We get it, life is hectic. Between work meetings, soccer practices, and that Netflix series you’re trying to finish, squeezing in time to cook sounds about as fun as cleaning the bathroom. But what if we told you meal prep doesn’t have to be an all-day event? With these kitchen tips for simplifying meal prep, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious meals (and okay, maybe that Netflix binge, too).
Organize Your Ingredients Before You Start
Before you channel your inner Gordon Ramsay, take a few minutes to organize your ingredients, measuring tools, and utensils. This saves you the time it would take to tear through your cabinets mid-recipe. It also helps you spot missing items before you start (because nothing ruins the flow like realizing you’re out of garlic).
Batch Cooking Is Your New Best Friend
Cook once, eat twice (or three times). Batch cooking is the name of the game for busy weeks. Whip up a giant pot of chili or roast a tray of chicken and veggies all at once. Divide everything into containers, and voilà! You’ve got meals ready to grab and go, minus the weekday stress.
Lean on Time-Saving Kitchen Tools
Two words: food processor. Time-saving gadgets such as slow cookers, air fryers, and mandolins are the MVPs of meal prep. They shred, chop, and cook faster than you can say “weeknight dinner.” Why slice or chop onions by hand when your trusty gadgets can do it in half the time and with none of the tears?
Freeze Like a Pro
Freezers are your golden ticket to extending the life of meals and ingredients. Chop extra herbs, freeze them in olive oil, and pop them into your next soup. Portion out cooked grains or proteins such as chicken thighs or prime strip steaks for quick dinners. Remember to label everything with dates to avoid those terrifying “what is this?” freezer mysteries.
Clean as You Go
We all dread that pile of dirty pans and dishes. It’s tempting to just throw everything into the sink when you’re done, but keeping things tidy as you go can save a headache. Wash utensils, bowls, and cutting boards as you finish with them. A tidy kitchen makes you feel like you’ve got this adulting thing nailed, and it also keeps prep stress-free.
Prepping meals isn’t rocket science (thankfully). With these kitchen tips for simplifying meal prep, you’ll be amazed at how easy and efficient it can be to whip up delicious food for the week. Now, about that chili…and those prime strip steaks…
Start prepping today and discover a less stressful way to tackle your meals!
