Quick-Fix Lightened Suppers

Tacos Al Pastor

Tacos Al Pastor are a great way to lighten up traditional Mexican tacos because the flavor comes from a juicy pineapple marinade instead of loads of fatty toppings.

Pork tenderloin cubes are tenderized by sweet pineapple juice and packed with bold flavors like earthy cumin, spicy cilantro and hot chili powder. You can cook the meat in a hot skillet or on the grill then load it into warm flour tortillas.

Top your tacos with fresh lettuce, radishes, cilantro, onions and queso fresco – a mild Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk.

• Recipe: Tacos Al Pastor

Coconut Shrimp

Crispy, Caribbean-inspired shrimp taste like they’re fresh out of the fryer, but hold the grease - they’re actually baked. Plump shrimp are coated in an egg mixture, Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) and coconut flakes, then baked in the oven until they’re crunchy and golden.

Dip the shrimp in a lightened up honey-mustard sauce so rich and creamy, you won’t even know it’s low in fat.

• Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

Peanut-Broccoli Stir-fry

Take-out stir-fry is often high in sodium and starch, but our version is lighter in calories and still delivers great flavor. Chopped broccoli florets, julienned carrots and firm tofu are sautéed in a light soy marinade with zesty lime juice, creamy peanut butter and sweet chili paste. You can substitute grilled chicken or beef if you aren’t crazy about tofu.

Serve on top of steamed white rice and garnish with chopped peanuts for a finishing crunch.

• Recipe: Peanut-Broccoli Stir-fry

Thai Pesto Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Rice

Spicy cilantro pesto is a great way to add tons of flavor to any meat or seafood, in this case, large shrimp. Fresh cilantro is puréed in a food processor with olive oil, lime juice, honey, ginger and garlic. Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a punch of heat, and feel free to add more if your taste buds are up for it. Serve the shrimp on a puffy cloud of sweet and zesty Coconut-Lime Rice. This one-dish meal is easy on your pocketbook and your waistline.

• Recipe: Thai Pesto Shrimp

Skillet Grilled Burritos

This lightened classic burrito provides all the great Mexican flavors that you love. Whole-wheat tortillas are stuffed with chicken, black beans, corn, and peppers then cooked on a griddle until the outside is crispy. A hot and zesty Creamy Cilantro-Jalapeno Sauce adds a great kick.

• Recipe: Skillet Grilled Burritos

Sweet Potato and Edamame Hash

Where traditional hash is high in fat, this version substitutes sweet potatoes, lean ham, and edamame for beef to lighten the calories but still pack in the protein. Serve on a bed of peppery arugula and with a poached egg on top. The gooey yolk from the egg only adds to the flavor.

• Recipe: Sweet Potato and Edamame Hash

Flank Steak with Radish Salsa

This quick and easy dish uses simple ingredients and is a great go-to recipe for grilling. Make the Radish Salsa in advance and store in the fridge so all you have to do come dinnertime is marinate the steak and Balsamic Grilled Veggies and throw them on the grill.

• Recipe: Flank Steak with Radish Salsa

Sage-and-Pecan Pork Tenderloin Cutlets

Instead of smothering your pork cutlets with heavy gravy, try this sweet and tangy blackberry reduction sauce. Bread pork tenderloin slices in a crunchy mixture of chopped pecans, breadcrumbs and sage then sear until golden brown. The contrast of the sweet berry sauce and earthy sage is a flavor combination you will want to taste again and again.

• Recipe: Sage-and-Pecan Pork Tenderloin Cutlets

Mango-Chicken Wraps

The marinade in this recipe is the key to making the chicken flavorful and juicy. You can marinate the chicken the night before to reduce prep time the day of. Serve with ripe mango slices and your favorite lettuce for a healthy meal that is fun to eat.

• Recipe: Mango-Chicken Wraps

Supper Ideas from the Pros

Get supper on the table in no time with more lightened supper ideas from Food Editor Scott Jones.
• Watch

Send Us Your Recipe!
Do you have a great lightened supper recipe? If so, we'd love to try it.
• E-mail Us