Prep Ingredients Before You Start Cooking (Mise en Place)
This French technique means "everything in its place." Measure, chop, and
prepare all ingredients before you begin cooking. This ensures a smooth
cooking process and prevents mistakes.
Use a Sharp Knife for Efficiency
A sharp knife makes chopping, slicing, and dicing faster and safer. Keep your knives
well-maintained
by regularly sharpening them.
Invest in a Good Non-Stick Pan
A quality non-stick skillet helps you cook eggs, fish, and delicate foods with minimal oil and
without worrying about sticking. This also makes cleaning up afterward easier.
Master One-Pan Meals
One-pan meals save time on both cooking and cleanup. For example, roast veggies and meat
together on a baking sheet or cook a stir-fry in one pan. This minimizes the mess and speeds up
cooking.
Use a Timer
To avoid overcooking or undercooking, set timers for different stages of your meal. This helps
you stay organized and focused, ensuring food is cooked perfectly.
Season Throughout Cooking
Instead of seasoning at the end, add a little salt and seasoning at various stages of cooking.
This builds depth of flavor and ensures everything is properly seasoned.
Keep a Clean Workspace
A clean kitchen is a more efficient kitchen. Wipe surfaces and wash utensils as you go to
maintain a clear workspace and prevent cross-contamination.
Batch Cook and Meal Prep
Prepare large quantities of ingredients (like chopping veggies, cooking rice, or roasting
chicken) in one go. Store them in the fridge for easy use in later meals.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan
When sautéing or frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. If the pan is too full, the food will steam
instead of sear, and you won’t get that crispy texture. Cook in batches if needed.
Use High Heat for Quick Cooking
For things like searing meats or stir-frying vegetables, use high heat to cook quickly and lock
in flavor. Just be sure to keep an eye on things to avoid burning.
Embrace Pre-Cut Veggies
If you’re short on time, buy pre-cut vegetables or frozen vegetables. They can be a lifesaver
for fast weeknight meals without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Know When to Let Food Rest
After cooking meats or baked goods, allow them to rest. This lets the juices redistribute,
making the meat juicier and the baked goods fluffier.
Use a Garlic Press
A garlic press makes mincing garlic much quicker, saving time compared to chopping it by hand.
Cook Once, Eat Twice
Cook extra portions and use leftovers for lunch the next day or for future meals. You can turn
leftover roasted chicken into a salad, sandwich, or soup.
Use a Lid to Cook Faster
Cover pots and pans with lids to trap heat and cook food faster, especially for things like
boiling water or steaming vegetables.
Learn to Multi-Task
While one pot is simmering, chop veggies, prepare sides, or clean up. Being organized and
efficient with multitasking will speed up the cooking process.
Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs (like basil, parsley, and thyme) add flavor without the need for heavy seasoning.
They’re a great way to elevate simple dishes without extra effort.
Taste and Adjust
Don’t forget to taste your food as you cook. It’s much easier to adjust seasoning or add
ingredients mid-way through the cooking process than at the very end.
Make Sauces and Dressings Ahead
Prepare sauces, dressings, or marinades in advance. This saves time and adds a flavor boost to
any dish with little effort.
Use a Food Processor for Quick Chopping
A food processor can be a huge time-saver when you need to chop or slice large quantities of
vegetables or make sauces like pesto.
Use Pre-made Doughs
For things like pizza or pastry, store-bought dough can save you time without sacrificing
flavor. Focus on adding fresh toppings or fillings instead of making dough from scratch.
Keep a Stash of Frozen Staples
Keep frozen vegetables, meat, or even ready-made meals on hand for those days when you don’t
have time to cook from scratch. They can be just as nutritious and delicious.
Pair Simple Dishes with Complex Flavors
If you’re short on time, focus on simple cooking methods (like grilling or roasting) and add
complex flavors using marinades, fresh herbs, or spices.
Use Stock for Richer Flavors
Use chicken or vegetable stock instead of water to cook grains, soups, and sauces. It adds depth
of flavor with minimal effort.
Master Simple Sauces
Learn how to make basic sauces like tomato sauce, béchamel, or vinaigrette. These versatile
sauces can enhance nearly any meal and are easy to make
