If you’re gearing up for a kitchen remodel, one thing you’re likely worried about is how to handle meals. This article will guide you through the essential steps of meal prep for kitchen remodel scenarios, offering general instructions and some quick and delicious recipes.
Things You’ll Need: Meal Prep for Kitchen Remodel
- Meal prep containers
- Cutting board
- Sharp knives
- Measuring cups
- Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, etc.)
- Frying pan
- Pots
- Lid or plastic wrap for covering
General Instructions: Meal Prep for Kitchen Remodel
Before you begin exploring specific recipes, it’s essential to follow some general steps to ensure effective meal preparation. These guidelines lay the groundwork for all your culinary creations, making it easier for you to whip up a variety of meals in no time.
Washing Vegetables
The first and most crucial step in meal prep is washing your vegetables thoroughly. Start by filling a large bowl with cold water and place your vegetables in it to soak for a few minutes. This loosens any stubborn dirt or debris. Then, proceed to rinse each vegetable under cold running water.
For root vegetables like potatoes or carrots that have noticeable soil or dirt, it’s advisable to use a vegetable brush. Gently scrub the surface to remove all impurities. This step is not only crucial for hygiene but also ensures that you get the best flavor out of your vegetables.
Cutting Vegetables and Protein
Once your vegetables are clean and dry, the next step is to cut them. To do this, you need a stable surface—preferably a kitchen counter or a table. Place a cutting board on this surface to protect it and to provide a stable cutting area.
Select a sharp knife; a dull knife can slip and is more dangerous to use. Begin by cutting the vegetables into the shapes and sizes that your recipes require. Whether it’s dicing, slicing, or julienning, make sure you cut the vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
The same rules apply when you’re cutting proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu. Always use a separate cutting board for meats to avoid cross-contamination. Cut the protein into consistent sizes to guarantee that they cook evenly.
Cooking Grains
Cooking grains such as rice, quinoa, or barley is another integral part of meal prep. Start by boiling water in a pot. The amount of water you’ll need will depend on the type of grain you’re cooking and the quantity. It’s best to follow package instructions, as they often provide precise water-to-grain ratios and cooking times.
Once the water is boiling, add the grains. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Allow the grains to cook according to package instructions, checking occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. When they are done, fluff them with a fork for a lighter texture.
Meal Prep for Kitchen Remodel – Breakfast Recipes
Below are four easy meal prep recipes for breakfast…
1. Overnight Oats
Things You’ll Need
To make Overnight Oats, you’ll need a few things at your disposal. These include:
- Measuring cups for accurate ingredient quantities
- Mason jars with airtight lids for storing and mixing
- A spoon for stirring the ingredients together
- Rolled oats
- Milk
- Yoghurt
- Your chosen mix of fruits and nuts
- Honey, maple syrup or Stevia
Instructions
Start by taking a mason jar and add 1 cup of rolled oats into it. Use your measuring cup to be precise. Next, pour in 1 cup of your choice of milk—this could be dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. Add half a cup of yogurt for creaminess; this could be regular yogurt or a dairy-free option.
Using a spoon, stir these base ingredients well to ensure they are thoroughly mixed. Now comes the fun part—adding flavors and textures.
You can add fruits like banana slices, berries, or apple chunks. For a crunch, consider nuts like almonds or walnuts. To sweeten your oats, a dollop of honey, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of stevia works great.
Seal the mason jar tightly with its lid and place it in the fridge. The oats will soak up the milk and flavors, becoming a delicious, creamy, and nutritious breakfast option by morning.
Storage
Once prepared, you can store these Overnight Oats in the fridge for up to 5 days. Because of the dairy components and fresh fruit, it’s not suitable for freezing.
Servings
This recipe makes 2 servings, perfect for a couple of days of breakfast or for sharing with a partner.
2. Veggie Omelette
Things You’ll Need
For making a Veggie Omelette, ensure you have:
- A frying pan for cooking
- A whisk for beating the eggs
- Measuring cups for ingredient accuracy
- A spatula for flipping and serving the omelette
- 2 eggs
- Salt and black pepper
- Oil
- Diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach
Instructions
Begin by cracking 2 eggs into a bowl. Season with some salt and black pepper. Use a whisk to beat the eggs until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Set this aside for a moment.
Place a frying pan on the stove and set it to medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil, either olive oil or another type of your preference. Once the oil is hot, add your choice of diced vegetables. This could be bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach—whatever you like. Sauté these until they are soft and aromatic.
Now, pour the whisked eggs over the sautéed vegetables in the pan. Allow the eggs to cook undisturbed until they start to set around the edges. Using a spatula, gently fold the omelette in half, enclosing the vegetables, and cook for another minute to ensure it’s fully set.
Storage
A Veggie Omelette is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must store it, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture and flavor of the omelette.
Servings
This recipe yields one serving, perfect for a hearty, single-portion breakfast.
3. Smoothie Packs
Things You’ll Need
To make these handy Smoothie Packs, you’ll need:
- Blender for mixing the ingredients
- Ziplock bags for pre-packaging portions
- Measuring cups to get the right ingredient amounts
- Your choice of fruits (e.g., bananas, berries, mango)
- Your choice of vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale)
- Protein powder (optional)
- Liquid for blending (e.g., milk, juice, water)
Instructions
Begin by taking a measuring cup and portion out the fruits, vegetables, and protein powder you wish to use in each smoothie pack. Popular fruit choices include berries, banana slices, and mango chunks.
For vegetables, spinach and kale are common picks. If you’re looking to add extra protein, a scoop of your preferred protein powder can be included.
Once you’ve measured out these ingredients, place them into individual Ziplock bags. Make sure to press out any excess air and then seal the bags tightly. Place these pre-portioned smoothie packs into your freezer.
When you’re ready to make a smoothie, simply take a pack out of the freezer and empty its contents into a blender. Add a liquid of your choice, like milk, almond milk, or juice, and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Storage
These smoothie packs can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month, making them a convenient go-to breakfast option.
Servings
Each Ziplock bag will make one serving of a delicious, healthy smoothie.
4. Banana Pancakes
Things You’ll Need
For Banana Pancakes, make sure you have:
- Mixing bowl for combining the ingredients
- Frying pan for cooking the pancakes
- Spatula for flipping the pancakes
- Measuring cups for accurate ingredient quantities
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup of pancake mix (your choice)
Instructions
Start by peeling two ripe bananas and placing them into a mixing bowl. Use a fork or a masher to mash the bananas until they form a smooth paste. Next, measure 1 cup of your chosen pancake mix and add it to the mashed bananas.
Stir until the pancake mix and mashed bananas are fully combined, creating a unified batter. Place a frying pan on the stove and preheat it over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, use a spoon to drop dollops of the banana pancake batter into the pan.
Watch for small bubbles to appear on the surface of each pancake, which is the signal that it’s time to flip. Use a spatula to flip the pancakes over and continue to cook them until they are golden brown on both sides.
Storage
If you have leftover pancakes, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag, for up to 1 month.
Servings
This recipe will yield 2 servings, perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast for two.
Read more meal prep topics here – Meal Prep for Every Situation: Your Ultimate Guide
Meal Prep for Kitchen Remodel – Lunch Recipes
Below are four lunch meal prep recipes for a kitchen remodel
1. Chicken Salad
Things You’ll Need
For the Chicken Salad, you’ll need:
- A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Measuring cups to accurately measure your ingredients
- Fork and spoon for mixing and serving
- Sharp knife for chopping chicken and vegetables
- 2 cooked chicken breasts
- 1 cup of diced vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce
- 2 tablespoons of your preferred dressing (e.g., Caesar, Ranch, or a vinaigrette)
Instructions
Start by taking 2 cooked chicken breasts and placing them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The size of these pieces depends on your preference but aim for uniform pieces for even distribution in the salad.
Next, prepare your vegetables. Dice cucumber, tomatoes, and chop up some lettuce. You should aim for about a cup’s worth of diced vegetables in total. Once prepared, transfer the diced vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Now, add the chopped chicken into the same mixing bowl with the vegetables. Measure out 2 tablespoons of your choice of dressing, and pour it over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Use a fork and spoon to gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring an even coating of the dressing throughout the salad.
Storage
Place the chicken salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Freezing this particular dish is not recommended due to the fresh vegetables and dressing.
Servings
This recipe will make approximately 2 servings, perfect for a couple of days’ lunches.
2. Quinoa Stir Fry
Things You’ll Need
For Quinoa Stir Fry, you’ll need:
- Wok or large pan for cooking
- Spatula for stirring and serving
- Measuring cups for ingredient quantities
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil (e.g., olive oil, canola oil)
- Diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli
- 2 cups of cooked quinoa
- Soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by placing a wok or large pan on your stove and heating it over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of your chosen cooking oil to the pan. Allow the oil to heat up for a few seconds.
Next, chop up your choice of vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli work well in this recipe. Aim for bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
Add these diced vegetables to the hot oil in the wok or pan. Use a spatula to stir the vegetables continuously, sautéing them until they soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Once your vegetables are tender, it’s time to add the quinoa. Measure out 2 cups of cooked quinoa and add it to the wok. Make sure to follow the package instructions to cook it. Use your spatula to mix the quinoa with the vegetables, ensuring an even distribution.
Lastly, add soy sauce, salt, and pepper according to your taste preference. Stir well so the flavors meld together.
Storage
Transfer the Quinoa Stir Fry into an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to prepare this meal in advance, it’s also freezer-friendly and can be stored for up to 1 month in the freezer.
Servings
This recipe will yield about 3 servings, making it perfect for multiple meals throughout the week.
3. Veggie Wraps
Things You’ll Need
For Veggie Wraps, you will require:
- A large skillet or griddle for cooking
- A sharp knife for slicing vegetables
- Spatula for flipping the wrap
- Measuring cups to accurately measure ingredients
- 1 large tortilla
- Sliced vegetables such as lettuce, bell peppers, and cucumbers
- Pre-cooked protein like grilled chicken or tofu
Instructions
Start by placing your skillet or griddle on the stove and heating it over medium heat. While the cooking surface is warming up, slice your choice of vegetables. Bell peppers should be thinly sliced, cucumbers should be in slim rounds, and lettuce can be shredded for easier layering.
Once your skillet is warm, place one large tortilla flat on it. Evenly distribute your sliced vegetables on half of the tortilla to make folding easier. If you’re using pre-cooked protein like grilled chicken or tofu, slice it into thin strips and layer it over the vegetables.
Next, fold the tortilla in half over the vegetables and protein. Press it down lightly with your spatula. Cook until the bottom is slightly crispy, usually about 2–3 minutes, and then carefully flip it over to crisp the other side.
Storage
After cooling, store your Veggie Wrap in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It should remain fresh for up to 2 days. Note that freezing is not recommended for this recipe.
Servings
This recipe will produce 1 serving, perfect for a quick and healthy lunch.
4. Tuna Salad
Things You’ll Need
For Tuna Salad, you will require:
- A large bowl for mixing
- A fork for flaking tuna and mixing
- Measuring cups for precise ingredient quantities
- A sharp knife for dicing celery and onions
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup of diced celery
- 1/4 cup of diced onions
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Open a can of tuna and drain the liquid. Transfer the tuna to a large bowl. Use a fork to gently flake the tuna into smaller pieces.
Chop your celery and onions into small, diced pieces. Measure out 1/2 cup of celery and 1/4 cup of onions and add them to the bowl with the tuna.
Measure out 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and add it to your tuna, celery, and onion mixture. Use your fork to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. Season your tuna salad with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Storage
Spoon your Tuna Salad into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will remain fresh for up to 2 days. As with the Veggie Wrap, freezing is not recommended for this recipe.
Servings
This Tuna Salad recipe yields approximately 2 servings, making it a convenient option for multiple meals.
Meal Prep for Kitchen Remodel – Dinner Recipes
Below are four dinner meal prep recipes for a kitchen remodel…
1. Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
Things You’ll Need
For this classic dish, gather the following:
- A large pot for boiling spaghetti
- A separate saucepan for heating the sauce
- A colander for draining the pasta
- Measuring cups to quantify your ingredients
- Spaghetti noodles
- A jar of marinara sauce
- Salt for boiling water
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Start by filling a large pot with water and place it on the stove. Turn the heat to high to bring it to a rolling boil. It’s a good idea to salt the boiling water to add flavor to the spaghetti noodles.
As the water heats, grab your saucepan and pour in a jar of your preferred marinara sauce. Place the saucepan over low heat to gently warm the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
Once the water is boiling, carefully add your spaghetti noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions to achieve your desired texture, usually between 8 to 12 minutes.
As your spaghetti is cooking, check on your marinara sauce. Make sure it’s evenly heated but not boiling. Once heated, you can optionally add a pinch of sugar, red pepper flakes, or additional seasonings to taste.
After your spaghetti is done, turn off the stove and drain the noodles using a colander. Immediately transfer the drained spaghetti to the saucepan with the heated marinara sauce. Mix well to ensure that every strand is well-coated.
Storage
Let the spaghetti cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 1 month.
Servings
This recipe will produce approximately 3 servings.
2. Grilled Chicken and Vegetables
Things You’ll Need
For this protein-packed dinner option, you’ll need:
- A grill or grill pan
- Measuring cups for ingredients
- Tongs for handling food on the grill
- A sharp knife for preparing chicken and vegetables
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini
Instructions
Begin by marinating your chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
During the marination time, slice your vegetables—such as bell peppers and zucchini—into medium-sized pieces that won’t fall through the grill grates. Set them aside.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once heated, carefully place the marinated chicken breasts and sliced vegetables on the grill. Use your tongs to manage their positions.
Cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For the vegetables, the grilling time will be slightly less; usually, they become tender in about 4–5 minutes per side.
Storage
After cooling, store the grilled chicken and vegetables in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 1 month.
Servings
This recipe will yield approximately 2 servings, perfect for a cozy dinner for two.
3. Beef Stir-Fry
Things You’ll Need
Before cooking, gather these essential things:
- A wok or a large skillet for stir-frying
- Measuring cups for portioning ingredients
- A spatula for stirring and flipping
- A sharp knife for slicing beef and vegetables
- 1 pound of beef (sirloin or flank steak are good choices)
- Cooking oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)
- A variety of vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, etc.)
- Soy sauce
- Minced garlic
- Minced ginger
Instructions
Start by thinly slicing your pound of beef. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. You can also put the beef in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes before slicing; this makes the slicing easier.
Next, place your wok or large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to high. Add 2 tablespoons of your chosen cooking oil. Let the oil heat until it starts shimmering; this is a sign it’s hot enough.
Carefully add the sliced beef to the hot oil in the wok. Use your spatula to quickly stir and flip the beef. Cook until it’s browned, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, add your sliced vegetables. Bell peppers and snap peas are good choices, but feel free to get creative with what you have. Stir well to combine.
For the sauce, in a separate bowl, mix together some soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Pour this sauce into the wok, stirring to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated.
Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp. This usually takes an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
Storage
After the stir-fry has cooled, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 1 month.
Servings
This recipe makes approximately 3 servings.
4. Baked Salmon
Things You’ll Need
For this simple yet delicious dish, you’ll need:
- A baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups for ingredients
- A knife for slicing lemon
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon slices
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). As the oven heats, line your baking sheet with a piece of aluminum foil for easier cleanup later.
Place your salmon fillets skin-side down on the foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over each fillet. Then season with salt and pepper to taste.
For additional flavor, add a slice of lemon on top of each salmon fillet. The lemon will infuse the salmon with a citrusy aroma and taste as it bakes.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the fillets. You’ll know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Storage
Once the salmon has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 1 month.
Servings
This recipe makes approximately 2 servings, perfect for a quiet dinner at home.
Conclusion: Meal Prep for Kitchen Remodel
Meal prep for a kitchen remodel doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With some planning and the right recipes, you can ensure that you have nutritious and delicious meals ready for the entire remodeling period.
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these recipes are not only simple to prepare but also easy to store. So go ahead and take the worry out of mealtime during your kitchen remodel.