Cooking during the summer can be a mix of easy and challenging. Here in California, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of fresh produce and the convenience of grilling outside. But, the truth is, summer often means disrupted routines and more time spent away from home, whether it’s for travel or vacation.
The Importance of Easy Recipes on the Go
Being away from my home kitchen this month more than I’m in it can make it tough to stick to a healthy diet. However, I’ve found that having a few easy recipes in my back pocket can be a game-changer. These recipes often require only a handful of ingredients and are easily accessible at any local grocery store. They are easy to double or triple if you’ve got houseguests or just want to cook less and relax more. Eating leftovers over a salad the next night is a very smart idea.
Quick Smoky Marinade: A Travel-Friendly Recipe
One of my favorite quick recipes is a smoky marinade that works beautifully with shrimp and boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Lemons, garlic, and smoked paprika are my must-haves. These ingredients are versatile and easy to find, making them perfect for quick marinades. I often double the marinade and split it between the two proteins. This trick gives me two easy, healthy dinners that are perfect for my family. Pairing these with grilled zucchini, asparagus, and some marinated beans on the side makes for a complete, nutritious meal full of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Making Healthy Eating Simple
Having a few reliable recipes like this smoky marinade means I don’t have to rely solely on restaurants while traveling. Instead, I can whip up something healthy and delicious with minimal effort. This not only saves money but also ensures that we continue to eat well even when our routine is disrupted. Consider adding this recipe to your repertoire of easy meals – It’ll make a world of difference in maintaining a healthy diet and enjoying home-cooked meals, no matter where you are.
Cheers to healthy living,
Christina
Grilled Shrimp with Quick Smoky Marinade
Ingredients
- 2 lbs medium raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed and pat dry
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced 1 tsp of dried parsley or Italian seasoning works great, too
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp sea salt
- pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the shrimp to a medium sized glass bowl and whisk until emulsified. Add the shrimp and gently toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to a few hours.
- Thread the shrimp on skewers, leaving the excess marinade to drip back into the bowl. Grill over medium heat until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.