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June 15, 2022 by Tanya 7 Comments

Southern Cucumber Salad

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

June 14, 2022 by Tanya 6 Comments

What is Oxtail?

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.

June 13, 2022 by Tanya 8 Comments

Zesty and Easy Grilled Marinated Vegetables

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.

June 9, 2022 by Tanya 1 Comment

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

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.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included 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

June 7, 2022 by Tanya 2 Comments

Air Fryer Tilapia

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.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included 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

May 24, 2022 by Tanya 19 Comments

Beef and Bean Stew

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.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included 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

May 11, 2022 by Tanya 6 Comments

Jamaican Green Banana Porridge (Creamy and Delicious)

green banana porridge in white bowl with green banana and nutmeg in background

This Jamaican Green banana porridge is a delicious breakfast staple that is delicious and healthy. Creamy, smooth, and flavorful, it's a recipe your whole family will love.

green banana porridge in white bowl with green banana and nutmeg in background

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

Porridge is one of my all-time favorite breakfast items. Most mornings, we would usually have cornmeal porridge or oatmeal, but if we had green bananas in the house, this was the porridge we were making.

Green banana porridge takes a little bit of prep but the results are totally worth it. The porridge is smooth, thick, creamy, and flavored with spiced and sweetened with condensed milk. This delicious and healthy breakfast can't be beaten!

If you're a fan of Jamaican food, try my other Jamaican breakfast recipes, like this ackee and saltfish and these Jamaican banana fritters.

How to make Jamaican green banana porridge

Gather your ingredients. This banana porridge uses raw green bananas.

ingredients for jamaican green banana porridge

The skin on a green banana is tough and you will need to peel the green banana by cutting the skin off.

How to remove the peel from a green banana

Peel and cut your green bananas by using a pairing knife. Start by cutting off the stem of the banana. Then, create a slit down the side of the banana and then remove the peel.

collage image of green banana being peeled

Blend the green banana with milk

Once peeled, add green banana, coconut milk, and almond milk to a blender. Blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth.

peeled green banana and milk in blender
blended ingredients for green banana porridge in blender

Cook the porridge on the stove

Meanwhile, bring water and ½ teaspoon of salt to a boil in a pot.

Add mixture from blender to boiling water and stir until the banana mixture is dissolved in the water. Reduce heat and continue to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes, until the porridge thickens.

green banana porridge boiling in pot

After 12 minutes, stir in vanilla extract, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and allow to cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in condensed milk to taste.

condensed milk being added to pot of green banana porridge

Serve and enjoy.

What are green bananas?

Green bananas are unripe bananas. They are usually firmer and less sweet than ripe bananas. They are typically cooked, usually by boiling, before being eaten. Green bananas are available in most supermarkets in the produce section or in international markets.

Is Green banana porridge healthy?

Yes! Green bananas contain a good amount of dietary fiber and are a good source of potassium. These are important for keeping the digestive system healthy and preventing constipation. They also contain vitamins and minerals that can help boost the immune system, improve heart health, and increase energy levels.

spoon lifting porridge out of bowl

Notes on Green banana porridge

  • To make this recipe vegan, sub the condensed milk with vegan condensed milk.
  • If you find that porridge is too thick and making large bubbles, stir in a little more water.
  • Uses any spices you like to season, like a whole cinnamon stick, pimento berries, or almond essence. Remove any whole spices before serving.
  • Remember to stir the porridge often to prevent lumping.
  • Serve this with your favorite breakfast items, like toast, fruit, and a nice cup of coffee.

I hope you enjoy this Jamaican banana porridge as much as we do.

Looking for other Jamaican recipes? Try these out.

  • Jamaican saltfish fritters
  • Brown stew chicken
  • Jamaican festival

If you made this green banana porridge recipe, I'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

green banana porridge in white bowl with green banana and nutmeg in background
Print Recipe
4.67 from 6 votes

Creamy Jamaican Green Banana Porridge

This Jamaican Green banana porridge is a delicious breakfast staple that is delicious and healthy. Creamy, smooth, and flavorful, it's a recipe your whole family will love.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time14 minutes mins
Total Time24 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Caribbean
Keyword: green banana porridge, jamaican green banana porridge
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 355kcal
Author: Tanya

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • 4 green bananas peel removed
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk of your choice
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground Cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk or to taste

Instructions

  • Add peeled green bananas, coconut milk, and almond milk to a blender. Blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth.
  • Meanwhile, bring water and ½ teaspoon of salt to a boil in a pot.
  • Add mixture from blender to boiling water and stir until the banana mixture is dissolved in the water. Reduce heat and continue to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes, until the porridge thickens.
  • After 12 minutes, stir in vanlla extract, allspice, innamon, and nutmeg, and vallow to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in condensed milk to taste.

Notes

  • Peel and cut your green bananas by using a pairing knife. Start by cutting off the stem of the banana. Then, create a slit down the side of the banana and then remove the peel.
  • To make this recipe vegan, sub the condensed milk with vegan condensed milk.
  • If you find that porridge is too thick and making large bubbles, stir in a little more water.
  • Uses any spices you like to season, like a whole cinnamon stick, pimento berries, or almond essence. Remove any whole spices before serving.
  • Remember to stir the porridge often to prevent lumping.

Nutrition

Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 532mg | Potassium: 693mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 2mg

May 10, 2022 by Tanya 5 Comments

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Cooked steak bites in the air fryer basket.

Juicy, tender and so delicious, these air fryer steak bites are perfect for a main meal or tasty appetizer to share. Simply seasoned and quickly cooked, you can have these on the table in less than 15 minutes.

Close up of steak bites garnished with fresh herbs.

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

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I'm so happy to introduce you to my current air fryer favorite! These steak bites are so good you'll be eating them right out of the basket! Tender and juicy steak has never been easier to cook!

I've been air frying steak for a while and it's such a great way to make a quick steak dinner.

These air fryer steak bites are a great quick and easy option for a delicious weeknight dinner, but I also love serving them up as tasty appetizers to serve to guests. Just pop some toothpicks in, arrange them on a plate, and they are going to disappear quickly!

Simply seasoned with everyday ingredients, these are super quick to prep and cook and are a guaranteed hit!

Be sure to try my Air Fryer Steak Fajitas too!

Air fryer steak bites garnished with fresh parsley.

How to make air fryer steak bites

  • Gather your ingredients
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Place the steak in a large bowl and coat it with olive oil.
  • Then add the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat.
Cubes of raw steak in a bowl with oil and seasonings.
  • Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes.
Seasoned steak in an air fryer basket.
Cooked steak bites in the air fryer basket.

What's the best steak to use?

Most cuts of steak will work well in this recipe, ideally, you'll want something fairly thick with a decent amount of fat for the best flavor. I used boneless ribeye, but sirloin, cap, or filet mignon will all work great. It's best to avoid flank and skirt as these cuts are pretty thin.

How are they seasoned?

These air fryer steak bites are simply seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder, but you can easily mix things up to suit your tastes! Make them herby by using dried herbs like Italian seasoning, chives, or oregano, or spice things up with some chili flakes, cayenne, or paprika.

How do you serve them?

These tender steak bites can be served as an appetizer or quick and easy main with your favorite sides. For the main dish, pair them with some of these favorites:

  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Creamy Mushroom Sauce
  • Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables
  • Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Or, turn them into a crowd-pleasing appetizer! Once cooked, spear each cube with a cocktail stick and arrange it on a serving platter. You can even drizzle them with some blue cheese sauce to really elevate them.

Air fried steak bites served on a white plate.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • It's so easy to cook these steak bites exactly how you like them! At 7 minutes, mine were cooked medium rare, for more well done, take them up to 10 minutes.
  • Cut the steak into similar-sized cubes so that they cook through evenly.
  • Make sure that the steak pieces are well coated in the oil, this will help them to brown nicely.
  • Sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon, or any steak will work. I used boneless ribeye.
  • You can add other seasonings like oregano and red pepper flakes to spice things up a bit.

More Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Fish Tacos
  • Marinated Air Fryer Salmon
  • Air Fryer Cornish Hens
  • Air Fryer Steak Kebabs
Cooked steak bites in the air fryer basket.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Juicy, tender and so delicious, these air fryer steak bites are perfect for a main meal or tasty appetizer to share. Simply seasoned and quickly cooked, you can have these on the table in less than 15 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time7 minutes mins
Total Time12 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried steak bites, how to cook steak in the air fryer, steak appetizer recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 389kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs your favorite steak cut into bite size pieces, see notes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Place the steak in a large bowl and coat it with olive oil.
  • Then add the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Toss to coat.
  • Cook on 400F for 7-10 minutes.

Notes

  • It's so easy to cook these steak bites exactly how you like them! At 7 minutes, mine were cooked medium rare, for more well done, take them up to 10 minutes.
  • Cut the steak into similar sized cubes so that the cook through evenly.
  • Make sure that the steak pieces are well coated in the oil, this will help them to brown nicely.
  • Sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon or any steak will work. I used boneless ribeye.
  • You can add other seasonings like oregano and red pepper flakes to spice things up a bit.
  • Sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon or any steak will work. I used boneless ribeye
  • You can add other seasonings like oregano and red pepper flakes to spice things up a bit

Nutrition

Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 671mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 3mg

May 9, 2022 by Tanya Leave a Comment

How to Sauté: The Best Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Sauteed Food

Sautéing is a simple cooking method that can turn a weeknight meal into magic! Follow this easy guide and learn how to sauté your favorite foods.

Learning how to saute is one of the most valuable skills a home cook can have. This quick and easy cooking method isn’t just great for weeknight meals, it’s great for giving meats, vegetables, and other food items a wonderful golden-brown crispness!

Sautéing can turn everyday kitchen staples into flavorful meals in a matter of minutes. Once you learn how to properly sauté, you will have endless options when it comes to preparing stovetop vegetables, meats, and seafood. 

When following a recipe, you'll usually see "sauté the onions" as an initial step. It's helpful to know exactly what that means and how it's done. Additionally, many vegetables, meats, and seafood can be sautéed.

sweet onions on white background

What is sautéing?

Sautéing is the cooking of food in a shallow pan with a small amount of fat - basically, oil or butter. Chefs love sautéing because it cooks food quickly while retaining moisture, enhancing flavor, and browning for added texture. If you’ve enjoyed crispy sauteed shrimp with butter, then you understand the benefits of sautéing - yum!

Sauteeing is one of the main stovetop cooking techniques that is the base for many recipes.

The word ‘sauté’ comes from the French word ‘to jump’, because the oil or butter in the sauté pan should “jump” and sizzle when the ingredients are added to the pan. That makes sense, right?

Sauteeing will usually involve butter or oil. The fat in the pan is essential for browning meats and acts as an effective way to heat the pan while preventing items from sticking to the surface. But there are other cooking methods that involve pans, oil, and butter, so what’s the difference between sautéing, frying, searing, and sweating?

Sauté vs fry

When it comes to sautéing vs. frying - and searing, the differences all come down to how much fat is in the pan, and the cooking temperature. Adding more oil to the skillet, and cooking at a lower temperature for longer is the key to great pan-fried recipes. While searing involves using high heat to brown meats, or form a crust - on a steak or a roast, for example.

Saute vs sweating

cooked onions on two white plates. plate on top says sweat and on bottom says sauté

Sweating often gets confused with sauteing. Sweating involves cooking food, mainly vegetables, like onions, in a shallow pan with a small amount of fan, but over low heat. The purpose of sweating is to soften the vegetables without browning. Sweating vegetables is often best when you want to release some flavor and liquid from the vegetables without browning them. Sweating will generally take longer to soften the vegetables than sauteing.

Sauté Temperature Cheat Sheet

Searing high-heat
Sautéingmedium-high heat
Pan-fryingmedium-heat

What kind of pan to use for sautéing?

Pan size: One of the keys to a good sauté is using a pan that allows enough room for your ingredients to move around - in other words, don’t crowd the pan. Using the correct size pan to sauté helps your food cook and brown at the same speed, so you get the same result. You'll typically want to grab a 10-12 inch skillet when sautéing. 

Pan type: Stainless steel, cast iron skillets, or aluminum frying pans all work well for sautéing and browning foods. A non-stick pan can sauté well but it won't be the best in browning. Non-stick sauté pans are the perfect pan for sautéing fish because they help maintain that delicate fish texture.

Onions, garlic and mushroom stems in a skillet.
Add onions, scotch bonnet pepper, green onions, and garlic to skillet. Cook until onions are translucent.

What type of oil to use for sautéing

The type of oil you use to sauté really comes down to personal preference and smoking points. Olive oil, canola oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil are all popular and have high smoke points. Some home cooks prefer grapeseed oil because it has a more neutral flavor than olive oil, and can be heated to a higher temperature without smoking.

And, don’t forget - you can always use a few tabs of delicious butter, ghee, or duck fat to sauté! Whether you use oil or another type of fat when you sauté, just remember that less is more. Use just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. If you find that your ingredients are sticking to the pan, you can always add a bit more as you cook, just don’t overdo it.

If using fats or oils with a low smoke point, like butter, make sure to keep the heat over medium heat. Cranking the heat too high may cause the oil to burn and leave a bitter taste in your entire dish.

Can you sauté without oil?

Although the definition of the word sauté includes cooking in oil, many home cooks may find they can avoid using oil if they use the right tools. Water, stock, or a little liquid can be used to sauté in place of fat. Just make sure to use a non-stick pan in these incidences to avoid your food sticking.

A step-by-step guide to sautéing

  • Before you add your meat or vegetables, remove any excess moisture to prevent the food from steaming
  • Then, heat the sauté pan. A minute on medium-high heat is a good rule of thumb. This process of heating your pan first will ensure your food does not stick. Just be careful and make sure your pan does not get too hot.
  • Add the fat and allow it to warm in the pan. You’ll know the oil or butter is ready when it starts to shimmer. If your oil or butter begins to smoke, remove it, allow the pan to cool and wipe it clean, and start over.
  • Now you’re ready to sauté!

How to sauté vegetables

Perfectly sauteed vegetables are a thing of beauty!

  • Add the vegetables to the pan and spread them evenly across the surface.
  • Stir the vegetables until all of the pieces are coated with oil.
  • Continue moving the vegetables every few minutes until they’re tender, and just a little crispy and crunchy on the outside.

How to sauté meat

Sautéing meat is easier than you think!

  • To sauté meat, follow the same instructions above, making sure the pieces of meat are evenly coated with oil.
  • If you find the meat is browning too quickly, or sticking to the bottom of the pan, reduce the heat.
  • Once the meat has achieved a nice golden brown texture, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness.
  • For a quick reference, the internal temperature of the most frequently sauteed meats are:
  • chicken - 165°F
  • pork chops - 145°F
  • steaks - 145°F
  • ground beef - 165°F

How to sauté fish

Fish is delicate and needs to be treated a tad bit differently. When cooking thin fish filets, cook pieces over lower heat in a non-stick pan to ensure they don't overcook. for thicker filets, higher heat may be used.

More tips on saute

  • Make sure any food you sauté is cut into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Make sure to pay careful attention to the food while cooking when it comes to sautéeing. Foods cooked over higher heat can burn quickly if not watched.
  • Use wooden tools, like a wooden spoon, or spatula when stirring food in a skillet, especially non-stick skillets to keep the pans lasting longer.
  • Avoid using high temperatures if using nonstick pans.

I hope this guide helps you in your cooking journey. Need more helpful cooking guides, check these out:

  • Air Fryer Tips and Tricks
  • Different kinds of onions and when to use them

May 4, 2022 by Tanya 24 Comments

Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables Recipe

The cooked marinated vegetables in the air fryer basket

These Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables are a great flavorful and healthy side dish. Easy and quick to prep, they are a great way to get a bit of goodness on your plate in a tasty way.

Air fryer vegetables in a white bowl

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

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for a new side dish to serve up. These marinated air fryer vegetables were a hit! Super easy to make and perfectly roasted in the air fryer!

They are perfect to serve with all of your favorite weeknight meals like air fryer chicken breast and turkey burgers.

Ingredients To Make Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables

Vegetables, Sliced

  • Zucchini
  • Yellow Squash
  • Mushrooms
  • Red onion
  • Red bell pepper

Marinade

  • Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
  • Honey
  • Salt and garlic powder
  • Dried thyme and oregano
  • Garlic Powder
  • Liquid smoke
Vegetables on a white work top
Chopped vegetables on a white surface

How To Make Air Fryer Marinated Vegetables

  • Place marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until combined.
Marinade ingredients mixed together
  • Place vegetables in a bowl or storage bag, cover with marinade and stir until all vegetables are fully covered. I add the marinade to the vegetables in a bag and roll it around until the veggies are covered.
  • Allow vegetables to marinate for 20-30 minutes.
The vegetables and marinade in a glass bowl
  • Place marinated vegetables in an air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until tender.
The uncooked vegetables in the air fryer basket
The cooked marinated vegetables in the air fryer basket

Sprinkle a little bit of salt over the vegetables before serving.

Can you use other vegetables?

I found that these specific vegetables worked really well with the marinade and the texture was just perfect. You can of course experiment with other veggies you have in the fridge. Stay away from anything too soft like tomatoes though.

Can you use frozen vegetables?

It's best to use fresh veggies in this recipe. You can cook frozen vegetables in the air fryer, but they won't soak up the delicious marinade. Thawed frozen vegetables will contain too much moisture.

Can you make them ahead of time?

These vegetables are best served as soon as they are made. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be reheated in the air fryer or in the oven.

Close up of the marinated air fryer vegetables

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Adding liquid smoke gives the vegetables a smokey grilled taste.
  • Try not to marinate the vegetables for too long or your vegetables will be mushy rather than tender.

More Side Dish Recipes

  • Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
  • Carrot Raisin Salad
  • Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
  • Air Fryer Roasted Carrots
The cooked marinated vegetables in the air fryer basket
Print Recipe
4.92 from 12 votes

Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables Recipe

These marinated air fryer vegetables are a great flavorful and healthy side dish. Easy and quick to prep, they are are a great way to get a bit of goodness on your plate in a tasty way.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Marinading time20 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer vegetables, marinated vegetables, vegetable side dish
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 200kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 green zucchini cut into ½ inch pieces
  • 1 yellow squash cut into ½ inch pieces
  • 4 oz button mushrooms cut in half
  • 1 red onion cut into ½ inch pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into ½ inch pieces

Marinade

  • 4 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 2 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • A few drops of liquid smoke optional
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Place marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until combined. Place chopped vegetables in bowl and stir until all vegetables are fully covered.
  • Allow vegetables to marinate for 20-30 minutes.
  • Place marinated vegetables in air fryer basket and cook on 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until tender. Salt to taste.

Notes

  • Adding liquid smoke gives the vegetables a smokey grilled taste.
  • Try not to marinate the vegetables for too long or your vegetables will be mushy rather than tender.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 890mg | Potassium: 586mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1225IU | Vitamin C: 67mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

This post was originally published 4/2/2020. It has been updated with better photos and helpful tips.

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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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