Sautéing: 3 Complete Dish Examples

Introduction to Sautéing

Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. This method is fantastic for bringing out the natural flavors of ingredients while keeping them tender and juicy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, mastering sautéing can elevate your meals. Let’s dive into three complete sautéed dish examples that you can try at home!

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests. The combination of shrimp and asparagus sautéed in garlic butter creates a delightful flavor profile that’s both light and satisfying.

To make this dish, start by gathering your ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp.

Next, push the asparagus to one side of the skillet and add the remaining butter. When it’s melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Finally, toss the shrimp and asparagus together to combine. Serve hot with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

Notes:

• You can substitute the asparagus with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

2. Sautéed Chicken with Spinach and Tomatoes

This colorful and nutritious dish is great for a healthy lunch or dinner. The spinach and tomatoes provide a wonderful contrast to the savory chicken.

You’ll need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the hot skillet. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Once the chicken is done, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Finally, add the spinach and sauté until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.

Serve this dish warm, perhaps over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Notes:

• You can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.
• Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

3. Mushroom and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry

This vegetarian dish is not only colorful but also packed with flavor. It’s a great option for a meatless meal and can be served over rice or noodles.

Gather these ingredients:

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the mushrooms and bell peppers. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are tender.

Next, add the minced garlic and soy sauce, cooking for another minute until the garlic is fragrant. Drizzle with sesame oil just before serving for a nutty flavor.

Enjoy this dish over rice or noodles for a filling meal!

Notes:

• Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots.
• You can sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.