Easy Healthy Dinner Recipe for Beginners: How to 3-Step Meal
A simple and delicious 3-step meal featuring chicken or tofu, mixed vegetables, and a quick homemade sauce, ideal for those new to cooking.
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast or firm tofu block cut into 1-inch strips or cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium bell pepper any color, seeded and sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 clove garlic minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thicker sauce)
For Serving
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat dry the chicken or tofu. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey/maple syrup, and cornstarch slurry (if using), then set aside.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken or tofu; cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until almost cooked and lightly browned. Incorporate bell pepper, broccoli, and minced garlic; season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Finishing
- Pour the prepared sauce over chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the ingredients.
Notes
This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to substitute with your favorite protein and vegetables. Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Serve immediately for best results.