Savor the flavor without the kitchen hustle! Discover how to enjoy delicious food without cooking. Explore easy and tasty alternatives.
Sometimes going to the kitchen feels like a big “ugh.” You might be hungry, but cooking feels like a hassle. If you feel this way too often, it’s not your fault. Cooking three times a day is a lot of work. It would help if you did not throw in the towel when you were not exactly in the mood to cook. All you need to make a delicious meal is a microwave and a bit of creativity. Alternatively, use recipes that reduce the work required to prepare the meal.
Even if you’re not in the mood to cook, there are always several other options out there besides cooking for myself. Enjoy these simple tips that can help anyone who’s not in the mood for cooking enjoy tasty food whenever they’re feeling up to it.
1. Get Meal Kit Services
If you’re not in the mood for cooking and you don’t want to spend time in the kitchen cooking, consider getting a meal kit service. There are many companies out there that can give you all of the ingredients needed to make a delicious and healthy meal in minutes (literally). All you need is some boiling water and a microwave. And if they can make it in minutes, why would anyone buy pre-made food? Furthermore, meal kit services offer a delightful alternative to cooking everyday dinners for yourself. The one person meal kits are perfect for those that stay in college dorms, are too lazy for meal prep, or have recently moved into a new apartment while you’re settling into your new job.
Usually, the meal kits come frozen and ready to pop in the microwave. However, these meals usually do not taste like microwaved meals at all. Most taste like restaurant-quality food, and the ingredients are well worth the price. Not only that, but you can find a service that offers meals for any dietary preference. For example, Green Chef provides plant-based food delivery right to your door, making it perfect for vegans.
2. Find Recipes With Fewer Steps
Doing absolutely no work with your food is always an excellent idea. However, this isn’t always possible with most recipes from cookbooks or taught by instructors who care more about food quality and taste than how little effort it takes to make them. If you’re dead set on having no cooking at all, then consider the time required for each step of your recipe. Additionally, stay away from recipes that require complex processes such as pureeing, cutting up big pieces of food or drink, or anything else that will require you to get out more than one utensil and dirty more than just one plate.
3. Opt For Healthy Convenience Food
Why not opt for healthy convenience food? It’s probably more convenient than cooking, anyway. If you feel like eating something sweet or salty, try opting for chips or popcorn instead of candy or junk food. Many people eat unhealthy snacks because they’re the only thing available at the time, but if you keep these types of foods in your pantry, then you’ll never be tempted to stray from a healthier alternative. Furthermore, it’s highly recommended that everyone keep some vanilla ice cream in their freezer at all times. You can eat it by itself, add it to your daily oatmeal, or eat it as a late-night treat.
4. Cook In Bulk & Freeze It
Cooking in bulk is one of the most time-saving options out there. If you’re not in the mood to cook every day, cook once or twice a week and freeze your meals later. Although the process is more prep work than simply sticking something in the microwave, it’s worth it. Whenever you’re not feeling up to cooking, then you’ll know that there is a delicious dish of your favorite food waiting for you in the freezer. And if you can afford the space and energy consumption, try investing in a crockpot (slow cooker), so you can cook all of your meals within minutes.
5. Order Takeout Or Delivery
If you’re not in the mood for cooking, don’t feel like eating at home, and want to eat out anyway, why not try takeout or delivery? Many different places offer both options, so it isn’t hard to find one that offers the food you want. Most restaurants also offer special deals for their take-out or delivery services (it’s because they lose money for not being eaten at their establishment). Additionally, your favorite spot might have a minimum order requirement, forcing you to spend more money while ordering less food. If this is the case, consider ordering with friends or family members so everyone benefits.
6. Get An Electric Skillet
If you’re feeling up to cooking but you’re just too lazy or tired to do it right now, do this: get your electric skillet (you might want to consider getting more than one if necessary). Then use it for pancakes or an omelet. You can make it either quickly or easily, even with minimal effort on your part; all you need is some ingredients and 15-20 minutes. You can also use your electric skillet to cook some vegetables. It’s healthier than using a frying pan, and since there is water inside, it takes less time to cook (and less time is always better). Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
7. Create A Meal Plan
Create a meal plan for the week, or at least think about what you’re going to have for dinner tonight. This will save you time and money because you won’t waste food that you don’t end up eating. When thinking about which foods to prepare, think of simple ingredients that require little preparation because this will help save energy. You should also know how much cooking or grilling certain foods require; if you want something easy, then grill as many hotdogs as needed (don’t buy one hundred because you can’t eat that much).
There are many options out there that you can use to eat delicious food without cooking. Remember that preparing a meal doesn’t have to be complicated, and it should only take as much time as necessary. It’s better to spend more time eating your food than preparing it. Also, if you’re the type who enjoys cooking, these tips will help you save even more time and energy for yourself.
