Delicious Dinners With Seven Ingredients Or Less Perfect For Lazy Summer Nights

When summer heat hits, nobody wants to spend hours at the stove or chase down specialty ingredients at five different stores. The good news? Some of the tastiest dinners come together with just a handful of pantry staples — no sweat, literally. If you’re craving big flavor with minimal fuss, these three recipes are about to be your weeknight heroes.

First up, say hello to ginger pork meatballs. A touch of fresh ginger and a splash of fish sauce turn humble ground pork into juicy, savory bites that taste like they came straight out of your favorite Asian bistro. Mix the pork with grated ginger, minced garlic, fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Roll into meatballs and pan-fry until golden and cooked through. Serve over rice or tuck into lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist.

Next on the list is crispy lime-butter chicken, a dish that looks restaurant-worthy but requires hardly any effort. Season chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper, then sear in a skillet until the skin crisps up nicely. Squeeze fresh lime juice and swirl in a knob of butter just before serving — the result is zesty, rich, and pairs beautifully with a side of simple salad or grilled veggies.

And for all the carb lovers out there, there’s nothing like a bowl of creamy miso pasta when you want comfort with a modern touch. Cook your pasta of choice, then toss it with a quick sauce made from white miso paste, a bit of butter, and a splash of pasta water to bring everything together. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of scallions if you’re feeling fancy.

The beauty of these recipes? They’re endlessly flexible. Swap pork for chicken or turkey in the meatballs, try lemon instead of lime for the chicken, or add sautéed mushrooms to the pasta for extra umami. Summer dinners should be about ease and flavor, not grocery store marathons.

So next time you’re staring into your fridge, remember: seven ingredients or fewer is all it takes to win dinner tonight — and maybe even tomorrow too.