Food prepping is a popular trend nowadays – and not just for athletes or fitness junkies. Whether you’re a busy parent, working on a tight schedule, or just want a little more structure in your diet, preparing meals ahead of time is the way to go.
But it isn’t always simple. There are challenges to meal prep, and this might come as a surprise. It’s a task you actually need to learn how to do properly. Otherwise, you’re at risk of making meals you won’t touch during the week. And that’s a lot of wasted food.
So, if you want to streamline your cooking and become a food prep buff, then follow the four tips outlined below.
Adopt “Mise en Place” and “Clean as You Go”
Using the right strategies is one way to streamline your cooking. Mise en place, a French culinary term, means “everything in its place.” If all kitchen appliances and ingredients have their own place, and are actually in those places, you will be much more efficient when cooking. Such an approach also encourages you to prepare everything before turning on the stove.
Equally important is the habit of cleaning as you go. Putting items back immediately, washing utensils, and wiping surfaces prevents clutter from piling up. A tidy workspace keeps your focus on the food. And it looks better, too. You don’t need to worry about the mess, and this’ll make cooking more enjoyable and feel faster.
Prep Ingredients, Not Just Meals
While it is tempting to prep your meals, it is often simpler to focus purely on ingredients. Chop vegetable, cook basic grains, portion proteins, and wash greens ahead of time – you’ll achieve more flexibility throughout the week this way. These already prepared components can then be mixed and matched for different meals. No boredom of the same meal day after day. No wasted time.
Ingredient prep also reduces the mental effort required to cook. Starting dinner feels far less daunting if chicken is already marinated and onions are already diced. For households with changing schedules, this method works best. Why? Because prepared ingredients can easily be repurposed if plans shift at the last minute.
Having the right tools to do this is vital. Sharp kitchen knives make chopping and slicing so much faster. They also prevent injuries. You should invest in a reliable sharpening stone, which will make prep quicker and safer. This is particularly true when working with large quantities of ingredients. Other appliances to consider include food processors and air fryers.
“Cook Once, Season Twice”
Another efficient tactic to use is cooking base ingredients once and then season them in different ways. Roasting a tray of vegetables at the beginning of the week, for example, allows you to season them differently for each meal. Think about adding herbs and olive oil one night. Soy sauce and sesame oil the next night. Maybe even spices for a warming bowl later in the week.
Using this approach reduces repetitive tasks. It also keeps meals interesting. You won’t be at risk of over-seasoning too early either. Just season in stages. This ensures flavors remain fresh and balanced.
Plan Your Menu and Shopping List
Of course, the rest of these tips are only effective if you complete this one. Planning your menu and shopping list ahead of time must be the priority. This will ensure your week runs smoothly. You will know what needs to be prepared and bought, minimizing wasted time significantly. No one wants to wander around a supermarket for an hour, right?
To plan your menu, you need to check your calendar, then your pantry. See what days you’re busy and plan quick meals for them. Recipes that are easy to reheat should be the focus here. Only list the ingredients you do not have and actually need, as you do not need duplicates. With a clear plan in place, cooking becomes a routine – not just a chore.
If you follow the four tips above, meal preparation will go a lot smoother.
