What Do You Cook When You Don't Want To Turn On The Stovetop?
If you’re a part of the no-air-conditioning-club and have to find creative ways to survive the sweaty summer months — closing the blinds, placing ice in front of the fan, and wearing cooling towels to avoid a humidity-induced meltdown — no meal is worth turning on the stove and overheating your living space. No, not even Ma’s lasagna.
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Or maybe you’re a college student living in the dorms and have limited access to kitchen appliances. Between social life, late-night studying, and working a part-time job, I know how hard it can be to find the time (and space) to make a home-cooked meal. What are your no-cook go-tos for when you can’t take one more bite of dining hall slush and are craving a homemade meal?
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Or maybe, you’re just a horrible chef, and the microwave is your best friend. You’re the type who plans a cooking night in the group chat and then sits idly by, soaking in all the action, twiddling your thumbs until the meal lands on the table. In short, the only part you enjoy about cooking is the eating.
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If you relate to any of this, I am right there with you. I grew up and currently live in a house with no AC, I was once a starving college artist, and I hate cooking (how does one find it therapeutic? Please, enlighten me).
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But on the nights my budget bans me from ordering oh-so-tempting takeout, I have a few quick dinner recipes in my arsenal. For example, my go-to no-cook meal is Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas.
If you’ve never made legit ceviche before, this is a great place to start! It’s light, refreshing, and so simple to make, even I can do it. I’m telling you, this is going to be your new go-to no-cook meal for those hot summer days. Pair with a pineapple coconut agua fresca to make the vibes even more immaculate.
The shrimp start out raw, then sit in a bowl full of fresh lime juice for about 15 minutes. The acidity in the lime juice cooks the shrimp to ultimate tenderness. You can find the tostada shells near the chips in most grocery stores. Or, top on a bed of lettuce for a cool, crisp salad.
Get the recipe here: Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas