Kitchen Smarts: Save Time in the Kitchen

So I totally meant to post this blog post earlier this morning but got distracted and lost tract of time. Ironic since this post is all about saving time in the kitchen.


While the other areas of my life may need some time management skills, saving time and energy in the kitchen is something I have mastered over the years.
Below is an article about saving time in the kitchen (written for meal planning/recipe site Food on the Table), perfect for this time of year as many of us begin to have busier schedules with children in school and after school activities, back to back holidays, and just the general challenges of life.


If you are in need of recipes that are ready “quick, fast, and in a hurry” check out my 30-minute meal section or the recipes listed below!

School is back in session and in full force! Between homework, soccer practice, and PTA meetings; the school year can be a hectic and stressful time. But don’t let busy schedules interfere with dinner. Below are six tips for saving precious time in the kitchen and getting dinner on the table in a pinch.

• Make a meal plan. Saving time in the kitchen starts before cooking begins. Weekly meal plans prevent wasting time agonizing over what to make for dinner. Meal plans and shopping lists save time at the grocery store, preventing mindless wondering and ensuring there are no unnecessary trips back to the store for missed items.

• Utilize Tools. There are many kitchen gadgets on the market these days. Some of these tools seem fun, but only a few are necessary. Crock-pots, a wise investment, simply require dumping ingredients into the crock-pot and allow food to cook unattended. Grilling, a popular cooking method, requires time and attention. Indoor grill pans heat quickly and do not require time away from the kitchen. Other time saving kitchen tools include sharp knives, a meat thermometer, kitchen shears, cutting boards and non-stick pans.

• Let the grocery store do the prep. Frozen mixed vegetables, minced garlic, baby carrots and salad greens can all be time savers in the kitchen. Since these items come washed, chopped and ready for cooking, they can save valuable prep time.

• Make a double batch. Doubling ingredients and making extra requires very little effort or added expense. Freeze precooked chicken, ground beef, soups, chili and casseroles to have on hand for days when making a home cooked meal seems out of the question.

• Simplify sides. While one pot dishes are preferred for busy nights, fish, steak and even chicken can be cooked in less than twenty minutes if cooked on the stove top. Consider serving raw fruits and veggies or some fresh bread for quick side dishes.

• Clean as you go. As food cooks put away ingredients and wipe down counters. Loading an empty dishwasher immediately uses less time and energy than doing all the dishes at the end.

What are your kitchen time saving tips or favorite 30 minute meals?

Couscous Pilaf (Kitchen Concoctions)
Smoky Spice Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Black Beans and Corn (Skinny Taste)
Sausage and Pepper Hoagies (Kitchen Concoctions)
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken (The Novice Chef)
Maple-Dijon Marinated Pork Chops (Kitchen Concoctions)
Paprika Chicken Stroganoff (Mel’s Kitchen Cafe)
Quick Cook Chicken Curry (Kitchen Concoctions)
Pasta with Cilantro-Peanut Pesto (Our Best Bites)
Summer Pesto Pasta (Kitchen Concoctions)
Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Good Life Eats)