Easy Weeknight Cooking: Make Dinner With These Tips!

This is a collaborative post.

Believe it or not, the thought of cooking dinner on a busy weeknight can feel like a Herculean task. After a long day, you come home tired, hungry, and faced with the ultimate question: what’s for dinner tonight? Sometimes, you might even be tempted to grab your phone and order delivery, but hold that thought!

What if we told you that cooking dinner could be an easy task? With a few tricks, you can whip up a meal that’s easy to make and delicious. Yes, it’s possible!

Here’s how:

Simplify Your Shopping with Digital Delights

Remember those days of confusion through grocery store aisles, trying to figure out what to make for dinner? Well, those days might just be behind you, thanks to the digital wonders. One such marvel is the online meal delivery system.

And popular brands like EveryPlate a solution for busy weeknights are stealing the show! They handpick fresh ingredients, bundle them up in the right proportions, and send them straight to your doorstep.

One of the coolest things about EveryPlate is the fantastic variety it brings to the table. Yes, that’s right! From Italian pasta to spicy Mexican tacos, it ensures your dinner plate is always filled with flavours, keeping it exciting and delicious.

Take Cooking Shortcuts

Sometimes, the kitchen feels more like a race against time than a place of culinary creation. But with a few shortcuts, you can reduce your cooking time and still prepare delicious meals. Here are a few shortcuts:

Quick Chopping

Herbs: Instead of finely chopping, scrunch them in your hand and snip away with scissors.
Cherry Tomatoes: Slice a bunch at once! Place them between two plate lids and run a sharp knife through the centre.
Nuts: To chop nuts, put them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them to your desired size gently. This method is not only fast but also keeps all the pieces contained.
Vegetables: For veggies that need to be chopped into uniform pieces, use a mandoline slicer. You can quickly slide the vegetable across the blade and get consistent slices in a fraction of the time it would take with a knife.

Fast-Track Cooking

Start boiling water in an electric kettle while you gather other ingredients. It’s way faster than waiting for a pot on the stove.
When sautéing veggies, pop a lid on your pan. This speeds up the cooking as it traps heat, acting like a mini oven.
Always preheat your pans. Adding food to a hot pan will sear it quickly and lock in flavours, plus it will reduce overall cooking time.
Allow meat to come to room temperature before cooking. This can reduce cooking time, as the meat will cook more evenly than cold from the refrigerator.

So, embrace these shortcuts and eat mouth-watering meals in record time.

Batch Cooking

Have you ever had those days where you’re just too tired or busy to start cooking from scratch? If yes, batch cooking can be a game changer for you. This allows you to save time during the week by dedicating a portion of your weekend to cooking larger quantities of food. This means you can have ready-made meals or ingredients for quick assembly on busy days.

For example, if you’re making meatballs, don’t just make enough for one meal. Go big! Make a larger batch, and pop them in the freezer once they’ve cooled down. The beauty of this is that these balls freeze well.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a meaty treat, follow the easy meatballs recipes, and your meal will be ready quickly! No more rolling and shaping – you’re all set for a delicious cooking experience.

Repurpose Leftovers

Have you ever had your fridge filled with leftovers? You’re not alone! But the good news is that those leftovers can be the start of a delicious new adventure. Yes, that’s right! You can reinvent those dishes. That stir-fry from Tuesday can be turned into a filling for tacos or a hearty topping for a baked potato.

And if you have leftover rice, quinoa, or any other grain, they lay the perfect foundation for a nutritious grain bowl or salad. All you need to do is toss them with some fresh veggies, a protein of your choice, and a zesty dressing, and you have a meal that’s both wholesome and flavorful.

Now, how about those proteins? Whether it’s chicken, beef, or tofu, you can slice, dice, or shred them to stuff into sandwiches or wraps. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce, and you’ve got a lunch that’s quick, easy, and different from its original form.

Utilize Kitchen Appliances

Let’s talk about the key player of your kitchens: the trusty appliances! These handy helpers are often the secret to getting meals on the table without a fuss.

Think of slow cookers. Just toss in your ingredients in the morning; by evening, you’ve got a warm, comforting meal waiting for you. And if you’re in a rush, the instant pot is your go-to. Whether you’re cooking soups, stews, or even desserts, it gets the job done in a fraction of the time.

Besides that, the microwave is a fantastic tool for speeding up the cooking process. From melting butter to reheating leftovers evenly, mastering microwave shortcuts can save you time. Plus, did you know you can even “bake” potatoes or steam vegetables in the microwave? It’s quick and easy.

And don’t forget the food processor and blender. They can do wonders. Yes, that’s right! Using food processors, you can make sauces, dips, and spreads in minutes. Even dough and batters can be mixed with these powerful tools. And if you are a smoothie lover, a blender is your ticket to a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack.

But here’s a golden advice: don’t forget to show these appliances some love! Regular maintenance ensures they stay in top-notch condition. And always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Make It a Family Affair

Let’s be real: cooking is a chore. But, when done as a group, it turns into a lively event. Before you know it, you’re not just cooking but creating memories. After all, in our busy lives, any opportunity to save time is welcome, and if it also means more quality time with loved ones, that’s a double win.

Inviting your family or housemates to chip in with dinner lightens the load and makes the process more fun. Even if it’s just someone peeling the potatoes or setting the table, every bit helps. And guess what? Dinner’s ready in half the time!

That’s not all; by doing so, you can teach kids essential life skills. These skills will serve them well when they eventually leave home. And they’ll be able to cook for themselves, eat healthily, and maybe even host a dinner party of their own.

Last Words

With the hacks and tips we’ve explored, weeknight dinners can now be both a breeze and a delight. Remember, it’s not always about gourmet ingredients; sometimes, the secret lies in smart planning, teamwork, and a few kitchen shortcuts. After all, every meal is an opportunity to nourish more than just our bodies; it’s a chance to nourish our relationships and create memories. Here’s to less stress, faster dishes, and more joy during our weeknight culinary adventures!

Weeknight Cooking Hacks: Tips for Faster, Easier Dinners