SIMPLE COOKING WITH STREET-SMART TIPS & EASY RECIPES Mostly sous vide & low-carb.

Hey Reader,

Hong Kong has officially entered its “sauna season” – 85°F with 90% humidity, and my hair has given up entirely. All I crave these days are crisp salads, chilled noodles, and meals that don’t require me to hover over a stove.

Depending on where you are, you might not be melting into a puddle as I am. Keep this meal plan handy because it's not just for summer. It includes 3 recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that lean on two magic make-ahead staples: shredded chicken and 15-minute pico de gallo.

Let’s make summer cooking effortless.

🌟 The Stars of the Show

Spend 10 minutes (if you buy a rotisserie chicken to shred) to 1 hour (if you sous vide) prepping chicken and pico, then coast through the week.

Shredded Chicken This is the protein that’ll save your week. It doesn't matter how you cook the chicken. You can also use rotisserie chicken. Use it in salads, tacos, omelettes, or grain bowls. Meal prep MVP!

Meal Prep Tip: I prep my shredded chicken in the sous vide. There's zero guesswork – just set the time, forget it, then I go prep my pico de gallo, and return to perfectly shreddable chicken.

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Pico de Gallo This quick pico de gallo recipe takes just 15 minutes! It’s fresh, vibrant, and versatile—perfect for tacos, chips, and more. It’s also gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb. It's literally the only pico de gallo recipe you'll ever need!

Meal Prep Tip: This pico lasts up to a week in the fridge. All you need to do is to chop, chop. Prepare it at least one day before to let the flavor release.

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The Meals: No Desk Salads Here

These meals are bold, fresh, and actually satisfying. Oh, did I mention they are all done from start to finish in under 30 minutes?

Loaded Breakfast Omelette Fold your prepped shredded chicken into fluffy eggs with cheese, spinach, or whatever’s lurking in your fridge. Top with pico de gallo. Use more egg whites to increase protein intake, and add avocado for healthy fat.

Meal Prep Tips: This omelette takes 15 minutes to make. However, if you whisk eggs the night before and store them in a jar, you can reduce the prep time to 5 minutes. ​​

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Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Salad Cold rice noodles, fresh herbs (hello, mint and basil!), crunchy veggies, and that sous vide chicken. The tangy-sweet Nuoc Cham dressing is everything.

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Meal Prep Tips: Pre-chop veggies and herbs; store dressing separately. Assemble in 2 minutes at lunchtime.

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Ground Beef Taco Salad Bowl Spiced beef, creamy avocado, crispy lettuce, and that vibrant pico de gallo. It’s a taco night remix without the fuss. It's a 30-minute, high-protein meal packed with flavor. It’s great for busy weeknights.

Meal Prep Tips: Cook a double batch of taco beef (freezes beautifully!). Reheat + assemble bowls in 5 minutes.

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Meal prep isn’t just about efficiency – it’s a love letter to your future self. When life feels chaotic (or sweaty), having nourishing food ready lets you prioritize what matters: slow mornings, lunch breaks that aren’t rushed, and evenings where you actually relax.

Hope you are having a wonderful week!

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Stay cool and prepped,

P.S. Craving more to nourish your soul? Dive into my latest articles on holistic health:

• On gut health: 🌸 From Surviving to Thriving: What My Orchid Taught Me About Gut Health, Nutrition, and the Power of Small Steps​
• On relationships: Reason, Season, or A Lifetime: What Every Relationship Teaches Us About Growth and Gratitude​

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