We've all had those moments—standing over the stove, checking the clock, and wondering how cooking ended up taking so long. Whether it's preparing lunch for the family or a simple dinner after work, getting things done faster in the kitchen saves time, energy, and stress.

The good news is, with just a few changes in how we prepare and organize, we can cut down cooking time without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Prep Work Is Half the Battle

One of the best ways to speed things up is to do some prep in advance. We can chop onions, garlic, or veggies the night before, wash and portion out greens, or even marinate proteins for the week ahead. Keeping prepped ingredients in labeled containers makes cooking almost feel like assembling. Meal prep doesn't have to be extreme—just 15–20 minutes the night before can save tons of time during the week.

Group Ingredients by Task

Instead of chopping as we cook, it's much faster to group tasks together. For example, cut all your vegetables at once, then move on to meat, then sauces. This saves cleaning time too, because we won't keep switching tools. We can also arrange everything we need for a dish on the counter before turning on the stove—this is what chefs call "mise en place," and it truly works wonders.

Use the Right Tools

The tools we use can either help or slow us down. Sharp knives, non-stick pans, a decent blender, and a fast-boiling electric kettle make a big difference. A multi-purpose cutting board, silicone spatula, or rice cooker can also save a lot of time and effort. If we're constantly fighting with our tools, it may be time for an upgrade. Remember: better tools, smoother workflow.

Cook in Batches

Cooking multiple portions at once is a time-saving trick that keeps on giving. Make a big batch of soup, pasta sauce, or curry, then store it in the fridge or freezer. On busy days, we can reheat it, add something fresh like an egg or some greens, and have a complete meal in minutes. Batch-cooking not only reduces our time at the stove but also cuts down dishwashing.

Multitask Smartly, Not Sloppily

We don't need to stir the pan the whole time it simmers. While something's cooking, we can clean the chopping board, pack leftovers, or set the table. Just don't multitask too much and forget what's on the stove! Set timers on your phone or oven to stay on track. Efficient multitasking is about using idle moments wisely without losing focus on the main dish.

Organize Your Kitchen Like a Pro

A messy kitchen layout is one of the biggest time-wasters. Let's keep frequently used items—like oils, spices, ladles, and pans—within easy reach. Label jars and containers, and give every item a "home." When we're not digging through drawers or searching for the soy sauce, things move much faster. Try organizing based on how we actually cook, not just where things fit.

Clean As You Go

No one likes a mountain of dishes after cooking. That's why cleaning while we cook is a game-changer. Wipe down surfaces while water boils. Soak used bowls immediately. Toss veggie scraps into a compost or trash bag right away. Keeping things clean not only saves time later—it also makes the cooking space feel calmer and more manageable.

Get Everyone Involved

Cooking doesn't have to be a solo job. Whether we're living with family, roommates, or partners, asking for help speeds things up. Someone can chop, someone can stir, someone can clean. Even little hands can help with simple tasks like washing veggies or setting the table. It's faster and more fun when the kitchen becomes a team zone.

Final Thoughts: Make Cooking Flow

Improving kitchen speed isn't about rushing—it's about making cooking smoother and more enjoyable. With better habits, a bit of planning, and the right tools, we can turn cooking from a daily chore into a quicker, more satisfying part of life.

So, Lykkers, what's your biggest time-waster in the kitchen right now? Maybe it's hunting for utensils, or chopping ingredients from scratch every day. Let's try one new habit this week and see how much time we save!