If you are someone who is always in a pinch and want to cook something really fast, here are some simple tips and tricks that will help you save time.
Speeding up the cooking process without compromising taste or nutrition can be a real challenge.
However, these simple tips will help you cut down on cooking time by following proper preparation methods. So, read on and try these simple steps.
1. Preparation
2. Faster cooking methods
Some cooking methods are naturally faster than others. For example, stir-frying and sautéing use high heat to cook food quickly, allowing you to have a meal ready in less than 30 minutes. Roasting vegetables at a higher temperature speeds up cooking while also bringing out delicious caramelized flavors. Likewise, grilling or broiling foods cooks them quickly and with minimal effort.
Kitchen appliances such as pressure cookers, air fryers, and slow cookers can significantly reduce cooking times. A pressure cooker that can cook food faster by using steam and high pressure to speed up the cooking process. Similarly, air fryers cook food quickly by circulating hot air, while slow cookers allow you to set it and forget it, cooking in the background as you go about your day.
4. Use leftovers.
Cooking in bulk is a great way to save time and effort. Prepare large quantities of staples like grains, protein and vegetables, then store them in the fridge for easy use in later meals. Leftovers can be repurposed for lunch the next day or used in salads, wraps or soups.
5. Frozen ingredients
If you're really pressed for time, buying pre-cut or frozen vegetables and fruits is a quick and easy solution. Many stores offer pre-chopped vegetables, peeled garlic, or even pre-cooked grains that save valuable prep time. Frozen vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh and are often pre-washed and cooked.