10 Time-Saving Kitchen Tips for Back-to-School Meal Prep
21st August 2024
Back-to-school season can be a whirlwind of activities leaving parents, busy professionals, and home cooks scrambling to keep everyone fed. With the demands of homework, extracurricular activities, and work, finding time to prepare nutritious meals can be challenging. That's why we've compiled a list of the top ten kitchen tips for back-to-school meal prep to help you save time and keep your family well-fed during this hectic period.
1. Batch Cooking
Batch cooking is a lifesaver when it comes to managing busy schedules. Spend a few hours over the weekend cooking large batches of versatile foods such as pasta sauces, curries, soups, and casseroles. These meals can be frozen or kept in the fridge and used throughout the week, making dinner prep a breeze. Imagine the relief of simply reheating a delicious homemade meal after a long day!
2. Pre-Chop Vegetables
Pre-cutting vegetables can significantly reduce your meal prep time during the week. Take some time on Sunday to chop peppers, carrots, broccoli, and other veggies. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, ready to be tossed into a stir-fry, salad, or snack box. This simple step ensures you always have fresh, healthy ingredients at your fingertips.
3. Invest In A Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is an invaluable tool for busy families. The Ninja 8L Foodi Possible 8-in-1 Slow Cooker, available at Harvey Norman, is a fantastic option. With its multiple cooking functions, you can sear, sauté, steam, braise, and more. Prep your ingredients the night before, set the cooker in the morning, and come home to a perfectly cooked, ready-to-eat dinner. Check it out here.
4. Get The Family Involved
Involving your family in meal prep can be a fun and rewarding experience. Assign simple tasks to your kids, such as washing vegetables, stirring sauces, or setting the table. Not only does this speed up the process, but it also teaches valuable life skills and fosters a sense of teamwork. Plus, it's a great way to spend quality time together.
5. Pre-Marinade Proteins
Marinating chicken, fish or tofu in advance can save you precious time during the week. Just portion accordingly and add to a ziplock bag along with the marinade of your choice and freeze. When needed, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and cook the following day. This method infuses your meals with flavour without the hassle of last-minute preparation.
Salad jars are a convenient and healthy option for lunches and sides. Layer your salads in jars, starting with the dressing at the bottom and ending with greens at the top. When you're ready to eat, shake the jar to distribute the dressing. These pre-made salads stay fresh in the fridge and make for a quick, nutritious meal on the go.
6. Make Salad Jars
Salad jars are a convenient and healthy option for lunches and sides. Layer your salads in jars, starting with the dressing at the bottom and ending with greens at the top.
When you're ready to eat, shake the jar to distribute the dressing. These pre-made salads stay fresh in the fridge and make for a quick, nutritious meal on the go.
7. Pre-Cook Protein
Having pre-cooked protein on hand can be a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Cook a batch of chicken breasts, ground beef, or beans and store them in the fridge. These proteins can be quickly added to salads, wraps, or pasta, ensuring you have a balanced meal ready in minutes.
8. One Pot, One Pan, One Sheet
For busy weeknights, one-pot, one-pan, and sheet pan meals are unbeatable for convenience. These cooking methods allow you to prepare delicious meals with minimal cleanup.
From sheet pan fajitas to one-pot pasta dishes, these recipes are perfect for hectic evenings when you need a quick and satisfying dinner.
9. Pre-Make Sandwich Fillings
Sandwiches are a staple for school lunches and quick meals. Prepare fillings like egg salad, tuna, or hummus in advance and store them in the fridge. When it’s time to assemble sandwiches in the morning, you'll have everything ready to go, making the process quick and easy.
10. Cut & Freeze Fruit
Cutting and freezing fruits like berries, bananas, and mangoes can save you time and provide healthy snack options. These frozen fruits are perfect for smoothies, quick snacks, or as toppings for breakfast. Having them prepped and ready to go ensures you always have nutritious options on hand.
Ready to elevate your culinary skills? Check out our upcoming courses at Dublin Cookery School and discover how we can help you refine your techniques and choose essential recipes that match your unique taste:
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