How to Meal Prep: Your Inner Lazy Chef's Guide
Discover easy hacks and simple recipes to embrace your inner lazy chef and conquering meal prep like a pro.
We know, we know! The thought of meal prep makes you want to crawl back into bed, especially after a long day at work.
But healthy eating doesn't have to be a hassle. In fact, with a few clever shortcuts and simple swaps, you master meal prep, even if you're a self-proclaimed lazy chef.
We're sharing simple hacks and shortcuts to make meal prep fit your busy lifestyle, not the other way around.
Lazy Chef's Meal Prep Strategies
Here are the meal prep strategies that'll help you whip up delicious meals without the faff.
Simple is Best
We all love good food, but ain't nobody got time for recipes that need a cooking degree to decode. Skip the fancy stuff and stick to dishes with a short ingredient list and straightforward instructions.
Like stir-fries, sheet pan dinners, or those one-pot soups and stews that basically cook themselves. These dishes are perfect for meal prep because they're quick, easy, and leave you with fewer pots and pans to scrub later.
Who doesn't love that?
One-Pan Meals
If you're looking for the lazy-chef meal prep hack, sheet pan is best. This method is genius in its simplicity.
Just chop up your protein of choice (chicken, fish, tofu, you name it) and your favourite veggies (broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.). Toss them with a drizzle of oil, your go-to spices, and spread it all out on a baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and let it roast away while you catch up on your favourite show or just relax.
No complicated steps, no constant stirring, just delicious, healthy meals with minimal effort and clean-up.
Rotisserie Chicken
Skip the hassle of cooking chicken from scratch and grab a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket. It's a quick and easy way to add protein to your meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Shred the meat and use it in salads, sandwiches, tacos, or even mix it into pasta dishes. It's a budget-friendly option that saves you time and effort.
Frozen Assets
Frozen veggies and fruits are perfect for you. They're often cheaper than fresh, just as nutritious, and already prepped for you. Plus, they last way longer in the freezer, so you have healthy ingredients on hand.
Simply toss them into stir-fries, soups, smoothies, or roast them for a quick and easy side dish. You even find pre-portioned frozen chicken breasts or fish fillets to make dinner a breeze.
Leftovers
Don't let those leftovers languish in the fridge! Get creative and turn yesterday's dinner into a new dish.
Leftover chicken is perfect for salads, wraps, or quesadillas. Roasted veggies are great in grain bowls or blended into a creamy soup. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what delicious new dishes you create!
Embrace "Semi-Homemade"
Look, we're not all master chefs here, and that's okay! Don't be afraid to take some shortcuts and use pre-made ingredients to save time and effort.
There are plenty of healthy, flavourful options out there, like pre-made marinades, sauces, or spice blends. Use them as a base for your meals and add your personal touches. It's a way to make meal prep more accessible and still get delicious results.
For example, use a pre-made curry paste as the base for a quick and easy chicken curry. Or, try a store-bought pesto sauce for a flavourful pasta dish. Just be sure to read the labels and choose options with minimal added sugar and sodium.
Lazy Chef's Shopping Hacks
Here are some lazy chef’s shopping hacks for you.
Your Go-To Grocery List
Take a few minutes to create a grocery list of all the essentials you need for your meal prep routine. Think staples like rice, lentils, canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices, and other ingredients you use regularly.
Keep this list handy on your phone or stick it on the fridge, so you always know what to stock up on. It saves you time and stops you from forgetting those key ingredients.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk isn't just for families of ten. It helps you save money.
So, stock up on ingredients like grains, legumes, and spices in larger quantities. They usually cost less per unit, and they have a longer shelf life, so you won't have to worry about them going bad anytime soon.
Just make sure you have enough storage space.
Online Shopping
If you want to avoid the crowds and temptations of the supermarket, give online shopping a go. It's a fantastic way to stick to your list, avoid impulse buys, and save time.
Many online stores even offer discounts or special offers that you wouldn't find in-store. Plus, who doesn't love having groceries delivered right to their doorstep?
Lazy Chef's Time-Saving Tips
Here are some tips to save you precious time in the kitchen.
Batch Cook
Instead of cooking every day, spend a few hours on the weekend (or your day off) cooking a few different dishes for the week. Divide them into portions and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy grab-and-go meals.
Double-Duty Dishes
Cook once, eat twice (or more!). Roast a whole chicken and use the leftovers for salads, sandwiches, or soups. Make a big pot of rice or lentils for several meals. This way, you only have to cook once but get multiple meals out of it.
Shortcut to Flavour
Don't be afraid to use pre-made sauces, spice mixes, or other items. There are plenty of healthy and delicious options out there that save you time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavour.
Start Small
Don't try to do too much at once. Start by prepping just a few meals a week and see how it goes. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase the amount you prep.
Too Tired to Cook? Let Bozu Take Over
Even with the easiest recipes, some days we just don't want to cook. Bozu takes the stress out of meal prep on those days! Our halal meal prep service delivers flavour-packed, ready-to-eat meals straight to your door.
Whether you're craving a protein-packed salad, a hearty stew, or a quick and easy breakfast, Bozu's menu has something for everyone. All our dishes are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are certified halal, so you enjoy them with peace of mind.
So why not give us a try? Contact Bozu today and let us handle the cooking, so you focus on what truly matters.