9 tiny changes that will massively speed up your cooking

How to Cook Faster: 9 Tiny Changes to Speed Up Your Cooking

Step 1: Read and Understand the Recipe

1. Before you start cooking, take the time to thoroughly read and understand all the ingredients and steps in the recipe.
2. Comprehend details like slicing vegetables, heat levels, cooking times, and quantities to avoid mistakes and interruptions during cooking.

Step 2: Mise en Place (Prep Your Ingredients)

1. Gather and organize all ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe in one place before you start cooking.
2. Use nested bowls or a sheet pan to store ingredients separately and efficiently.
3. Group ingredients that can be added together in the cooking process to minimize dishwashing.

Step 3: Multitask Efficiently

1. Identify opportunities for multitasking during passive cooking times, such as chopping vegetables while sautéing onions.
2. Utilize downtime between cooking steps to accomplish other tasks like measuring spices or washing dishes.

Step 4: Stay Organized in the Kitchen

1. Keep kitchen tools in easily accessible places near the stove for quick access.
2. Organize pantry items for easy visibility and access, placing frequently used ingredients at the front.
3. Utilize the kitchen counter closest to the stove for efficient workspace organization.

Step 5: Clean As You Go

1. Clean utensils and tools as you cook to maintain a clutter-free workspace and save time on post-cooking cleanup.
2. Use a quarter sheet pan to hold dirty utensils during cooking or soak them in soapy water for easy cleaning later.

Step 6: Invest in Time-Saving Tools and Gadgets

1. Use a digital scale for accurate and quick ingredient measurements.
2. Consider tools like glass jars for salad dressings, a mandoline for quick slicing, and a timer for efficient cooking management.
3. Ensure you have a sharp knife for safe and efficient food preparation.

Step 7: Utilize Batch Cooking

1. Make larger portions of meals or components that can be stored for later use or frozen.
2. Batch cooking saves time during busy weeks by allowing quick defrosting and finishing touches for a ready-to-eat meal.

Step 8: Meal Planning for Efficiency

1. Plan meals ahead to overlap ingredients and components, reducing overall cooking time during the week.
2. Use shared components in multiple recipes to streamline meal preparation.

Step 9: Enjoy the Cooking Process

1. While focusing on cooking faster, remember to enjoy the process to avoid mistakes and stress.
2. Embrace the cooking experience and allow time to fly while sautéing or plating dishes.

By implementing these tiny changes and strategies, you can significantly speed up your cooking process, making it more efficient and enjoyable.