Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals For Busy Days

In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don't skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups - like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait - you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won't even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.

If you're craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household's tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.

To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.

Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet

Prep time: 1 minute

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1-2

1 Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup

1 Tablespoon of olive oil

8 Ounces of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 Tablespoon of lemon juice

1/4 Teaspoon of red pepper flakes

1 Tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)

Heat the rice according to the package's directions.

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook them until they are pink, about 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

In the same skillet, add the rice, the lemon juice and the red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return the shrimp and stir it to combine it.

Garnish it with parsley. Squeeze the lemon wedge over the top, if desired, and serve.

Substitution: Use the sauteed mushrooms or the crispy tofu to make it vegetarian.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 18 minutes

Servings: 2

1 Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup

1/2 Pound of ground turkey or pork

1 Cup of coleslaw mix

1 Garlic clove, minced

2 Tablespoons of soy sauce

1 Teaspoon of ginger, freshly grated

1/2 Teaspoon of sesame oil

1/2 Cup of fried wonton strips

2 Tablespoons of sweet and sour sauce

Heat the rice according to the package's directions.

In a large pan, cook the meat over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.

Add the coleslaw, the garlic, the soy sauce, the ginger and the sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until the coleslaw is softened. Add the rice during the final 4 minutes.

Top with the wonton strips, drizzle the sweet and sour sauce and serve.

Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice.

For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit: www.MinuteRice.com.