As a busy, modern chef, I know all too well the struggle of balancing a demanding work schedule with the desire to eat healthy, home-cooked meals. That’s where the art of meal prep comes in – it’s a game-changer that can transform your life in the kitchen.
Over the years, I’ve honed my meal prep skills, and I’m here to share all my tried-and-true secrets with you. Whether you’re just getting started with meal prep or you’re a seasoned pro, these tips are designed to help you become a meal prep master in no time.
Embrace the Power of Shortcuts
Let’s be real – who has time to chop vegetables by hand these days? Pre-cut veggies are a lifesaver, and I always keep them on hand. The same goes for raw, thinly sliced chicken for easy cutlets. And don’t even get me started on the wonders of ready-to-use sauces and dressings – they’re like a secret weapon in the kitchen.
One of my all-time favorite shortcuts is mirepoix, the French holy trinity of diced onions, celery, and carrots. I always have a batch of this flavor-packed mixture stashed in the freezer, ready to go. Trust me, once you start using this shortcut, you’ll never go back to chopping those veggies individually.
Conquer the Chaos with a Clean Workspace
Meal prep can be a daunting task, especially when your kitchen is a battlefield of utensils and pots. That’s why I swear by the “Clean as You Go” method. Whenever I feel like my kitchen is becoming a disaster zone, I take a break and assess the mess. You’d be surprised how much easier it is to cook when everything is tidy and organized.
And speaking of organization, have you heard of the “Smooth Move Method”? It’s a game-changer for meal prepping. I teach this technique in my Modern Meal Prep program, and it ensures that all your ingredients and cooking tools are easily accessible, making the whole process a breeze.
Upcycle for Stylish Storage
Did you know that repurposing your old glass jars can take your meal prep game to the next level? Not only is it a great way to reduce waste, but you can also create beautiful and functional storage containers for your prepped ingredients. Just soak those jars in hot soapy water, remove any stubborn labels, and get creative!
Another brilliant hack I’ve discovered is using Stasher bags for meal prep. These reusable, food-safe bags are incredibly durable and versatile. Say goodbye to flimsy plastic bags and hello to your new best friend in the kitchen. I’ve been collecting Stasher bags for years, and they’ve saved me countless hours of fussing with bulky containers.
Embrace the Versatility of Mayo
When it comes to mayo, Kewpie is my go-to brand. Not only does it add a creamy, tangy flavor to sandwiches and salads, but it also works wonders in the kitchen. One of my favorite uses for Kewpie mayo is adding it to turkey or chicken burgers and meatballs. The fat helps keep them juicy, even after being frozen. It’s a true chef’s secret that you won’t want to miss.
Become a Substitution Superstar
Have you ever found yourself in a pinch, reaching for an ingredient only to realize you’re all out? Fear not, my friend! Many common kitchen staples can be easily substituted. For example, corn starch, arrowroot, tapioca, and even potato starch all do the same job – they’re typically used to thicken sauces, soups, and stews. Experiment with these interchangeable ingredients and save yourself from last-minute trips to the grocery store.
Discover the Wonders of Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Who knew that brussels sprouts could be so versatile and delicious? Roasting shredded brussels sprouts is an absolute game-changer. Not only are they amazing when eaten warm on their own, but they also make a delicious addition to any salad. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one.
Elevate Your Meals with Broiler Magic
Most people don’t even know where their broiler is, let alone how to use it. But I actually love using the broiler – it’s like an indoor BBQ with all the grilling char and taste. With my DIY Shawarma spice mix, you can take your chicken thighs, salmon, or kofta beef/lamb kebabs to new heights and give your taste buds a much-needed kick of flavor. Imagine taking a bite of perfectly charred chicken without even turning on the BBQ. Give it a try, but remember to always keep an eye on things!
Grill Your Way to Meal Prep Perfection
Who doesn’t love a good outdoor BBQ? Not only is it the perfect excuse to soak up some sun, but it’s also hands-down the easiest meal prep option out there. Especially during peak grilling season, you can whip up some deliciously grilled proteins, veggies, burgers, and corn in no time. And the best part? There’s hardly any clean-up required. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy your grilled creations.
Parchment Paper: Convenience vs. Crispness
Cooking can be a real hassle, especially when you’re trying to meal prep for the week ahead. But there’s a little secret to making your life in the kitchen a little bit easier – parchment paper. It’s perfect for those of us who want to cut down on the dishes we have to scrub at the end of the night.
But here’s the thing: if you’re a person who craves that satisfying crunch of crispy veggies, you might want to steer clear of the parchment paper. It’s like choosing between convenience and crispy goodness, and let’s be real, that’s a tough choice to make. So, what’s it going to be? Clean up or crunch? The choice is yours.
Invest in High-Quality Sheet Pans
Have you ever tried meal prepping, only to have your sheet pans just couldn’t handle the heat or, even worse, warp? Well, fear no more! Restaurant-quality sheet pans are not only affordable, but they’re also the best. And let’s not forget about my favorite heavy-duty trusty USA pans. These bad boys won’t warp on you like some of those fancier brands, so go ahead and prep those meals without worrying about your sheet pans giving out on you halfway through cooking.
The Power of Rotating
Tired of pulling out unevenly browned dishes from your oven? The solution is simple: rotate, rotate, rotate. You may have tried everything from setting timers to adjusting temperatures, but sometimes all it takes is a good spin to evenly brown your meals. Whether you’re roasting veggies or baking a golden brown turkey, rotating your dish halfway through cooking can lead to evened-out crispy edges and perfectly cooked centers.
Sear-iously Easy Fish and Shrimp
Are you tired of ending up with a stovetop covered in oil splatter? Me too. Trying to perfect searing fish can be messy and frustrating, especially if you don’t have the right cookware. Luckily, there are easier ways to cook your fish without sacrificing flavor. Roasting at high temperatures or broiling your fish fillets not only saves you the headache of cleaning up after yourself, but also ensures that your fish is cooked to perfection.
As for shrimp, it’s best done with a quick and easy pan fry. Shrimp is the perfect addition to any recipe, like my Spicy Shrimp Salad. It’s one of my favorites, and it’s full of flavor, especially if you like a little heat. I always keep a bag of raw, cleaned shrimp in my freezer – they thaw so quickly, making them perfect for a quick end-of-the-week dinner.
Chicken, Burgers, and Meatballs: Meal Prep Superstars
Chicken breast is a popular protein and is included in most of my clients’ meal plans. They’re super easy to prepare – just spice them up and give them a good sear. Sure, there may be a little grease splatter, but it’s worth it for that crispy texture and delicious taste. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through on the stovetop; just pop it in the oven to finish cooking until it reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees.
As for burgers, whether you’re using ground turkey, chicken, or beef, they’re a great option for meal prep. You don’t even need a grill – just toss them in the oven at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. And if you’re craving that perfectly charred crust, throw those patties on the BBQ or in a cast-iron pan and smash them down for that oh-so-craveable smash burger.
Don’t even get me started on meatballs – they’re the ultimate meal prep superstar. The secret is, you don’t really need to sear them in a pan first. Just toss them right into a flavorful sauce, raw, and let the stove work its magic. Or, if you’re looking to eat them sans sauce, just pop them in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees. It’s the perfect meal to always have stashed away in your freezer for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking.
Freezer Hacks: Your Meal Prep Sidekick
Preparing meals in advance can be a total game-changer, especially when life gets hectic. That’s why I always have a batch of turkey burgers and turkey meatballs in the freezer, as well as some shredded chicken on standby. These versatile options can be easily reheated and added to salads, pasta dishes, or sandwiches, making them perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
And the power of your freezer doesn’t stop there. You can freeze literally almost anything, from leftover casseroles to fresh fruits and veggies. So, go ahead and make that extra serving of lasagna or take advantage of that BOGO deal on berries at the grocery store. Just pop them in the freezer, and you’ll have pre-prepped meals and snacks ready to go all week long. It’s the ultimate time-saver, and it’s as easy as freeze, thaw, and enjoy.
Flavor Boosters: Frozen Garlic and Ginger
Do you ever find yourself cooking a meal and realizing you’re missing that key ingredient that really brings the flavor? I have the solution: frozen garlic and ginger cubes or pre-minced jars. These little cubes of flavor are the secret ingredient to making any dish taste like it’s been cooking for hours. You can find these amazing Dorot cubes at stores like Fresh Direct and Trader Joe’s, and they make cooking a breeze. No more peeling and chopping for hours on end – just pop a cube or two into your dish, and voila, instant burst of flavor.
Organize Your Kitchen, Organize Your Life
If you’re looking for a little extra help to organize your kitchen, our Kitchen Revival service is just what you need. We’ll transform your kitchen into a functional and organized space, helping you hit the reset button and streamline your meal prep routine. Book a call here to get started.
So, there you have it – all my tried-and-true meal prep secrets, straight from the kitchen of a modern chef. Remember, mastering the art of meal prep is a journey, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a meal prep pro in no time. Bon appétit, my friends!
