Recipes for Two? 4 Easy Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again!

Busy week? Make these 4 quick dinners for two tonight! Simple recipes with easy ingredient swaps for every taste.

4 Easy Recipes for Two

Planning a cozy dinner for two? Here are four easy and delicious recipes to try. Each recipe is adaptable, with ingredient substitutes for US, UK, and Malaysian readers (halal options included). Plus, we’ve added serving suggestions and tips to make your meal extra special!

easy recipes

1. Sesame Tofu and Broccoli

Sesame Tofu

This vegan-friendly dish combines crispy tofu and tender broccoli coated in a sesame-infused sauce.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity (Metric) Quantity (Imperial)
Extra-firm tofu 400g 14 oz
Broccoli (florets) 250g 2 small heads
Soy sauce (low sodium) 125ml 1/2 cup
Maple syrup 60ml 1/4 cup
Sesame oil (toasted) 30ml 2 tbsp
Cornstarch 35g 1 tbsp + 1/3 cup
Ginger (grated) 5cm piece 2 inches
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves 2 cloves

Ingredient Substitutes

  • Soy Sauce: Use tamari (gluten-free) or coconut aminos (milder).
  • Maple Syrup: Substitute with honey or agave syrup.
  • Tofu: Replace with paneer or chicken for a non-vegan version.

Steps

  1. Press tofu between paper towels for 30 minutes.
  2. Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and cornstarch to make the sauce.
  3. Coat tofu in cornstarch and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 25 minutes.
  4. Stir-fry broccoli, toss with tofu and sauce, and serve over steamed rice.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with miso soup or a cucumber salad for a complete meal.

2. Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Green Chile Chicken Quesadillas

This cheesy, customizable quesadilla is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity (Metric) Quantity (Imperial)
Boneless chicken breast 450g 1 lb
Bell peppers (sliced) 200g 2 medium
Flour tortillas 4 pieces 4 pieces
Cheddar cheese (shredded) 200g 2 cups
Onion (sliced) 1 medium 1/2 onion

Ingredient Substitutes

  • Chicken: Use turkey, beef strips, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Tortillas: Swap with gluten-free tortillas or pita bread.

Steps

  1. Sauté onions and peppers until soft.
  2. Cook chicken with spices like cumin and chili powder.
  3. Add chicken, veggies, and cheese to a tortilla, fold, and cook until crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for extra flavor.

3. BBQ Sheet-Pan Chicken

BBQ Sheet Pan Chicken with Potatoes and Red Onion

A wholesome meal featuring roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity (Metric) Quantity (Imperial)
Chicken thighs (bone-in) 1kg 2 lbs
Sweet potatoes (cubed) 450g 2 medium
Broccoli (florets) 300g 1 head
BBQ sauce 125ml 1/2 cup

Ingredient Substitutes

  • Chicken Thighs: Use drumsticks or boneless chicken breast.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Replace with regular potatoes or carrots.

Steps

  1. Coat chicken in BBQ sauce, mustard, and honey.
  2. Roast sweet potatoes for 20 minutes at 220°C (425°F).
  3. Add broccoli and chicken to the pan and roast for 20 minutes more.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with garlic bread or coleslaw for a satisfying meal.

4. Burger Bowls

Burger Bowls

Enjoy all the flavors of a burger without the bun in this low-carb recipe.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity (Metric) Quantity (Imperial)
Ground beef 450g 1 lb
Romaine lettuce (chopped) 300g 4 cups
Cheddar cheese (shredded) 100g 1 cup
Cherry tomatoes (quartered) 150g 1 cup
Dill pickles (sliced) 120g 1/2 cup

Ingredient Substitutes

  • Ground Beef: Use turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
  • Lettuce: Substitute with arugula or spinach.

Steps

  1. Cook beef with spices, then melt cheese on top.
  2. Layer lettuce, beef, tomatoes, pickles, and any sides.
  3. Drizzle with burger sauce and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with baked fries or a milkshake for a diner-style meal.

FAQs

1. Can these recipes be made vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute tofu or plant-based meat for chicken or beef and use dairy-free cheese.

2. Are the recipes halal?

Use halal-certified chicken, beef, and sauces. For BBQ sauce, check for alcohol-free options.

3. How can I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

 

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