How to cook all meals in 90 minutes with prep hacks?

Question

How can you cook all your meals in 90 minutes with prep hacks? Get a super-efficient workflow for a marathon cooking session.

Answer 1

Plan your meals around ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes, prep ingredients in advance during a dedicated 'prep hour,' and utilize time-saving cooking methods like sheet pan meals or one-pot recipes.

Detailed Explanation:

Cooking all meals in 90 minutes requires a strategic approach that combines efficient planning, smart preparation, and streamlined cooking techniques. Here's a breakdown:

1. Meal Planning & Ingredient Overlap: Start by planning your meals for the week. Focus on recipes that share common ingredients. For example, if you're making chicken tacos one night, use the leftover chicken for a chicken salad the next day. This reduces the number of ingredients you need to prep.
2. The 'Prep Hour': Dedicate one hour (or two shorter sessions) to prepping ingredients. This is where you chop vegetables, marinate meats, cook grains, and portion out ingredients. Store everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for quick weeknight cooking.
3. Prioritize Quick Cooking Methods: Embrace cooking methods that minimize active cooking time. Sheet pan meals (where you roast vegetables and protein on a single pan) are excellent. One-pot pasta dishes, stir-fries, and slow cooker meals are also great options.
4. Utilize Kitchen Gadgets: Leverage appliances like food processors for chopping vegetables quickly, Instant Pots for fast cooking of grains and beans, and air fryers for crispy results in less time.
5. Batch Cooking: Cook larger quantities of certain items, like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables, and use them in multiple meals throughout the week.
6. Embrace Frozen Ingredients: Frozen vegetables and fruits are just as nutritious as fresh and can save you significant prep time. Keep a variety on hand for quick additions to meals.
7. Simplify Recipes: Don't be afraid to adapt recipes to make them simpler and faster. For example, use pre-made sauces or dressings instead of making them from scratch.

Pro Tip:

Don't try to cook every meal from scratch every day. It's perfectly acceptable to rely on leftovers, pre-made components, or simple meals like salads or sandwiches on busy days. Aim for progress, not perfection.