.

What else I’m consuming: The salad sandwich from Idler in North Fitzroy. Truthfully, among the finest!

Obtain the recipe card right here!