Nel VanAmen – Page 4 – Stark Personal Trainer Gym in Newport Beach and Irvine, California

a beautifully cooked, marinated skirt steak with homemade chimichurri drizzled over it

Skirt steak and Chimichurri Sauce

July 26, 2018

If you are looking for a way to add a lot of flavor to steaks, chops or fish Chimichurri sauce is an excellent choice. You can use any leftovers on eggs or even as a marinade. I use skirt steak or a sirloin flap because NY strips or Rib-eyes can stand alone pretty much. When cooking skirt steak or a sirloin flap they cook fast about 3-6 minutes per side for medium rare.

Tomato Stuffed Portobello Mushroom

August 26, 2018

Tomatoes are in season and what a great way to celebrate them by using them as a stuffing in an earthy portobello mushroom. This is great as a side dish if you are already grilling or if one of your guest is a vegetarian. This is a hearty choice. Grilling mushrooms is nothing new. But stuffing them is something you have to try. A flavorful filling with fresh tomatoes and fresh herbs makes this an impressive side dish or a hearty vegetarian dish.

Turkey Kebabs

July 26, 2018

These kebabs are a little different than your typical skewer with cubes of meat and veggies. Ground turkey is used to form an elongated meatball and then grilled. This can be served as an appetizer or as a main course. The spices make it so flavorful. You can use a fresh turkey breast and grind it in a food processor or just buy ground turkey.

Refreshing Watermelon and Jicama Salad

July 10, 2018

If you are going to the beach or you want a cold salad to add to your dinner and give you a reprieve from the heat of the summer sun. Then try this dish because it is truly delish! Your kids may even eat some veggies without knowing it. The lime with the sweetness of the watermelon is so refreshing. the cilantro kicks it up a notch and the crunch of the jicama make this a real winner. Keep it cold until serving and watch your guest face when they indulge because you are sure to surprise them with the flavor!! This would even work as a desert but use mint rather than cilantro.

Cucumber Moons With Seaweed Salad

July 10, 2018

Cucumbers are mild and refreshing. This is the perfect vegetable to pair with the ocean-like flavor of the mineral and vitamin packed seaweed. This dish is great served with grilled fish. I would try a little salmon. If using fresh seaweed make sure to rinse it well to remove excess salt. If you are using dried seaweed, soak in filtered water to re-pump and drain thoroughly, cut with kitchen scissors into smaller pieces if too large.

Zucchini Noodles Aglio e Olio

July 4, 2018

This dish is tender, familiar, and comforting all in a huge bowl. It can be slurped or twirled with your fork. It could accompany any of your grilled proteins at a cook out and is abundant this time of year. You can serve it with dinner for your guests but it is so comforting that you just may want to eat while in your pajamas as you lose yourself in a good book.

Grilled Potato and Asparagus Salad

June 25, 2018

Craving some of mom’s or grandma’s potato salad. Try this guiltless potato salad. This dish is great company to any of your grilled protein choices. In fact, throw in some grilled asparagus and you have a whole symphony on your plate for dinner or lunch. Your taste buds will sing with delight.

thick gourmet bison burger patties, with onions, peppers, jalapeños, and cilantro mixed into the patty

Grilled Bison Mexican Burgers

June 25, 2018

It is a grillin’ and chillin’ fiesta with this recipe. What better way to celebrate summer than with a juicy burger.

a bowl full of arugula, fennel, dome lemon dressing, and sardines

Mediterranean Sardines over Fennel and Arugula

May 29, 2018

Sardines are one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. They are also readily available and sustainable. In fact, they are abundant and one of the few wild-fish populations not on the decline. The mustardy vinaigrette and herbs offset the fishiness of the sardines. If you do not like sardines this recipe may not change your mind but the fishiness is not as noticeable with the dressing. I do not care for sardines out of the can but I actually ate this salad with a portion of the sardines and it was good. Try it! It is really good for you and if you like sardines you will love this recipe.

a Vietnamese style salad with cabbage, chicken, green onions, carrots, cilantro, and fresh mint

Vietnamese Chopped Salad

May 25, 2018

Swim suit season is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious light and flavorful dish. This is a really healthy salad that is full of antioxidants. This is great alone but paired with any protein and you have a knockout meal. If you are cooking for your guy, pair it with a grilled bison or beef steak. If you are cooking for your girl, pair it with some fish or chicken. They will not complain that you have made a salad. They will not even notice because the flavor is that good. The dressing is a perfect balance of hot, sour, salty , and sweet and is bursting with flavor.

By: Nel VanAmen