Summer is here, and the last thing you want is to heat up your kitchen with the oven! But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice delicious, homemade cooking. This blog post is dedicated to all the amazing food recipes you can make without ever turning on your oven. These easy recipes are perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and anyone looking for simple, delicious dishes. Get ready to explore the world of no-oven cooking!
One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon (Stovetop Version)
This recipe delivers all the flavour of oven-roasted salmon without the oven's heat. It's a quick, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the Pan: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Arrange lemon slices, rosemary, and thyme sprigs around the salmon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the salmon simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thicker fillets will require longer cooking time.
Variations:
- Add other herbs like dill or parsley.
- Use different citrus fruits like oranges or limes.
- Incorporate vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers to the pan for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta (Stovetop)
This recipe is a classic for a reason. It's simple, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. It showcases how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals without any oven time. This is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on taste.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream and Basil: Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve: Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use roasted tomatoes.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
- You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil (use about 1 tablespoon).
This is just a start! There are countless delicious food recipes that don't require an oven. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and enjoy the flexibility and ease of no-oven cooking. Happy cooking!