Easy Weeknight Dinners in Meat & Seafood(32)

What's the best type of ground beef to use for quick burgers?

Most chefs say that ground chuck is the best beef to use for hamburgers. At 80 percent lean and 20 percent fat (80/20), it's the perfect blend for moist and juicy burgers every time. It's also packed with flavor. An 85/15 blend will also work, but it won't be quite as juicy.

What's a quick way to prepare pork chops for an easy weeknight dinner?

Cooking pork chops in a pan on the stove with some oil is probably the quickest way to cook them. Season them with your favorite seasoning, or soak them in a marinade for at least 30 minutes before placing them in a hot pan that's slightly coated with cooking oil. Sear them on one side for about three to five minutes, and then flip them over and do the same. The thicker they are, the longer they may need to cook.

How many shrimp do I need to buy for dinner for a family of four?

It's generally thought that about a pound of shrimp will feed a family of four, but the size of the shrimp may also come into play. A pound of medium shrimp has about 30 to 35 pieces, so each person might get between seven and eight pieces. A pound of large shrimp contains about 20 to 25 pieces, so each person might get between five and six pieces. When in doubt, buy extra.