Ahead of the Game

Use downtime now to prepare meals for future fast-paced days

By Amy Higgins | RECIPES@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG

“Be prepared.” Yes, this is the scout motto, but it’s an adage that most could benefit from when it comes to meal planning. The recently-published cookbook Seriously Good Freezer Meals: 150 Easy Recipes to Save Your Time, Money & Sanity by Karrie Truman features palate-pleasing meals and details on how to make them immediately or how to freeze them appropriately for delicious meals at a later date. If 150 recipes aren’t enough for you, check out Truman’s website happymoneysaver.com for oodles more awesome recipes, tips and life hacks. In the meantime, get a little taste of what to expect from this helpful cookbook with this recipe:

Thai Beef Stir-fry

Thai Beef Stir-FryMakes 6 servings

  • 2 pounds beef flank steak, sliced across the grain into 1/4-inch strips
  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tamari sauce
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 red bell peppers, sliced

To Serve
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Garnishes
Chopped fresh cilantro, optional Sesame seeds, optional

In a large bowl, combine flank steak, rice vinegar, water, fish sauce, tamari sauce, brown sugar, hot pepper flakes and garlic.

Make it Now

In a wok or large skillet, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Add beef and marinade; cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink inside. Add onion and bell peppers; cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, until tender. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds, if using.

Make it a Freezer Meal

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread sliced onion and bell peppers on baking sheet, separating them as much as possible. Place in freezer for 30 to 45 minutes, until onion and peppers are frozen solid. Transfer to a gallon-size freezer bag. Pour beef and marinade into another gallon-size freezer bag. Seal, removing as much air as possible, and freeze bags together as a kit.

Thaw and Cook

Place meat bag in refrigerator for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours to thaw (leave vegetable bag in freezer). In a wok or large skillet, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Add beef and marinade; cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes, until meat is no longer pink inside. Add frozen onion and peppers; cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, until tender. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds, if using.

If you’re looking for more great freezer meals, try Coconut Cashew Basil Curry Soup or French Dip Sandwiches. Get the recipes at coloradocountrylife.coop.