5 Weeknight Meals You Can Make in Under an Hour

A photo from the production of "The Kitchen" in Montclair, N.J., on July 8, 2014.
Photo: Jeffrey Neira/Watershed Visuals
©2014 Watershed Visual Media. All Rights Reserved.

The Kitchen

A photo from the production of "The Kitchen" in Montclair, N.J., on July 8, 2014.Photo: Jeffrey Neira/Watershed Visuals©2014 Watershed Visual Media. All Rights Reserved.,A photo from the production of "The Kitchen" in Montclair, N.J., on July 8, 2014. Photo: Jeffrey Neira/Watershed Visuals ©2014 Watershed Visual Media. All Rights Reserved.,A photo from the production of "The Kitchen" in Montclair, N.J., on July 8, 2014.Photo: Jeffrey Neira/Watershed Visuals©2014 Watershed Visual Media. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by: Jeffrey Neira ©2014 Watershed Visual Media. All Rights Reserved.

Jeffrey Neira, 2014 Watershed Visual Media. All Rights Reserved.

Aside from relaxing next to the beach, getting a glowing tan and catching up on your reading list, a huge draw for vacation is enjoying the local cuisine of whatever exotic location you have jetted off to.

But unfortunately, a fabulous vacation isn’t always in the cards — though tropical menu items certainly can be. If you’re staying put this spring, read on below for some decadent recipes that are ready to go in less than an hour and can make this week feel like a delicious oasis.

Topped with spicy mayonnaise and housed in a toasted, fluffy potato bun, Geoffrey Zakarian’s buttery lobster roll is an easy and beach worthy meal.

Nothing says vacation like cooking and eating your meal in the great outdoors. Next time you fire up the grill, drizzle on some of Bobby Flay’s chipotle-spiked mayo for a burger like you’ve never had before.

Bring the natural flavors of grilled salmon alive with the addition of an orange, caper and parsley-studded salsa. This light, healthy dish will have you indulging like it’s vacation, but eating like you’re getting ready for the beach.

This takeout staple yields bold, Asian spices that will instantly transport you away from your kitchen. Wrapped in a crisp bed of Boston lettuce, the combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce and salted peanuts creates a flavor-packed meal in just under 30 minutes.

CoconutShrimp_TropicalRice_062.tif

Photo by: Charles Masters

Charles Masters

The double whammy of coconut — in both the rice and the shrimp breading — offers a quintessential vacation flavor but on a whole new level. Add fresh lime, seasonal vegetables and shrimp for a light meal perfect for sitting poolside (even if you’re at home).