If, like me, you’re trying to maximize your protein intake, it’s smart to include protein at breakfast and enjoy high-protein snacks. But, I find that it’s dinner where I want a wallop of the nutrient, and to make that happen, it helps to have a few go-to recipes at my fingertips. As the food director at REAL SIMPLE, I have the chance to try so many new dishes, and there are always a few that I go back to again and again. These are some of my protein-packed favorites.
To make my life easier, I saved all of these recipes on MyRecipes, REAL SIMPLE’s digital recipe box. Want to save them too, or any of our other recipes? Just click the save button with the little heart near every recipe.
Marinated Shrimp and Succotash Toasts
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Unless you count toasting bread, there’s no cooking required for this big-flavor, veggie-packed dinner. Oh, and you want protein? This meal packs a whopping 42 grams, thanks to both the shrimp and edamame. A schmear of store-bought basil pesto anchors the topping to the toast and adds an extra layer of deliciousness in the process.
Weeknight Beef Stroganoff
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
It’s hard to believe that such a tasty and comforting meal can come together with only a half-hour of prep time, but this one does. And it has 38 grams of protein to boot. The recipe uses strip steak, which cooks in a flash, plus a medley of nutritious mushrooms. Yes, this meal is a great weeknight recipe (hence the name), but it would also be welcome at a casual dinner party.
Moroccan Spicy-Sweet Tofu With Couscous
Caitlin Bensel
You don’t need to eat meat, poultry, or fish to enjoy a meal with a hefty amount of protein. Soy-based products like mega-healthy tofu also do the job (and, for what it’s worth, they’re extremely budget-friendly). This meal boasts 23 grams of protein, and there’s no bland tofu here! First, the tofu is crisped up in a pan and then briefly simmered in an irresistible harissa-honey sauce. If all that isn’t enough to convince you to save and try this winner, here’s one more perk: the whole meal comes together in just 20 minutes.
Chicken Orzo Skillet
This one-pan meal has it all—comforting pasta, juicy chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and even a few handfuls of spinach thrown in for veggie power. All that and 48 grams of protein. It comes together in a single skillet, so cleaning up will be almost as easy as enjoying the meal itself.
Chile-Lime Salmon Cakes With Arugula Salad
Clocking in at 43 grams of protein, this light meal comes together fast thanks to canned or jarred salmon. Simply open a few cans, mix the fish with some seasonings, pan fry, and serve over a fresh and lively arugula salad. If you prefer, skip the stove-top and cook the salmon patties in the air fryer.
Read the original article on Real Simple