10-Minute Wonders: Recipes You Can Make Faster Than Delivery

In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of takeout is often hard to resist. However, with a little creativity and the right recipes, you can create delicious meals in your own kitchen that are not only healthier but also quicker than waiting for delivery. Here are some ultra-fast recipes that will have you enjoying a homemade meal in no more than 10-30 minutes, beating the speed of any takeout service.

10-Minute Wonders: Recipes

1. Crispy Gnocchi with Sausage and Sage Brown Butter

This recipe is a perfect example of how quick and elegant a meal can be. With just four ingredients, you can have a satisfying and flavorful dish on the table in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of gnocchi
• 1 sausage (such as Italian sausage), sliced
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage

Instructions:

• Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions.
• In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
• Add the chopped sage to the skillet and stir for a minute.
• Combine the cooked gnocchi with the sausage and sage brown butter. Serve immediately.

2. Chicken & Broccoli in 20 Minutes

This fast and easy one-pot recipe is a weeknight dinner saver. With minimal prep work, you can have a delicious and healthy meal ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups of broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
• Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook until it starts to soften, about 3 minutes.
• Return the chicken to the skillet, add the chicken broth and soy sauce, and stir to combine.
• Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender.

Also Read: Budget-Friendly Food Hacks: Save Money Without Sacrificing Flavor

3. Tuna Caesar Salad

For a quick, healthy, and filling meal, a Tuna Caesar Salad is an excellent choice. This recipe can be ready in about 15 minutes, and the homemade croutons make all the difference.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna in water, drained and flaked
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup of homemade croutons (or store-bought)
• 1 cup of Caesar dressing
• 1 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, flaked tuna, and homemade croutons.
• Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the top and serve.

4. Instant Pot Korean Beef

If you have an Instant Pot, this recipe can be a game-changer for quick meals. Ready in just 15 minutes, this Korean beef dish is flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef (such as ribeye or sirloin), sliced
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of Gochujang
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
• 1 cup of beef broth

Instructions:

• In the Instant Pot, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, Gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
• Add the beef broth to the Instant Pot and close the lid.
• Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes.
• Serve the beef with your choice of sides, such as rice or noodles.

5. Brown Sugar Salmon

For a quick and impressive main course, this brown sugar salmon recipe is ready in just 15 minutes. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a standout.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
• Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Brush the brown sugar mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.

6. Chicken Quesadilla

A classic Mexican dish, chicken quesadillas can be made in under 20 minutes. This recipe uses a clever technique to keep the ingredients from falling out.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 4 large tortillas
• Salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions:

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, onion, and garlic and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
• In a separate pan or griddle, warm the tortillas over medium heat.
• Place a portion of the cooked chicken mixture onto half of each tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
• Fold the tortillas in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
• Serve with salsa and sour cream.

7. Lasagna Soup

Who says lasagna has to be a time-consuming casserole? This lasagna soup captures all the flavors of the classic dish in a comforting and quick soup that’s ready in 25 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 cup of lasagna noodles
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
• Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and lasagna noodles to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve hot.

8. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This classic takeout staple can be made at home in less time than it takes for delivery. With a fast sauce made from pantry staples, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef (such as sirloin or ribeye), sliced
• 2 cups of broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
• Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet.
• Add the broccoli and garlic to the skillet and cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
• Return the beef to the skillet and add the beef broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir to combine.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Serve over rice.

9. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata

This seasonal recipe is a great way to use canned pumpkin and can be ready in just 25 minutes. The pine nut gremolata adds a delightful crunch and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 1 can of pumpkin puree
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1/4 cup of pine nuts
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
• In a saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• In a small bowl, mix together the pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
• Combine the cooked pasta with the pumpkin sauce and top with the pine nut gremolata. Serve immediately.

10. Swedish Meatballs with Chicken

Using ground chicken makes this Swedish meatballs recipe not only quicker but also more budget-friendly. Serve with reheated mashed potatoes for a comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
• Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
• In a saucepan, combine the beef broth and flour to make a gravy. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add the butter to the gravy and stir until melted. Serve the meatballs with the gravy over mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

These ultra-fast recipes prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or quality for the sake of speed. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and classic or something quick and exotic, there’s a recipe here that can satisfy your cravings and beat the speed of any takeout service. So next time you’re tempted to order in, consider giving one of these 10-minute wonders a try – your taste buds and your schedule will thank you.

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Additional Tips for Quick Cooking

• Stock Your Pantry: Keeping a well-stocked pantry with staples like canned goods, spices, and oils can make a big difference in how quickly you can whip up a meal.
• Prep Ahead: If you have a bit of extra time, prep ingredients like chopping vegetables or marinating meats ahead of time to save minutes during cooking.
• Use Convenience Items: Items like pre-cooked sausages, rotisserie chickens, and no-cook noodles can significantly reduce cooking time without compromising on flavor.
• Keep It Simple: Sometimes the simplest recipes are the quickest. Don’t be afraid to keep things basic and let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through.

By incorporating these tips and recipes into your cooking routine, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, homemade meals faster than you can say “takeout.” Happy cooking