Secrets Chefs Use for Easy Weeknight Meals

12 Tips to take the stress out of getting dinner on the table!

Ever wonder how chefs whip up scrumptious meals so quickly? Imagine coming home after a hectic day, and being able to whip up a Chef-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. Sound like a dream? We want to help you!

As Chefs, we rely on a few tricks that make dinner prep less stressful. We want to show you how you can replicate a chef's efficiency in your very own home kitchen.

1. Mise en Place: What we learn on the first day of Chef School

Before we even head to the stove, as Chefs we have already conquered half the battle with mise en place—a French term meaning 'everything in its place'.

By pre-chopping vegetables, measuring spices, and organizing tools, you can quicken your cooking pace remarkably. Picture yourself as a TV chef, handling dinner like a pro!

Try setting up your own 'mise' before dinnertime, and watch your prep bring together dinner in no time at all.  

2. The Power of Batch Cooking

Batch cooking is your ticket to effortless weeknight dinners. Preparing grains, proteins, sauce bases and dressing on a relaxed weekend afternoon. The entire meal does not need to be prepared. Instead, think of it like elements of multiple meals that can be combined into something fresh and delicious in no time!

Having elements of dinner already prepared will allow you to bring together dinner in mere minutes. Leftover quinoa? Pair with roasted veggies. Extra chicken breast? Toss it in a salad!

Try our Winter Grain Salad Bowl  or Miso Salmon Bowl to truly understand the power of batch cooking. 

You will be amazed at how prepared you feel when multiple meals are essentially at your fingertips. 

3. One-Pan Wonders

No need to wash up a pile of dishes when you can embrace the joy of one-pan wonders? By cooking everything in a single pan, you save time on both cooking and cleanup.

Opt for meals like sheet pan chicken with vegetables or one-pot pasta for an effortless delicious dinner.

The key here lies in adding ingredients in stages, seasoning as you go and giving every ingredient the time that it needs before adding additional ingredients.

Check out some of our favourite one-pan meals:

Cottage Pie
Butter Chicken Cooking Class

4. The Magic of Marinades

Marinating meat or tofu overnight isn't just for BBQ season! Infuse flavours with liquid gold by preparing marinades ahead of time.

A simple concoction of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic can take your chicken from bland to crave-able in a matter of hours.

Short on time but still wanting the benefits of a marinade. A 20-30 minute room temperature marinade is equivalent to 3 hours in the refrigerator. 

This simple Crispy Tofu Recipe elevates it to the next level:

5. Invest in Quality Kitchen Tools

A chef is only as good as their tools. Investing in quality knives, pans, and blenders can transform your cooking experience. Here is our list of our favourite tools.

Imagine slicing through a tomato with ease rather than wrestling with dull blades—everything becomes faster and infinitely more enjoyable!

A sharp knife is much safer than a dull one. It will slide effortlessly through food. By adding pressure when you use a dull knife you run the risk of slipping and cutting yourself.

Make sure to take good care of your kitchen tools. Always was by hand, right after using to ensure that they will last you a good long time. 

6. The Art of Minimal Ingredient Meals

Not every meal needs a lengthy list of ingredients. When a recipe calls for just a few ingredients get the best quality ingredient that you can get your hands on. 

Let the flavours of these ingredients shine, like a fresh piece of fish, olive oil, and a handful of seasonal veggies. 

Simplicity doesn’t equate to blandness—it’s an opportunity to let each flavour shine.

Try our Cheesey Baked Polenta Cooking Class! It comes together quickly and is Italian comfort food at its finest. 

7. Make Friends with Your Freezer

Your freezer is an often underutilized ally in the quest for quick weeknight meals. Start freezing soups, sauces, and fully cooked meals.

Simply thaw and voila—dinner is served! Embrace the beauty of freezer-friendly dishes that save the day when you are short on time.

Watch it become your favourite kitchen tool, winning you both time and applause.

Here are a few of our favourite dishes that freeze really well. 

8. Surprise Your Senses with Textures

Combining textures can elevate any dish with minimal effort. Think crunchy toppings on creamy soups or a tangy salad dressing on crisp greens.

Chefs do this consciously to add intrigue to each bite and offer a dynamic culinary experience.

Don’t shy away from experimenting—let texture become the surprise element in your next culinary creation.

9. Season Like a Pro

Seasoning isn’t just about salt and pepper. As chefs, we taste and season constantly throughout the cooking process.

Balance flavours by adding a splash of acidity or a hint of sweetness to balance out sourness or enhance complexity. 

Season in layers. When cooking we add a pinch of salt every time we add something to the pan. This ensure that each element of the dish is properly seasoned and it brings out the natural flavour. 

As the dish nears completion, taste it for the final seasoning. If something still feels missing, it’s often as simple as a pinch of salt or a splash of acid to bring everything together.

10. Get Creative with Leftovers

Transform leftovers into something magical—a soup can become a hearty pasta bake, or yesterday’s rice can turn into flavourful fried rice. We love this recipe for Kimchi Fried Rice

This not only reduces waste but also keeps meals exciting, doubling your culinary possibilities without an extra trip to the store. 

Every bite in your fridge is a blank canvas, waiting for your creative chef touch.

12. Embrace Global Inspiration

Look to global cuisines for inspiration—Indian curries, Mexican tacos, or Italian risottos can add an exciting twist to your usual dinner routine.

Embark on a culinary journey from your own kitchen, transforming ordinary weeknights into extraordinary experiences.

With such a rich palette of flavours to explore, every evening is a chance to create something new and unforgettable!

Bringing it all together. 

With our chef-approved strategies in your back pocket, weeknight dinners don’t have to be a chore—they can become a creative and satisfying experience. 

Whether it’s mastering mise en place, embracing the magic of marinades, or transforming leftovers into something extraordinary, each of these tips will help you cook with confidence in the kitchen.

Start small by incorporating one or two strategies into your routine and see how they transform your approach to cooking. With practice, you’ll find yourself preparing meals faster, with less stress, and we believe more enjoyment!

Remember, cooking is as much about creativity as it is about efficiency. So, experiment with new textures, explore global flavours, and let your freezer become your ticket to easing the stress of dinner on a hectic night.  

These tips aren’t just about saving time—they’re about making every meal feel like a celebration.