What’s Your Favorite Cooking Hack for Time-Efficiency?
Discover time-saving strategies in the kitchen with insights from culinary experts. Learn how to maximize efficiency with pre-chopped vegetables, bulk ingredient prep, and smart cooking appliances. Transform meal preparation into an exercise in function and time management.
- Use Pre-Chopped Frozen Vegetables
- Prep Ingredients in Bulk
- Utilize Slow Cookers and Instant Pots
- Incorporate Functional Exercise Principles in Meal Prep
Use Pre-Chopped Frozen Vegetables
Life gets busy, and I’m always looking for ways to save time—especially in the kitchen. One of my favorite cooking hacks is using pre-chopped frozen vegetables. They’re a game-changer! Not only do they save time on prep, but they’re also just as nutritious as fresh vegetables and minimize waste since they don’t go bad as quickly.
Here’s how I use this hack to whip up a quick, healthy meal: I always keep a variety of frozen veggies—like diced onions, bell peppers, and broccoli florets—in the freezer. When I’m short on time, I grab them, toss them into a hot skillet with some olive oil, garlic, and a protein like chicken or tofu, and in under 15 minutes, I have a stir-fry ready to go. If I’m in the mood for something heartier, I’ll add a pre-cooked grain like quinoa or rice to the mix.
Another bonus? This hack makes cleanup a breeze since there’s no chopping board or extra mess involved. It’s perfect for those jam-packed days when I need a nutritious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it keeps me energized and focused, which is essential when running a business!
Prep Ingredients in Bulk
From my experience, one of the best cooking hacks is prepping ingredients in bulk. I chop vegetables, portion meats, and even pre-mix spice blends for the week ahead. It’s a massive time-saver during busy days. Store everything in clear containers, so it’s easy to grab and use.
Tomasz Lewandowski
Business Owner | Designer, 2D Figure Painting
Utilize Slow Cookers and Instant Pots
As a busy entrepreneur, my favorite cooking hack is using a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make meals in bulk.
I can toss in a few ingredients in the morning, set it to cook, and by the time I’m done with meetings or work, I have a hot, nutritious meal ready. One of my go-to meals is a hearty chili—just ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices.
It cooks while I work, and I can enjoy it for multiple meals throughout the week. This hack not only saves me time but also keeps me from reaching for unhealthy options during busy days.
I’ve found that by spending just a little extra time on the weekend to prep, I can save myself hours in the kitchen during the week, giving me more time to focus on my business and stay energized.
Aseem Jha
Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
Incorporate Functional Exercise Principles in Meal Prep
One of my favorite kitchen time-savers is optimizing meal prep by incorporating functional exercise principles. As a martial arts and fitness expert, I often focus on efficiency, whether in workouts or cooking. I keep a set of meal essentials, such as whole grains and lean proteins, prepped in bulk. This mirrors how I program workouts, allowing for quick customization based on client needs.
For a fast nutrition boost, I prepare what I call “fitness fuel” snacks, much like my exercise snacks concept. These are small collections of nuts, seeds, or sliced vegetables akin to circuit training sessions, providing quick, nutritious energy hits when needed.
I also swear by the practice of mise en place. As in martial arts, where preparation is crucial for success, having all ingredients measured and ready before cooking ensures a smooth and stress-free kitchen flow. This prep method reflects the proactive strategies I teach for achieving resilience and success in both fitness and life.
Phil Ross
CEO, The BodyBell Method
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