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Home » Food Hacks

14 Time-Saving Tips That’ll Make Dinner Prep So Much Easier

Published: Aug 11, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Time-saving tips can make a big difference when you want dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor or quality. These recipes are all about being quick and easy while still hitting that great spot your taste buds are looking for. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

A bowl of kimchi.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Hand-Break Mushrooms

Wicker tray with variety of raw mushrooms on wooden table.
Hand-Break Mushrooms. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Break mushrooms apart by hand instead of slicing to help them absorb more flavor. This time-saving tip skips the cutting board and knife for quicker prep.

Pre-Salt Oil

Olive oil and salt with different greens on the right side of the black stone table.
Pre-Salt Oil. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Add salt to oil before heating, then cook your protein. This time-saving tip seasons evenly from the start, avoiding the need for extra adjustments later.

Mix BBQ Sauce into Burger Patties

Close-up image of grilling ground beef patties.
Mix BBQ Sauce into Burger Patties. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Mix BBQ sauce directly into ground beef before forming patties for extra flavor throughout. This time-saving tip combines seasoning and mixing into a single step.

Squeeze Kimchi Juice

A bowl of kimchi.
Squeeze Kimchi Juice. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

After preparing homemade kimchi, squeeze out the liquid and use it as a dipping sauce for an added kick. This time-saving tip makes use of what’s already on hand, turning it into something ready to serve instantly.

Smoke Salts and Spices

Smoke aromatic spices on wooden background.
Smoke Salts and Spices. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Smoke salts or whole spices with pecan and hickory wood to create rich finishing salts. This time-saving tip adds depth of flavor in advance, so meals are ready to season instantly.

Boil Pasta and Veggies Together

Pasta and vegetables in a cooking pot.
Boil Pasta and Veggies Together. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Cook pasta and vegetables together in one pot so both are ready at the same time. This time-saving tip shortens cooking time and leaves fewer dishes to wash.

Use Parchment Paper on Electric Grill

Pork meat on electric grill.
Use Parchment Paper on Electric Grill. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Line an electric grill with parchment paper to keep it clean, then discard it after cooking. This time-saving tip reduces scrubbing and keeps equipment in better condition.

Bang Iceberg Lettuce Core

Iceberg lettuce in a yellow plate.
Bang Iceberg Lettuce Core. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Hit the core of an iceberg lettuce head against the counter to loosen it, then twist and pull it out in one motion. This time-saving tip speeds up salad prep and reduces effort.

Crack Eggs into a Measuring Cup

Cracked egg in a measuring glass.
Crack Eggs into a Measuring Cup. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Crack eggs into a measuring cup to catch any shell pieces and check freshness at the same time. This time-saving tip prevents mishaps and keeps the cooking process moving smoothly.

De-String Celery

Pieces of celery in a wooden bowl. On black wooden background.
De-String Celery. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Remove strings from celery before using it in recipes for a cleaner texture. This time-saving tip prevents the need to deal with unwanted stringiness once the dish is cooked.

Use a French Fry Cutter for Onions

French Fries Cutting machine on a table top.
Use a French Fry Cutter for Onions. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Use a French fry cutter to dice onions quickly while reducing the chance of eye irritation. This time-saving tip turns a tedious task into a quick one, even if cleanup takes a bit more effort.

Slightly Undercook Rice

Hand is scooping rice cooking in electric rice cooker.
Slightly Undercook Rice. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Slightly undercook rice during prep, then reheat with a little water to steam it to perfection. This time-saving tip avoids overcooking and makes it easy to serve later.

Rinse Hard-Boiled Eggs

Boiled white chicken eggs in saucepan and wicker plate.
Rinse Hard-Boiled Eggs. Photo credit: Pexels.

Rinse freshly peeled hard-boiled eggs to remove any small shell fragments. This time-saving tip avoids interruptions during eating or serving, keeping the process smooth from prep to plate.

Blend Cooked Bacon, Fresh Onion, and Garlic

Bacon, onion, garlic, and greens.
Blend Cooked Bacon, Fresh Onion, and Garlic. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Combine cooked bacon, fresh onion, and garlic into a smooth mixture, then mix with ground beef for burgers that are rich in flavor from the inside out. This time-saving tip builds depth in each bite without adding extra steps later.

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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