Prepare a large batch of stir-fry with versatile protein and vegetables, or a hearty soup or chili. These options are quick to cook, easily portioned, and store well for a 2-day supply.
To effectively meal prep for two days in just one hour, focus on recipes that are quick to prepare, cook in large quantities, and offer flexibility for different meals. Here's a breakdown of how to approach it:
Choose a Recipe: Opt for recipes like stir-fries, soups, or chilis. These are easily scalable and require minimal hands-on time.
Ingredient Prep (20 minutes): Wash and chop all vegetables at once. Pre-cut protein (chicken, tofu, or beans) into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready to go significantly speeds up the cooking process.
Cooking (30 minutes): For a stir-fry, sauté the protein first, then add the vegetables. Cook until tender-crisp. Add a pre-made sauce or a simple combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. For soup or chili, combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer until flavors meld.
Portioning and Storage (10 minutes): Divide the cooked food into individual containers. Allow to cool slightly before refrigerating. Properly stored, these meals will last for two days.
Example Meal: Chicken and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice. You can use pre-cooked rice to save even more time.
Use pre-cut vegetables or frozen vegetables to drastically reduce prep time. They are often just as nutritious and can save you valuable minutes during your meal prep hour.