Category: Recipes

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If you want to add a burst of flavor to weeknight dinners, this Chinese-inspired black pepper chicken is the perfect recipe to try! With its amazing homemade sauce, each bite is packed with savory, peppery, and slightly tangy flavors that will leave your mouth watering.

I love trying to recreate my favorite Chinese dishes at home. After you make this amazing black pepper chicken, try this homemade sweet and sour chicken, Szechuan chicken, or kung pao chicken!

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

If you love Chinese cuisine, prepare to meet your new favorite dinner – black pepper chicken! With its crispy exterior, vibrant bell peppers, and a homemade sauce bursting with the boldness of black pepper, garlic, and ginger, this dish will have you doing a happy dance in your kitchen. It’s super easy to make and only takes 30 minutes to cook. Just as long as it would take someone to deliver Chinese takeout to your door!

Black pepper chicken is so tender and juicy, you won’t be able to get enough! Plus, when you make it at home, you can customize it to your heart’s content. Want it extra spicy? Go ahead and add a pinch of chili flakes. Craving more veggies? Load it up with your favorites! This stir fry recipe is better than takeout and one that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients for the Stir Fry and Sauce

From the juicy chicken coated in a crispy mix of cornstarch and flour to the zesty homemade sauce featuring garlic, ginger, and tangy soy sauce, each ingredient in this dish adds a delicious element. This combination of flavors is so amazing! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Chicken Breasts: Cut into small, uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate. You can also use pork if you prefer!
• Cornstarch: Gives a crispy coating to the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: Combined with cornstarch to give the black pepper chicken an extra crunch.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds a spicy and aromatic kick.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken in.
• Yellow Onion: Adds texture and a savory but slightly sweet taste. You can also use red onion, white onion, or shallot instead.
• Red and Green Bell Peppers: Provides freshness, crunch, and vibrant color.

Black Pepper Sauce

• Black Pepper: This warm and flavorful spice brings a peppery taste to the black pepper sauce, giving it a bold kick.
• Garlic Powder: Because you can never go wrong with garlic!
• Ground Ginger: This fragrant spice adds a gentle zing and earthy flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Acting as a natural sweetener, the brown sugar balances the sauce by mellowing out the spiciness and tanginess.
• Soy Sauce: As the base of the sauce, soy sauce brings a savory umami taste. It adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Shaoxing Wine: This traditional Chinese cooking wine contributes a subtle sweetness and complexity, elevating the sauce with its unique flavor.
• Chinkiang Vinegar: Chinkiang vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that adds depth and contrast to the black pepper sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent, cornstarch ensures the sauce has a smooth and velvety consistency, allowing it to coat the black pepper chicken perfectly.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

To make black pepper chicken, all you have to do is whisk up your sauce and then toss everything in a skillet! It’s an easy and delicious meal that will leave everyone wanting more.

1. Sauté Chicken: In a large bowl, toss your cubed chicken in the cornstarch, flour, salt and pepper. Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and sauté your chicken until it is just cooked through. Remove your chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook Veggies: Add your onion and bell peppers to the skillet, sauté in the remaining oil and juices from the chicken until they begin to tenderize.
3. Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for sauce, taking care not to let the cornstarch clump together.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium low and add in your sauce mixture. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Combine: Add your chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Saute everything together for a few minutes more until your sauce has reduced to the desired thickness.

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This homemade chicken broth recipe is a keeper and you will love all the many uses you can get out of it! Chicken broth is a staple cooking ingredient used in soups, casseroles, sauces, and many more everyday recipes.

Making chicken broth at home allows you to make a lot to store for later. Whenever I make this recipe, I have plenty of broth to last me a couple of weeks. I simply store it in the fridge to use throughout the week for recipes like our favorite soup, this yummy pasta, or this easy stir fry recipe.

What is Chicken Broth?

Chicken broth is the liquid created from simmering chicken and vegetables. You can also add herbs and spices for additional flavor. My recipe uses lots of veggies and herbs, but feel free to get creative and use the veggies and herbs that sound good to you! Sometimes I switch out the herbs depending on what I have on hand.

I love making homemade versions of store-bought ingredients because I am able to control the flavors and what goes in them. I also love that I can play with the seasonings and spices to make it the way that I want it. Try my homemade version of the best alfredo sauce, this cheese sauce that can be used in so many ways, or this easy teriyaki sauce that I always have on hand.

Chicken Broth Recipe Ingredients

Homemade chicken broth is so easy and can be prepped in 10 minutes! You will love using this broth in your recipes because it adds so much flavor. The exact measurements for these ingredients are below in the recipe card.

• Whole Chicken: One whole chicken that is about 6 pounds.
• Yellow Onions: Onion adds so much flavor! Feel free to use shallots or any other kind of onion you desire.
• Whole Carrots: Cut the carrots into 2-inch pieces. No need to peel them!
• Celery Stalks:  I use the whole stalk including leaves.
• Garlic Cloves: Garlic is a must!
• Parsley: Fresh is best.
• Thyme: For added flavor.
• Rosemary: For added flavor.
• Salt: I love that I can control the sodium in this recipe.
• Whole Black Peppercorns: For added flavor.
• Water: Essential! The flavors from the chicken, veggies, and herbs absorb into the water creating the chicken broth.

How to Make Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is such an essential cooking ingredient and you will love being able to make your own right at home. There are so many uses for chicken broth. Follow my instructions below because I walk you through how easy it is. I can’t wait for you to learn. It’s easier than you think, and homemade tastes incredible.

1. Add Chicken, Veggies, and Herbs to a Pot: Place the chicken in the bottom of a large stock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients on top and around the chicken. 
2. Cover With Water and Bring to a Boil: Cover everything completely with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once your water has come to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 4 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 
4. Remove the Chicken: Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot. Shred and debone the chicken then discard the carcass and use it as desired for recipes. 
5. Strain the Broth: To strain the broth, remove all of the ingredients from the pot using a slotted spoon. Carefully strain the chicken broth into a large container. Continue to strain if needed to remove any remaining ingredients.
6. Use For Recipes: Use the broth as needed for recipes or store it in the refrigerator for later use.

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Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are the perfect answer when you want a juicy, flavorful burger that’s a bit healthier. With a seared outside and moist tender inside it’s the ideal burger!

Air frying is quick, delicious, and usually a healthier way to cook and you must try it out! Start with some of my best classic air fryer recipes like this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese, this delicious tender and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast or this Perfect Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Herb Butter.

The Best Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Frying burgers has rocked my world! The way the air fryer uses circulating air to create a heavenly crust while leaving the inside juicy and moist is heaven. So often, poultry in general, will dry out so quickly before the inside has a chance to get done. The air fryer changes that. The forced air browns and crisps, just like an oven would, but faster which allows the inside to cook and stay juicy. This is all accomplished with minimal oil or fat added!

These turkey burgers are perfect for the main meal. Top your burger these with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and all your favorites, and then place them on your favorite bun and enjoy! Serve them up with some Homemade Air Fryer French Fries or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries. Add some Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts and you’ll have a complete air fryer meal!  Plus, using the air fryer means you don’t have to heat up the grill when it’s cold outside!

Turkey Burgers Ingredients

With only 4 ingredients, these burgers can’t get much easier. Feel free to add more spices to your turkey burgers to vary the flavor as desired. You can find ground turkey next to ground beef in your local grocery store. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient measurements.

• Ground Turkey: Ground chicken or ground beef can also be used.
• Garlic: The garlic should be minced finely to blend in nicely with the burgers.
• Salt and Pepper: Use these to flavor your burger as desired.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds incredible umami flavor to the burgers
• Toppings: Sprouts, butter lettuce, and sliced tomato.

Making Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer

Using fresh ground turkey in your burgers will make them easier to shape than frozen ground turkey. Air frying them is going to give them that crusty outside and tender and juicy inside.

1. Mix: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the turkey, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Shape: Shape into four patties, keeping them ½ inch thick because they will shrink.
3. Fry: Add two patties to the basket and cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes. Then, flip the patties and continue to cook for about 5 minutes or until cooked throughout. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the burgers are done.

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These delicious enchiladas are filled with juicy pork carnitas and smothered in melted cheese. Topped off with homemade red enchilada sauce, this is a dinner that the whole family will go crazy over.

You can’t go wrong with enchiladas for dinner. They’re just so hearty, cheesy, and flavorful! A few more great recipes to try: white chicken enchiladas, enchiladas with avocado cream sauce, or to jazz up the most important meal of the day – breakfast enchiladas!

Carnitas Enchiladas

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food: pork enchiladas that will have everyone begging for seconds. Imagine juicy pork carnitas wrapped in soft flour tortillas and smothered in a savory red enchilada sauce, packed with smoky flavors. The diced green chilies add a gentle kick of heat, perfectly complementing the savory pork.

But wait, there’s more! The gooey, melted blend of Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheese takes these enchiladas to another level of deliciousness. You can never go wrong with heaps of melty cheese. Each bite is an amazing combo of tender pork, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese. And don’t forget the final touch—a sprinkle of fresh cilantro! This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or potluck with friends. I know your family will love them as much as mine does.

Ingredients for Pork Enchiladas

This is everything you need to put this tasty dish together! The combination of flavors will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!) Measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

• Pork Carnitas: Juicy, flavorful, and slow-cooked to perfection! Prepare ahead of time using my recipe here.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: You can use canned enchilada sauce, but I recommend using homemade sauce for the best flavor! You can also use green enchilada sauce if you prefer.
• Diced Green Chilies: These add mild heat and delicious flavor to the enchiladas.
• Shredded Monterey Jack and Colby Jack Cheese: This is my favorite blend of cheeses for Mexican inspired dishes! It’s so melty and flavorful! You could also use shredded Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese for easy prep.
• Flour Tortillas: The flour tortillas serve as the vessel for the pork carnitas, holding all the delicious ingredients together. Feel free to swap these out for corn tortillas if that’s what you prefer!
• Fresh Cilantro: Fresh herbs are a must! Add chopped cilantro to the pork enchiladas for an extra pop of bright flavor.

How to Make the Best Pork Enchiladas

Carnitas enchiladas are actually super easy to prepare! Fill your tortillas, cover with cheese and sauce, then pop your baking dish in the oven! After 20 minutes of bake time, you’ll have meaty, cheesy goodness ready to enjoy!

1. Prepare Carnitas: Prepare pork carnitas ahead of time. A link is provided in the recipe card.
2. Preheat Oven, Prepare Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a baking dish.
3. Combine Pork and Chilies: In a large bowl, combine the pork carnitas and diced green chilies, mixing them well.
4. Fill Tortillas, Add Cheese, and Place in Baking Dish: Take a flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the pork and chili mixture onto it. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded Monterey jack cheese on top of the pork. Roll it up tightly, placing it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
5. Cover With Sauce: Pour the red enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Coat evenly. Set aside a small amount of sauce for later use.
6. Top With Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the enchiladas, reserving a small amount for garnish.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese has melted.
8. Melt: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
9. Serve: Serve warm and garnish with cilantro or desired toppings.

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This Cube Steak is a tender and juicy beef steak seared in beef broth, onion, and garlic powder, then made with the best mushroom gravy. A simple and delicious meal made in less than 30 minutes!

I love to cook beef, and steak is one of my favorite ways to do that! For more simple steak recipes, try this Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites with Potatoes, this delicious Brown Sugar Garlic Flank Steak, or these yummy Creamy Garlic Steak Bites with Mushrooms.

Easy Cube Steak Recipe

This delicious recipe is easy to make and packs a punch with flavor. Cube steak is a type of beef cut known to be a tough piece of tender meat. Usually, it is either top round or top sirloin when purchased. It is then flattened by pounding and tenderized before cooking. Cube steak got its name because of the indentations that are on the cube steak after it has been tenderized by a meat tenderizer.

To get this meat as tender and juicy as possible, you will want to make sure you take time to tenderize your meat about 20-30 minutes before you start cooking. Once you see how delicious it turns out and you drizzle on some delicious mushroom sauce, you won’t be able to resist seconds!

Cube Steak Ingredients

This delicious meat combination with a mushroom sauce is mouth-watering and one of the best meals I have made. Our family loves to make it over and over again. To find out the exact ingredient measurements, check out the recipe card that’s at the bottom of the post.

• Flour: I used all-purpose flour in this recipe.
• Salt and Pepper: These enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
• Onion Powder: This gives a slight onion flavoring to the base of the seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: The garlic flavor really adds in a delicious taste.
• Olive Oil: You can use vegetable oil or canola oil if that’s what you have instead!
• Cube Steaks: When you purchase, these will be top-round or sirloin steaks.

Mushroom Gravy

• Olive Oil: You will cook the onions and mushrooms in the oil.
• Onion: You can use a yellow onion or a white onion.
• Mushrooms: Slice these up to be the same size so that they cook evenly.
• Beef Broth: This acts as a base for the sauce.
• Onion Soup Mix: The onions in the soup mix complement the onions in the seasoning for the steak.
• Cornstarch and Water: Combining these two together helps thicken up the sauce.

How to Cook Cube Steak

So simple to make with only two easy steps. Then, create a delicious mushroom gravy that is out of this world good. Combined, it is the perfect combination and so delicious!

1. Mix together seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the flour, pepper, salt, onion, powder, and garlic powder.  Add the cube steak and coat with the flour on each side.
2. Cook the cube steak: In a medium-sized skillet, add the olive oil.  Over medium-high heat, add the cube steak and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side.  Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. To make the mushroom gravy:  Add the olive oil and sliced onions.  Sauté for 4-5 minutes and add in the mushrooms until they are tender and the mushrooms are golden.  Add in the beef broth and onion soup mix and mix until dissolved.  Combine the cornstarch and water and whisk in a small bowl.  Add to the gravy and mix.  Add the cube steaks back to the gravy and let simmer until the sauce has started to thicken.