Cooking Dinner With Plated

plated recipe chicken tostadas

I cook most nights of the week and have a roster of meals that I regularly rotate depending on the season. I tend to make alot of Asian food because it's easiest and what hubster and I find most comforting. Lately I've been looking to expand my repertoire and I was curious to try out one of the new build your own meal delivery services that seem to be so popular lately. I found a promo for Plated and gave it a go. I went to their site and made my selections for two meals and a delivery date. I chose Shepherd's Pie and Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Dressing which were two things I've never attempted to make before. On the designated day, a box arrived by courier with the ingredients for my meals. Everything was clearly labeled and packed well in an insulated bubble wrap pouch with ice packs so it could stay cool for an extended period of time if necessary. Two detailed recipe cards were also included.


The recipe instructions were easy to follow and it was nice that all the ingredients were pre-measured. You do need to provide a few basic ingredients at times but it would be pantry staples you should probably have at home already anyway. I did have to make some adjustments to the seasonings as I went along but both meals turned out quite tasty and delicious. The preparation/assembly of the chicken tostadas was more involved than I expected and the shepherd's pie was easier than I imagined. Anyway I can now revisit these since I learned how to make them.

How It Works: You browse and make a selection from a menu of 7 chef designed recipes which include 4 healthy meat and fish options and 3 vegetarian options. Most of the options are gluten-free as well. Then you choose a date on which you want your ingredients delivered.

Costs: Members are charged $12/plate with a $10/month membership fee or you can pay $8/month for one year upfront. If you don't want to commit, you can go à la carte for $15 per plate. There is a minimum of 4 plates per order but there is no monthly minimum and you can skip as many weeks as you choose. Shipping is free.

Delivery Zones: They currently deliver to 80% of the continental US. You can find out if they deliver to your area by entering your zip code here

The Ingredients: Local and seasonal produce and organic, free-range and hormone-free meat, fish and poultry. When you sign up, you can create a taste profile to let them know your food preferences and allergies which they take into account when making recommendations.

So what I liked is that the ingredients are fresh and the recipes are pretty healthy and simple to make. It's also great because it allows you to plan ahead and really convenient that everything just shows up at your door. At $24/meal it's a little pricey considering I spend that much for 4 meals most weeks but I am saving in terms of convenience and time and it's still more affordable and better than eating out. I know I could've made both of these dishes for less but it was fun to try something new. I probably wouldn't use Plated regularly but could see ordering from them occasionally if I don't have the time to shop or to try out some new recipes. I could see this being ideal for busy people who don't have time to shop for food yet still want to be able to put something healthy on the table or for people who are learning how to cook.

If you're interested in trying Plated for yourself, you can use this link and we both get two plates for free.

Tip: If you sign up, the default sets you up for automatic deliveries so be sure to opt out.

Have you tried any of these meal kit delivery services? What was your experience? If not, is this something you would try?

plated recipe  shepherds pie

52 comments

Unknown said...

This is such a wonderful concept! It looks delicious, too. I think I feel like it would take some of the fun (the creative side!) out of cooking, though.

-- Alex at Cashmere Kangaroo

FASHION TALES said...

I love this type of concept. My work introduced me to a similar meal kit service and I could see it being great for people who don't have much time to grocer shop, esp. after a long work week. This is much less than the pricey 'Detox Kitchen' service too! :-)

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Yum, I love tostadas...these look gorgeous. Never tried this type of concept before, but it looks super cool!! I hope you have a gorgeous day doll xx

Anonymous said...

Wow, that first dish looks yummy! This is a totally new concept for me; I don't think we have anything like this in England. We have take out and fruit/veg/meat delivery boxes, but nothing in between I don't think. This is such a good idea; all the quantities measured out so it must be a treat for busy folk. And all the ingredients look pretty legit and healthy! Hungry now.

Lilli said...

Wow, Im really stunned Rowena! I didnt know that site and what a shame is available only in US. Is something totally new for me and Id love to try. Looks very simple plus is also useful for who is beginning to learn how to cook. Yes, maybe is little pricey but I think it is worth for when you havent any desire or are busy or just want something new to cook. The recipe you chose looks very appetizing, you have been great and Id love to taste some of ur dish!:) Happy Wed Rowena, hugs! xo

Emmylou said...

These meal kits are such a cool idea IMO. I've never tried them myself because I don't even know if they exist in Toronto. They probably do, but I'm just so clueless:D I would'nt mind trying something like Plated out.

Jackie Harrison said...

The food does look healthy and delicious great concept but I agree it is pricey. Great job doll.
http://tifi11.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

wow,so Delicious,your cooking like an perfessional

Royal Wang,stay in touch

http://www.fashionculturediary.blogspot.it/

Unknown said...

Nice one ….I think Personal chefs are responsible to control all the menu organization, grocery shopping, cooking, packaging and kitchen cleanup and make enjoyable and healthy meals that you will look forward to eating.
How To Become A Chef

Tales of Whimsy said...

So cool. I would love to try this.

Jane said...

that is pretty cool. love how they portion it out for you. when i used to work full time i never had time to cook. it was just too draining. i think it would make sense for busier folks to use a few times and not eat out all the time.

ALLIE NYC said...

Cool! I am familiar with this type of concept my friend has similar type of business in Seattle called Eat Local.

Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com

My Garden Diaries said...

This looks beyond delicious!!! What a cool idea! It gives you that nudge to try something new and in a way holds your hand through the process!! Love this... Thanks for passing this one on friend!! A very happy day to you! Nicole xoxo

Coco said...

It sounds like an easy way to cook something different! I'm so hungry now!!
Love,
Coco et La vie en rose
Coco et La vie en rose on Bloglovin
Coco et La vie en rose on Facebook

BEAUTYEDITER.COM – Beauty Blog said...

looks yummy!



I AM ALSO ON: Instagram @kennydaily, Bloglovin and Facebook (i follow back, just let me know your links)


xoxo;
What Kenny Hearts a Lifestyle Blog

get carried away said...

that looks so delicious, i would love to try it!
happy day!

<3
http://www.getcarriedaway.net/

MaysaAndSunshine said...

This is so awesome and convenient. How I am sick of going to grocery store, Rowena. Your meals look great. I cook at least 6 nights a week because it can get expensive with a family of three to eat out all the time. Plus I would rather use that money to buy premium, organic produces for home cooked meals.

Unknown said...

I also like Asian food although it is not something we make often. I am not sure why. After reading your post and looking at the tasty photographs, I think I may start making more asian foods.

Margaret Dallospedale said...

Ohh Yummy!!!!! It seems delicious.
Kisses
The Indian Savage Diary

Mitha Komala said...

thanks for sharing this! and you are so talented cus this looks very yummy <3

Letters To Juliet

Paola Lauretano said...

Great job Rowena and cool idea!!!!
It looks simple, but delicious!!!!!
Kisses from Italy darling!!!

Anonymous said...

This is the first time that I hear about this concept. Sounds like fun to prepare the dishes without having to spend time at the supermarket to get everything together.

Sam said...

Hi Rowena, I also didn't even know this system exists! Its genius, I don't think we will see something so advanced here in SA until a few years from now. It puts the joy into cooking fancy meals without the hassle of going to the store to get ingredients and having to measure everything out. Love this concept!

Sheila said...

Wow I've never seen anything like this before. Great step by step for dinner!


xo - Sheila
www.sheislovelyblog.com

Beautetude said...

Wow this sure looks tasty. The presentation is so pretty.
Beautetude

María Pilar Bernal Maya said...

uhm thanks for sharing
kss
new post:
http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com.es/

Unknown said...

Wow, this sounds like a great service! I would love to try this out, and the meal looks super yummy!
xx Easy Outfits, by Pip

Midnight Cowgirl said...

What a great service, and the food looks so good!

Effortlesslady said...

This looks really yummy! thanks for sharing.
effortlesslady.blogspot.ca

Leslie said...

Thank you for telling us about this Rowena. It IS a wonderful concept and I like the fresh, organic ingredients. With just the two of us it's easy .. especially for a work night. I'm going to head over and check out the link. Thank you:) xxL

Lyosha Varezhkina said...

looks so yummy that I can't help myself but take a lunch brake! it looks simple enough for me to cook.

xx

Anshul Bhargava said...

Wow!! That's actually very innovative, i must say!! But i doubt they do that in my country!! :( But really great concept behind this campaign, i must admit!!

http://anshul90.com

miss b said...

A great idea for busy people. I'm not sure we have anything similar in the UK. Maybe they just don't advertise much. The two dishes look delicious and it all looks so organised with the packaging etc..

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

Love this idea because it allows you to get enough ingredients to make a meal without buying too much (and sometimes waste them) The result looks really nice! x

Oh to Be a Muse said...

The tostada looks so yum. Thanks for sharing Plated. Have you heard of Munchery? I think it does the same thing.

Christina @ Happy or Else said...

Wow, what a great post! So interesting! Maybe my husband can do this once the baby comes? I do all of our cooking now and he can hardly microwave....but that's going to change. I've tried to introduce him slowly but I know that it will seriously flip on the day we come home with the baby! HA!

Jenmarie said...

Mmmm! Those tostadas look so good! I have never heard of the service before but am not surprise it exists! I wonder if they have any organic or preservative-free meals. I will have to check!

Indy said...

Ooo, I love tostadas! That looks delicious!

nancy @ adore to adorn said...

this is so cool! I love this idea. I usually stick what I know too when it comes to cooking so this is great way to step up the cooking game!
xo,
nancy

June said...

What an amazing concept! I wish this existed in India
xx
www.JuneWantsItAll.com

Mindy Fan said...

Ohh wow this is an interesting concept.. The food actually looks very delicious!!
I think this service would be really good for people who are busy (haha me in college when I am no longer on their meal plan and too lazy to get food and cook!)
Thank you a lot for your advice on my last post by the way! It's cool to hear that you are a graduate of NYU yourself!
http://www.mybrokeneggshells.com

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Rowena, that is so neat! I wish it would filter this way! HAHAHA I love he concept and it looks yummy delicious.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Imogen said...

This seems so great and I would love to try it. Looks delicious. I am impressed that you cook so often. I really need to improve in that way.

Unknown said...

they looks yummy

http://www.ryokogurl.com/

The Adventures of a Shopaholic said...

They looks so good <3

Marianna,
THE ADVENTURES OF A SHOPAHOLIC
THE ADVENTURES OF A SHOPAHOLIC ON FACEBOOK

Only Yesterday Blog said...

wow! this looks so good and by the looks of it, i know it taste good!

www.sarahrizaga.blogspot.com

Angel said...

this is super nice! especially for beginners :) love the concept, straight forward, easy to follow, good food :)

designchic said...

What a great idea - just love the concept!!

Jointy&Croissanty said...

It looks so delicious and healthy!

Stacey said...

This totally needs to come to Australia! Both dishes look absolutely divine!

Anonymous said...

This is such a smart concept! I'm surprised I've never heard of such a service before. I think it'd help motivate me to cook more whenever I live on my own in the future. Your food looks delicious, though :O

(Anna) la mode said...

Wow, I've never heard of this before. This is seriously amazing! I'm not much of a cook and I'm not very creative in the kitchen, so this sounds perfect for someone like me! I love that it's fresh local ingredients too. And the food looks amazing!! What a cool concept! : )

xox,
anna-lamode.blogspot.com