5 tips for easy family weeknight meals

Most families aspire to spend more time together around the dinner table, but between work and after-school activities, it’s hard to find the time.

If you’re finding it tough to get your family to the table each night, here are a few simple tips:

1. Keep the meals simple by choosing recipes with one star ingredient and easy preparation – like a pork tenderloin. Fresh pork cuts can be easily sliced into medallions or cubes to cook faster, while still maintaining juicy, delicious flavor, so you can have a dinner that’s ready in less than 10 minutes.
2. While waiting for dinner to finish cooking, slice and chop any ingredients that can be stored to cut down on some of the prep work for the next night’s meal.
3. Get the whole family involved and assign each member a task, such as setting the table or assembling a crisp green salad.
4. To save on time, choose meats that have done some of the work for you, such as Smithfield’s Seasoned Pork line. Slow-marinated in a variety of delicious seasonings, they’re perfect for any night of the week, and will taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
5. On weekends, take the extra time in the kitchen to double a recipe for you to serve during the week.

For a simple weeknight meal that’s sure to get your family in their dinner seats, try a pre-seasoned pork dish such as Fresh Pork & Veggie Stir-Fry, or Fresh Pork & Apple Salad.

For more family-friendly and time-saving recipes, visit www.Smithfield.com.

Fresh Pork & Veggie Stir-Fry
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

1 pkg. Smithfield Teriyaki Seasoned Pork Tenderloin
4 cups assorted fresh vegetables (i.e. sugar snap peas, carrots, broccoli), cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup teriyaki or stir-fry sauce
2 cups prepared rice or rice noodles

1. Cut tenderloin into thin strips or 1-inch cubes.
2. Heat large skillet over high heat; spray with nonstick cooking spray. Sauté pork strips for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. Add vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp (about 3 minutes).
3. Stir in teriyaki sauce; heat through. Serve stir-fry over rice or noodles.

Fresh Pork & Apple Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Serves: 6

1 Smithfield Peppercorn & Garlic Seasoned Pork Tenderloin
1 (7-oz.) bag mixed salad greens
2 apples, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups assorted fresh vegetables (e.g., red onions, sugar snap peas, radishes) cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup nuts (e.g., cashews or almonds)

1. Cut tenderloin into thin strips or cubes.
2. Heat large skillet over high heat; spray with nonstick cooking spray. Sauté pork strips for 2 to 3 minutes until done and browned.
3. To make salad, layer salad greens, apples, vegetables, and sliced tenderloin in large bowl. Garnish with nuts. Serve with your favorite salad dressing.

(Family Features)