Reduce Time in The Kitchen: Mission Impossible?

Many people will agree that the kitchen can be a chaotic place.

This is why it’s so important to have a plan before you act; otherwise, you will waste your day without much progress being made. Here are 23 ways to save more time in the kitchen.

1. Clean as You Work

When you are cooking, it’s important to clean as you go. You will not only save time in the long run, but it will also help keep your kitchen clean. If you have a dirty kitchen, it will be hard to cook anything.

You will enjoy your kitchen and even cook better if it is clean and organized. This means wiping down the counters after you are done using them, putting away dishes as soon as you are done with and returning the appliances where they are supposed to be.

2. Plan Ahead

If you want to move fast and save time in the kitchen, you need to plan. This means knowing what you will cook and having all of the ingredients on hand.

If you are constantly running to the grocery store, you will waste a lot of time.

Having a plan in place will give you ample time to cook without feeling rushed. You can prepare the main meals in advance, so you don’t have to cook every night.

3. Get Organized

Getting organized is the best way to save time in the kitchen is to get organized. This means having all of your cooking utensils and ingredients in one place.

This will prevent you from wasting time searching for what you need.

You will also get to know where every item is located and won’t waste time searching around the kitchen.

The typical scenario is that when you are looking for something, you rarely find it because your mind is rushing.

Thanks to reduced stress and improved focus, the organization will also lead to better results when cooking.

4. A Sharp Knife is Your Best Friend

If you want to save time in the kitchen, you need a sharp knife. A dull blade will make the cooking process slower and more complex.

You will have a hard time cutting up vegetables and fruits.

This can be frustrating and even lead to injuries. A sharp knife will make cutting up vegetables and fruit much easier because you won’t have to try as hard, which is a time-consuming process.

Before you start cooking, make sure to sharpen your knives with a sharpening steel or knife sharpener.

If you are in the market for a new knife, make sure you go for one that is sharp and has a firm grip.

5. Dedicate One Space for Measuring Cups and Spoons

A dedicated space for measuring cups and spoons is needed in any kitchen. This will prevent you from searching for these items every time you need them.

It’s also a good idea to have them in the same place so you can get used to how much each one holds.

This will help you save time when cooking because you won’t waste valuable seconds measuring out the ingredients.

6. Always Keep Pantry Staples on Hand

If you want to save time in the kitchen, you need to always have pantry staples on hand. This means keeping sugar, flour, oil, and yeast in the pantry.

You will also want to stay dried or canned goods on hand for recipes that call for them.

Preparing your meals from scratch will be a lot faster if you have these items on hand. You won’t have to run to the store every time you want to make something.

7. Invest in a Good Blender

A blender is a vital appliance in any kitchen. You can use it for making smoothies, shakes, soups, and sauces.

When it comes to saving time in the kitchen, you will want to invest in a good blender. This means getting robust, durable, and easy to use.

A quality blender can do a lot of the work for you, saving you time in the kitchen. It can also help you make healthier meals and drinks, which is always a bonus.

8. Ensure Appliances are in Good Condition

If you want to save time in the kitchen, it is essential to ensure all of your appliances are in good condition.

Check the filters and make sure they are clean, so you don’t have to deal with clogged drains.

If the oven is old, it might be time for an upgrade. A new range can help you save time by cooking food faster.

The same goes for the refrigerator. It might not be as efficient as a more recent model if it is old.

9. Freeze Leftovers for Later

Leftovers come in handy when you want to save time in the kitchen. Instead of cooking a new meal, you can eat portions from a previous dinner.

The best way to do this is by freezing the leftovers. You can also portion them out and store them in plastic containers or Tupperware.

This way, you will have a ready meal when the time comes, instead of cooking a new meal.

10. Cook in Bulk Then Freeze for Later Use

When you cook in bulk then freeze the food, you can eat healthier and save time at the same time.

Cooking many meals or side dishes can be time-consuming, but it is worth it. You can then freeze the food for later use. This way you won’t have to cook for an entire week.

Cooking in bulk is a great way to save time, but you also want to make sure that the food tastes good when reheated.

11. Invest In a Few Prep Tools That Make Cooking Easier

There are various tools that every busy person should have in their kitchen. They can help you save time when cooking.

These tools include a mandolin slicer, garlic press, food processor, and immersion blender. You will want to invest in these tools if you plan on cooking regularly.

You can use the tools for various things, and they even make the job a little bit easier.

The more prep tools you have, the less time you will spend in the kitchen. And that is always a good thing.

12. Invest in a Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is an appliance that every busy person should own. It is perfect for cooking meals while at work or running errands.

All you have to do is put the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and it will be ready to eat by dinner time.

You can even cook meals in the slow cooker overnight, so they are ready to go when you wake up. Slow cookers are vital in saving time in the kitchen.

13. Use Pre-Packaged Foods

Pre-packaged foods can be a lifesaver when you are short on time. They are quick and easy to prepare and come in various flavors.

You can find pre-packaged foods at the grocery store or order them online. They are a great option to save time in the kitchen.

14. Use a Digital Meal Planning App

There are several meal planning apps you can use on your phone or tablet. The apps will help you save time in the kitchen by providing recipes and meal ideas.

The best part is that most of these apps are free to download and found in the app store. You can navigate through available options to find one that suits your needs.

15. Use the Right Knife for Each Task

Using the right knife is a crucial step in saving time in the kitchen. It can help you chop vegetables and fruits faster, always a plus.

You want to have a variety of knives in your kitchen so you can tackle any task. Essential knives to have are a chef’s knife, paring knife, and serrated knife.

When you use the right knife for each task, you can chop your food faster and more efficiently. This will save time when cooking meals or side dishes.

A chef’s knife is suitable for chopping large pieces of food, such as potatoes and carrots. The paring knife is perfect for slicing fruits or vegetables with thin skin.

A serrated knife is a good option when cutting bread and the likes.

When you use the right knife for each task, you can chop your food faster and more efficiently. This will save time when cooking meals or side dishes.

16. Wash Fruits and Vegetables Before Storage

When you come back from the grocery store, you want to make sure that you wash your fruits and vegetables before storing them. This will make them fresh for longer and ready to use.

You can either wash them before you store them or after. Either way, they must get washed up before putting them away in your fridge.

To ensure that you wash them properly, you can use vinegar or a citrus-based cleaner. These will help remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on the surface of the produce.

17. Time Yourself and Work More Efficiently

Timing yourself is a great way to see how efficient you are in the kitchen. This will help you realize how to improve specific areas of your routine.

When working in the kitchen, try to work as quickly and efficiently as possible. This will help save time when preparing your meals. You will also be less likely to make mistakes when working quickly.

18. Have a Go-To Recipe for Quick Meals

A valuable resource for busy people is a good recipe for quick meals. Having one or two recipes that you can turn to when time is short will help save time in the kitchen.

These recipes should be easy to follow and not require a lot of ingredients. It would be best if you also cooked them in a short amount of time.

If you are ever running low on recipes, try to find more online. Many sites offer free recipe ideas.

19. Don’t Break Your Routine

It would be best if you never broke your routine when cooking a meal. This will help ensure that the meal gets done quickly and efficiently, which is always a plus.

It will also help prevent any mistakes from happening.

If you are following a recipe, stick to the directions. If you are cooking from scratch, follow the recipe or the steps laid out.

20. Stock up on Stock

It would be best to load up your supplies before they run out. This includes stocking up on essential ingredients like flour.

Having a well-stocked pantry will help you save time in the kitchen. You will be less likely to run out of certain ingredients or tools.

You will also have everything you need on hand when it is time to cook your meals.

21. Get Your Family Involved

When preparing meals at home, it is a good idea to ask your family for help. This can include tasks such as chopping vegetables or stirring the pot.

You can all work together to prepare a meal by getting your family involved. This will help you save time in the kitchen, not to mention ensure that everyone is pitching in for dinner preparation.

There are many ways that you can save more time in the kitchen. By following these tips, you will cook your meals quickly and efficiently.

Time spent in the kitchen can be a breeze when using these tips.