Going Gaga Over Food Prep

Pre-portioned giniling na may alugbati. 

It’s all the rage on social media these days - or maybe that’s just my personal algorithm. Food prep videos have been flooding platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and at the center of it all are these very handy silicone freezer molds. These molds come in a variety of sizes, are both freezer- and oven-safe, and can even be used for baking. Intrigued, I ordered a set of containers through Lazada and started experimenting.

The appeal was obvious for me: being a diabetic struggling with portion control, I see it as a perfect solution for having tight control over my eating habits. Pre-portioned cubes of ready-to-use ingredients or meals that save time, reduce waste, and make cooking less stressful. Once my molds were delivered, I dove right in.

Here are the dishes that I have tried making so far:

• Ginisang Mungo - A dish I enjoy occasionally but not every day, making it perfect for prepping in advance.
• Soupy Dishes - Giniling na karne with kamatis and alugbati freezes well in cubes.
• Pasta Sauce - Especially those that require long simmering, freezing saves hours of prep.
• Lugaw - Odd at first glance, but surprisingly practical. A tip I learned: freeze damp rice overnight. It breaks down faster when cooked, making lugaw or champorado quicker to prepare.
• Pansit Molo - Once the dumplings are made (the hardest part), freeze them in between wax paper layers. Pair with instant broth or homemade chicken stock for a quick meal.
• Curries - Best when stewed for hours, so cooking in bulk and freezing makes sense.
• Chili Con Carne - Perfect for late-night nacho cravings.
• Tripe Strips - Pressure-cooked tripe can be frozen for quick Kare-kare or as a topping for goto.

Not everything needs to be a finished meal; many components can be frozen for later use:

• Caramelized onions (make a big batch)
• Compound butter
• Shredded chicken with broth (great for soups)
• Pureed fruit (especially seasonal or short-lived varieties)
• Chopped spring onions with sesame oil, frozen into cubes
• Homemade chili garlic oil

Food prep requires diligence. Labeling and dating are essential; guessing by smell doesn’t always work. Freezer space is another consideration; luckily, I have a separate upright freezer alongside my refrigerator, which makes this workflow manageable.

If you’re into silicone molds like I am, chances are you’ll also appreciate vacuum sealers and Ziplock-style freezer bags. Together, these tools expand your options for preserving food efficiently and creatively.

Food prep isn’t just about convenience; it’s about taking charge of your health, about reclaiming time, reducing stress, and opening up creative possibilities in the kitchen. With silicone molds, a bit of organization, and some freezer space, you can go gaga over food prep too.