Try to purchase fillets that are of similar size, and avoid those that weigh less than 5 ounces because they will cook too quickly. A nonstick skillet ensures that the fillets will release from the pan, but for the sauce a traditional skillet is preferable because its light-colored surface will allow you to monitor the color of the butter as it browns.

ready in about 15 minutes; serves 2
You might need to buy:
  • Fish
  • unbleached all-purpose flour
  • Table salt and ground black pepper
  • vegetable oil
  • unsalted butter
  • Browned Butter
  • chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • lemon juice from 1 lemon

CALORIES 344(28% from fat); FAT 10.8g (sat 4.2g,mono 2.2g,poly 1g); PROTEIN 28.7g; CHOLESTEROL 123mg; CALCIUM 227mg; SODIUM 983mg; FIBER 1g; IRON 3.3mg; CARBOHYDRATE 26.4g

ready in about an hour and 5 minutes; serves 6
You might need to buy:
  • Cooking spray
  • turkey breakfast sausage
  • chopped green onions
  • fat-free milk
  • large eggs
  • chopped fresh parsley
Substitute ground chicken or ground sirloin for the turkey, if you prefer. Pair sandwiches with vegetable chips.

CALORIES 348(23% from fat); FAT 9g (sat 4g,mono 2.2g,poly 2.6g); PROTEIN 43.4g; CHOLESTEROL 50mg; CALCIUM 325mg; SODIUM 848mg; FIBER 1.5g; IRON 2.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 22.4g

ready in about 10 minutes; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • olive oil
  • vertically sliced Vidalia or other sweet onion
  • part-skim ricotta cheese
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • black pepper
  • ground turkey breast
  • large egg white
  • Cooking spray
  • light rye bread
  • country-style Dijon mustard
Rich salmon takes well to a spicy black and green peppercorn coating. Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) is an Indonesian condiment made with palm sugar; it’s available in Asian supermarkets.

CALORIES 297(43% from fat); FAT 14.3g (sat 3.3g,mono 6.1g,poly 3.7g); PROTEIN 37.5g; CHOLESTEROL 87mg; CALCIUM 54mg; SODIUM 723mg; FIBER 1g; IRON 1.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 2.2g

ready in about 30 minutes; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • sesame seeds
  • freshly ground green peppercorns
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • grated orange rind
  • sea salt
  • Cooking spray
  • sweet soy sauce
Our version of the classic dish coats the steaks with black peppercorns before searing. Then they’re topped with a green peppercorn sauce finished with butter. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a green salad.

CALORIES 197(38% from fat); FAT 8.4g (sat 3.3g,mono 3.2g,poly 0.4g); PROTEIN 25.9g; CHOLESTEROL 78mg; CALCIUM 36mg; SODIUM 274mg; FIBER 0.3g; IRON 2.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 3.3g

ready in about 30 minutes; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • kosher salt
  • Cooking spray
  • dry red wine
  • freshly ground green peppercorns
  • cornstarch
  • water
  • butter
This Vietnamese-inspired meal is at its best with freshly ground black pepper.

CALORIES 465(14% from fat); FAT 7.1g (sat 1g,mono 2.7g,poly 2.4g); PROTEIN 40.5g; CHOLESTEROL 259mg; CALCIUM 149mg; SODIUM 831mg; FIBER 2.1g; IRON 6.8mg; CARBOHYDRATE 57.3g

ready in about 30 minutes; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • cornstarch
  • low-sodium soy sauce
  • sherry
  • brown sugar
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • salt
  • canola oil
  • grated peeled fresh ginger
  • sliced shiitake mushrooms
  • chopped green onions
  • peeled and deveined large shrimp
  • hot cooked rice
The buttery potatoes, sautéed leeks, and garlic balance the pepper’s earthy flavor.

CALORIES 190(29% from fat); FAT 6.1g (sat 3.8g,mono 1.6g,poly 0.2g); PROTEIN 4.4g; CHOLESTEROL 17mg; CALCIUM 31mg; SODIUM 454mg; FIBER 1.9g; IRON 1.5mg; CARBOHYDRATE 28.8g

ready in about 50 minutes; serves 6
You might need to buy:
  • Cooking spray
  • 2% reduced-fat milk
  • salt
  • ground white pepper
This sweet-tart spread makes a delicious topping for bruschetta or pizza; it’s also a nice complement to grilled flank steak, chicken, or pork.

CALORIES 44(20% from fat); FAT 1g (sat 0.6g,mono 0.3g,poly 0.1g); PROTEIN 0.5g; CHOLESTEROL 3mg; CALCIUM 16mg; SODIUM 157mg; FIBER 0.7g; IRON 0.2mg; CARBOHYDRATE 8.8g

ready in about an hour; serves 12
You might need to buy:
  • butter
  • brown sugar
  • red wine vinegar
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
Use a grill basket or thread the potatoes and onions onto skewers before grilling to prevent them from falling through the grate. Dress the vegetables while still warm so they absorb the tangy dressing mixture. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

CALORIES 132(20% from fat); FAT 3g (sat 0.4g,mono 2.1g,poly 0.4g); PROTEIN 2.8g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 28mg; SODIUM 200mg; FIBER 2.8g; IRON 1.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 24.1g

ready in about 40 minutes; serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • Cooking spray
  • sherry vinegar
  • chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Anchovies are a traditional ingredient in this classic French tart, but omit them, if you prefer. Prepare the onion topping up to two days ahead, and reheat it.

CALORIES 194(23% from fat); FAT 4.9g (sat 0.5g,mono 2.9g,poly 1.1g); PROTEIN 6.2g; CHOLESTEROL 3mg; CALCIUM 31mg; SODIUM 585mg; FIBER 2g; IRON 1.7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 31.1g

ready in about 35 minutes; serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • olive oil
  • minced fresh thyme
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • Cooking spray