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20 Minute Weeknight Dinner Ideas | Easy Family Dinner Recipes by MOMables

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MOMables - Laura Fuentes
MOMables - Laura Fuentes
216 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
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Recipes in this Video

5 recipes

Originating from Mexico, tostadas are a versatile dish made from fried corn tortillas topped with various ingredients. Traditionally, they serve as a base for beans, meats, and fresh vegetables, making them a staple in Mexican cuisine. Tostadas are often enjoyed during celebrations and gatherings, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Mexican cooking. Today, they have gained popularity worldwide, with countless variations to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

  • corn tortillas
  • refried beans
  • shredded lettuce
  • diced tomatoes
  • sour cream
  • shredded cheese
  • sliced jalapeños
  • avocado
  • cooked chicken or beef
  • cilantro
  • lime
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Fry corn tortillas one at a time until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. 3Remove tortillas and drain on paper towels.
  4. 4Spread a layer of refried beans on each crispy tortilla.
  5. 5Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños.
  6. 6Add cooked chicken or beef if using, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  7. 7Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  8. 8Garnish with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.
  9. 9Squeeze lime juice over the top before serving.
  10. 10Serve immediately for the best texture.

Ingredient Alternatives

sour cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

shredded cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast adds flavor without dairy

cooked chicken or beef

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans provide protein at a lower cost

Techniques

frying

Equipment

deep skilletslotted spoonpaper towels
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumdairy

Also Known As

Tostadas MexicanasCrispy Tortillas

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 8 tostada shells
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
  3. 3Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes to crisp them up.
  4. 4Remove the tostada shells from the oven and evenly distribute the BBQ chicken mixture on top of each shell.
  5. 5Top each tostada with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
  6. 6If desired, add sliced jalapeños on top for extra heat.
  7. 7Return the assembled tostadas to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro.
  9. 9Serve hot with sour cream on the side.

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking sheetoven
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low
pescatarian

Mango shrimp is a vibrant dish often enjoyed in Caribbean cuisine, where fresh seafood and tropical fruits are abundant. The combination of sweet mango and savory shrimp reflects the region's culinary traditions, making it a popular choice for summer gatherings and festive occasions. This dish showcases the balance of flavors typical in Caribbean cooking, emphasizing freshness and bold tastes.

Ingredients

  • shrimp
  • mango
  • red onion
  • cilantro
  • lime juice
  • jalapeño
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Peel and devein the shrimp, then marinate in lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2Dice the mango, red onion, and jalapeño.
  3. 3Chop the cilantro and mix all the diced ingredients in a bowl.
  4. 4Add the marinated shrimp to the bowl and toss gently.
  5. 5Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  6. 6Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
  7. 7Serve the shrimp topped with the mango salsa.

Ingredient Alternatives

shrimp

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: canned tuna

Tofu is lower in calories and provides plant-based protein, while canned tuna is often more affordable.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is rich in healthy fats, while vegetable oil is usually cheaper.

Techniques

marinatingmixinggrilling

Equipment

grillmixing bowlskilletknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumshellfish

Also Known As

Shrimp with Mango SalsaMango Prawn Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  3. 3Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. 4Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  5. 5Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  6. 6Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. 7Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until well combined.
  8. 8Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover the skillet. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  9. 9Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or chopped green onions if desired.

Equipment

large potskilletcolanderspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low
pescatarian

Originating from Southeast Asia, this dish combines the sweetness of ripe mango with succulent shrimp, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It's often enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or served at gatherings to impress guests with its vibrant colors and tropical taste. As global cuisine has evolved, variations have emerged, incorporating different proteins and vegetables, making it a versatile favorite in many households.

Ingredients

  • shrimp
  • mango
  • bell pepper
  • onion
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • soy sauce
  • lime juice
  • sesame oil
  • green onions
  • carrots
  • red pepper flakes
  • cornstarch
  • water
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. 4In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and carrots; stir-fry until tender, about 5 minutes.
  5. 5Add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. 6Stir in mango and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  7. 7In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, lime juice, cornstarch, and water; whisk until smooth.
  8. 8Pour sauce into the skillet and stir to combine, cooking until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  9. 9Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  10. 10Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  11. 11Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

shrimp

Healthier: chicken breast

Cheaper: tofu

Tofu is a plant-based protein that is less expensive.

mango

Healthier: pineapple

Cheaper: canned peaches

Canned peaches are often cheaper and still provide sweetness.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Liquid aminos are a gluten-free alternative.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is a more cost-effective cooking oil.

Techniques

sautéingstir-frying

Equipment

large skilletsmall bowlwhiskcutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumshellfishsoy

Also Known As

Mango Prawn Stir-FryMango Shrimp Sauté

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