Meal prepping is a fantastic way to save time, reduce stress during the week, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. Latin American cuisine offers a vibrant array of flavors and ingredients that can easily be incorporated into your meal prep routine. Here are three diverse examples of Latin American meal prep ideas that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare in advance.
These chicken tacos are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. They can be made in bulk and stored for several days, making them an excellent choice for meal prep.
You start by seasoning chicken breasts with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Cook them in a skillet until they are fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooled, shred the chicken with two forks and mix in some fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
To prep for the week, portion the shredded chicken into meal prep containers. Include small containers of taco toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cheese, and avocado. When you’re ready to eat, simply warm up the chicken, fill a tortilla, and add your favorite toppings. This way, you can enjoy fresh and flavorful tacos in just a few minutes!
Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian dish that makes for an excellent meal prep option. It’s hearty, filling, and gets better as it sits, making it perfect for reheating throughout the week.
Begin by soaking black beans overnight. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft. Add diced smoked sausage, pork, and the soaked beans, then cover with water or broth. Season with bay leaves, cumin, and salt, and let it simmer for at least two hours. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and serve the stew with rice, orange slices, and some chopped green onions.
For meal prep, portion the stew into containers with a serving of rice. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to grab and go!
This refreshing quinoa salad is a great option for a light lunch or as a side dish. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed cold, making it ideal for meal prep.
Start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions. While it cooks, prepare the chimichurri sauce by blending together fresh parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Once the quinoa is cooked and cooled, mix it with chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with chimichurri and toss to combine.
Divide the salad into meal prep containers and store in the fridge. This salad stays fresh for several days and is a great way to enjoy a taste of Argentina anytime during the week!