all things food
Enjoy the flavors of Asian and Thai with this spicy, savory peanut sauce recipe. Combining peanut butter with soy, sambal, lime juice, and ginger, it’s perfect as a dip for spring rolls or to drizzle on chicken or noodles.
This saucy Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick & easy recipe with lots of chicken and an irresistible sweet & tangy honey garlic sauce.
The post Honey Garlic Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.
After a busy day I love being able to whip up a quick dinner meal like this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. I almost always have all of the ingredients at home and saucy chicken recipes happen to be my family’s favorite! This dish includes lots of tender chicken that gets covered in a super delicious sweet & tangy honey garlic sauce. It’s simple enough to make for lunch or dinner, and is so good you might get a special request to make it every week!
It doesn’t take much to make this easy honey garlic chicken recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
I served this honey garlic chicken with a side of white rice and some sliced green onions on top. But you can also enjoy it with brown rice, vegetable fried rice or even cauliflower rice. Sautéed green beans or a side of this sesame cucumber salad would also taste great!
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Start by making the sauce. Combine the 1/3 cup honey, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sriracha, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.
Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1/2 inch sized pieces. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Then toss the chicken pieces in 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour until each piece is evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of oil. Swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Once the skillet is hot, add half of the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet onto a separate plate and set aside. Add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil and repeat with cooking the 2nd batch of chicken until cooked through. Set all of the chicken aside.
In the same skillet add 2 Tbsp of butter and lower the heat down to medium-low heat. Add four minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Next give the sauce another brief stir, then pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic. Stir the sauce and scrape up any browned bits that are stuck at the bottom of the skillet.
Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the cornstarch to activate and thicken the sauce.
Now add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir with the honey garlic sauce until all of the pieces are evenly coated. Continue to cook for 1-2 more minutes to allow the chicken to heat through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and top with sliced green onions. Enjoy with fluffy white or brown rice!
The post Honey Garlic Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.
This smoky, sweet, and perfectly charred BBQ Grilled Tofu recipe will make you forget all about meat—it’s THAT good!
The post BBQ Grilled Tofu appeared first on Budget Bytes.
If you invite me to your cookout and I see you’re serving this BBQ Grilled Tofu, please break it to me gently that I can’t live with you forever… because I’ll try! Tofu is so versatile, but I personally feel like extra firm tofu is always the way to go. The texture is consistent and pleasant (especially if you freeze it first!), and it’ll adopt whatever flavor you tell it to. For this recipe, I add some sticky BBQ sauce and sexy grill marks to make it EXTRA smoky and delicious. Even the most discerning meat lover will want to dig into this budget-friendly veggie option!
This BBQ grilled tofu is excellent on salads in place of chicken, but it’s a showstopper however you choose to plate it. The soy sauce and smoked paprika give the tofu a savory edge, while the BBQ sauce chars and caramelizes on the grill. And because I press AND freeze the tofu, it always has the perfect bite and doesn’t fall apart when flipped.
Tofu is made from soybeans, water, and a coagulant (an ingredient that helps the tofu solidify) and dates back over 2,000 years ago to China. The soybeans are soaked, ground into a milk-like liquid, and then curdled with the coagulant to separate the curds from the soy milk—similar to how cheese is made. The curds are then pressed to create the tofu we know and love.
Tofu is high in protein and contains ALL the essential amino acids your body requires to function like a Baywatch lifeguard this summer! It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, the price (even when you’re buying it organic) can’t be beat!
Here’s what you’ll need to make BBQ grilled tofu:
Choose your favorite BBQ sides to serve with this grilled tofu. My go-to’s are grilled vegetables, stovetop baked beans, or grilled corn on the cob! Anytime I can save on dishes and make a full meal on the grill, I’m all for it.
Pressing the tofu is one of the most important steps for this recipe. However, you DON’T need a tofu press! By all means, if you have one—use it. But the classic clean towel-heavy book combo works just as well. Place the tofu block between two clean towels and pop a heavy object (like a book) on top for at least 30 minutes to remove excess liquid.
Any leftover BBQ grilled tofu can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for sandwiches, wraps, and salads! If needed, you can reheat it on the grill or in a pan on the stovetop.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Place one block of extra firm tofu between two clean kitchen towels, then place some heavy cookbooks or a hefty cutting board on top to press the tofu and remove excess water. This will help the tofu hold its shape better when cooked. Leave the tofu to press for at least 30 minutes.
Cut the block of tofu in half and then cut each half diagonally to make 4 triangles. Using a sharp knife, lightly slice some shallow marks into both sides of the tofu triangles to help the yummy marinade absorb into the tofu better.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp sea salt, ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ Tbsp soy sauce.
Use a basting brush or spoon to generously coat each side of the pressed tofu triangles with the marinade. Place the coated tofu into a heavy-duty freezer bag or container. Pop this into the freezer for at least one hour. After that, let the tofu thaw at room temperature until you’re ready to cook it.* If it’s going to be more than 2 hours, place the tofu in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Preheat your grill to 400°F and brush the tofu pieces with 1 Tbsp BBQ sauce. Place the tofu onto the hot grill and sear for 4-5 minutes.
Flip the tofu and sear for a further 4 minutes. As it cooks, bast each piece with the remaining 1 Tbsp BBQ sauce.
Serve the grilled BBQ tofu with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
This smoky, sweet, and perfectly charred BBQ grilled tofu recipe will make you forget all about meat—it’s THAT good!
The post BBQ Grilled Tofu appeared first on Budget Bytes.
Cucumber salads are so refreshing. I love a classic cucumber salad, a white bean cucumber salad, and this Cucumber Edamame Salad. The salad comes together in no time! In a bowl, combine crunchy cucumbers, edamame, green onion, fresh herbs, and sesame s…
Cucumber salads are so refreshing. I love a classic cucumber salad, a white bean cucumber salad, and this Cucumber Edamame Salad. The salad comes together in no time! In a bowl, combine crunchy cucumbers, edamame, green onion, fresh herbs, and sesame seeds in a bowl. Whisk together a flavorful Asian inspired dressing and pour it… Enjoy this easy recipe for grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in a blend of olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy addition to your meal rotation.
This steak marinade is quick, easy, and oh-so-flavorful. Store in a mason jar for an easy marinade any day of the week.
Portobello mushroom burgers are a savory and vegetarian alternative to traditional beef burgers. The mushrooms are marinated before they are grilled to perfection.
Make this recipe for ginger honey garlic chicken tenders for dinner tonight. The whole family will love these super crispy, crunchy chicken tenders soaked in a sweet & sticky sauce!
Fire up the grill for a juicy, flavorful Turkey Burger! Made with soy sauce, Panko, and Parmesan, these burgers are so flavorful!
The post Turkey Burger appeared first on Budget Bytes.
We’ve got the grill fired up here at Budget Bytes and that means it’s officially summertime, baby! And what better way to kick off grilling season than with a juicy, flavorful Turkey Burger? I know the combination of soy sauce, panko, and parmesan might sound strange, but it’s the magical combination that put these turkey burgers on regular menu rotation at my house. My husband loves turkey burgers and always requests his with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese or extra grated Parmesan on top. Give it a try!
Turkey burgers can be a tricky thing, but there’s no need to fear them! They are extremely lean in comparison to beef burgers, so it’s important to pay close attention and pull them as soon as they reach the proper temperature to prevent them from turning out dry. If you REALLY want to enjoy your turkey burger, step one is: don’t expect it to be like a beef burger. Get ready for a completely different experience (and new future craving!)
Here’s what you’ll need to make a turkey burger:
This simple turkey burger recipe leaves plenty of room for interpretation, so raid the fridge and create your masterpiece! I added lettuce, tomato, red onion, and sharp cheddar cheese to mine. Here are some other ideas:
I love serving a healthy turkey burger with a side of Super Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad and Air Fryer Potatoes. It’s all about balance!
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb 85% lean ground turkey, 1 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp shredded Parmesan, and 3 Tbsp Panko breadcrumbs, using your hands to mix. Form 4 patties and set aside.
Preheat the grill to 375°F, but add your turkey burger patties to the grill while it’s still cold. The gradual increase in temperature will make sure the inside of your burger reaches proper doneness (165°F) while the outside has some color and is grilled to perfection!
Cook for 15 minutes on each side. Your burgers are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Fire up the grill! These turkey burgers are calling!
The post Turkey Burger appeared first on Budget Bytes.
If you’re looking to fire up a Meatless Monday tradition, this Air Fryer Tofu is super easy and tastes great.
The post Air Fryer Tofu appeared first on Budget Bytes.
This budget-friendly protein-packed tofu is begging to be the center of attention at your dinner table. If you’re looking to fire up a Meatless Monday tradition, or you’ve been on the tofu train for a long time, this Air Fryer Tofu is super easy and tastes great. I toss extra firm tofu in a simple soy sauce marinade and then drizzle with honey, sesame seeds, and green onions after it’s crisped up in the air fryer. The texture comes out perfect and the flavor profile is an easy hit with tofu experts and novices alike!
I remember when my relationship with tofu first started about 20 years ago. Tofu could be found in a big bucket of water in the bottom of a cooler at the health food store, and I had to fish it out with tongs. I remember thinking, “What IS this stuff?!” The various options for firm, extra firm, soft, or silken were hard to come by back then, but now tofu is experiencing a much-deserved Renaissance!
You can find tofu everywhere– and the variety! (Swoon.) Already marinated, soft, extra firm, cut into chicken-like shapes, you name it. Even your local Walmart or Aldi probably has it. We don’t have to break the bank at luxury grocery stores to find it any longer and thank goodness that container full of tofu and water is a thing of the past.
Delightfully crispy on the outside with a delightfully chewy center, this Air Fryer Tofu is good enough to convert anyone into a tofu lover. The freezing step of the tofu is one you won’t want to skip! It gives it a dense texture that holds up great with all kinds of sauces. I attempted many different recipes for Air Fryer Tofu, trying to keep things as easy and inexpensive as possible. This recipe yielded the best result every time!
You can add whatever herbs or seasonings you like to this recipe, but the soy sauce and sesame oil are keepers; they add umami and savory notes to otherwise bland tofu. Tofu is so versatile and easy to add flavor to with whatever marinade ingredients you like best.
Here’s what you’ll need to make crispy air fryer tofu:
My favorite way to serve this crispy air fryer tofu is over this delicious coconut rice! The slightly sweet and nutty flavor pairs so well with the savory, crispy tofu! For dipping, I love this sweet chili sauce (pictured) or homemade sweet and sour sauce.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Pat dry and freeze 1 (16-oz.) block of extra firm tofu for 1 hour, minimum.* Remove the tofu from the freezer and allow it to thaw to the point where it can be cut with a knife. (Notice the difference in texture with the frozen tofu on the left and the unfrozen on the right.)
Dice the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Gather 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp cornstarch.
Toss the cubed tofu with soy sauce and sesame oil. Then, lightly dust the dressed tofu with cornstarch, tossing or stirring until each piece is lightly covered.
Transfer to an air fryer basket and fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Garnish with 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp sesame seeds, and 1 sliced green onion. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of white rice.
Wonderfully chewy and crisp, this air fryer tofu is sure to be a hit!
The post Air Fryer Tofu appeared first on Budget Bytes.
