Long working hours and traffic leave little energy to cook every night, and ordering in every day gets expensive. Meal prep solves both: cook once, eat well all week.
A simple weekly meal prep routine
- Plan 3 to 4 meals you can repeat, such as grilled chicken, rice, lentils and a salad base.
- Shop once for the whole week.
- Chop everything together on one day, such as your weekend.
- Cook in batches and portion into containers.
- Store smart so food stays fresh until later in the week.
4 gadgets that make meal prep faster
1. Food processor chopper
Chopping onions, garlic, herbs and vegetables by hand takes the longest. A Multifunction Food Processor Chopper (79 AED) does it in seconds.
2. Food vacuum sealer
Removing air from bags helps marinated meat and prepped vegetables keep longer in the fridge or freezer. The Food Vacuum Sealer (59 AED) also stops freezer burn.
3. Spiralizer
Want lighter meals? Turn courgettes, carrots and cucumbers into noodles and salads with the Universal Food Spiralizer (89 AED).
4. Electric heating lunch box
No microwave at the office, or always a queue? The Electric Heating Lunch Box (89 AED) warms your food so you get a hot lunch at your desk.
Food safety tips
- Cool cooked food quickly and refrigerate within two hours, sooner in UAE heat.
- Use cooked meals within a few days, or freeze portions for later in the week.
- Don't leave lunch boxes in a hot car.
Want more ideas? See our list of essential kitchen gadgets in the UAE.