It’s time to start thinking about your meal plan for next week. From vegan Korean tacos to the easiest Sesame noodles, we’ve got five dinners that will get you through the busy week ahead — and even through July 4th, whether you’re having a big party or just a cookout with family. So grab a pen, make your shopping list, and stock up before the weekend’s over. And if it’s easier for you to do that from your inbox, be sure to sign up for our weekly meal plan emails.
Top: Easy Sesame Noodles at Spice the Plate | Korean BBQ Jackfruit Tacos at Sweet Potato Soul
Related: 5 eco-friendly burger recipes that could help save the planet. And taste good. Really!
I’m already a big fan of jackfruit for making surprisingly kid-friendly #MeatlessMonday meals, but when those meals are surprisingly fast, too, well then call me a straight-up devotee. That’s what these Korean BBQ Jackfruit Tacos at Sweet Potato Soul have made me. These are so easy and delicious, and with all that bold flavor, kids are none the wiser.
I love the sound of this Healthy Persian-Style Saffron Chicken at The Persian Fusion, and not just the description of its flavor. I also love how and when Maryam makes this dish. It sounds like the perfect weeknight dinner solution for tired, busy parents. Fast, easy, and healthy, this dinner can be served with nothing more than warmed flatbread and mixed herbs (read Maryam’s post for specific suggestions). I may also whip up a chopped salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta dressed with good olive oil and a combination of red wine vinegar and some freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Grilled Skirt Steak with Tomato Salad | What’s Gaby Cooking
It’s hard to suggest a meal for Wednesday since it’s July 4th (I know! Did you remember?!), so I’ll send you straight to our summer grilling guide, which has everything from genius outdoor party tips and the best grilling hacks (super useful if you’re hosting a July 4th cookout) to our favorite burger recipes from around the world and delicious steak recipes perfect for a decadent family dinner, including my family’s favorite Grilled Skirt Steak with Tomato Salad at What’s Gaby Cooking.
And don’t forget to make a special holiday drink: These red, white, and blue cocktails and mocktails will round out dinner, whether you’re having a party or just a family cookout.
Related: A week of easy dinners using our favorite shortcut: A store-bought rotisserie chicken.
I’m thinking that while I have the grill fired up on the fourth, I’ll throw just enough shrimp and bell peppers on for the family for dinner tonight. A little planning ahead like this will make Thursday night so much easier, because let’s be honest, it’s going to be a weird in between day.
About 30 minutes before dinner, I’ll take the shrimp and veg out of the fridge to get to room temperature while whipping up some guac and grating some cheese, then bundle everything into these Grilled Shrimp Fajita Wraps at Dad With A Pan for an easy dinner that’s sure to make everyone happy.
Whether you and your family go back to your regular routine on Thursday and Friday or take a long weekend, it’s going to be a crazy week with the holiday smack dab in the middle, and I’m thinking that by Friday, all I’ll have the will to rustle up is something super simple like these Easy Sesame Noodles at Spice the Plate.
This is the kind of dinner that I sometimes feel is way too simple — until I see my kids’ reactions. They love dinners like these and all I need to round it out is a side of steamed or roasted broccoli. Perfect.
