16 Simple Cooking Hacks That Will Save You Time in the Kitchen

Between chopping, measuring, and cleaning up, it’s easy to feel like you’re spending more time in the kitchen than actually enjoying the meal. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few clever tricks, you can cut down on the effort and make cooking faster and easier without losing any of the fun. These simple hacks are all about saving you time, so you can spend less of it over the stove and more of it doing what you love. Let’s get started!

Practice Mise en Place

Organizing and preparing all ingredients before cooking, known as “mise en place,” streamlines the cooking process. This technique involves measuring, chopping, and arranging ingredients in advance, minimizing interruptions during cooking. Professional chefs utilize this method to maintain efficiency and consistency in their dishes. Implementing mise en place at home can significantly reduce meal preparation time and enhance the overall cooking experience.

Batch Cook Meals

Preparing large quantities of meals and storing portions for later use saves time on future cooking endeavors. Batch cooking allows you to have ready-to-eat meals during busy days, reducing daily cooking time and minimizing cleanup. This approach is cost-effective and ensures you have healthy meal options readily available, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet.

Utilize One-Pot and Sheet Pan Recipes

Cooking entire meals in a single pot or on a sheet pan reduces the number of dishes used, simplifying both the cooking process and cleanup. One-pot and sheet pan recipes are versatile, accommodating various ingredients and cooking methods. They are ideal for quick, nutritious meals with minimal effort, making them perfect for weeknight dinners.

Pre-Chop Vegetables and Fruits

Cutting produce in advance and storing them properly can expedite meal preparation. Pre-chopped vegetables and fruits are convenient for quick cooking and snacking, encouraging healthier eating habits. Proper storage, such as using airtight containers, maintains freshness and extends shelf life. This practice reduces daily prep time and makes it easier to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet.

Freeze Herbs in Oil

Preserving fresh herbs by freezing them in oil using ice cube trays extends their usability. This method prevents herbs from wilting and reduces waste, allowing you to have herb-infused oil cubes ready to enhance the flavor of your dishes. It’s a practical way to have fresh herbs available year-round, adding convenience to your cooking routine.

Use Pre-Made Sauces and Condiments

Incorporating store-bought sauces and condiments can add flavor without extensive preparation. They serve as quick solutions to enhance dishes, saving time when making sauces from scratch. Selecting high-quality options ensures the taste and healthiness of meals, simplifying cooking, especially on busy days.

Invest in Quality Kitchen Tools

Utilizing efficient kitchen gadgets, such as sharp knives and food processors, can expedite cooking tasks. High-quality tools perform tasks more effectively, reducing preparation time and enhancing safety and precision in cooking. Investing in reliable equipment pays off in long-term time savings and improves the overall cooking experience.

Organize Your Kitchen Space

Maintaining a well-organized kitchen ensures that tools and ingredients are easily accessible. Designating specific areas for utensils, spices, and pantry items reduces time spent searching, promoting a more efficient cooking environment. Regular decluttering and organization are key to maintaining this efficiency, making meal preparation smoother.

Embrace Meal Planning

Planning meals ahead of time helps in efficient grocery shopping and reduces daily decision-making. It ensures that all necessary ingredients are available, preventing last-minute store trips. Meal planning also aids in balanced nutrition and budget management, simplifying the cooking process by providing a clear roadmap for the week.

Use a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

Slow cookers and Instant Pots allow for hands-off cooking, freeing up time for other tasks. They are ideal for preparing meals in advance, with the appliance handling the cooking process. These devices can tenderize tough cuts of meat and develop deep flavors with minimal effort, making them versatile tools suitable for a variety of recipes.

Implement the ‘Clean as You Go’ Method

Cleaning utensils and surfaces during cooking prevents a large mess from accumulating. This practice makes the post-cooking cleanup faster and less daunting, maintaining a tidy workspace, which can enhance efficiency and safety. Adopting this habit reduces overall kitchen maintenance time, allowing for a more enjoyable cooking experience.

Label and Date Stored Food

Clearly labeling and dating food items in the refrigerator and pantry helps in quickly identifying contents. This practice reduces time spent searching and prevents the use of expired items, aiding in efficient meal preparation and minimizing food waste. Consistent labeling is essential for maintaining an organized kitchen and ensuring food safety.

Utilize Kitchen Scissors for Cutting

Using kitchen scissors to cut herbs, green onions, and even proteins can be quicker than a knife. Scissors offer precision and can handle tasks like trimming fat or slicing pizza, simplifying various cutting tasks in the kitchen. Regular cleaning ensures their effectiveness and hygiene, making them a versatile tool in meal preparation.

Prepare Double Portions

Cooking double portions of meals allows you to have leftovers for the next day or to freeze for future use. This practice reduces the frequency of cooking sessions and ensures that you have ready-made meals available, saving time on busy days. It also helps in managing portion sizes and reduces food waste, contributing to efficient meal planning.

Use Pre-Cut or Frozen Vegetables

Pre-cut or frozen vegetables are a game-changer for quick meal preparation. They eliminate the time spent peeling, chopping, and washing fresh produce, which is especially helpful on busy days. Frozen vegetables are often flash-frozen at peak freshness, retaining their nutrients and flavor. Using them in soups, stews, stir-fries, or side dishes makes cooking faster and hassle-free. With proper storage, these options can also help reduce food waste by lasting longer than fresh produce.

Soften Butter Quickly

If you need softened butter for a recipe but forgot to take it out in advance, there are quick hacks to save time. Grating cold butter with a box grater helps it soften faster because the smaller pieces warm up quickly. Alternatively, placing the butter between two sheets of parchment paper and lightly rolling it with a rolling pin can also do the trick. You can also use a microwave on a low setting, but be cautious to avoid melting it completely. These methods ensure your butter is ready for baking or spreading without delaying your cooking.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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