15 Essential Cooking Rules of Thumb Every Home Chef Should Know

Cooking may initially seem intimidating, but following some fundamental rules of thumb can make the process much smoother and more rewarding. These rules help create flavorful dishes and keep you safe and efficient in the kitchen.

Here’s a list of 15 essential cooking rules every home chef should know and apply in the kitchen!

1. Knife Safety

Safety should be your top priority in the kitchen, especially when handling knives. If a knife falls, resist the instinct to catch it—let it hit the floor to avoid injury. Always keep your workspace organized and carefully handle knives to prevent accidents.

2. Handles In

Always turn the pot and pan handles inward when cooking on the stove so they don’t hang over the edge. This prevents accidental bumps that can cause spills, burns, or falls. It’s a simple habit that significantly enhances kitchen safety.

3. Don’t Strain, Carmelize

Instead of draining liquid from browned ground meat, let it cook off completely. This caramelizes the meat and intensifies its flavor, adding depth to your dish. Skipping the straining step makes a noticeable difference in the taste and texture.

4. Clean as You Cook

Tidying up as you cook keeps your kitchen organized and makes cooking more enjoyable. It reduces clutter, freeing up counter space, and simplifies post-cooking cleanup. Plus, it helps you stay focused on the cooking process.

5. Boiling Rules for Vegetables

Generally, if it grows above ground, add it to boiling water; if it grows underground, start in cold water. This technique ensures even cooking and enhances the flavor and texture of your veggies. Knowing when to start with cold or hot water can make a noticeable difference in your results.

6. Use a Meat Thermometer

Cook meat to temperature rather than relying solely on time to ensure doneness and safety. A meat thermometer helps you avoid undercooking or overcooking, keeping dishes safe. Each type of meat has an ideal temperature range, so keep a thermometer handy to perfect your proteins.

7. Cast Iron Is Best

A well-seasoned cast iron skillet can change the game in your kitchen. It’s durable and retains heat. Cast iron cookware evenly distributes heat, making it perfect for searing, roasting, and baking. With proper care, a cast iron skillet can last a lifetime and improve with every use.

8. Fixing Your Tomato Sauce

If your tomato sauce tastes bitter, don’t reach for the sugar—try a teaspoon of baking soda instead. Baking soda neutralizes the acidity that causes bitterness, giving your sauce a balanced flavor. It’s a quick fix that creates a smooth, delicious sauce.

9. Know Your Measurements

It’s important to know measurement conversions to succeed in the kitchen. For example, remember that there are three teaspoons in a tablespoon and 4 tablespoons in a quarter cup. These small conversions come in handy for adjusting recipes and ensuring accuracy.

10. Recipe Review

Before starting to cook, read the entire recipe from start to finish. Familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all your ingredients to prevent mistakes and keep the cooking process on track. Planning goes a long way toward achieving a great final dish.

11. Don’t Crowd Your Pan

Overcrowding the pan prevents proper browning and often leads to steaming instead. Give each piece enough space to cook evenly, especially when searing meats or sautéing vegetables. This simple rule will enhance the texture and flavor of your food.

12. Taste as You Cook

Tasting as you cook is one of the best ways to control the flavor of your dish. Adjust seasonings along the way to achieve a balanced and well-seasoned result. Trust your palate, and don’t be afraid to adjust based on taste.

13. Stock Your Cabinet With the Right Cookware

Essential cookware, like a sturdy skillet, a saucepan, and a baking sheet, can make a big difference in the kitchen. Quality cookware performs better, lasts longer, and simplifies the cooking process. Invest in pieces you’ll use frequently, as they’ll improve the quality of your dishes.

14. Sharpen Your Knives Regularly

Sharp knives are safer and more efficient than dull ones, allowing you to slice through ingredients smoothly. Regularly sharpening your knives reduces the risk of slips and makes prep work much easier. A sharp blade also gives you cleaner, more precise cuts.

15. Check the Dates on Spices

Over time, spices lose potency, leaving your dishes bland even when using the correct amounts. Periodically check the expiration dates and give your spices a quick sniff test—if they lack aroma, they may need replacing. Fresh spices enhance flavors and are key to vibrant, tasty meals.

6 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Your Knee, Hip & Back Pain

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Inflammation occurs when your body reacts to foreign substances. While certain anti-inflammatory drugs can help eliminate inflammation, a diet change can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Here are six anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce knee, hip, and back pain. 

6 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Your Knee, Hip & Back Pain 

Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items

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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