Deceptively Easy Gourmet Dinners

The secret to quick and easy recipes is that they usually call for a few key ingredients that often include fresh juices or herbs and a tasty cut of meat. Cooking Light's recipe for Orange-Ginger Glazed Cornish Hens uses fresh ginger and orange juice, along with a few pantry items, to complete an elegant yet simple meal that cooks in 25 minutes. Line the pan with foil and cleanup will be a snap, too.

Recipe: Orange-Ginger Glazed Cornish Hens

When using a great cut of meat, keep seasonings and marinades to a minimum. Accent the naturally rich flavor of beef tenderloin with fresh thyme and rosemary, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and then cook for eight minutes on each side. While the steaks sit, make the white-wine based mushroom gravy.

Recipe: Fresh Herb-Coated Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Mushroom Gravy

While you may think that a weeknight dinner dilemma can only be solved by takeout, you'll change your mind after making a complete Asian-inspired meal in only 30 minutes. Kung Pao chicken cooks in about 10 minutes and is much lower in fat than other saucy chicken dishes you might order at a restaurant. Plus, you don't have to leave a tip.

Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Branch out beyond frozen fish fillets and ready-to-eat shrimp and serve meaty scallops over a bed of leafy greens. The scallops grill in about six minutes, leaving you just enough time to make the grilled pineapple and avocado chutney. Toss with a homemade lime juice and olive oil dressing and serve.

Recipe: Caribbean Grilled Scallop Salad

The next time you need a speedy supper, pick up a package of lamb chops and season with herbes de Provence, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. The chops grill for only four minutes on each side, so while they cook, steam green beans in the microwave.

Recipe: Herbes de Provence-Crusted Lamb Chops

Invite friends over for a sophisticated dinner of duck breasts and plain couscous. Cook the duck in a skillet to make the tasty pan sauce, flavored with shallots, white wine, and a cinnamon stick. Add steamed broccoli to round out the menu and serve with the remaining white wine.

Recipe: Duck with Olives and Couscous

The secret's out: This French-inspired favorite doesn't have to take all day. Prepare the chicken scallopini style to shorten the cooking time then wrap with prosciutto and mozzarella and dredge in chicken broth and breadcrumbs. Cook for 28 minutes and serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite green veggie.

Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu