(Family Features) It’s not always easy to make healthy food choices. When time is of the essence, look for delicious recipe ingredients that are convenient and easy to prepare while also offering great taste and health benefits.

In fact, 40 percent of American consumers said shorter cooking times are especially important when buying grocery items such as rice, grains and pasta, according to research from Statista, and 83 percent said taste is an important factor when purchasing food.

Ready in 10 minutes with flavor infused in every grain, Uncle Ben’s Flavor Infusions rice is ideal for those looking for quick and healthy meal options. With its one-step cooking process, it makes it easy for families to cook with their kids and quickly get dinner on the table. The re-sealable pouches ensure freshness for multiple uses, and any of the five flavors can be combined with fresh vegetables, proteins and herbs for a simple meal that’s ready in less than 20 minutes.

Simple recipe options using Flavor Infusions, such as Coconut Shrimp on Garlic-Butter Rice and Easy Thai Chicken Satay and Rice Salad, are quick meals the entire family can enjoy, even when short on time. Find more meal ideas at UncleBens.com.

Coconut Shrimp on Garlic-Butter Rice

Servings: 4-6

• 1          can (13.6 ounces) unsweetened coconut milk

• 1          cup chicken broth

• 1-2       tablespoons red chili paste, to taste

• 1          teaspoon ground coriander

• 1          teaspoon sweet paprika

• 1          cup Uncle Ben’s Flavor Infusions Garlic & Butter Flavored Rice

• 1          pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1. In 10-inch skillet, stir together coconut milk, chicken broth, chili paste, coriander and paprika.

2. Add rice and bring to boil; cover, reduce heat to low and cook 10 minutes. Stir in shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp just turn pink.

Easy Thai Chicken Satay and Rice Salad

Servings: 4-6

Dressing:

• 1/4       cup canned, unsweetened coconut milk

• 1/4       cup creamy peanut butter

• 1          tablespoon rice wine vinegar

• 1          tablespoon soy sauce

• 2          teaspoons red curry paste

• 1/8       teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

• 1-2       tablespoons hot water

Salad:

• 1          cup Uncle Ben’s Flavor Infusions Roasted Chicken

• 1 1/2    cups shredded rotisserie chicken

• 1          cup shredded carrots

• 1          cup sliced pea pods

• 1          cup sliced red pepper

• 1          avocado, pitted and sliced

• 4-6       red radishes, thinly sliced

• 2          tablespoons chopped peanuts

• 2          tablespoons chopped green onions

1. To make dressing: In small glass bowl, stir together coconut milk, peanut butter, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, red curry paste, cayenne pepper and hot water; set aside.

2. Cook rice according to package instructions. Makes about 3 1/2 cups.

3. In center of individual plates, place about 1 cup rice. Arrange chicken, carrots, pea pods, red pepper, avocado, radishes, peanuts and green onions around rice then drizzle with dressing.

SOURCE:
Uncle Ben’s