We’ve designed our 10-Minute Meals with less prep, less chopping and less fuss. We’ve also included prepped ingredients like ready-to-eat grains and lentils to save time. You’ll get quick-cook proteins like diced chicken, prawns or mince, and quick-cook vegetables like asparagus, spinach, spring greens, peas, mushrooms and tomatoes, as well as stir-fry packs and salads. We also include ginger and garlic paste, so you can stir them straight into your recipes – no chopping needed. As an extra bonus, the pastes also heat up evenly and quickly (chopped garlic or ginger can burn if you try to cook it too fast).
You may need to chop a chilli, spring onion or asparagus here and there, but most 10-Minute Meals involve minimal prep. We’ll also often suggest ripping the herbs to save time (and clean-up). Step 1 in 10-Min Meals recipes involves getting everything ready (and washing any fresh fruit and vegetables) before you start.
These recipes have been tested again and again, in controlled conditions (and even with customers cooking) to make sure they’re achievable in 10 minutes. Some recipes didn’t quite make the cut – so those are now listed as 15-minute meals. The key is to make sure you read Step 1, which shows how to get everything ready before you start (and includes washing fresh fruit and vegetables).
We aimed for ten minutes for four people too, but please make sure your food is cooked thoroughly, especially if there’s meat or seafood.
Of course, if you’re not in a rush you can take your time, but if you roll up your sleeves and give these recipes some welly, they can absolutely be on the table in 10 minutes.
Kitchen equipment can vary – some hobs and pans may not heat up as quickly as others, and microwaves can vary widely in power and heating speed. It’s important that you make sure your food cooks thoroughly, so it’s safe to eat as well as delicious. You’ll also want to make sure any microwaved ingredients are piping hot, as noted on the instructions.
EVERYONE’S DIFFERENT: This isn’t a competition and any distraction can eat up time, too. Use 10 minutes as a goal, but don’t be hard on yourself if it takes you a little longer. And keep in mind, the washing-up should be lots quicker too. Most of the recipes are one-pots and stir-fries, plus there’s less chopping board use, and we recommend serving it in the pan on the table, so everyone can help themselves (family style).
