Blue Apron Recipes: Too Hard to Cook? Simplify!

Introduction

Are Blue Apron recipes daunting you with their complexity? You're not alone. Many home cooks find the variety of recipes provided by meal kit services like Blue Apron a bit challenging at first. But fear not! Cooking these dishes doesn't have to be an overwhelming ordeal. In this detailed blog post, we'll explore ways to simplify your Blue Apron meal prep experience, making gourmet cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Understanding Blue Apron Recipes

Before diving into simplification strategies, it's crucial to understand what you're dealing with. Blue Apron delivers pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards to help you create gourmet meals at home.

• Recipe Complexity: Each recipe varies in difficulty. Some might require unique cooking techniques or extra tools, but most are designed for the average home cook.
• Ingredient Variety: Blue Apron introduces you to a wide array of ingredients, some of which might be new to you. They ensure all ingredients are fresh and often locally sourced.
• Time: Recipes range from quick 20-minute meals to dinners that take around 45 minutes or more to prepare, providing options for every lifestyle.

Why Simplify?

Simplification isn't about cutting corners; it's about making the cooking process more efficient and less intimidating:

• Reduce Stress: Make meal prep less overwhelming.
• Save Time: Focus on key components of the dish to speed up cooking.
• Build Confidence: Start with easier recipes to build your culinary skills.

10 Tips to Simplify Your Blue Apron Experience

1. Start with Basic Recipes

Choose recipes labeled as “easy” or “quick” to begin with. These will introduce you to the basics without overwhelming you:

• Example: Look for dishes like "Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry" or "Shrimp & Pesto Pasta."
• Gradually move to more complex dishes as your confidence grows.

2. Prepare Ingredients in Advance

Prepping ingredients before you start cooking can save time and reduce chaos during the actual preparation:

• Chop vegetables, measure spices, and prepare other components ahead of time.
• Organize everything in bowls or containers as mise en place.

3. Use Kitchen Shortcuts

Don’t shy away from using tools or techniques to make your life easier:

• Garlic Press: Pressing garlic instead of mincing.
• Food Processor: Use for slicing and shredding vegetables.
• Grill Pan: Simulate the effects of grilling with an indoor grill pan.

4. Simplify Techniques

If a recipe calls for techniques you’re not comfortable with, there are often simpler alternatives:

• Searing: Instead of perfect searing, cook the meat on medium heat for a more forgiving result.
• Roasting: Opt for roasting or baking if you're not adept at pan-frying.

5. Substitute Ingredients

Not every ingredient is essential. Feel free to substitute with more familiar items:

• Use dried herbs if fresh aren't available.
• Replace any obscure spice with a common one that provides a similar flavor profile.
• Example: Substitute chervil with parsley or oregano for dishes requiring a herbaceous note.

6. Cook What You Enjoy

Select recipes that feature your favorite ingredients or cuisines:

• Enjoy cooking with fish? Opt for recipes with salmon or cod.
• Love Mexican cuisine? Try out recipes that include tacos or burrito bowls.

7. Group Like-Process Ingredients

Cook ingredients that require similar preparation methods together:

• Chop all vegetables at once if they need to be chopped.
• Cook similar proteins together to streamline the cooking process.

8. Utilize Meal Plans

If Blue Apron offers meal plans, take advantage of them:

• Veggie Plan: Simplify by focusing on vegetable-based dishes.
• Family Feast Plan: Get larger portions with often simpler ingredients.

9. Time Management

Prioritize recipes that fit your schedule:

• Look for meals under 30 minutes for busy days.
• Reserve more complex dishes for weekends when you have more time.

10. Don’t Overcommit

Don’t try to cook every meal kit at once. Give yourself some breathing room:

• Limit yourself to one or two Blue Apron meals per week when starting out.
• Gradually increase the frequency as you become more comfortable.

⭐ Note: Remember, the goal is to enjoy the cooking process, not to feel stressed by it. Customizing Blue Apron recipes to suit your comfort level can make all the difference.

By implementing these tips, cooking with Blue Apron can become a fun, relaxing, and educational experience. Start with manageable recipes, use shortcuts, and gradually increase the complexity as you gain confidence. Cooking with meal kits like Blue Apron is about learning, experimenting, and most importantly, enjoying the journey. As you simplify, you'll find your culinary skills improving, allowing you to take on more complex dishes with ease in the future.