Cooking is fun but also can be a chore sometimes but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, a simple trick or two can transform a dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these 20 cooking hacks are sure to up your culinary game. Some people swear by these tips and tricks, saying they will help you cut your cooking time and make your food taste better. These kitchen shortcuts will help you cook faster and smarter.
Revive Your Vegetables
Ever found your veggies looking a bit sad and wilted? Give them a refreshing plunge in cold water for a quick revival. This trick works wonders, especially for leafy greens like lettuce and spinach.
Quality Scissors
A good pair of kitchen scissors is a lifesaver when prepping ingredients. From snipping herbs to cutting poultry, having quality scissors in your kitchen arsenal can save you time and hassle.
Maybe It Needs Lemon
If your dish lacks that extra oomph despite adding salt, it might be missing acidity. A squeeze of lemon juice, lime juice, or a splash of vinegar can brighten up flavors and take your dish to the next level.
Soy Sauce for Savory Flavor
For depth in your soups and stews? Reach for the soy sauce. Its umami-rich flavor can enhance the savory profile of any dish, giving it that extra punch.
Brown Your Butter
Elevate your chocolate chip cookies by browning the butter before adding it to the dough. This simple step adds a rich, nutty flavor that takes your cookies from good to irresistible.
Sautee in Order
When sautéing onions and garlic, start with the onions. They take longer to cook and can become sweet and caramelized, adding depth to your dish.
Clean as You Cook
Keep your kitchen tidy and organized by cleaning as you cook. Not only does this save time in the long run, but it also prevents a mountain of dishes from piling up.
Prep Before You Begin
Before diving into a recipe, take the time to gather and prep all your ingredients. This streamlines the cooking process and ensures you don’t forget anything along the way.
Adjust Cookie Time
To achieve the perfect soft and chewy cookie, take them out of the oven a few minutes before fully cooked. They’ll continue to cook on the pan as they cool, resulting in just-right cookies.
Bake with Cold Brew
Upgrade your boxed chocolate cake or brownie mix by substituting water with cooled brewed coffee. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, making for a more decadent treat.
Invest in Quality Knives
A sharp knife is essential for efficient and safe cooking. Invest in high-quality knives and keep them sharp with a reliable knife sharpener for precise cuts every time.
Lemon in the Soup
A squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the flavors of soups and broths, adding brightness and acidity that balances out the dish’s richness.
Keep a Cheat Sheet
Keep a handy cheat sheet of cooking times and temperatures for common dishes and sides. This will prevent you from constantly referencing recipes and ensure consistent results.
Roast Veggies to Perfection
Transform even the pickiest vegetable eaters into fans by roasting veggies until they’re caramelized and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
Boil Before Roasting
For perfectly tender roasted root vegetables, try boiling them before roasting. This pre-cooking step ensures they’re cooked through without becoming mushy.
Calm the Board
Place a damp paper towel underneath to prevent your cutting board from slipping around the counter. This simple trick provides stability and makes chopping ingredients a breeze.
Prep Your Onions in Bulk
Save time on meal prep by caramelizing a large batch of onions at once. Portion and freeze them for later use in soups, stews, and sauces.
Use Broth for Boiling
Instead of water, boil rice, potatoes, and other grains in broth for added flavor. When making mashed potatoes, boiling them in chicken stock adds an extra layer of richness.
Enhance Tomato Pasta Sauce
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to your tomato pasta sauce to give it a flavor boost. It adds depth and complexity, making the sauce taste richer and fuller.
Cook With Fatty Burgers
When making burgers, choose ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20. The fat adds flavor and juiciness, ensuring your burgers stay moist and delicious without the risk of drying out.
Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items
Refrigeration prevents spoilage and may extend the shelf life of common foods and other perishable items. While we may innocently store some foods in the refrigerator, you may be surprised that you shouldn’t store all of them, as this may affect their nutritional value, taste, and texture.
Although refrigeration can help preserve certain foods, some items shouldn’t be refrigerated to maintain flavor and freshness. Avoiding these foods can ensure your food stays nutritious, fresh, and flavorful.
Here are 15 food items experts warn people never to refrigerate for optimal flavor and freshness.
Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items
3 Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat
We all love our furry friends and wouldn’t mind sharing tiny bits and pieces of food when we’re eating. While this may all be innocent, and you may be giving your dog foods that are okay, certain foods can be poisonous to dogs.
Dogs may react differently to food depending on the type, ingested amount, and size.
Read on as we discuss the three common foods dogs shouldn’t eat.
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