Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinners with Gourmet Blends and Easy Meal Prep Tips
- moriah154
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 23
Are you bored with the same old weeknight dinner routine? Do you often find yourself cooking the same dishes every week? Let's change that! With the right gourmet blends and simple meal prep strategies, you can turn your dinners into delicious adventures that will excite your family and friends. This post shares some of my favorite recipes using Bear Creek Rubs that you can quickly make for a weeknight treat or prepare in bulk for busy days ahead.
Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken
Let’s start with a bright and refreshing dish: Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken. This recipe is incredibly easy and packed with zesty flavors, thanks to the High Country Citrus Blend.
Begin by marinating chicken breasts or thighs in a combination of olive oil, High Country Citrus Blend seasoning, and fresh thyme. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes; if you have time, letting it sit overnight will deepen the taste. The citrus blend adds a refreshing twist that makes the chicken irresistible.
Once your grill is preheated, place those marinated chicken pieces on. Grill them for 6-7 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If grilling isn't an option, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
This delightful chicken can be enjoyed in several ways: on top of a salad, alongside rice, or wrapped in a tortilla. It also stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Imagine opening the fridge for a quick lunch and enjoying that glorious grilled chicken with fresh veggies. Research shows that home-prepped meals can be 50% healthier than takeout, so you can feel good about your nutritious choices!
Flaming Ember Grilled Steaks
Next, let's focus on making a statement with Flaming Ember Grilled Steaks. For steak lovers, this seasoning blend provides a bold and spicy kick that’s perfect for grilling.
Start by liberally applying Flaming Ember seasoning to your steaks and letting them rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply into the meat. While waiting, preheat your grill to high heat.
Place the steaks on the hot grill and cook until you reach your desired doneness—around 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness. After cooking, let the steaks rest for five minutes before slicing. This resting period keeps the juices locked inside, leading to tender, flavorful bites.
Once sliced, use the grilled steak in various dishes! Think steak salads with mixed greens, fajitas loaded with colorful bell peppers, or hearty grain bowls. These steaks keep well, making meal prep a breeze, ensuring you always have a satisfying meal available. Studies show that meal prepping can save you an average of 5 hours a week. That's time you can spend doing things you love!
Smoky Tomato Soup

Finally, let’s warm up with a bowl of Smoky Tomato Soup. This classic comfort food is enhanced with Woodland Smoked Salt, adding depth and a smoky flavor.
For this soup, gather canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and cream if you prefer a richer texture. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until fragrant, then introduce the canned tomatoes and broth. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes.
After blending until smooth, stir in a pinch of Woodland Smoked Salt. This simple addition elevates a basic tomato soup into a gourmet experience.
Package the soup into jars for easy reheating during the week. It pairs wonderfully with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, making for a cozy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Preparing meals at home can save you up to 60% compared to dining out, so you’re not just indulging your taste buds, but also saving money!
Meal Prep Magic
The beauty of these recipes is they fit seamlessly into your meal prep routine. By dedicating a little time on the weekend to prepare dishes, you set yourself up for a week of wholesome, gourmet meals.
For example, grill multiple chicken breasts and steak strips simultaneously. Divide them into containers with fresh vegetables or grains. This approach not only saves time but also makes sticking to healthy eating habits much simpler.
Remember, cooking can be straightforward and quick. With flavorful gourmet spice sets like those from Bear Creek Rubs, you can create delightful dinners for yourself or your family without breaking a sweat.
Flavorful Weeknight Solutions
So there you have it—three tasty recipes that will immediately improve your weeknight dinners! The combination of Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken, Flaming Ember Grilled Steaks, and Smoky Tomato Soup gives you a versatile menu that anyone can enjoy.
Whether you are entertaining guests, feeding your family, or having a quiet night in, these gourmet dishes will impress. Plus, a little bit of meal prep makes your week much easier, allowing you to savor every bite without any stress.
Ready to elevate your home cooking? Let’s get grilling, sautéing, and preparing these fantastic meals! Your taste buds are about to take a trip they won't forget.
Give these recipes a try and watch your weeknight dinners transform from ordinary to extraordinary!
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