It’s been a hot, humid and busy week in New York. I had a video shoot in Manhattan for my upcoming cookbook, which was exciting and a little nerve-racking. I also took a mini staycation with family that included a double-decker bus tour, a stroll through Little Italy, and a memorable visit to the Freedom Tower. This past weekend I spent time in the Hamptons for an event with TastingTable. With another heat wave on the way, I’m planning easy grilling recipes and a few slow cooker meals to keep dinners simple and satisfying.
Skinnytaste Dinner Plan (Week 36)
- Monday — Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Bowl: A bright, summery bowl featuring seasoned grilled shrimp, zucchini, red pepper and corn. Finish with avocado and lime for a light, protein-packed meal that’s quick to prepare on a hot evening.
- Tuesday — Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Halved zucchinis filled with seasoned lean turkey, bell pepper and onion, topped with a small amount of reduced-fat shredded cheese and fresh herbs. A low-carb twist on classic tacos that’s family-friendly and easy to customize.
- Wednesday — Honey Teriyaki Drumsticks (Skillet or Instant Pot): Juicy drumsticks glazed with a simple honey-teriyaki sauce. Make them on the stovetop in a skillet or speed things up in an Instant Pot—either method yields sticky, savory chicken perfect with rice or steamed vegetables.
- Thursday — Gochujang-Honey Glazed Shrimp Skewers: Sweet and savory shrimp skewers brushed with a gochujang-honey glaze and grilled until caramelized. Serve with scallions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Friday — Dinner Out: Take the night off cooking. Enjoy a meal out and recharge for the weekend.
- Saturday — Dinner Out: Another evening to dine out, entertain friends, or pick up a favorite takeout on a busy weekend.
- Sunday — Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: A hands-off slow cooker pulled pork that’s great for sandwiches, tacos, or served with a side of slaw. Use a flavorful Kansas City–style BBQ sauce for serving and plan for leftovers to repurpose during the week.
Shopping List and Ingredients
Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Bowl
- 32 (12 oz) large peeled and deveined shrimp
- Olive oil and olive oil spray
- Onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika
- Brown sugar, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper
- Zucchini, red bell pepper, corn on the cob
- Hass avocado and lime
Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
- Mild salsa
- Garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, kosher salt
- Onion and bell pepper
- Tomato sauce
- Reduced-fat Mexican blend shredded cheese
- Chopped scallions or cilantro for garnish
Honey Teriyaki Drumsticks (Skillet or Instant Pot)
- Low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free alternative)
- Rice wine or rice vinegar
- Honey, garlic, fresh grated ginger
- Sriracha (optional)
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- Sesame seeds and chopped scallions to finish
Gochujang-Honey Glazed Shrimp Skewers
- Gochujang and honey
- Mirin and soy sauce
- Toasted sesame oil, garlic, fresh ginger
- 1 lb peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp (weight after peeling)
- Kosher salt, long wooden skewers, cooking spray
- Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- 2.5 lb boneless pork loin roast
- Red wine vinegar and hickory liquid smoke
- Garlic powder and sea salt
- Kansas City–style BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Homemade Kansas City BBQ Sauce (Ingredients)
- Tomato sauce and tomato paste
- Honey, molasses (unsulfured)
- Red wine vinegar and all-natural hickory liquid smoke
- Cayenne pepper, salt, coarsely ground black pepper
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cinnamon, chili powder
Meal-Prep Tips
- Prep vegetables ahead of time: slice zucchini and peppers the night before to cut down on active cooking time.
- Marinate shrimp and drumsticks a few hours in advance for deeper flavor, or use a quick 15–30 minute marinade on busy days.
- Use the slow cooker for pulled pork early in the day so it’s ready by dinner; the low, slow method yields tender meat and easy shredding.
- Plan for leftovers: grilled shrimp bowls and pulled pork make excellent lunches or components for bowls, tacos, and salads later in the week.
- When grilling, keep a spray bottle of oil or an oil brush handy to prevent sticking and encourage even charring on vegetables and skewers.
This week’s plan focuses on simple, seasonal grilling and convenient slow-cooker recipes that keep the kitchen cool while delivering fresh, flavorful dinners. Use this shopping list to gather ingredients for the week and adapt seasonings or proteins based on preferences. Enjoy a delicious and stress-free week of meals.