Thank you to Blue Apron for sponsoring this post! The first 20 readers to sign up for Blue Apron using this link will get two free meals on their first order.

I’ve seen so many of my blogging friends lately using Blue Apron. I was so excited when they reached out and asked for me to review! I’ve heard many good things about the recipes and the quality of ingredients. When my first box came, I couldn’t wait to tear into it! 

Triple Pork Mazemen with Roasted Garlic and Pea Tips-- Blue Apron | Zen & Spice
Blue Apron is an easy and fun way to create delicious, chef-designed recipes at home. No meal planning or grocery shopping required– they deliver everything to your doorstep, already pre-measured in the right proportions. I loved this aspect, because there was zero waste from all three recipes they sent (read my post from yesterday about food waste). Blue Apron is even working on developing a sustainable food system and uses high quality ingredients. 

Blue Apron Review | Zen & SpiceWe tried out the 2-Person Plan (3 meals, 2 servings each per week), but they also offer a Family Plan. The food is delivered in a refrigerated box, which is nice because we live in an apartment complex. It all stayed cool until I could go pick it up from the apartment office when I got home from work. There’s no commitment either, you can skip or cancel whenever you need to. 

Blue Apron Review | Zen & SpiceLast week, we tried the Adobo-Style Chicken with Roasted Bok Choy and Jasmine Rice. I had never had bok choy roasted– and it was SO good! Roasting took away it’s subtle bitterness and gave it a great roasted, sweet flavor. The Jasmine rice was delicious, I don’t think I’d ever had it before. 

Adobo Style Chicken, Blue Apron Review | Zen & SpiceNext up was the Triple Pork Mazemen with Roasted Garlic and Pea Tips. This one was my favorite! I loved the soft ramen-style noodles and we’ve never had pea tips before. They tasted similar to spinach. 

Triple Pork Mazemen with Roasted Garlic and Pea Tips -- Blue Apron | Zen & Spice
The mazemen spice blend that was sprinkled on top before serving was so good and took the dish to the next level. In case you’re wondering, the word “mazemen” means “brothless ramen”.

Blue Apron Review | Zen & SpiceOur final Blue Apron meal was the Crispy Brown Butter Gnocchi with Meyer Lemon and Brussels Sprouts. This one was Nick’s favorite! The gnocchi was browned in butter, then the tangy lemon juice, thyme, red onions and Brussels sprouts were added and all cooked together. It smelled heavenly! We love gnocchi, and I’m glad all of Blue Apron’s meals are between 500-700 calories. The pre-portioned ingredients are great for portion control for those watching their weight. 

Crispy Brown Butter Gnocchi with Meyer Lemon and Brussels Sprouts-- Blue Apron | Zen & SpiceEach recipe came with detailed, color instructions! I however was cleaning the kitchen and accidentally threw them out. But no fear! All of the recipes are easily accessible through your Blue Apron account so I was able to log on and print them out in a few seconds.

Crispy Brown Butter Gnocchi with Meyer Lemon and Brussels Sprouts-- Blue Apron | Zen & SpiceI actually learned a few new things while we enjoyed these meals! I had never roasted bok choy before, never heard of mazemen, and had actually never “browned butter” before. Neither of us had tasted pea shoots or Jasmine rice, so it’s a great way to experiment with new flavors.

Blue Apron is also a great way for those who are new to cooking to learn how to follow a recipe (it’s broken down, step-by-step with detailed pictures) or for more experienced cooks to learn some new techniques. Chefs in training all around the world wear blue aprons– it’s a symbol of lifelong learning in cooking. 

 

Ready to give Blue Apron a try? The first 20 readers to sign up for Blue Apron using this link will get two free meals on their first order.

3 Comments

  1. i have seen good reviews about blue apron..but i have never personally tried it. it sounds like a great option esp for a busy week.

  2. These look delish! I just tried HelloFresh for the first time, and i think your recipes here actually look yummier :-)

  3. I would love to cook like this, especially when there’s an ingredient you only need a bit of and don’t want to purchase a large amount. Looks delish!

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