Make a meal in under 30 minutes
We've curated our favourite super-fast recipes that you can whip up in just under 30 minutes. These meals are brimming with fresh ingredients so you’ll be doing more for your body than simply satisfying those hunger signals – you’ll also be fueling it with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Feel like Mexican? Try our chilli con carne. Our tasty version is filled with spices, kidney beans and fresh tomatoes. Got 15 minutes? Try our chicken and bean slaw tacos using a pack of coleslaw mix, fresh coriander, kidney beans and make a quick dressing from buttermilk and yoghurt.
6 tips for speedy meals
1. Multi-task
The key to cooking fast meals is to do several things at once. So instead of waiting for a pot to boil, use this time to chop up your veggies. Or pan-fry some meat while something else bakes in the oven. Not only is this more efficient, but it also means all parts of your meal are basically finished at the same time, so it’s still hot when it hits the table.
2. Keep it simple
Experimental cooking is great when you have plenty of time, but on busy days a quick, fuss-free recipe is your best bet. Compile a list of your favourites and dip into them when you’re in a rush. Not only are you guaranteed to enjoy them, but you’ll also find that the more often you cook a recipe, the faster you’ll be.
3. Be prepared
To make your cooking routine more efficient, before you start cooking whip out all you need from the pantry, fridge, and freezer and place them on top of the bench. Then turn on the oven (if need be), grab any utensils and pans you might use – and all you need to do is travel between the stovetop and bench.
4. Keep organised
Cooking is much quicker if you can access things easily. Try keeping your pantry, fridge, utensils and pot drawers well-organised. That way you don’t have to waste time searching for pieces of equipment like the vegetable peeler. You can also place staples at eye-level, rotate food products regularly and place older items near the front.
5. Take shortcuts
Take shortcuts to make your life much more simple and stress-free. Use convenience fuss-free ingredients like pre-cut Coleslaw mix that can be found at any supermarket.
6. Read the recipe first
Spend a few moments reading the recipe before you start cooking and you’ll save time in the long run. That’s because you’ll know exactly what ingredients you need and the order in which to cook them. This way you won’t need to launch a search party for the soy sauce and will realise the rice should boil while your meat pan-fries.