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!
1. Sesame Tofu and Broccoli
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
- Press tofu between paper towels for 30 minutes.
- Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and cornstarch to make the sauce.
- Coat tofu in cornstarch and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 25 minutes.
- 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
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
- Sauté onions and peppers until soft.
- Cook chicken with spices like cumin and chili powder.
- 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
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
- Coat chicken in BBQ sauce, mustard, and honey.
- Roast sweet potatoes for 20 minutes at 220°C (425°F).
- 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
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
- Cook beef with spices, then melt cheese on top.
- Layer lettuce, beef, tomatoes, pickles, and any sides.
- 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.