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Mushroom Tart

June 22, 2022 by Tanya 4 Comments

Browned mushrooms baked on puff pastry.

Perfect for a lunch or light dinner, this puff pastry mushroom tart is one tasty meat-free recipe. With flavors of onion, garlic, thyme and balsamic, and with two types of cheese, this simple recipe is sure to impress.

A mushroom tart cut into squares to serve.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

This simple recipe is a must for all of my mushroom and cheese lovers! Perfect for a light lunch, brunch or dinner, this mushroom tart is wonderfully flavorful and a real joy to make, serve and eat!

A puff pastry sheet is topped with gruyere and parmesan cheese, before adding the mushrooms that are cooked with shallots, garlic and balsamic. Every bite is an explosion of flavor.

Serve this up with your favorite salad side for one delicious meal.

Be sure to try my Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms too!

Mushrrom tart cut into squares on a baking sheet.

How to make this mushroom tart recipe

Gather your ingredients. You'll need the following:

  • Mushrooms - Any kind of mushrooms works but I love using baby bella (also known as cremini) mushrooms. You could also use white button mushrooms.
  • Puff Pastry - any store-bought puff pastry works fine. If frozen, make sure to defrost according to the instructions on the package. You could also use any homemade puff pastry.
  • Seasonings -  shallots, dried thyme, garlic cloves, and balsamic vinegar give amazing flavor to this mushroom tart.
  • Cheese - I use both gruyere cheese and parmesan cheese.
  • Oil, butter, and egg - You'll need to cook the shallots, garlic and mushrooms in a little fat before adding them to the tart. An egg wash will make the puff pastry nice and golden.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots, and dried thyme and saute for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and saute until fragrant. Then remove the shallots and garlic from the skillet.
Shallots and garlic being sautéed.
  • Add the olive oil to the skillet. Once it is heated add the mushrooms in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the mushrooms are browned, add the shallots and garlic back into the skillet, followed by the balsamic vinegar. Cook until the vinegar caramelizes.
Mushrooms being browned in a skillet.
  • Place the pastry sheet on a sheet pan and use a knife to score the edges of the puff pastry creating a border. Then poke holes in the bottom of the puff pastry using a fork. Do not poke holes in the border
  • Top the puff pastry with gruyere and parmesan cheese, followed by the mushroom mixture. Brush the egg on the border of the puff pastry. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Top with chopped parsley before serving.
Cheese and mushrooms topping a puff pastry sheet.

What are the best mushrooms to use?

I used cremini mushrooms to make this tart, but you can use any fresh mushrooms you like or a mix of different varieties. Portobello, chestnut or shitake will all work great. Slice them fairly thinly before cooking, and be sure to brown them well to get rid of their moisture.

Can you make it ahead of time?

I prefer to serve this mushroom tart warm out of the oven, but leftovers will keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be served cold or reheated. You can cook up the mushrooms a day or two ahead of time and keep the refrigerated, that way it will just take a few minutes to prep before baking.

What do you serve it with?

This flavorful vegetarian tart is wonderful served up with a side salad for a brunch, lunch or light dinner. I like to garnish it with some fresh parsley for a pop of color. Try it with some of these favorites salads:

  • Creamy Dill Potato Salad
  • Carrot Raisin Salad
  • Fresh Corn Salad
  • Kale and Broccoli Salad
A mushroom tart cut into pieces and garnished with fresh parsley.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Be sure to cook the mushrooms well to remove the water that they hold. This will help to stop the pastry from getting soggy.
  • If your puff pastry sheet is frozen, be sure to allow time for it to defrost before topping and baking.
  • I use dried thyme, but other dried herbs can be used.
  • Try adding some blue cheese or crispy bacon bits to the tart for a different flavor.

More Mushroom Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms
  • Air Fryer Fried Mushrooms
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Mushroom and Parmesan Instant Pot Risotto
A mushroom tart cut into squares to serve.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Mushroom Tart

Perfect for a lunch or light dinner, this puff pastry mushroom tart is one tasty meat-free recipe. With flavors of onion, garlic, thyme and balsamic, and with two types of cheese, this simple recipe is sure to impress.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time40 minutes mins
Total Time50 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese and mushroom tart, puff pastry mushroom tart, vegetarian mushroom tart
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 334kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 shallots thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 12 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 puff pastry sheet
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg whisked
  • Parsley for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots, and dried thyme and saute for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and saute until fragrant. Then remove the shallots and garlic from the skillet.
  • Add the olive oil to the skillet. Once it is heated add the mushrooms in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the mushrooms are browned, add the shallots and garlic back into the skillet, followed by the balsamic vinegar. Cook until the vinegar caramelizes.
  • Place the pastry sheet on a sheet pan and use a knife to score the edges of the puff pastry creating a border. Then poke holes in the bottom of the puff pastry using a fork. Do not poke holes in the border
  • Top the puff pastry with gruyere and parmesan cheese, followed by the mushroom mixture. Brush the egg on the border of the puff pastry. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Top with parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Be sure to cook the mushrooms well to remove the water that they hold. This will help to stop the pastry getting soggy.
  • If your puff pastry sheet is frozen, be sure to allow time for it to defrost before topping and baking.
  • I use dried thyme, but other dried herbs can be used.
  • Try adding some blue cheese or crispy bacon bits to the tart for a different flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 327mg | Potassium: 217mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 294IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 239mg | Iron: 2mg

Top 21 Summer Recipes

June 21, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

summer recipes pinterest image

We're in the thick of summer which means less time to cook and more time to chill in the sun. This recipe roundup should give you several ideas to help you enjoy your summer to the max while still providing delicious meals for your family.

The perfect summer recipes are, of course, easy summer recipes. These recipes will be delicious and easy to make! If the kids are home from school with you they would enjoy helping you pull them together!

How to make the perfect summer feast?

For summer recipes, make foods that are easy and fast to make. Summer is great for grilling, quick pasta dishes, and easy summer salads.

Easy Summer Recipes

Quick and Easy Jamaican Banana Fritters

This popular Caribbean recipe is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas. Made with a few ingredients and fried quickly on the stovetop, this recipe is perfect for those summer mornings.

Creamy Yellow Squash Soup

Simple and easy to make, this delicious yellow squash soup is the perfect way to make the most of the season’s produce. Ready to serve in around 30 minutes, it’s perfect to serve for lunch or a sit-down appetizer.

Easy Southern Pickled Shrimp

These Southern pickled shrimp are one delicious and easy appetizer! Fun and colorful to serve, they are perfectly briny with just a little spice. They make for a wonderful addition to serve at a party.

Rasta Pasta

This easy shrimp Rasta Pasta recipe is a delicious way to mix up your weeknight meals! This Caribbean-style pasta is made with my homemade jerk seasoning and is loaded full of flavor.

Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) BBQ Chicken

It’s so quick and easy to make a batch of shredded BBQ chicken in your pressure cooker. You just need four ingredients and it’s ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes! For best results, use my bbq seasoning and bbq sauce, or use whichever is your favorite.

BBQ Air Fryer Ribs

Speaking of BBQ, how about tender flavorful ribs that are ready in less than an hour. Thanks to the air fryer, it's totally possible.

North Carolina Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This BBQ Pork recipe is made with NC Western-style BBQ sauce. This shredded pork is perfect for those long summer days.

Homemade BBQ Sauce

This thick and sweet BBQ sauce is perfect for all your summertime BBQ needs. It's homemade and the perfect balance of flavor to add to any of your favorite BBQ meats.

Vinegar BBQ Sauce (North Carolina Style)

You can't have summertime without delicious BBQ! This NC Western-style bbq sauce is a vinegar-based sauce that goes well with dishes like pulled pork or chicken. Make a huge batch and use it for all your summertime BBQs.

Nashville Style Hot Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer Recipe)

These Nashville style hot chicken tenders are so easy to make in the air fryer! These tenders are so wonderfully crispy and juicy, they rival any you’ve had in a restaurant! Ready to serve in less than half an hour.

Quick and Easy Mongolian Beef

If you are looking to mix up your weekly meals, this easy Mongolian beef is perfect for you! This rich and flavorful dish is on the table in 20 minutes and is a dish the whole family will love. Serve with rice or noodles for a filling and well balanced weeknight dinner.

Quinoa Avocado Salad

This salad is perfect for summer! It makes a big batch for a big family but believe me, they'll love it. Feel free to cut the recipe in half for less people.

Shrimp and Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe

There isn't much better than seasoned shrimp, spinach, and bacon covered in a delicious dressing. This Shrimp and Bacon Spinach Salad is the perfect quick recipe for the summer months.

Beet and Orange Salad

Beets come alive during the summer time heat. Pair these roasted beets with orange and top it with a delicious sweet orange dressing. Feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and arugula are added to make this the perfect summer salad.

Southern Cucumber Salad

This Southern cucumber salad is a refreshing and healthy way to cool down on hot summer days. Made with a simple red vinegar dressing, it's the perfect quick and easy refreshing salad.

Zesty and Easy Grilled Marinated Vegetables

There's nothing like grilled vegetables to beat the summer heat. Covered in an easy lemony dressing, these vegetables are the perfect summer side for all your outdoor cooking.

Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables Recipe

Sometimes the weather is just too hot to turn on the oven or go outside to grill. That's when these marinated vegetables in the air fryer come in hand. Made with your favorite summer vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, this recipe is perfect for those long summer days.

Broccoli Slaw

This easy broccoli slaw is covered in a range and delicious vinegar dressing that makes the flavors pop. It's the perfect cool side dish to accompany any summer feast.

Fresh Corn Salad Recipe

With a refreshing honey vinaigrette, this corn salad is perfect for picnics and cookouts. The fresh ingredients will make you forget all about your winter cold!

Southern Potato Salad Recipe

The perfect side dish for any occasion, this Southern potato salad is tangy and creamy. Easy enough to make on the fly or ahead so you can enjoy it at your next BBQ!

Southern Chess Pie

Looking for a summer dessert recipe? Then this delicious and easy to make Southern Chess Pie is a perfect choice! Made with a few simple ingredients, I just know you will love this sweet and rich pie! Use homemade pie crust or store bought.

This post was originally published on July 15, 2021. It has been updated with additional recipes.

Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning Recipe

June 21, 2022 by Tanya 3 Comments

homemade spice blend mixed with spoon sticking out and parsley on left

This all-purpose seasoning blend is the perfect mix of spices that all home cooks should have on hand. Made with everyday spices, this will elevate any meat, seafood, or vegetable recipe.

homemade spice blend mixed with spoon sticking out and parsley on left

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

I started making my homemade spice blends years ago once I realized what a pain it is to grab five spice bottles from the pantry, especially on busy weeknights. Rather than grabbing different spice bottles from the pantry every time you're in the kitchen, take some time to make this spice blend ahead of time and use it as your everyday seasoning.

This homemade seasoning is incredibly easy to use and can be added to any dish to enhance its flavor. Simply sprinkle it on top of whatever you're cooking, like burgers, fish, or chicken, or add it to your favorite soups and stews.

Be sure to try my homemade bbq seasoning and fish seasoning too.

What is all-purpose seasoning?

It is a blend of spices that can add flavor to any dish. The mix includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices are in many recipes, and combining them all in one beforehand will add tons of flavor to your food.

The ingredients for all-purpose seasoning

seasonings in white bowl with measuring spoons next to it

This all-purpose seasoning blend only uses seven ingredients! Feel free to start here and add or sub as you wish. This recipe includes:

  • Kosher Salt
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Black pepper
  • Dried Oregano
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne pepper

How to make your all-purpose seasoning blend

Mix all ingredients and store it in an airtight container.

How to use all-purpose seasoning

You can use this seasoning to flavor any dish, whether it's meat, stews, or snacks. Add all-purpose seasoning before cooking to flavor meat, vegetables, or fish and seafood.

If flavoring a stew, like stewed chicken or curry, add the all-purpose seasoning to the meats before making the stew. The same goes for meats like pork chops and ribs, add the seasoning to the meat prior to cooking. 

Use 2-3 teaspoons of all-purpose seasoning per pound of meat, seafood, or vegetables.

You can also sprinkle all-purpose seasoning on your favorite snacks, like crispy chickpeas or popcorn.

Instructions for storage

Store this DIY all-purpose seasoning in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for several months. Make sure to use dried spices that are not stale. Stale spices will lead to a blend with no flavor.  

Why make your own seasoning blend?

One of the benefits of all-purpose seasoning is that you control the ingredients. If you are trying to watch your sodium intake, then using all-purpose seasoning can be a great way to flavor your food without adding extra salt. All-purpose seasoning can also help to boost the flavor of any dish that might be lacking in flavor. If your food is starting to taste a bit bland, then adding all-purpose seasoning can help to give it a little boost.

homemade spice blend mixed with spoon holding spice up

Notes on all-purpose seasoning

  • Feel free to change up this seasoning to suit your taste. Use the herbs and spices you think will go best in your dish. Some suggestions include changing the herb from oregano to dried dill, basil, or crushed rosemary. If you want a smokier flavor, sub smoked paprika for the paprika in this recipe. You could add a bit of sugar for a sweet and salty blend.
  • The benefit of this blend is that you control the number of spices and salt. Make this blend salt free by eliminating the salt or drastically reducing it.
  • I use Kosher salt in this recipe but feel free to use any salt you prefer. If using table salt, you will need to lessen the amount of salt as table salt is denser and would lead to salty seasoning.
  • You'll want to make sure you're using dried herbs and spices, as this will allow your seasoning to be stored for longer.
  • Make a big batch or small batch by adjusting the amounts of ingredients.
  • Make sure that your ingredients aren't stale. Rub a little of each between your fingers; if they release an aroma, they are good to use.

Looking for more homemade seasoning blends and sauces? Try these out:

  • Jerk seasoning
  • Homemade chicken seasoning
  • Jamaican Curry Powder

 If you have tried this Homemade spice blend, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

homemade spice blend mixed with spoon sticking out and parsley on left
Print Recipe
4.72 from 7 votes

Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning Recipe

This all-purpose seasoning blend is the perfect mix of spices that all home cooks should have on hand. Made with everyday spices, this will elevate any meat, seafood, or vegetable recipe.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: American
Keyword: all-purpose seasoning
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 8kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Combine in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.
  • Use to season your meats, seafood, vegetables, and stews.
  • Use 1-2 teaspoons of seasoning per pound of food.

Notes

  • This makes about ⅓ cup of seasoning. 
  • The benefit of this blend is that you control the number of spices and salt. Make this blend salt free by eliminating the salt or drastically reducing it.
  • I use Kosher salt in this recipe but feel free to use any salt you prefer. If using table salt, you will need to lessen the amount of salt as table salt is denser and would lead to salty seasoning.
  • Make sure that your ingredients aren't stale. Rub a little of each between your fingers; if they release an aroma, they are good to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 1397mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 227IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Beet and Orange Salad

June 16, 2022 by Tanya 4 Comments

Overhead shot of roasted beet and orange salad in a white bowl.

Colorful and full of texture and flavor, this roasted beet and orange salad is a delicious side dish to serve alongside your favorite meals. Made with arugula and topped with feta cheese and walnuts, this vibrant salad is sure to become your favorite thing!

Beet and orange salad with arugula.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Beets are one of my favorite veggies, and this salad is going to be on repeat for me this summer!

Sweet and earthy beets are served with arugula and juicy orange segments and topped with salty feta and crunchy roasted walnuts before being tossed in a honey and orange vinaigrette. This salad is vibrant in color and flavor.

Simple to make, this beet and orange salad comes together easily with a few fresh ingredients for a side salad that's perfect to enjoy in the warmer weather.

Be sure to try my Beet Soup Recipe and Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips too!

Beet and orange salad in a white bowl next to serving spoons.

How to make beet and orange salad

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place peeled and cut beets in a greased baking dish and cover with olive oil. Bake for 40 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and set aside.
Roasted beets in a baking dish.
  • While the beets are roasting, place all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl and mix to combine.
The salad dressing in a glass bowl.
  • Once the beets are done, Add the arugula to a large bowl. Pour half the dressing over the arugula and toss to coat.
  • Top the salad with roasted beets, oranges, walnuts, and feta cheese crumbles. Then pour the remaining dressing over the salad. Serve and enjoy.
The salad tossed together in a white bowl.

Can you make it ahead of time?

This beet and orange salad is best served as soon as it's made so that the arugula doesn't wilt and the oranges are super fresh and juicy. To get ahead of things, you can roast the beets a day ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge, that way, it will take minutes to build the salad when you are ready to serve it.

Can you make it a fuller meal?

As it is, this salad makes for a refreshing and colorful side dish that will be a welcome accompaniment to any table. You can easily turn this into a full meal that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner by adding in some protein. Cooked chicken breast works wonderfully, or add in some chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

What do you serve it with?

The sweetness and freshness of this salad work wonderfully with chicken, beef, and seafood. It's a great option for your summer BBQs too! Try it with some of these favorites:

  • Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
  • Shredded Italian Beef Sandwiches
  • Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
  • Easy Oven Baked Salmon
Arugula salad with roasted beets and sliced oranges.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Make this recipe vegan by swapping the honey in the dressing for maple syrup, and skipping the feta.
  • The arugula can be swapped for other greens like romaine lettuce or baby spinach.
  • Let the beets cool a little before tossing them with the other ingredients. If they are too hot, the arugula will wilt.

More Salad Recipes

  • Creamy Dill Potato Salad
  • Fresh Corn Salad
  • Black-Eyed Pea Salad
  • Southern Style Macaroni Salad
Overhead shot of roasted beet and orange salad in a white bowl.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Beet and Orange Salad

Colorful and full of texture and flavor, this roasted beet and orange salad is a delicious side dish to serve alongside your favorite meals. Made with arugula and topped with feta cheese and walnuts, this vibrant salad is sure to become your favorite thing!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time40 minutes mins
Total Time50 minutes mins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beetroot salad recipe, orange salad with beets, roasted beet salad
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 298kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 6 beets peeled and cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 3 oranges peeled and cut into segments
  • ½ cup toasted chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup feta cheese crumbles

Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the beets in a greased baking dish and cover with olive oil. Bake for 40 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and set aside.
  • While the beets are roasting, place all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl and mix to combine.
  • Once the beets are done, Add the arugula to a large bowl. Pour half the dressing over the arugula and toss to coat.
  • Top the salad with roasted beets, oranges, walnuts, and feta cheese crumbles. Then pour the remaining dressing over the salad. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • This salad is best served when made.
  • Make this recipe vegan by swapping the honey in the dressing for maple syrup, and skip the feta.
  • The arugula can be swapped for other greens like romaine lettuce or baby spinach.
  • Let the beets cool a little before tossing with the other ingredients. If they are too hot, the arugula will wilt.
  • To toast walnuts - The walnut pieces can be toasted in the oven on a sheet pan or on the stovetop. To toast in the oven, lay the walnuts on a sheet pan and place them in a preheated oven of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Toast for 8-10 minutes. To toast on the stovetop, add walnuts to a non-stick skillet and allow to toast on medium heat for 4-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 470mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 393IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 1mg

Southern Cucumber Salad

June 15, 2022 by Tanya 7 Comments

Southern cucumber salad with red onion in a bowl with wooden salad spoons.

Fresh, zingy and refreshing, this Southern cucumber salad comes together quickly and easily with a few simple ingredients. Tossed in a red wine vinaigrette, this healthy and light salad is perfect for the summertime.

Southern cucumber salad with red onion in a bowl with wooden salad spoons.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

If you've got some fresh cucumbers to use up, this salad is a must make! So easy to make and super tangy and refreshing, this Southern cucumber salad is perfect for those summer cookouts.

Made from scratch and low in fat, calories and carbs, this is a great accompaniment to your BBQ feast, or, serve it alongside your favorite weeknight dinners.

Thinly sliced cucumber and red onion is tossed in a simple red wine dressing for a bold and delicious bite.

Be sure to try my Sweet Chili Thai Cucumber Salad and Cucumber Ginger Juice too!

How to make Southern cucumber salad

  • Place sliced cucumbers in a colander that has been placed over a bowl or dish. Sprinkle kosher salt over sliced cucumbers. Stir to ensure salt gets over all the cucumbers. Let sit for about 15-30 minutes. The liquid will drip from the cucumbers.
Slicing the cumbers.
Salting the cucumbers.
Draining the water from the cucumber slices.
  • Using a paper towel or clean kitchen towel, remove excess moisture from the cucumber slices and place the slices in a large bowl.
  • Add red onion, red wine vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using) to the bowl and stir till combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve and enjoy.
Sliced red onion and cucumbers in a bowl.

Do you have to salt the cucumbers?

Salting the cucumbers removes excess water so that your salad is nice and crunchy and water doesn't pool in the bottom. If you are serving this straight away, then you can skip this step, but the flavors are best when the salad is chilled for at least an hour before serving.

What else can you add to this salad?

This Southern cucumber salad is super delicious just as it is, but you can easily adapt it to suit your own tastes. For a creamy salad, stir in a little sour cream, or try adding fresh herbs like dill, cilantro or basil for a different flavor. You can also add in other thinly sliced crunchy veggies like carrot or radish too.

What do you serve it with?

This refreshing salad is a great addition to a cookout, potluck or BBQ and it's great to take on picnics. It works great with all kinds of chicken, fish and meat dishes, try it with some of these favorites:

  • Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
  • Crispy Air Fryer Fish
  • Air Fryer Steak Bites
  • Sous Vide Pork Chops
Southern cucumber salad served in a white bowl.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Salting the cucumber will allow the dressing to stick to the cucumbers and keep them crunchy.
  • Any kind of cucumbers will work in this recipe. If your cucumber has a waxy exterior, consider peeling it before making this recipe.
  • Make it your own by adding fresh herbs like dill or basil.

More Salad Recipes

  • Creamy Dill Potato Salad
  • Fresh Corn Salad
  • Black-Eyed Pea Salad
  • Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Southern cucumber salad with red onion in a bowl with wooden salad spoons.
Print Recipe
5 from 6 votes

Southern Cucumber Salad

Fresh, zingy and refreshing, this Southern cucumber salad comes together quickly and easily with a few simple ingredients. Tossed in a red wine vinaigrette, this healthy and light salad is perfect for the summertime.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Chill Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cucumber red onion salad, easy cucumber salad, vegan cucumber salad
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 39kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized cucumbers thinly sliced (about 1 lb)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ red onion sliced
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

  • Place sliced cucumbers in a colander that has been placed over a bowl or dish. Sprinkle kosher salt over sliced cucumbers. Stir to ensure salt gets over all the cucumbers. Let sit for about 15-30 minutes. The liquid will drip from the cucumbers.
  • Using a paper towel or clean kitchen towel, remove excess moisture from the cucumber slices and place the slices in a large bowl.
  • Add red onion, red wine vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using) to the bowl and stir till combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Salting the cucumber will allow the dressing to stick to the cucumbers and keep them crunchy.
  • Any kind of cucumbers will work in this recipe. If your cucumber has a waxy exterior, consider peeling it before making this recipe.
  • Make it your own by adding fresh herbs like dill or basil.

Nutrition

Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1169mg | Potassium: 249mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

What is Oxtail?

June 14, 2022 by Tanya 6 Comments

raw oxtail

Everything you need to know about oxtail, from how to prepare this humble cut of meat, to the health benefits of oxtail, and everything in between!

oxtail inside pot

If you’ve never purchased, prepared, or tried oxtail meat, you probably have a lot of questions. Like, what is it made of? Is oxtail from an actual tail? And, what the heck is an ox?

Let’s start at the beginning - or because we’re talking about a tail, the end! Oxtail is a cross-cut section of beef that a butcher cuts from a cow’s tail. The cut is usually from the uppermost part of the tail or the middle section. Because the tail is thicker at the top and becomes thinner the closer you get to the end, oxtail pieces can vary in size and shape.

No matter which cut you use, the one thing all oxtail pieces have in common is that they’re super gelatinous and filled with connective tissue, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Because oxtail meat is best prepared by braising, slow cooking, or using a pressure cooker, all of that connective tissue gets broken down and gives any dish it touches a rich, beefy flavor. 

Oxtail meat is considered a delicacy and is popular in countries around the world, and for good reason - it’s deliciously tender, full of meaty flavor, and easy to prepare. If you’ve never tried it, you’ve got to add it to your grocery list. 

raw oxtail

Oxtail health benefits 

Oxtail has a surprising amount of health benefits. The connective tissue in and around an oxtail is filled with collagen. When the meat and connective tissues around the it melts down during the cooking process, it turns into a collagen-rich broth, which isn’t just incredibly flavorful it also has some meaningful health benefits. Collagen has the potential to support the growth of healthy hair and nails, while also relieving joint pain and preventing bone loss. Some health professionals also say it promotes healthy skin. Sounds pretty good to me!

Because oxtail is red meat, it’s a great source of iron, which helps move oxygen through the body, and prevents anemia.

Where to buy oxtail

You don’t have to go to a specialty grocer to find oxtail meat, it’s available at most local grocery stores. I’m usually able to find oxtail cuts in the pre-packaged meat section. But, if you don’t see them there, your butcher should have a few pieces behind the meat counter. You'll also usually find it at international grocery stores.

When you’re buying oxtail, keep in mind that unlike other cuts of beef, oxtail may appear to be more bone than meat. And that’s okay. Part of the reason oxtail meat is so rich is that when the bones are braised, the bone marrow melts into whatever dish you’re preparing, so less meat doesn’t necessarily mean less flavor.

If you buy oxtail directly from the butcher, rather than in the refrigerated meat section, you can also select your own pieces. Ask for the larger, thicker cuts, they have a bit more meat and a larger section of bone, which means more marrow!  

Why is oxtail so expensive?

There's no doubt that oxtail is pricey! Prices can vary from about $10 per pound or more. The cut is considered a delicacy and is not as widely available as other cuts of meat, which also contributes to its higher price. Although expensive, many people will pay for the prime cut of meat to make delicious they love and are familiar with. The fact that when cooked right, oxtail melt in your mouth. There is nothing like a piece of oxtail that has been cooked low and slow.

Best Tips for cooking

If you're looking for a delicious way to cook oxtail, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your meal.

  • Oxtail is best cooked slowly over low heat. This allows the meat to become tender and fall off the bone. If you're in a hurry, a pressure cooker will work fine, but you'll still need to cook the oxtail for about 40 minutes or more until tender.
  • When cooking oxtail, be sure to add water or stock to the pot. This will help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out.
  • Oxtail can be cooked in a variety of ways, including braising, stewing, or even baking. Experiment with different methods to find the one that best suits your taste.
  • Don't forget to season your oxtail with salt and pepper before cooking. This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
  • Oxtail is best served with a flavorful gravy or sauce. This will help to keep the meat moist and add extra flavor to your dish.

Following these tips, you'll be able to cook up a delicious oxtail meal that everyone will enjoy.

Mouthwatering recipes

Chefs around the world love working with oxtail because it’s so rich and fall-off-the-fork tender. 

The most popular oxtail recipes always involve slow cooking, braising or pressure cooking. Think comforting soups, stews, and ragus with a super-rich flavor, thanks to the oxtail bones. 

oxtail recipes

Jamaican Oxtails Recipe

One of my absolutely favorite oxtail recipes. Using a pressure cook to do most of the work, means the oxtails take just an hour to cook. Garlic, onions, carrots and habanero pepper create a savory base, while the cooked butter beans add heartiness.

 

Photo Credit: www.bonappetit.com

Oxtail and Red Wine Stew

Another irresistible oxtail recipe, and one that’s sure to get your taste buds tingling! Few things in life are better than slow cooking beef and fresh vegetables in red wine. 

Photo Credit: food52.com

Heartwarming Oxtail Pho Recipe on Food52

Looking for a dish that is filled with aromatic spices? An anise and coriander broth make this recipe for Oxtail Pho , a soup you’ll want to make again and again.

Photo Credit: www.sweetteaandthyme.com

Slow Cooked Southern Oxtails Recipe

These Southern cooked oxtail are made using a sous vide, resulting in tender delicious oxtail.

Photo Credit: www.foodfidelity.com

"Can't Stand It" Braised Beef Oxtail Tacos in Spicy Chili Sauce

Turn that leftover taco meat into tacos! These braised beef oxtail are placed in a toasted tortilla and topped with pickled onions for loads of flavor.

Photo Credit: www.allrecipes.com

Oxtail Ragu

Pulling any remaining meat from the oxtails can give you some pretty amazing leftover dishes. If you make oxtail ragu, reheat the leftover oxtail to make an oxtail ragu sandwich. Simply take a Kaiser roll, or other thick bakery sandwich roll, pile the ragu meat inside, and viola! The perfect solution to leftover oxtail.

Photo Credit: kennethtemple.com

Oxtail Quesadillas

Another easy way to use leftover oxtail meat. Grab some flour tortillas, cheese, and a few other simple ingredients for the perfect weeknight meal.

These tips and recipes will make you an oxtail pro.

Zesty and Easy Grilled Marinated Vegetables

June 13, 2022 by Tanya 8 Comments

vegetables in foil packets on sheet pan with reynolds wrap box on side

Summertime is the perfect time to fire up the grill and cook some delicious vegetables. These Grilled Marinated Vegetables are the perfect side dish for your next BBQ feast.

vegetables in foil packets on sheet pan with reynolds wrap box on side

As a Reynolds Wrap® Ambassador, I’m excited to show you how to use Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil.

Summer is finally here, and I couldn't be more excited to get on the grill. I'm talking grilled steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs; you name it! But let's not forget about delicious summer grilled vegetables.

Grilling vegetables is a great way to cook them up quickly and easily. However, when grilling, sometimes small cut vegetables can burn, stick to the grill grates, or fall right through. To avoid these issues, cook your cut veggies in foil packets made with Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil. The only foil I trust on the grill is Reynolds Wrap®. Reynolds Wrap® is high quality and safe for cooking, making the foil my go-to in the kitchen and on the grill.

I like to marinate my vegetables before adding them to the foil packet and the grill. Marinating your veggies in advance will add great flavor and moisture, ensuring that they come out perfectly cooked every time.

Ingredients Needed

ingredient collage of sliced vegetables and marinade ingredients
  • Summer vegetables - I use zucchini, yellow squash, red bell peppers, white onions, and white button mushrooms. Feel free to mix it up and your favorite summer vegetables.
  • Marinade Ingredients - I use olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. This bright and zingy marinade pairs perfectly with these vegetables.
  • Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil - After marinating the vegetables, I add them in the middle of a piece of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil and create foil packets before adding them to the grill. The foil packet protects the vegetables and allows them to cook quickly and easily without the risk of them burning or falling through the grill grates. 

How to make Grilled Marinated Vegetables

Prep the veggies

First, slice your zucchini, yellow squash, white onion and red bell pepper. Cut the mushrooms in half. Place the cut vegetables in a large bowl and set them aside.

Whisk olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, Kosher salt and black pepper in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the vegetables and stir to combine, ensuring all the vegetables are coated.

Cover and allow to marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, between 375-400°F.

collage of whick and marinade and marinated vegetables in glass bowl

Prepare a foil packet

Tear off six 16-inch sheets of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil and divide the marinated vegetables into the center of each sheet. Bring the long sides of the foil to the center so the ends meet over the vegetables. Double fold the ends, then double fold the short ends to seal the packet.

collage of creating a foil packet

Grill the vegetables

Add the foil packets to the preheated grill and grill for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

foil packets on a grill

Remove the foil packets with gloves or tongs. Wait 5 minutes before opening them. Season the vegetables with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy. 

vegetables wrapped in foil on sheet pan

Why marinate the vegetables?

Marinating vegetables enhances your favorite vegetables without overpowering them. It's a great way to infuse herbs into your favorite vegetables. My marinade recipe is delicious, but you can experiment with different herbs and spices to find a marinade that you love.

How to cut vegetables for grilling?

I like to cut my vegetables into thin slices. I keep the mushrooms halved to stay nice and juicy once cooked.

How long can you marinate vegetables before grilling?

It depends on the type of vegetable. For example, denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots can marinate for up to 24 hours, while more delicate veggies like zucchini only need 30 minutes.

Avoid marinating delicate vegetables too long as they can become mushy.

Can I add protein to these grilled vegetables?

Sure! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak would be great additions to these marinated grilled vegetables. Add the protein to the foil packets with the vegetables right before grilling. If adding chicken, cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook through. 

grilled marinated vegeatbles on a sheet pan lined with heavy duty foil

Why foil packets are the best for grilling vegetables.

Foil packets are the best for grilling these marinated vegetables. Using Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil allows the vegetables to be prepped and cut before grilling, enabling the vegetables to cook in the marinade. You also don't have to worry about the cut vegetables burning or falling through the grates.

Reynolds Wrap® is high quality, durable, and strong enough to survive the grill's heat. Once I'm done grilling, I just throw the foil away, making cleanup a breeze.

Why Heavy Duty?

I use Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil to protect my vegetables from the direct heat of the grill. It’s perfect for tough jobs when you need something stronger and more durable than regular foil, like grilling or freezing your favorite foods. You won’t have to worry about rips or tears during these tough jobs. 

Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil is also available in a wider 18-inch roll, making it perfect for lining the grill or making larger foil packets.

Can I bake these foil packets in an oven?

Absolutely! Just preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the foil packets on a sheet pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Serving Suggestions

These grilled vegetables pair perfectly with your favorite meals. Top them on your favorite grain, like quinoa or brown rice, or serve them alongside your favorite steak or fish.

Notes on Grilled Marinated Vegetables

  • These grilled veggies can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I do not suggest freezing these vegetables. 
  • Use tongs are heat-resistant gloves to remove the cooked foil packets from the grill. Wait a few minutes before opening as the steam inside the foil packet will be hot. 

I hope you enjoy these marinated grilled vegetables as much as we do!

More delicious summer recipes?

  • BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos
  • Jamaican Jerk Shrimp
  • Fresh Corn Salad Recipe
close up photo of grilled vegetables in foil packets
vegetables in foil packets on sheet pan with reynolds wrap box on side
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Zesty and Easy Grilled Marinated Vegetables

These Grilled Marinated Vegetables are the perfect side dish for your next BBQ feast.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Marinating Time15 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: grilled vegetables, marinated grilled vegetables
Servings: 6 people
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil

Vegetables

  • 1 medium zucchini thinly sliced into rounds
  • 1 yellow squash thinly sliced into rounds
  • 1 white onion thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 8 oz white button mushrooms cut in half

Marinade

  • 4 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Additional salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Place zucchini, yellow squash, white onion, red bell pepper, and white button mushrooms in a large bowl. Set aside.
  • Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, Kosher salt, and black pepper in a separate small bowl. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the large bowl and stir to combine, ensuring all vegetables are coated.
  • Cover and place vegetables in the refrigerator for for 20-30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, between 375 - 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Tear off six 16-inch sheets of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil and divide the marinated vegetables into the center of each sheet. Bring up the long sides of the foil, so the ends meet over the vegetables. Double fold the long ends, then double fold the short ends to seal the packet. 
  • Add the foil packets to the preheated grill and grill for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  • Carefully remove the foil packets from the grill with gloves or tongs. Wait 5 minutes before carefully opening foil packets. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy.

Notes

  • These grilled veggies can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I do not suggest freezing these vegetables. 
  • Use tongs that are heat-resistant gloves to remove the cooked foil packets from the grill. Wait a few minutes before opening as the steam inside the foil packet will be hot.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

June 9, 2022 by Tanya 1 Comment

Air fryer sweet potato wedges on a plate with a dip.

Perfect for a side dish or game day appetizer, these yummy sweet potato wedges are so quick to cook in the air fryer. Tossed in a sweet and salty seasoning, these restaurant-quality wedges take minutes to prep and cook. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

Air fryer sweet potato wedges on a plate with a dip.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Whether you are looking for a tasty side to serve with dinner, or an easy-to-make appetizer whilst watching the game, these air fryer sweet potato wedges tick all the right boxes!

Seasoned with a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne, these wedges have the most wonderful sweet and salty flavor with a hint of spice. Quick to prep and super quick to air fry, the edges have a great crisp and the middles are perfectly soft and tender.

A tasty change to your usual potato fries, and healthier too!

Be sure to try my Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes too!

Close up of sweet potato wedges in an air fryer basket.

How to make air fryer sweet potato wedges

  • Gather your ingredients and cut the sweet potatoes.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil.
  • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  • Pour the spice mixture into the bowl with the sweet potatoes and toss to coat.
Sweet potato wedges in a bowl.
Seasonings mixed together.
Cut sweet potato tossed in the seasoning.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooked sweet potato wedges in an air fryer basket.

Do you need to peel the sweet potatoes?

I prefer not to peel the sweet potatoes. It's less work and I enjoy the different textures of the skin and insides. The skins also contain fiber and nutrients. If you prefer to, you can peel them before tossing them in the oil and seasonings.

How do you get the wedges crispy?

Sweet potatoes do tend to be less crispy than regular white potatoes. That's just an element I'm willing to give up because the flavor of these is amazing.

You'll still want to use oil to ensure the sweet potatoes do not dry out. Make sure that the wedges are really well coated all over with the oil, I like to use my hands to make sure all of the edges have a good coating. Make sure that your air fryer is fully preheated and cook them in a single even layer. If the sweet potato wedges are overlapping, they will steam and be soggy.

What do you serve them with?

These air fryer sweet potato wedges are great served as an appetizer with favorite dips like remoulade sauce, Homemade BBQ Sauce, and ketchup, or, serve them up as a side with favorite mains. They work wonderfully with:

  • Air Fryer Steak Bites
  • Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
  • Easy Oven Baked Salmon
  • Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Close up of sweet potato wedge fries.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Cut the sweet potato wedges as evenly as possible.
  • To make sweet potato fries, cut them thinner and you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
  • Leftovers will keep well for 3 days covered in the fridge. Reheat them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes to crisp them back up.

More Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
  • Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables
  • Air Fryer Fish Tacos
  • Air Fryer Cornish Hens
  • Air Fryer Frozen Hamburgers
Air fryer sweet potato wedges on a plate with a dip.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Perfect for a side dish or game day appetizer, these yummy sweet potato wedges are so quick to cook in the air fryer. Tossed in a sweet and salty seasoning, these restaurant quality wedges take minutes to prep and cook. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time14 minutes mins
Total Time24 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried sweet potato, how to air fry sweet potato, seasoned sweet potato wedges
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 274kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes cut into wedges
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with the olive oil.
  • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  • Pour the spice mixture into the bowl with the sweet potatoes and toss to coat.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Cut the sweet potato wedges as evenly as possible.
  • To make sweet potato fries, cut them thinner and you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
  • Leftovers will keep well for 3 days covered in the fridge. Reheat them at 400F for 3 to 5 minutes to crisp them back up.

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1289mg | Potassium: 790mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 32188IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 2mg

Air Fryer Tilapia

June 7, 2022 by Tanya 2 Comments

A fork cutting a tilapia fillet on a white plate.

Quick to cook and delicious to eat, tilapia fish fillets come out perfectly when cooked in the air fryer. Simply seasoned, this mild-tasting white fish is wonderfully flaky and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

A fork cutting a tilapia fillet on a white plate.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

If you are looking for a tasty way to mix up your fish dinner, this air fryer tilapia recipe will hit the spot. Seasoned with my homemade fish seasoning, it's super quick to prep and cook and you can be serving it in less than 15 minutes.

Low in calories, carbs and fats and high in protein, this is a great healthy dinner that tastes amazing. You only need a couple of ingredients too, which you'll likely have to hand already.

Serve it up with your favorite veggie, potato, and salad sides for a filling meal that even your picky eaters will love.

Be sure to try my Air Fryer Whole Fish and Marinated Air Fryer Salmon too!

A tilapia fillet in an air fryer basket garnished with fresh parsley.

How to make air fryer tilapia

Gather your ingredients.

Ingredients to make the recipe.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Season the filets with fish seasoning or any dry seasonings of your choice.

Two tilapia fillets seasoned.

Place the filets in the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the top of the fish filets with a little oil.

Air fry the filets for about 7-10 minutes until the fish is flaky.

Serve with lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.

Cooked tilapia filets in the air fryer basket.

What does tilapia taste like?

If you don't like an overly fishy taste, then tilapia fillets are perfect for you! They are very mild with a touch of sweetness, similar to red snapper. It has a firm but flaky texture and is a great option for those that don't usually like fish. When cooked, it will take on the flavor of the fish seasoning.

Can you use other seasonings?

I always have some of my fish seasoning to hand in my pantry, it takes minutes to make and I always make a big batch so it's ready to use. You can use a store-bought fish seasoning, or mix things up with your own blends! Tilapia is very mild in flavor, so it will work well with pretty much any combination! Try it with some of these other seasoning recipes:

  • Lemon Pepper Seasoning
  • Homemade Cajun Seasoning
  • Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Can you make it ahead of time?

This tilapia recipe is best served as soon as you have air-fried it, and as it is so quick to prep and cook, that's not too much hassle at all! If you do have leftovers, they will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for around 3 minutes to heat through. You can also add it cold to salads.

Can you make this in the oven?

Yes! I love oven-baked fish. Just preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake on a lined sheet pan for about 15-20 minutes.

What do you serve it with?

This air fryer tilapia is great to serve with salads, vegetables, or potato sides for a healthy and well-balanced dinner. Try it with some of these favorites:

  • Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables
  • Creamy Dill Potato Salad
  • Broccoli Slaw
  • Air Fryer Carrots
Two air fryer tilapia fillets on a plate with lemon slices.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • I used thawed tilapia for this recipe. If cooking the tilapia from frozen, cook for about 10-12 minutes. 
  • If thawing the tilapia fillets, pat them dry well before seasoning to remove excess water.
  • Any high heat oil will do well in this recipe, such as canola, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.
  • These fillets will take between 7 and 10 minutes to cook through. The cooked fish should be firm but flaky and be an even white color throughout.

More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

  • Crispy Air Fryer Fish
  • Air Fryer Fish Tacos
  • Air Fryer Crab Legs
  • Air Fryer Scallops with Garlic Herb Butter
  • Crispy Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
A fork cutting a tilapia fillet on a white plate.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Tilapia

Quick to cook and delicious to eat, tilapia fish fillets come out perfectly when cooked in the air fryer. Simply seasoned, this mild tasting white fish is wonderfully flaky and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time7 minutes mins
Total Time12 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried tilapia, how to air fry tilapia fish, tilapia fillets air fryer recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 166kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2-4 tilapia filets rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 teaspoons of fish seasoning
  • Oil for spraying
  • Lemon slices and chopped parsley for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Season the filets with fish seasoning. Place the filets in the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the top of the fish filets with a little oil.
  • Air fry the filets for about 7-10 minutes until the fish is flaky.
  • Serve with lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • I used thawed tilapia for this recipe. If cooking the tilapia from frozen, cook for about 10-12 minutes. 
  • If thawing the tilapia fillets, pat them dry well before seasoning to remove excess water.
  • Any high heat oil will do well in this recipe, such as canola, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.
  • These fillets will take between 7 and 10 minutes to cook through. The cooked fish should be firm but flaky and be an even white color throughout.

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Beef and Bean Stew

May 24, 2022 by Tanya 19 Comments

Overhead shot of a bowl of beef and bean stew.

Wholesome and hearty, this homemade beef and bean stew is sure to warm your body and soul! Easy to make in one pot, this stew is loaded with fresh veggies and tender beef for a filling family dinner that's full of flavor and goodness.

Overhead shot of a bowl of beef and bean stew.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

When it comes to comfort food, you can't beat a good stew. Wonderfully hearty and chunky, this beef and bean stew is perfectly flavorful and so easy to make.

Great for meal prep and freezer meals, this recipe is loaded with protein whilst remaining pretty low in calories and fats, plus you get lots of healthy vitamins and minerals from the fresh veggies.

Easy to make from scratch, this budget friendly stew is all cooked in one pot on the stovetop so even the clean up is a breeze! The stew beef is slow cooked and wonderfully tender and delicious. This is sure to become a favorite with the whole family!

Be sure to try my Brunswick Stew and Brown Stew Chicken too!

Close up of the beef and bean stew garnished with fresh parsley.

How to make beef and bean stew

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Heat the oil in dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if necessary.
Browning the beef cubes.
  • Once the beef is done browning, remove it from the pot. Add the onions and carrots and cook until soft, about 5-6 minutes.
Vegetables cooking in the Dutch oven.
  • Then add in the garlic, thyme, and dried sage. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the salt, pepper, bay leaves, beef broth, and pinto beans. Add the beef back to the pot. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender. Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of simmering.
Broth and beans added to the pot and stirred with a wooden spoon.

Can you make it ahead of time?

I love making stews as they are great for leftovers and freezer meals - cook them once and enjoy twice! Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and up to 6 months when frozen.

Let the stew cool fully before storing. Frozen stew should be thawed in the fridge overnight and it can be reheated in a pot on the stovetop.

What's the best beef to use?

Traditionally, stews are a budget friendly meal. Because the beef is slow cooked, you can use cheaper and tougher cuts of beef so it's much kinder on your wallet! For best results, use beef stew meat, you can buy it already cut into cubes in some places which cuts down on your prep time. Don't use expensive cuts of steak in this recipe as they won't stand up well to the long cook time.

What do you serve it with?

This beef and bean stew is delicious just by itself, serve it in a bowl like a soup and it will leave you feeling satisfied! For a larger meal, you can easily serve it with some of these favorite sides:

  • Air Fryer Dinner Rolls
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Buttery Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes

Is it healthy?

This homemade stew is a great option for a well balanced diet. Thanks to the beef and beans it's high in protein, and the veggies add a lot of nutrients and fiber. One serving is just under 400 calories and it's pretty low in fats too. This is one stew you can feel great about!

Beef and bean stew served in a white bowl.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Feel free to add in extra veggies if you like! Mushrooms and bell peppers are both great choices!
  • I like to use a Dutch oven to make this stew as it heats evenly so you don't get hotspots that can scorch the bottom. You can use a large pot if you don't have a Dutch oven.
  • Brown the beef well, it should be pretty dark brown when you remove it from the pan. This is how you get the flavor.
  • If making ahead of time, let the stew cool fully before refrigerating or freezing.

More Beef Recipes

  • Boneless Roast Beef
  • Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
  • Shredded Italian Beef Sandwiches
  • Quick and Easy Mongolian Beef
  • Braised Beef Shanks
Overhead shot of a bowl of beef and bean stew.
Print Recipe
4.70 from 23 votes

Beef and Bean Stew

Wholesome and hearty, this homemade beef and bean stew is sure to warm your body and soul! Easy to make in one pot, this stew is loaded with fresh veggies and tender beef for a filling family dinner that's full of flavor and goodness.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Total Time2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef stew with pinto beans, healthy beef stew, stovetop beef stew
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 397kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 large carrots sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 15oz cans pinto beans

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Once the beef is done browning, remove it from the pot. Add the onions and carrots and cook until soft, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Then add in the garlic, thyme, and dried sage. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the salt, pepper, bay leaves, beef broth and pinto beans. Add the beef back to the pot. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender. Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of simmering.

Notes

  • Feel free to add in extra veggies if you like! Mushrooms and bell peppers are both great choices!
  • I like to use a Dutch oven to make this stew as it heats evenly so you don't get hotspots that can scorch the bottom. You can use a large pot if you don't have a Dutch oven.
  • Brown the beef well, it should be pretty dark brown when you remove it from the pan. This is how you get the flavor.
  • If making ahead of time, let the stew cool fully before refrigerating or freezing.

Nutrition

Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1314mg | Potassium: 1076mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3417IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 6mg
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Welcome!

Welcome to My Forking Life! Hi, I'm Tanya, attorney, busy wife and mom, and lover of quick, easy, and delicious meals.

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