Delicious Meals: What's In The Pan?

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, the age-old question of what's in the pan? is a crucial one. The answer to this question can make or break a dish, and it's a topic that has sparked many debates and discussions in the culinary world. From choosing the right ingredients to deciding on the order in which they should be cooked, there are endless possibilities and techniques to explore. This topic is especially relevant for those who want to elevate their everyday cooking and create delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Chicken recipes

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some chicken recipes that can be made in a pan:

Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts

This is a quick and easy method for cooking chicken breasts, resulting in a crunchy crust and juicy meat. The basic steps involve coating the chicken with a flour mixture, heating oil in a skillet, and then frying the chicken for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. The recipe can be modified by using different types of flour, such as rice flour or almond flour, and adding various seasonings like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika.

Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts

This recipe involves pan-roasting chicken breasts with the skin on, which adds flavour and moisture. The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper, and cooked in olive oil with optional fresh herbs. After searing the chicken, vinegar and cold butter are added to the pan, creating a sauce. This dish is simple, fast, and delicious.

One-Pan Chicken Skillet Recipes

There are numerous one-pan chicken skillet recipes that can be explored, offering convenience and flavour. Some examples include Creamy Spinach Chicken, One-Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes, and Life-Changing Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs. These recipes often combine chicken with vegetables, grains, or sauces in a single skillet, creating a complete meal with minimal cleanup.

Stove Top Chicken Breasts

This recipe focuses on cooking juicy and tender chicken breasts on a stovetop. It involves seasoning the chicken with a dry mix of herbs and spices, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried basil. The chicken is then cooked in vegetable oil or canola oil in a skillet for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, with the addition of butter towards the end. This method ensures flavourful and moist chicken breasts.

Beef dishes

Beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from comforting stews to elegant dinner party centrepieces. Here are some ideas for beef dishes that can be cooked in a pan:

Mongolian Beef

A quick and easy dish that can be made in under 30 minutes, Mongolian beef is a stir-fry made with tender slices of beef coated in a sweet and savoury sauce. The beef is typically tenderised with cornstarch and seared in a skillet before being simmered in the sauce. This dish is commonly served over steamed rice or fried cellophane noodles.

Beef Stroganoff

A classic, comforting dish, beef stroganoff is made with beef, mushrooms and a creamy sauce. It can be served with egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Beef Bourguignon

Another classic beef dish, beef bourguignon is a French recipe featuring beef cooked in bacon fat with vegetables and red wine. It's a labour of love that's perfect for a special occasion or a cosy night in.

Cheeseburger Pasta

A fun and comforting dish, cheeseburger pasta combines two favourites: cheeseburgers and pasta. It's a simple, weeknight meal that can be made in one pan.

Beef and Noodles

A traditional Amish dish, beef and noodles features slow-cooked beef served with tender egg noodles in a rich broth. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for cold winter days.

Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

Ideal for a celebratory dinner, this dish features beef tenderloin served with a creamy mushroom sauce made from the pan drippings.

Pork recipes

Pork is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways. Here are some mouth-watering pork recipes that can be made in a pan:

Braised Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce

This recipe involves searing the pork and then braising it in a delicious sauce. Cut the pork into 1-inch cubes and sauté them in a pan with vegetable oil. For the sauce, mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, vegetable oil, and chili garlic sauce. Pour the sauce over the pork and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced. Serve this tasty dish over noodles or steamed rice!

Honey Garlic Pork

This recipe is perfect for garlic lovers! Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork pieces (sliced 1/4-inch thick) to the pan, being careful not to crowd them. Season the pork with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper while cooking. Sauté the pork until it is nicely browned. Add garlic and continue cooking for a minute. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in honey. Cook for a few more minutes until the honey coats the pork and thickens slightly.

Easy Garlic Ginger Glazed Sticky Pork

This recipe creates a delicious sticky glaze for the pork. Cut boneless center-cut pork loin into 1/4-inch thick slabs and then into strips. Sprinkle the pork strips with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the pork on both sides and then transfer to a plate. Add garlic and ginger to the pan and stir until fragrant. Pour in the sauce (a mixture of honey, sriracha, and rice wine vinegar) and bring to a boil. Toss the pork back into the pan and coat it with the thickened glaze. Serve immediately or let it cool and enjoy it cold!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

For this recipe, rub a pork shoulder or butt with a spice mix of garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, pepper, paprika, and brown sugar. Place the pork in a slow cooker on low for about 12 hours. Shred the meat and mix it with the liquid in the slow cooker. Add your favorite BBQ sauce, and your pulled pork is ready to be enjoyed!

Pasta recipes

One-Pan Pasta

Overview

This recipe is a quick, easy, and family-friendly meal that can be whipped up on weeknights. It's a no-fuss meal that uses only one cookware and any vegetables you like. The pasta cooks with the sauce and vegetables all together in one pan, resulting in a quicker dinner and cleanup.

Ingredients

• Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine)
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
• Onion, thinly sliced
• Garlic, thinly sliced
• Fresh basil
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Boiling water

Instructions

• Combine the pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large deep pan.
• Pour boiling water into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has nearly evaporated and a sauce has formed.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy warm.

Tips

• Salt the pasta before adding the boiling water to allow the linguine to absorb the full flavor while cooking.
• Vary the liquid used by using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for a more intense flavor.
• Watch the liquid as you cook, adding more water or broth if the sauce dries up before the pasta is fully cooked.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and adjust the amount of water or broth.

Desserts

Sex in a Pan

A unique name for a dessert, but this is a decadent and luscious treat. It is a layered dessert with a crunchy pecan crust, a cream cheese layer sweetened with powdered sugar, and chocolate and vanilla pudding layers. It is then topped with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. This dessert is perfect for any event, from children's parties to dinner parties.

Sheet Pan Desserts

Sheet pan desserts are ideal for feeding a crowd, and you can create a variety of treats with just one pan. Here are some ideas:

• Strawberry-and-Basil Pavlova: A gorgeous and easy-to-make dessert that can be prepared ahead of time.
• Pumpkin Slab Pie with Cinnamon-Maple Whipped Cream: A perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any large gathering.
• Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake: A delightful pairing of blueberries and lemon, with a fluffy and moist texture.
• Mississippi Mud Cake: A chocolate lover's dream, with various twist options like caramel-peanut or cupcakes.
• Pumpkin Bars: A festive and easy-to-make treat, perfect for fall holidays.
• Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake: A twist on the classic strawberry shortcake, with a crunchy top and soft, tender biscuit.
• Key Lime Slab Pie with Strawberry Whipped Cream: A Southern delight, featuring the beloved key limes and a light, fluffy topping.

Skillet Desserts

Skillets, especially cast-iron ones, are excellent for creating an evenly crispy crust for cakes, pies, and brownies. They also make for a rustic-looking serving vessel. Here are some skillet dessert ideas:

• Baked S'mores Skillet Dip: A fun and messy dessert that uses the same ingredients as the classic campfire treat.
• Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie: The Toll House favorite, but baked in a skillet for a convenient and gooey treat.
• Skillet Peach Cobbler: A toasty peach cobbler, topped with chopped pistachios, Greek yogurt, and honey for a Mediterranean twist.
• Skillet Blackberry Cobbler: A gorgeous rustic dessert, especially when topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Skillet Snickerdoodle Cookie: A giant cinnamon-fragrant cookie, best served with ice cream or caramel sauce.
• Apple Pie Skillet Cake: A quick and easy last-minute dessert that uses up your apple pickings.
• Skillet Pear Upside-Down Cake: The cast-iron skillet gives this cake a wonderful, slightly caramelized texture, best made with Bosc or Anjou pears.

Frequently asked questions