Even the most decorated chefs still find themselves amidst a culinary blunder now and again. But if you know the most common mistakes, it’s a lot easier to keep dinner out of the trash and on the plate.
Here are five mistakes even trained professionals make in the kitchen and how to avoid them.
Forgetting to Taste Your Food
This is more of a home cook issue; any chef worth their salt will know that you should always taste your food. We recommend tasting at different cooking stages and adjusting the seasonings to your liking.
This will help you balance flavors and ensure that your dish is well-seasoned. Remember that some ingredients, like salt, can be added gradually. In contrast, others, like herbs, might need to be added towards the end of cooking to maintain their freshness and potency. Also, be aware of when you add salt, like before you reduce a sauce, as this can concentrate the saltiness in an off-putting way.
Cutting Into Meat Without Letting It Rest
That poor meat has been through enough! Can’t you give it a few minutes? Cutting into meat too soon can cause all the juices to run out, leaving you with a dry and less flavorful meal.
Generally, smaller cuts of meat, like chicken breasts or steaks, should rest for 5-10 minutes, while larger cuts, like roasts, should rest for 15-20 minutes.
Overcrowding Your Pan
Putting too many ingredients in your pan will cause some inconsistencies with how they’re cooked. Overcrowding vegetables often means you end up with steamed vegetables rather than ones with a nice sear.
It’s important to give everything the space it needs to develop fond or browning so it can be as delicious as possible. Sure, it’s tempting to throw everything in there to get dinner over with, but you’re making things harder on yourself and end up with a less delicious final product.
Not Reading the Recipe
We’re no sticklers for being overly faithful to the recipe. But failing to read it thoroughly can put you in a rough patch in the middle of cooking. Have you ever started cooking only to realize that you’re missing a crucial ingredient or step halfway through?
This is a common pitfall that can lead to frustration and less-than-stellar results. Reading the recipe thoroughly before you begin helps ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients and tools and understand the process from start to finish.
Misjudging Measurements (Especially for Baking)
While you can be more freeform with cooking, baking is more of an exact science. Bringing that same levity or artistic flair you have when you make stir fry to a bundt cake will be a bit of a mess.
Invest in a good set of measuring spoons and cups, and use a kitchen scale for even more accuracy. They’re also valuable for cooking, particularly in dishes where you’re using a powerful herb or spice, like chili flakes, to prevent your food from becoming accidentally inedible.
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A well-stocked pantry can provide peace of mind and empower you to handle any situation. Whether it’s a natural disaster, economic instability, or simply unexpected guests, having a stash of versatile essential foods can make all the difference.
Here’s a list of 20 of the best foods to stockpile, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)
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