Put down that takeout menu! This healthy spin on beef and broccoli will leave you feeling full and guilt-free. Thin bite-size pieces of flank steak are much easier to eat than long strips, so cut your flank steak in half lengthwise (with the grain) before thinly slicing it crosswise (against the grain).
Japanese udon noodles, which cook in a matter of minutes, soak up all of the slightly spicy umami-rich sauce in this stir-fry. Cubes of golden tofu make the meat-free supper substantial. You can also use cubed chicken or pork. Cost: $2/serving
Serve this saucy pulled pork as sandwiches: piled high on buns, with bowls of garnishes, such as pickled jalapeños, sour cream, shredded cheese and thinly shredded red cabbage (or better yet, red cabbage slaw), and let guests build their own sandwiches.
This kimchi is the most popular and widely consumed in Korean households and is synonymous with Korean cuisine.
A whole fish is a must at a Chinese New Year banquet. It signifies abundance. Instead of rockfish, a West Coast specialty, try any fish small enough to fit into your wok or steamer, such as snapper, trout or whitefish. For less festive occasions, fish fillets or steaks will do, too. The combination of ginger and sherry is a classic Chinese way to get rid of fishy odours and strong flavours.
Steaming then lightly caramelizing the broccoli gives added flavour. Serve the frittata hot or at room temperature with an arugula and tomato salad. Save the remaining broccoli stems for a stir-fry, or to add to salad or coleslaw.
Browning the chicken on the stovetop before finishing it in the oven makes the skin extra crispy. You can substitute the wheat berries with the same amount of barley, spelt berries or brown rice.
Burritos keep it simple for a casual weekend brunch. You can use either mild or hot sausages or try bratwurst, farmer's or breakfast sausages instead. For extra pizzazz, top with guacamole and sour cream.
Mac and cheese for under 350 calories? You bet! The sauce may seem a little thin at first, but it absorbs into the pasta quickly. Cooking the pasta with the squash saves time and keeps dishes to a minimum; keep in mind that the pasta will need less time to cook, so add it after the squash, following cooking directions on package.
