7 Quick Express Cook Recipes for Busy Cooks

Life can get incredibly hectic, with work schedules, family commitments, and the many to-dos that fill our daily routine. Amidst all this, preparing a delicious meal can feel like a daunting task, especially for those who don't have the time or skill to cook up a storm in the kitchen. But what if we told you that you could whip up meals that are both nutritious and flavorsome within minutes? Welcome to the world of quick express cook recipes, where simplicity meets speed, and taste meets health.

Benefits of Quick Recipes

• Time-saving: These recipes are designed for those who are short on time but still want to eat well.
• Nutritional Value: Contrary to fast food options, these meals can pack a nutritious punch with fresh ingredients.
• Simplicity: No need for fancy techniques or expensive kitchen gadgets. Most require simple steps and common ingredients.
• Cost-effective: By cooking quickly, you reduce energy costs and can avoid eating out or buying processed meals.

Recipe 1: Avocado Toast with a Twist

This isn’t your ordinary avocado toast. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 slices of whole-grain bread
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small egg (optional)

Steps:

1. Toast the bread slices to your preferred level of crispiness.
2. Mash the avocado in a bowl, add salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Spread the avocado mix generously on the toast.
4. If you want, fry an egg and place it on top. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for an extra zing.

🍳 Note: Cooking an egg on top will only take an additional 3-5 minutes, and it’s worth it for the added protein and flavor!

Recipe 2: 10-Minute Pesto Pasta

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity:

• 200 grams of any pasta
• 1 jar of premade pesto sauce
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Boil water, add pasta, and cook as per package instructions.
2. While pasta is cooking, heat the pesto sauce in a separate pan.
3. Once the pasta is ready, drain it, reserving a bit of pasta water.
4. Mix the pasta with pesto, using a bit of pasta water to make it creamier if necessary.
5. Plate, sprinkle with parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Recipe 3: Microwave Chicken Tikka

Yes, you can make chicken tikka in the microwave. Here’s how:

• 200 grams of boneless chicken, cubed
• 1 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a marinade.
2. Coat the chicken thoroughly with this marinade.
3. Arrange the chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
4. Cook on high for 6-8 minutes, turning once halfway through.
5. Serve with a side salad or naan bread.

Recipe 4: One-Pot Veggie Fried Rice

A quick, one-pot wonder for your busy evenings:

• 1 cup of pre-cooked rice
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped veggies (carrots, peas, corn, onion)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 egg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add veggies and stir-fry until tender.
3. Add in the pre-cooked rice, soy sauce, and mix well.
4. If using an egg, push the rice to one side of the pan, crack the egg on the other side, scramble it, and then mix with rice.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe 5: Spicy Shrimp Taco Bowls

Bowls are the new plates, and this recipe is both quick and customizable:

• 200 grams of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• Cabbage slaw (or lettuce)
• Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese, as desired

Steps:

1. Season shrimp with taco seasoning.
2. Cook shrimp in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. While shrimp cooks, assemble the rest of your bowl with rice, veggies, and toppings.
4. Place the cooked shrimp on top.

Recipe 6: Quick Hummus Wrap

This wrap is perfect for a no-fuss lunch:

• 1 whole-grain tortilla
• ¹⁄₂ cup of store-bought or homemade hummus
• ¹⁄₄ cucumber, sliced
• Fresh spinach or arugula
• Tomato, sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced

Steps:

1. Spread hummus on the tortilla.
2. Layer with vegetables.
3. Roll tightly and serve or wrap to take on the go.

Recipe 7: Blender Salsa Chicken

This is one for the salsa fans:

• 200 grams of chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 cup of salsa
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin
• ¹⁄₂ tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. In a blender or food processor, blend salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken in this blend for 10 minutes.
3. Cook in a pan or on a grill until fully cooked.

As you juggle between work, home, and a thousand other things, these express cook recipes are your allies in providing nourishment without the stress of elaborate cooking. They prove that you can maintain a healthy, balanced diet even when time is tight, and with minimal effort, you can enjoy meals that are as good for your body as they are for your palate.

Now, let’s tackle some questions you might have about these quick meal solutions:

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

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Absolutely! These recipes are flexible. You can swap out chicken for tofu in the Blender Salsa Chicken, or replace avocado with other healthy fats like nut butter in the Avocado Toast. The key is to keep the flavors harmonious.

How can I meal prep with these recipes?

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Many of these recipes are ideal for meal prep. You can pre-make the Pesto Pasta, Microwave Chicken Tikka, or Veggie Fried Rice in larger quantities, then portion them out for quick reheating. Vegetables can also be chopped in advance for the week.

Are these recipes suitable for all dietary restrictions?

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These recipes are adaptable for various dietary needs. Replace pasta with gluten-free versions, use plant-based proteins like tofu or beans for vegetarian/vegan diets, and opt for low-carb options like cauliflower rice where possible.