10 Grocery Shortcuts for Quicker Prep

They eliminate the need for washing, peeling, and chopping, allowing you to jump straight into cooking. You’ll often find them in the produce section, not just the freezer aisle. From diced onions and sliced peppers to shredded cabbage, pre-cut vegetables are a lifesaver for stir-fries, soups, and sheet pan dinners.

These ready-to-use flavor bases can be customized or enhanced to match your dish. Check the deli section or international aisle for options like pesto, curry sauce, or marinara. They’re perfect for quick pasta nights, marinades, and grain bowls.

A well-balanced spice mix takes the guesswork out of seasoning. Whether it’s taco seasoning, Cajun spice, or za’atar, these blends save measuring time and ensure consistent flavor. Keep a few favorites on hand for quick weeknight meals.

This ready-to-eat protein can be shredded for soups, tossed into salads, layered in sandwiches, or baked into casseroles. I often use it as a shortcut in recipes that call for cooked chicken; it’s faster, and the flavor is already built in.

Buying proteins that are already trimmed, cleaned, and portioned means no extra prep time and less mess in the kitchen. Many grocery stores now offer fresh or frozen options like salmon fillets, chicken breasts, and shrimp that are ready to cook or marinate right out of the package.

From baby spinach to spring mix, pre-washed greens are perfect for quick salads, wraps, or as an easy base for grain bowls. They also work well for adding a last-minute nutritional boost to pasta dishes and soups.

Whether it’s pizza dough, pie crust, or biscuit dough, refrigerated options let you skip mixing, kneading, and waiting for proofing. Roll it out, top it, and bake it. It’s that simple. Also, some stores may sell already-made fresh pizza dough at the bakery.

Microwave pouches of brown rice, quinoa, or farro can be ready in minutes. They’re ideal for fast stir-fries, burrito bowls, or as a base for roasted vegetables and proteins. Also, check out Asian markets, which have individual ready-made steamed rice bowls.

A quick squeeze of garlic and ginger paste can save you the time it takes to peel, mince, and clean up. You can also peel fresh garlic and chop it in seconds using a food chopper. To keep chopped garlic fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil over the top, and use it within one week for best flavor.

Modern freezing methods lock in flavor and nutrients, making frozen produce a reliable choice. The blanching process used before freezing helps preserve bright color and better texture compared to canned vegetables, and they’re often lower in sodium. Use them for smoothies, side dishes, or to bulk up soups and stews without extra prep work.