We’ve all been there: It’s a weekday evening, you’re exhausted from a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours preparing dinner. Yet, your family needs to eat and takeout isn’t always a viable or healthy option.
Luckily, there are many tips and tricks to help you get dinner on the table faster. In this post, we’re going to explore 13 of those strategies, from meal planning to smart kitchen organization. So, buckle up and prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine!
1. Meal Planning
If you’re constantly scrambling to think of what to cook for dinner, meal planning can be a game-changer. This involves deciding on your meals for the week ahead of time and shopping for all the ingredients in one go.
With a meal plan, you won’t waste time everyday deciding what to cook and running to the grocery store for missing ingredients. You can even plan your meals around your schedule, assigning simpler recipes to busier days.
2. Use a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are a busy person’s best friend. You can throw all of your ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, set it, and have a delicious meal ready by dinner time.
The beauty of slow cookers is that they require minimal effort and supervision. Plus, they’re perfect for making large portions, which leads us to our next tip…
3. Cook in Bulk and Use Leftovers
Cooking in bulk can save you a lot of time throughout the week. You could make a large pot of chili or soup, for example, and have it for dinner for a couple of nights.
The key to this strategy is to choose recipes that reheat well. Additionally, you can repurpose leftovers into new meals. Leftover roast chicken, for example, could be used in a salad or a sandwich the next day.
4. Prep Ingredients in Advance
Some recipes require a lot of chopping and peeling. If you find this time-consuming, consider prepping your ingredients in advance.
You could do this the night before or even on the weekend. Chopped vegetables, for example, can be stored in the fridge for several days. Just make sure to store them properly to maintain their freshness.
5. Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry
A well-stocked pantry can be a lifesaver when you need to whip up a quick meal. Staples like pasta, canned beans, and rice can be turned into a variety of meals.
Additionally, keeping a selection of spices and condiments on hand can help you add flavor to your meals without too much effort.
6. Use Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are often just as nutritious as fresh ones, and they can save you a lot of prep time. They’re already cleaned, chopped, and ready to be cooked.
Plus, they have a long shelf life, so you can always have them on hand. They can be added to stir-fries, soups, and many other dishes.
7. One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals are not only time-savers, but they also minimize clean-up. These are meals that require only one pot or pan to prepare.
There are countless one-pot meal recipes available, from pasta to casseroles to curries. These meals often involve just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
8. Use a Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker can drastically cut down cooking time. It’s perfect for dishes that usually take a long time to cook, like stews and braised meats.
Modern pressure cookers are very safe and easy to use. Plus, like with slow cookers, you can set them and then forget about them until dinner time.
9. Keep It Simple
Some nights, it’s best to just keep it simple. A meal doesn’t have to be complex to be delicious and satisfying.
A simple stir-fry or a salad with grilled chicken can be ready in no time. Just because you’re cooking quickly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice nutrition or taste.
10. Utilize Convenience Foods
While it’s generally healthier and cheaper to cook from scratch, sometimes convenience foods can help you get dinner on the table faster. We’re talking about pre-washed salad greens, pre-cut vegetables, or rotisserie chicken.
These can be great time-savers. Just be sure to read labels to avoid products with excessive added sugars, sodium, or unhealthy fats.
11. Make Breakfast for Dinner
Who said eggs and pancakes are only for breakfast? Breakfast foods are generally quick to prepare, making them perfect for a fast dinner.
You could make an omelet with vegetables and cheese, pancakes with a side of fruit, or a breakfast burrito. Plus, kids usually love the novelty of having breakfast for dinner!
12. Use Quick-Cooking Proteins
Some proteins cook faster than others. Fish, shrimp, and thin chicken breasts, for example, can be cooked in minutes.
When you’re short on time, opt for these quick-cooking proteins. You can grill, broil, or pan-fry them for a quick and nutritious meal.
13. Do a Little Every Day
Instead of trying to do everything at once, consider doing a little every day. This could mean prepping vegetables, marinating meat, or even setting the table.
This way, when dinner time comes, you’ll have less to do. Plus, these tasks can often be done in small pockets of time, like while you’re waiting for your morning coffee to brew.
And there you have it! 13 ways to get dinner on the table faster. Remember, the key is to find what works for you and your family. Happy cooking!
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