If you love cooking but sometimes feel like you don’t have enough time to get everything done, there are a number of kitchen shortcuts that can help make the process faster and easier!
Here are 8 go-to kitchen shortcuts to try:
- Pre-cut vegetables – Save time by purchasing pre-cut vegetables or by cutting and prepping your own vegetables in advance. This will save you time on prep work when you’re ready to start cooking. When you have pre-cut vegetables on hand, you don’t have to spend time washing, peeling, and chopping them yourself. This is especially useful if you are busy and short on time! Additionally, pre-cut vegetables are often more convenient to use in recipes because they are already the correct size and shape.
- Use a slow cooker – Using a slow cooker makes cooking a lot easier because it allows you to prepare your meal in advance and then let it cook slowly while you go about your day. Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, set the temperature and timer, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal in the evening. This is especially convenient for busy individuals who do not have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Slow cookers are also really great for making soups, stews, and other dishes that taste even better the longer they simmer, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Overall, slow cookers are a convenient and low-maintenance way to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
- Use a food processor – Using a food processor makes cooking a lot easier because it greatly reduces the amount of time and effort required to chop, slice, and puree ingredients. With a food processor, you can easily and quickly prep large quantities of ingredients, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Additionally, food processors are very versatile in the sense that they can be used to make a wide variety of dishes, such as dips, spreads, soups, sauces, and more. They are also very convenient, as they come with a range of attachments and blades that allow you to perform different tasks, such as shredding, grinding, and blending. Overall, food processors are a great tool to have in the kitchen as they can greatly simplify the prep process and save you time and effort.
- Use a microwave – Using a microwave makes cooking a lot easier because it allows you to heat up and cook food quickly and efficiently. You can use a microwave to quickly reheat leftovers or cook a variety of dishes, such as popcorn, pasta, vegetables, and more. Microwaves are also very convenient, as they are easy to use and require minimal cleanup. Additionally, microwaves are energy-efficient and can save you time and money on your energy bills. The microwave is also a great tool to use for defrosting most frozen foods! The microwave will gently and evenly defrost the food, preserving its texture and flavor. Using a microwave to defrost food is many times more convenient and hygienic than leaving it out on the counter to thaw, as it prevents bacteria from growing on the food.
- Use pre-made dough – Save time on baking by using pre-made dough, such as puff pastry or pie crust. Using pre-made dough makes baking a lot easier because it eliminates the need for you to mix and knead the dough from scratch. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you are new to baking or do not have a lot of experience making dough. Pre-made dough is also very convenient, as it is widely available at most grocery stores and can be used to make a variety of baked goods, such as bread, pizzas, and more. Additionally, pre-made dough is often of a higher quality than homemade dough, as it is made with professional-grade ingredients and equipment. This can result in a better-tasting and more attractive final product. Simply roll out the dough and use it to make a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
I love using frozen puff pastry in this Apple Tarte Tatin with Candied Walnuts recipe – it’s sooooo much easier and it still gives me a crispy crust every time!
- Use pre-made sauces or salsas – Save time on sauces and salsas by using ones that are pre-made, such as marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce. Using pre-made sauces and salsas makes cooking a lot easier because it eliminates the need for you to spend time preparing them from scratch. Pre-made sauces and salsas are also very convenient, as they are widely available at most grocery stores and can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes, such as pasta, stir-fries, and more.
When I’m short on time I love using store-bought salsa verde for my Pozole Verde, Huevos Ahogados and Carne En Su Jugo recipes!
- Use pre-made mixes – Save time on baking by using pre-made mixes, such as cake mix or brownie mix. Using pre-made mixes makes cooking and baking a lot easier because it eliminates the need for you to measure out and mix together all of the ingredients from scratch. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you are new to cooking or baking. Simply add the mix to a bowl, add the required ingredients, and bake according to the package instructions.
- Use a rotisserie chicken – Using a rotisserie chicken makes cooking a lot easier because it is a convenient and time-saving option. When you purchase a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store or a local rotisserie shop, the chicken is already cooked, which means you don’t have to spend time roasting it in the oven or grilling it on the barbecue. This saves you a significant amount of time and effort, especially if you are in a rush or don’t have the energy to cook a large meal from scratch. Additionally, rotisserie chickens are often quite flavorful, as they are cooked slowly on a spit and basted with their own juices. This means you can use the meat from a rotisserie chicken in a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches and casseroles, and add flavor to your meal without having to put in extra effort. Overall, using a rotisserie chicken is a great way to make cooking easier and more convenient.
I love using rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut when making my Chicken Birria, Pozole Verde and Chilaquiles Rojos recipes!
By using these kitchen shortcuts, you can make cooking faster and easier, without sacrificing flavor or quality. Happy cooking!
