Early August Weekly Meal Plan + Shopping List
Each week, our menus here at IDCO tend to be built with a loose theme in mind. Fresh and seasonal eats are always a given, but this time we’re giving those beautiful summer ingredients a kick of spicy heat. That’s right—we’ve put not one but FOUR jalapeños on your grocery shopping list, and if you don’t already have a bottle of Sriracha on hand, this is the perfect time to grab one. We’ll be whipping up everything from stir fry to shrimp tacos to huevos rancheros for a savory brunch adventure you don’t want to miss.
Keep in mind that no matter the recipe, you can always tone down the spice level to your personal tastes. But if you want our opinion, a little kick is what really makes a dish.
WEEKNIGHT MENU FAVORITES
recipe & photo via Clean Food Crush
Chili Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Stir fry meals are such a perfect go-to for those nights when simple and easy is the name of the game. This variation calls for some heat (read: chili flakes) and helps take basic ingredients from bland to delish. Feel free to swap in whatever veggies you’ve got sitting in your fridge for a clean eating meal that checks all the boxes.
recipe & photo via Peas and Crayons
Spicy Vegetarian Ramen
Before you envision the 20 cent ramen from your college dorm days, know that this homemade ramen recipe is nothing like its packaged counterpart. This is a spicy noodle dish made with loads of fresh veggies and vegan broth, and is 100% customizable with whatever toppings you prefer. The only non-negotiable is the finishing dash of Sriracha for that delicious spicy kick.
recipe & photo via Pinch of Yum
Shrimp Tacos With Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
Our love of tacos is well documented on this blog, and this recipe from Pinch of Yum is yet another reason why. It calls for a fun blend of spicy seasonings, and the cayenne pepper is key! Top it all with a garlic cilantro-lime slaw and you’ve got the ultimate Taco Tuesday dinner.
recipe & photo via Half Baked Harvest
Spicy Pablano, Black Bean and Quinoa Enchiladas
Spicy food isn’t just for meat-eaters, and these vegetarian enchiladas totally prove the point. They’re loaded with quinoa, veggies, and black beans for a filling combination to please kids and grown-ups alike. Take your pick of tortillas (flour or corn both work!) and adjust the heat level to your tastes.
BRUNCH
recipe & photo via Downshiftology
Huevos Rancheros
When we think of favorite brunch dishes, sweet and carb-heavy options usually top the list. But after trying this huevos rancheros recipe for the first time, we’ve decided to officially reconsider. It’s incredibly easy and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Just top with a dash of hot sauce and you’re good to go.
SOMETHING SWEET
recipe & photo via Chocolate for Basil
Vegan + GF Chocolate Chip Cookies
We’re taking a quick break from all things spicy for a little something sweet. It’s a chocolate chip cookie recipe that’s gluten free and vegan, and yet still totally delicious. You’ll swap in applesauce and almond butter with the other baking staples, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to round out the recipe.
TO SIP
Spicy Pomegranate Margaritas
Homemade margaritas are always a good idea, but spicy margs? Now we’re talking. This pomegranate variation takes just five ingredients and uses sliced jalapeños for a well-balanced kick.
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY