Meal prep for guests doesn’t have to be a nerve-racking experience. With some simple planning and a few key techniques, you can provide a delicious, stress-free meal that you and your guests will enjoy.
General Things You’ll Need: Meal Prep for Guests
- Meal planning notebook or app
- Quality kitchen utensils
- Storage containers
Meal Prep for Guests – 3 Recipes
Below are 3 meal prep recipes for guests…
Recipe 1: Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Things You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: Preferably boneless and skinless for easier cooking.
- Fettuccine Pasta: Or any other pasta of your choice.
- Alfredo Sauce Ingredients: Including heavy cream, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Steps for Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Prepare the Chicken
Seasoning: First, take your chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of garlic powder.
Cooking: Place a skillet on medium heat. Once hot, add some olive oil and lay the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 7-8 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the breast; the meat should be white all the way through.
Cook the Pasta
Boiling Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water.
Cooking Pasta: Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente.
Draining: Once done, drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
Make Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking: Place the saucepan on low heat and keep stirring the mixture until it becomes creamy and well-mixed. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
Combine
Mixing: Finally, combine your cooked pasta and chicken in a large bowl.
Saucing: Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top and toss until everything is well-coated.
How to Store
Place the chicken alfredo pasta in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to freeze it, it will last for up to 2 months.
Read more meal prep topics here – Meal Prep for Every Situation: Your Ultimate Guide
Recipe 2: Vegan Stir-Fry
Things You’ll Need:
- Assorted Vegetables: A selection of bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli is recommended.
- Firm Tofu: Choose firm over silken or soft tofu, as it will maintain its texture better during cooking.
- Stir-Fry Sauce Ingredients: You’ll need soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Steps for Vegan Stir-Fry
Prepare the Vegetables
Washing: Before chopping, rinse all your vegetables under cold running water.
Chopping: Slice your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
Prepare the Tofu
Draining: Most tofu comes in water-packed containers. Drain the water first.
Pressing: Wrap the tofu block in a clean towel. Place it on a plate and put a heavy object on top, like a can or a skillet. Leave it for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Cubing: Unwrap the towel and cut the pressed tofu into cubes that are about 1-inch in size.
Make the Sauce
Ingredients: Get a small bowl ready for mixing.
Mixing: Combine a 1/4 cup of soy sauce, one minced garlic clove, and a teaspoon of grated ginger. Stir until the garlic and ginger are well-distributed in the soy sauce.
Cooking the Stir-Fry
Heat: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Oil: Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil once the pan is hot.
Stir-Frying: Add the chopped vegetables and cubed tofu to the skillet.
Saucing: After 5 minutes of stir-frying, pour the sauce over the vegetables and tofu. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the tofu has absorbed the sauce, turning a slightly darker color.
How to Store
Place your finished Vegan Stir-Fry in an airtight container. In the fridge, it will keep for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer, where it will last for up to 1 month.
Recipe 3: Berry Parfait
Things You’ll Need
- Mixed Berries: Think strawberries, blueberries, raspberries.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a thicker consistency, but any yogurt will do.
- Granola: Choose your favorite variety for added crunch.
Steps for Berry Parfait
Prepare the Berries
Rinsing: Gently rinse all the berries under cold water.
Slicing: For larger berries, like strawberries, you’ll want to remove the stem and slice them into halves or quarters depending on your preference.
Layering the Parfait
Initial Layer: Start with a spoonful of yogurt at the bottom of your serving glass.
Berries: Add a layer of the mixed berries on top of the yogurt.
Granola: Top the berries with a sprinkle of granola.
Repeat
More Layers: Continue the layering process until you reach the top of the glass. For the best aesthetic and taste, aim to finish with a granola layer.
How to Store
Due to its ingredients, the Berry Parfait should be consumed fairly quickly. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Freezing this particular dish is not recommended.
Conclusion: Meal Prep for Guests
Meal prep for guests can be a smooth and enjoyable process when you plan ahead and use effective strategies. By following these recipes and tips, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a memorable and stress-free gathering.