Weeknight Rescue, May 2022: Miso Salmon, Peanut Noodles, Asparagus Tart, Lamb Sliders,Taco Salad

This week’s menu features flavors that span the globe, from Asian noodles to a taco salad (if you’ve never tried the lamb sliders, they’re SO good, and you can swap in turkey, beef, or even a meatless “meat” for lamb). Also, you’ll note I changed the WR post title, adding the 5 main dishes of the week right up front and adding the month. That way, going forward it will be easier for you to find seasonal menus that interest you when searching the Weeknight Rescue section of the site (thanks to my daughter, Isabelle, who is now using these menus (!!!) for the suggestion).

MISO AND GINGER GLAZED SALMON

Not a lot of ingredients, super flavorful, and so very good for you. Serve with brown basmati or jasmine rice and a simple veggie side. I’m partial to bok choy for this salmon (I sometimes do a version of this recipe, leaving out the tofu and pork, since you’ll be serving it as a side). 

EASY NOODLES WITH NOT-SO-SPICY PEANUT SAUCE

Asian-style noodles slathered in peanut sauce and tossed with crunchy vegetables? What’s not to love. The peanut sauce on these noodles is a snap to whisk together and can be tossed with virtually any type of noodle. Spaghetti, soba, or udon are favorites. Pull out whatever veggies you have in the fridge that are tasty raw or add steamed fresh or frozen broccoli.

ASPARAGUS & SMOKED SALMON TART

This asparagus salmon tart is always a hit. You start with puff pastry, layer on smoked salmon and eggs whisked with goat cheese, and then finish with asparagus. It’s pretty perfect for Mother’s Day brunch, but works for lunch, or a light supper.

LAMB SLIDERS WITH HERBED YOGURT SAUCE

This is a tasty alternative to a traditional hamburger. Feel free to swap in ground turkey for the pork in the recipe to make it a little lighter, if you prefer. If you have vegetarians at home, I’ve successfully made these using Beyond Burger in place of the lamb and pork.

TURKEY TACO SALAD WITH CUMIN LIME DRESSING

This crunchy chopped salad tossed with old-school turkey taco meat more than qualifies as a “half the plate” meal. If you want to make this vegetarian, swap in Beyond Meat or use black beans instead. Top with crumbled tortilla chips and you’ve got a main dish meal on your hands. Finish with a plate of chilled citrus for dessert.

HONEY STEWED STRAWBERRY RHUBARB COMPOTE

If you love the taste of rhubarb (or want to give it a whirl), but doing up a whole pie is more than you can take on, this easy compote is the ticket. You cook down rhubarb and strawberries tender and tangy, then spoon over yogurt or pancakes or breakfast toast. Make a batch and watch it disappear.  

4-INGREDIENT PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

You only need four basics for these cookies: peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter), brown sugar, eggs, and chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch chips, cacao nibs, or none at all if you’re out!). Treat yourself and your people.