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:

• 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.

• 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.

• Get the whole family involved and assign each member a task, such as setting the table or assembling a crisp green salad.

• 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.

• 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

Ingredients

• 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

Preparation

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

Ingredients

• 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)

Preparation

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.

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