Short on time and energy? Try these easy Asian-inspired dishes

Cooking at home has tremendous value for your health, not to mention your finances.

You know this, I know this, but some nights that feeling of being too tired to cook is stronger than the conviction to do the right thing.

Stopping at a fast casual restaurant for dinner sounds like a good compromise. The quality of ingredients is higher, not everything is fried, but you still get your meal in minutes and these days most of the trash is compostable. What’s not to love?

On a recent dinner out I was reminded yet again, what looks like the easy way out may be nothing more than an illusion.

My husband has been away on a business trip for about a week and a half. Initially, I continued our routine of dinner at home. However, by week two I was missing my co-parent and feeling pretty tired. One evening, after each of my boys, ages 3 and 6, independently asked to have dinner at the same fast casual restaurant, I easily agreed.

I doubted my choice as soon as we started the process of ordering food. The made-to-order entrées required that my full attention go to the woman preparing our meal. Together we worked our way through all the choices for each menu item while the kids confused us both by excitedly blurting out extra requests — some not even on the menu.

Once in hand, it took several trips to get the food to the table.

After that, we had to take a trip to the beverage machine. The soda fountain is a highlight of any fast casual dining experience for my kids. This particular machine had all the bells and whistles. Operated by a bright touch sensitive screen which flashes countless choices allowing thirsty customers to mix and match any Coca Cola product to make a personalized drink.

Back at the table, I helped both kids get situated and they happily dug into their food. I paused for a moment of gratitude that the kids were in good moods and we had a hot meal on the table. I lifted my plastic fork and prepared to dig in. On my plate was a grilled chicken burrito wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla with brown rice, black beans, fresh pico de gallo and fresh avocado.

The first bite looked so tempting. I leaned in to taste my meal. At the same moment, my youngest jumped up and began the dance of his people (those recently potty-trained). His gyrations meant a trip to the bathroom would prolong my anticipation.

Over the next 20 minutes I left the table about 67 times. I grabbed napkins, forks, drink refills, and escorted my youngest on a total of three bathroom trips. Between errands, I managed a few bites of my meal which was quite tasty indeed.

Not surprisingly, by the time the boys were finished I was only a few bites into my dinner.

My oldest stood up to clear his plate. As he got to his feet he looked down at my barely touched meal and said, “Mom, that is a pretty big serving. Is your tummy telling you you are still hungry? You should get a box.”

That night, dinner out was not the solution to feeling less tired. Truly, I was more exhausted than when we arrived. Nestling my substantial leftovers into a box I thought about the quick recipes I could have made in my own kitchen. At home the kids are able to excuse themselves from the table to go play. Once they are fed and the kitchen is quiet, the remaining meal can be enjoyed in peace.

When it comes to quick and easy meals there are two recipes our whole family is loving right now: Coconut jasmine brown rice and easy Asian slaw. They are simple Asian-inspired side dishes that pair nicely with a variety of entrees especially chicken and fish.

Coconut jasmine brown rice

Coconut jasmine rice couldn’t be easier. All you need are three simple ingredients then the rice cooker does the hard work. It comes out light and fluffy with a subtly sweet coconut flavor. Serve as an aromatic and flavorful alternative to plain steamed rice.

1 cup jasmine brown rice

¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups water

In a rice cooker, combine rice with coconut, and salt. Add water and cook according to manufactures directions for brown rice. Fluff before serving.

Prep 5 mins. Cook 40 mins. Yield 6 (½ cup) servings

Approximate nutrition: 129 calories, 3g fat, 195mg sodium, 24g carbohydrates, 1g sugar, 2g fiber, 3g protein

Easy Asian slaw

A super-fast, super-easy and super-yummy slaw. Incorporates the taste of your favorite Asian take-out salad in a lighter healthy way.

7 cups of pre-shredded cabbage slaw

4 tablespoons Mirin (sweet cooking wine)

2 tablespoons sesame oil