We all know that the workweek can get hectic, leaving little time for leisurely cooking. With so much going on, finding the energy to cook dinner is tough, and it’s no wonder that 65% of Americans eat fast food at least once a week.
If you’re tired of grabbing takeout or heating low-quality microwave meals, the good news is that with a little planning and some smart strategies, you can have quick yet satisfying weeknight dinners without the stress.
Here are four secrets that can help you streamline your meal prep and turn hectic evenings into a breeze. If you’re wondering “What do I want for dinner?” keep reading!
- Plan Ahead
The key to simplifying dinner is having a plan. It doesn’t have to be fancy; just jot down a few meal ideas for the week. If you know what’s for dinner, you’re less likely to give in to the fast food urge.
Try setting aside 30 minutes on Sunday to map out your week. You can also look at your schedule to see which nights are busier and choose easier meals for those days.
- Meal Prep Like a Pro
Once you’ve got a plan, start prepping. You don’t have to cook the entire meal in advance, but washing, chopping, and storing ingredients can save you tons of time during the week.
For example, make a big batch of rice, pasta, or quinoa to use in multiple meals. You can also roast some veggies, cook chicken breasts, and hard-boil some eggs for quick protein. With these basics on hand, you can mix and match to create quick and healthy dinners.
- Use Meal Kits
If meal planning and prepping sound like too much work, meal kits might be your new best friend. These kits, such as EveryPlate value meals, come with all the ingredients and instructions you need to make a meal, often in just 30 minutes.
Plus, they can be more affordable than dining out, and they help reduce food waste since they provide just the right amount of each ingredient.
You don’t have to worry about buying a whole bunch of herbs you’ll only use once. Some kits even have gourmet options, so you can turn an ordinary weeknight into a restaurant-style experience.
- Keep It Simple
Not every dinner has to be a gourmet masterpiece, especially during a weeknight when you’ve had a busy day at work. Keep some simple recipes in your back pocket for those nights when you’re running on empty.
For example, pasta with marinara, stir-fried veggies with tofu, or chicken tacos with store-bought salsa can be quick and satisfying. Simply look for recipes that use just a few ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes.
What Do I Want for Dinner?
The next time you’re asking yourself, “What do I want for dinner?” remember these four secrets to simplify your weeknight meals. From planning ahead to using meal kits and keeping it simple, you’ve got plenty of options. With these strategies, you can make dinner at home easy, quick, and delicious.
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About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
