Peterson Sorenson
We’ve all been there—rushing around and trying to get dinner on the table after a busy day. The clock is ticking, and the thought of giving hours in the kitchen can be overwhelming. But what if you could speed things up without compromising on taste? Here are ten time-saving tips that will help you breeze through dinner prep and get back to enjoying your evening without stress.
Plan Ahead And Prep In Bulk
Planning is half the battle. Take some time at the start of the week to map out your meals. Once you’ve got a plan, prep ingredients in bulk. Chop veggies, marinate meats, or cook grains in advance. This way, you’ll also be less likely to reach for takeout when you’ve already got components prepared and waiting.
Embrace One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals are the ultimate time-saver. With one pot or pan to clean, you save both time and effort. From creamy risottos to sheet-pan chicken dinners, there’s no shortage of delicious options that won’t have you standing over the stove all evening.
Use Pre-Cut Or Frozen Ingredients
Let’s face it: chopping veggies can take up a lot of your time. Save yourself some effort by using pre-cut or frozen veggies. They’re just as nutritious and often just as fresh as the ones you cut yourself. Frozen ingredients can save you precious minutes, especially on those days when you’re too tired.
Invest In Kitchen Gadgets
Certain kitchen tools can make a world of difference when it comes to saving time. A slow cooker, Instant Pot, or air fryer can help you cook a meal with minimal effort. Having the right gadgets in your kitchen can really speed up your cooking process and free you up to do other things while dinner cooks.
Cook In Bulk For Leftovers
Who doesn’t love leftovers? Cooking in bulk not only saves you time on dinner prep but also ensures you’ve got ready-to-go meals for the next day or two. Make enough to feed you and your family for a couple of days. With a bit of time spent cooking once, you’ve got several meals ready to go.
Master Quick-Cooking Grains
Grains like rice and quinoa can take up to 40 minutes to cook—unless you use the quick-cooking varieties. Instant rice or pre-cooked quinoa only takes a few minutes to heat up, making them the perfect addition to a speedy meal. Keep a few packets in your pantry for those nights when you need a side dish fast.
Use Store-Bought Sauces Or Mixes
Homemade sauces are great, but they can also take time that you just don’t have. Skip the hassle by using high-quality store-bought sauces, marinades, or seasoning mixes. It’s a simple way to enhance your meal without needing to make everything from scratch.
Opt For Simple, Flavorful Recipes
On days when you’re pressed for time, keep things simple. Choose recipes with fewer ingredients and a quicker cooking time. One-pan meals, salads with grilled proteins, or quick tacos are easy to throw together in less than 30 minutes. The key is to find recipes that are simple but pack a huge punch in terms of flavor.
Keep Your Pantry Stocked
A well-stocked pantry is your best friend when it comes to quick meals. Keep basic staples like pasta, canned beans, rice, canned tomatoes, and spices on hand. You can easily create a meal with just a few pantry items and whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand.
Batch Cook And Freeze
If you find that you have a little extra time on weekends or during a less busy day, take advantage of it by batch cooking and freezing meals. Soups, stews, and casseroles freeze beautifully and can be reheated in no time. When you’re in a rush later on, simply thaw and heat for an instant meal that feels like you just cooked it.
