Quick and Easy Meals Men Can Make at Home
- Written by Men's Weekly
Cooking at home doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or just looking for simple ways to eat well, there are plenty of quick and easy meal options that are perfect for men to make for themselves.
1. Speedy Stir-fries
Stir-fries are incredibly versatile and can be made in minutes. For a simple chicken stir-fry, cut chicken into 4cm pieces and season with salt and pepper. You can also use pre-cut vegetables to save time. Add some oil to a large, deep non-stick frying pan over high heat, then cook the chicken in batches until browned. You can add your favorite vegetables, a pre-made stir-fry sauce, and serve with rice. For a quick coconut rice, combine 300g long grain rice, 200ml coconut milk, and 400ml water in a large saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until liquid is absorbed.
2. Delicious and Simple Soups
Pre-made soups are a quick, easy, and delicious meal option for a busy workday. They cut down on the cost of buying many vegetables, reduce waste, and eliminate prep time. Pair with your favorite bread for a satisfying lunch.
3. Effortless Pasta Dishes
Pasta is a classic for a reason – it's quick and adaptable. Cook your preferred pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare a simple sauce. You could use a store-bought pesto, a quick marinara, or even just some olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes. Add some cooked chicken or ground meat for added protein.
4. Easy Chicken Dishes
Chicken is a lean protein that cooks quickly. You can try a simple baked chicken breast with roasted vegetables, or a chicken schnitzel. For a chicken katsu sando, combine chicken and buttermilk in a large bowl, season with salt, and refrigerate. Then, dust in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs. Cook in a frying pan until crisp and cooked through.
5. Smart Meal Prep
Even if you're aiming for quick meals, a little meal prep can go a long way in saving time and reducing stress during the week. Starting with small wins, like prepping just one breakfast or lunch at a time, can be helpful. Creating a ritual that feels good, such as Sunday prep with music, can also make it more enjoyable. Meal prepping can boost confidence, reduce financial stress, and keep balanced eating on track. If you're concerned about eating the same lunch repeatedly, try incorporating variety into your diet with different meal options.
By focusing on simple ingredients and minimal steps, you can easily prepare delicious and healthy meals at home, even with a busy schedule.
and then there is pizza !
How Hard Is It to Make Pizza at Home?
Making pizza at home can range from incredibly easy to a more involved culinary project, depending on how authentic and from-scratch you want to go. For those looking for quick and convenient options, there are numerous ways to enjoy delicious homemade pizza without extensive effort.
Effortless Options for Home Pizza Making:
Pre-made bases and simple toppings: This is arguably the easiest way to make pizza at home. By using pre-made pizza bases, you eliminate the need for dough preparation. Simply add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake.
Ready-to-cook pizza ovens: Appliances like the Gozney Roccbox are designed for ease of use and can cook a Neapolitan pizza in just 60 seconds once pre-heated. These portable ovens reach high temperatures (up to 500°C), replicating the performance of professional ovens. Similarly, the Cozze 13 Inch Gas Pizza Oven connects to a gas source and can cook pizzas in two minutes after pre-heating. These ovens are also suitable for other foods like tortillas, flatbread, calzones, and even steaks.
Chocolate Pizza Wheels: For a sweet twist, the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory offers Valentine’s Day Pizza Wheels, which are chocolate bases with various sweet toppings like marshmallow rocky road and honeycomb. These are available to buy online or in the factory.
Dessert Pizzas: Pizza Hut offers a "Loaded Cookie with NUTELLA®," an 8-in-1 giant vanilla cookie drizzled with hazelnut spread, available for delivery.
More Involved Home Pizza Making (but still manageable):
If you're willing to dedicate a bit more time, making your own dough can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your homemade pizza. There are many simple dough recipes available that require basic ingredients and minimal kneading.
Experiment with sauces and toppings: Beyond the traditional, you can explore various sauce bases (like white sauces or pesto) and a wide array of fresh ingredients for toppings.
Specialized equipment: While not essential, a pizza stone or steel can help achieve a crispier crust in a standard oven. The Gozney Dome, for example, is an outdoor oven designed to roast, steam, grill, and bake, and can reach temperatures of 500°C. It features a thick stone floor and excellent insulation for stable cooking temperatures.
Tips for Success:
High heat is key: For a truly great pizza, especially Neapolitan-style, high temperatures are crucial for a quick cook and bubbly crust. This is where dedicated pizza ovens shine.
Don't overload your pizza: Too many toppings can lead to a soggy crust.
Preheat thoroughly: Ensure your oven or pizza oven is fully preheated to the desired temperature before placing your pizza in.
Ultimately, the "hardness" of making pizza at home is entirely up to you. With a range of products and methods available, anyone can enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade pizza.
