By Brenda Garcia, MS, RD
United Supermarkets’ Lifestyle Desk
We’ve all been there, sitting down to plan out meals for the week, but having no inspiration for what to prepare. After perusing some cookbooks, blogs, or pinterest, you finally resort to those recipes you know by heart and can prepare in your sleep.
However, the more you make these recipes, the more lackluster they taste. Dietitians understand this. That’s why we have come up with 5 recipes that are on the table in 30 minutes or less. These simple, but tasty lettuce wraps really satisfy without making you feel stuffed.
The steak is flavorful, simply seasoned with just salt and pepper, but can easily be jazzed up with your favorite marinade or seasoning. Still missing those complex carbohydrates? Substitute the lettuce leaves with small corn or whole-wheat tortillas.
Not only is this recipe quick and super simple, it is very versatile and can easily be customized with your favorites veggies or cheese. Change up by toppings with fresh pico de gallo and cotija cheese, cherry tomatoes and crumbled blue cheese or your favorite peppers and pepper jack cheese.
Take it up another notch with Mango Pico de Gallo. Or, change the flavor to a more Asian inspired version. Try with some teriyaki sauce or add spice with Sriracha sauce. Or try some blue cheese and a drizzle of Ranch dressing. Barbeque sauce with a sprinkle of cheddar is another great option. So much room for meeting your cravings!
Remember to let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to retain the juices and to cut against the grain to increase the tenderness.
Keep an eye out for more dietitian-approved meal ideas that can add a little flare to your weeknight meals. This is one way we help you to Build a Better Meal.
Steak and Cheese Wraps
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb flank steak
salt and pepper to season
12 butter lettuce leaves
1/2 cup thinly sliced white or yellow onion
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 cup diced tomatoes
Preparation
1. Coat grill pan with cooking spray and preheat to medium-high.
2. Season both sides of steak with salt and pepper. Place steak on hot pan and cook 3-5 minutes on each side. Note: Steak may also be broiled in the oven on high for 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
3. Stuff each lettuce leaf or tortilla with steak, onion, tomato and cheese.
