Indulge in a delectable culinary journey with our Blue Plate Special recipes, a classic American diner experience transformed into lighter, healthier, and equally satisfying dishes. From the iconic Salisbury steak with its savory mushroom gravy to the comforting chicken fried steak smothered in a creamy white gravy, each recipe delivers a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition. Craving something a bit lighter? Try the grilled pork tenderloin with a tangy lemon-herb marinade or the flavorful grilled salmon with a zesty salsa verde. And for a vegetarian option, the portobello mushroom burger with a smoky chipotle sauce is sure to impress. These Blue Plate Specials are not just lighter on calories but also packed with fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors, making them perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
BLUE PLATE SPECIAL HALIBUT OR SALMON
This comes from "Seafood Twice a Week". It was my first attempt at cooking fish. It always turns out great and gave me the confidence to try other fish preparations. It's also great for those nights when you're just too tired to cook. The next day, leftovers mashed and mixed make a good halibut-salad sandwich. My favorite is halibut with this preparation, but salmon is good this way, too.
Provided by GinnyP
Categories Halibut
Time 25m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Lightly oil or spray a baking dish before placing fish in a single layer.
- Mix remaining ingredients; spread over fish.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until done.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 157.6, Fat 2.3, SaturatedFat 0.5, Cholesterol 83.4, Sodium 116.5, Carbohydrate 0.6, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 0.2, Protein 31.7
BLUE PLATE BEEF PATTIES
A friend and I discovered this recipe together and both consider it a staple menu item. I fix the moist, mild-tasting patties often for family and friends. We love them with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and the gravy, which gets great flavor from fresh mushrooms.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a bowl, beat the egg; stir in onions, bread crumbs and mustard. Add beef and mix well. Shape into four 1/2-in.-thick patties. , In an ungreased skillet, cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side or until meat is no longer pink; drain. , In a small bowl, combine gravy, water and horseradish; add mushrooms. Pour over patties. Cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 438 calories, Fat 24g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 170mg cholesterol, Sodium 825mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 41g protein.
LIGHTER BLUE-PLATE SPECIAL
Our comforting menu of lean sirloin meatloaf and low-fat buttermilk mashed potatoes is as hearty as the diner original - but better for you.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Ground Beef Recipes
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a food processor, chop carrots, celery, onion, and panko with egg white until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl; mix in beef, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- On a foil-lined baking sheet, form meat mixture into a 6-inch-long loaf; brush with half the barbecue sauce. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in loaf registers 160 degrees, 25 to 30 minutes, brushing halfway through with remaining sauce.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, cover potatoes with cold salted water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, and cook until potatoes are easily pierced with a knife, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain; return to pan. Stir over medium until a starchy film forms on bottom of pan, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; mash with buttermilk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- While potatoes cook, set a steamer basket in a saucepan filled with one inch water; bring to a gentle boil. Add green beans; cover, and cook until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; add oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss. Serve meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 327 g, Fat 6 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 2 g
Tips:
- Use leaner cuts of meat: Opt for leaner cuts of meat, such as flank steak, sirloin steak, or chicken breast, to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
- Trim excess fat: Before cooking, trim any visible excess fat from the meat to further reduce the fat content.
- Choose healthier cooking methods: Instead of frying, opt for healthier cooking methods such as grilling, baking, or roasting, which require less oil and result in a lower-fat dish.
- Use low-fat or fat-free dairy products: When using dairy products in the recipe, choose low-fat or fat-free options to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Incorporate more vegetables: Add plenty of vegetables to the dish to increase its nutritional value and fiber content. Vegetables also help to reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the meal.
- Use whole grains: Choose whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, instead of refined grains like white rice or pasta, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
- Control portion sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating. A good rule of thumb is to fill half of your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains or healthy fats.
Conclusion:
By following these tips, you can easily lighten up your favorite blue plate special recipes without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. These healthier versions are not only lower in fat and calories, but they are also packed with nutrients and fiber, making them a healthier choice for your overall well-being. So, enjoy your favorite comfort food without feeling guilty, and embrace a healthier lifestyle by incorporating these simple changes into your cooking.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love